BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Excitement buzzed through Hollywood on Thursday as the nominees for the 97th Academy Awards were unveiled. Leading the charge is Jacques Audiard’s "Emilia Pérez," which landed 13 nominations, including for Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón. This groundbreaking nomination marks Gascón as the first openly transgender actor ever recognized with an Academy Award nomination.
The Academy originally slated the announcement for January 17, but devastating wildfires ignited across Los Angeles on January 7, prompting the Academy to extend its voting period and postpone the announcement. Nonetheless, the Oscars are still set to take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre, continuing with plans for live coverage on ABC.
Among the films nominated for Best Picture alongside "Emilia Pérez" are "Wicked," "The Brutalist," "Dune: Part Two," "Nickel Boys," and others. With 10 nominations each, "Wicked," the dazzling adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, and "The Brutalist," Brady Corbet's haunting portrayal of post-war America, join the ranks of contenders battling for the year's top honor.
Karla Sofía Gascón's poignant performance as the titular cartel boss who undergoes gender transition has captivated audiences and critics alike. This acclaim is part of the film’s overall success, including its recognition for Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña. Critics have hailed Gascón’s role as not only transformative for her career but pivotal for representation within the industry.
Both "The Brutalist," which explores the life of Holocaust survivors, and "Wicked," noted for its star-studded cast including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, round out the top of the nominations list. Both films reflect on unique narratives and character-driven storytelling.
Emerging filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat and journalist Emily Kassie were nominated for their documentary "Sugarcane," which digs deep beneath the layers of abuse and loss tied to Canada’s residential school system. NoiseCat, who experienced personal ties to the subject matter, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment but emphasized the need to spotlight the voices of survivors.
"Today, we are acutely aware of the past wounds and the resilience of those who have lived through them. This nomination reaffirms their stories matter, and they deserve to be told," said NoiseCat. Their work brings attention to historical injustices, seeking to inspire change and dialogue within the community and beyond.
Adding to the growing anticipation for the ceremony, Conan O’Brien is set to host for the first time, bringing his signature wit and humor to the Oscars stage. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed their excitement about O’Brien’s imminent hosting, highlighting his connection to audiences and love for film.
When asked about the upcoming event, O’Brien joked about, "America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. But in all seriousness, I’m thrilled and absolutely honored to host this year’s Oscars.” His blend of laughs and heartfelt tributes is expected to resonate well with viewers as they celebrate cinematic achievements.
The Oscars will maintain their commitment to recognizing talent across all backgrounds, with numerous categories reflecting the changing dynamics of filmmaking. Films like "Dune: Part Two," directed by Denis Villeneuve, are also part of the conversation for Best International Feature Film alongside exemplary international contenders like Brazil’s "I’m Still Here."
Despite the challenges the film industry faced due to environmental catastrophes, the focus remains on art’s power to inspire and connect. The Academy stressed its respect for first responders during these challenging times and aims to celebrate not just the films but the spirit of resilience embodied by everyone involved.
The full list of major nominees can be summarized as follows:
- Best Picture: "Anora"; "The Brutalist"; "A Complete Unknown"; "Conclave"; "Dune: Part Two"; "Emilia Pérez"; "I'm Still Here"; "Nickel Boys"; "The Substance"; "Wicked".
- Best Actress: Demi Moore, "The Substance"; Cynthia Erivo, "Wicked"; Mikey Madison, "Anora"; Karla Sofía Gascón, "Emilia Pérez"; Fernanda Torres, "I’m Still Here".
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody, "The Brutalist"; Timothée Chalamet, "A Complete Unknown"; Colman Domingo, "Sing Sing"; Ralph Fiennes, "Conclave"; Sebastian Stan, "The Apprentice".
- Best Supporting Actress: Monica Barbaro, "A Complete Unknown"; Felicity Jones, "The Brutalist"; Ariana Grande, "Wicked"; Isabella Rossellini, "Conclave"; Zoe Saldaña, "Emilia Pérez".
The Oscars make for more than just recognition; they serve as reminders of the collective efforts and achievements contributed through film, reflecting storied histories and innovative futures.