The 97th Academy Awards have officially unveiled their nominations, marking another exciting chapter in the awards season. Among this year’s frontrunners is Emilia Pérez, the first Spanish-language film to lead the Oscar nominations with a remarkable 13 nods, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón. This groundbreaking recognition makes Gascón the first openly transgender performer nominated for any acting award at the Oscars, truly exemplifying the progress being made within the film industry.
The announcement took place at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles, presented by actors Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang. With the nominations delayed due to this season’s harsh wildfires affecting the region, there was palpable anticipation surrounding the reveal.
Following closely behind Emilia Pérez are Wicked and The Brutalist, both with 10 nominations. Wicked, the much-anticipated adaptation of the Broadway hit, garnered nods for categories including Best Score, Costume Design, and Film Editing, showcasing its lavish production qualities. The film's lead actresses, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, received nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively, promising to ignite excitement during the ceremony.
Other familiar titles making waves include Conclave and Dune: Part Two, each with significant nominations. But along with these triumphs come notable surprises and, as frequently discussed, the infamous Oscar “snubs.” Among those left out of the nominations this year are high-profile actors like Nicole Kidman for her role in BabyGirl and Daniel Craig for Queer. Edward Berger's exclusion from the Best Director category for Conclave raised eyebrows, especially after delivering acclaimed work on All Quiet on the Western Front last year.
“Emilia Pérez dominated the nominations with 13 nominations, including best picture and best actress for Karla Sofía Gascón,” reported The Hollywood Reporter. The film’s success is underscored by its culturally significant narrative, which resonates with audiences worldwide.
Yet, it isn’t just Emilia Pérez creating buzz. The Substance, featuring Demi Moore who has recently made headlines post-Golden Globes, received nominations for Best Picture and Best Actress, positioning her as a formidable contender. The film's momentum reflects the unpredictability of this year's awards season, emphasizing how closely interwoven performance and storytelling can captivate both audiences and the Academy.
Another surprise came from Nosferatu, which, without major festival premieres, emerged unexpectedly with four nominations, proving horror can make its mark at the Academy Awards. Its artistic vision was acknowledged amid predominantly dramatic nominees, paving the way for potential changes within the Academy’s historical preferences.
While the nominations spotlight successes, they simultaneously highlight the sting of being overlooked. For example, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who were anticipated to snag nods for their contributions to Challengers, were entirely sidelined from nominations for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. It seems voters favored established works over promising newcomers this year.
The competitive Best Actor category also showcased unexpected omissions. Actors like Colman Domingo for Sing Sing and Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice will vie for what promises to be one of the season's hardest-fought categories. With significant talent vying for acclaim, this year’s Oscars highlight the shifting circumstances surrounding awards recognition.
Despite efforts to shape up the nominations, big names like Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig were overlooked, as reported by The New York Times, indicating there's no guaranteed path to recognition, even for stars with proven track records.
Others who felt the impact of this season's nominations are those behind Challengers and Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino. Both films have garnered accolades through various awards circuits, yet they found the Oscars' embrace elusive this year. This paradox showcases the unpredictable nature of Oscar season.
Looking to the Oscar ceremony, which is set for March 2, 2025, speculation abounds on how the winners will be chosen and what narratives will emerge from the event. With Emilia Pérez riding high on its nominations’ momentum, will Hollywood rally around its cultural significance as the Oscars evolve?
The dichotomy of celebration and disappointment this awards season reminds us of the diverse stories within the film industry, each deserving recognition and celebration. The approaching ceremony promises to deliver excitement, intrigue, and perhaps unexpected outcomes as Hollywood continues to grapple with its identity and legacy.
With the Academy Awards ceremony approaching, all eyes will now turn to the Dolby Theatre as anticipation builds for one of the most exciting nights in Hollywood, ready to honor both the celebrated and the unrecognized.