Eight Surprise Takeaways from the Oscar Nominations
The excitement surrounding this year’s Oscar nominations was palpable, especially when British actor Delroy Lindo admitted that he was half-asleep when he learned about his first nomination. The unveiling began with hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announcing, Elle Fanning, for Sentimental Value, surprising many as she received a nod for her performance in a Norwegian family drama, which few anticipated. This initial announcement set off a cascade of unexpected snubs and surprises. Here are eight key takeaways from the Oscar nominations that captured the spotlight.
1. Notable Names Miss the Cut
– Paul Mescal and Chase Infiniti emerged as two of the day’s most significant snubs.
– Though Hamnet and One Battle After Another garnered attention, Mescal failed to secure a supporting actor nomination for his role in Hamnet. Fortunately, his co-star, Jessie Buckley, remains a frontrunner for best actress.
– Interestingly, One Battle After Another recognized four major actors, yet breakout star Chase Infiniti missed out on a best actress nomination despite being a strong contender.
– Other expected nominees like Jesse Plemons (Bugonia) and Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams) also found themselves overlooked, but their films did make the best picture category.
2. F1 Races to the Best Picture Nomination
– The film F1, featuring Brad Pitt as a retired racing driver, made an unexpected leap into the best picture category.
– While its technical achievements were anticipated to earn nominations, the film’s acceptance into best picture without other major nominations for acting or directing illustrates a preference for traditional, popcorn-friendly cinema among Academy voters.
3. “Sinners” Makes Oscar History
– Sinners set a new record with 16 nominations, outpacing previous record-holders like La La Land and Titanic, which had 14 each.
– Director Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror film has maintained strong momentum, showcasing its artistic merit by blending genre elements with 1930s blues music set in the Mississippi Delta—a unique feat for the Oscars.
4. “Wicked” Fails to Captivate the Academy
– In a stark contrast to its predecessor, the sequel Wicked: For Good received zero nominations, despite high hopes for songs like Ariana Grande’s The Girl in the Bubble.
– While this was largely anticipated given the sequel’s lukewarm reception, Avatar: Fire and Ash managed a couple of technical nominations.
5. British Talent Shines
– Despite a year noted for fewer British nominees, Sinners delivered the only two acting nominations for Brits: Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo.
– While Mosaku’s nomination was expected, Lindo’s was a delightful surprise, marking his long-overdue first Oscar nod.
6. Actresses Carry Their Films
– Some films received recognition solely through the performances of their lead actresses.
– Rose Byrne was nominated for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, while Kate Hudson earned a nod for Song Sung Blue.
– Amy Madigan also stood out for her role in Weapons, marking a rare acknowledgment for horror film performances at the Oscars.
7. New Casting Category Raises Eyebrows
– The new casting category included nominees like Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Hamnet, and Sinners, but Sentimental Value failed to receive a nomination despite its lead actors receiving individual nods.
– The absence of acknowledgment for casting directors Avy Kaufman and Yngvill Kolset Haga raised questions among pundits.
8. Timothée Chalamet Close to Greatness
– Timothée Chalamet, a strong contender for best actor in Marty Supreme, is taking significant steps toward becoming one of Hollywood’s greats.
– Having received nominations for eight best picture-nominated films, he stands as the youngest actor since Marlon Brando to receive three nominations for best leading actor.
In summary, this year’s Oscar nominations showcased a mix of surprises and disappointments, revealing shifting trends and the Academy’s evolving preferences. As we gear up for the ceremony, it’s clear that these nominations reflect not just talent, but also the unique cinematic landscape of the past year.