Awards pundits were taken by surprise from the first two words spoken at the Oscar nominations on Thursday. Hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announced the best supporting actress category with, Elle Fanning, for Sentimental Value, setting the tone for a series of unexpected nods. Although Fanning's performance in the Norwegian family drama received praise, few had predicted her nomination.
The nominations were also notable for several surprising snubs, with hot favorites like Paul Mescal and Chase Infiniti missing out despite their acclaimed performances in 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another.' Mescal's omission for a supporting actor nod stood out, yet it may not affect co-star Jessie Buckley’s frontrunner status for best actress.
The newly introduced best picture nomination for 'F1,' featuring Brad Pitt as a racing driver, surprised many, especially given its lack of below-the-line nominations in other categories. Its success reflects a shifting preference in the Academy towards more traditional, entertainment-driven cinema.
Highlighting the night, 'Sinners' led with a record-breaking 16 nominations, eclipsing previous joint record-holders such as 'La La Land'. Ryan Coogler's film captivated voters, combining genre horror with rich cultural elements, embodying the type of unique storytelling that resonates with the Academy, even within unconventional genres.
Perhaps one of the most notable trends emerged from the nominations spotlighting several actresses, each carrying their films to recognition, notably Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Amy Madigan, who were recognized independently in categories that otherwise showed little representation for their respective films.
Amidst this broad array of results, British actors Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku proudly secured acting nominations among a smaller pool of British contenders this year, while the Academy failed to heed the charms of the much-anticipated 'Wicked: For Good'. The sequel's absence from any nominations sends ripples through its established fanbase.
As the industry prepares for the awards ceremony, the surprise nominations and notable snubs draw a picture of an evolving cinematic landscape, setting the stage for an exciting Oscar night.
The nominations were also notable for several surprising snubs, with hot favorites like Paul Mescal and Chase Infiniti missing out despite their acclaimed performances in 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another.' Mescal's omission for a supporting actor nod stood out, yet it may not affect co-star Jessie Buckley’s frontrunner status for best actress.
The newly introduced best picture nomination for 'F1,' featuring Brad Pitt as a racing driver, surprised many, especially given its lack of below-the-line nominations in other categories. Its success reflects a shifting preference in the Academy towards more traditional, entertainment-driven cinema.
Highlighting the night, 'Sinners' led with a record-breaking 16 nominations, eclipsing previous joint record-holders such as 'La La Land'. Ryan Coogler's film captivated voters, combining genre horror with rich cultural elements, embodying the type of unique storytelling that resonates with the Academy, even within unconventional genres.
Perhaps one of the most notable trends emerged from the nominations spotlighting several actresses, each carrying their films to recognition, notably Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Amy Madigan, who were recognized independently in categories that otherwise showed little representation for their respective films.
Amidst this broad array of results, British actors Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku proudly secured acting nominations among a smaller pool of British contenders this year, while the Academy failed to heed the charms of the much-anticipated 'Wicked: For Good'. The sequel's absence from any nominations sends ripples through its established fanbase.
As the industry prepares for the awards ceremony, the surprise nominations and notable snubs draw a picture of an evolving cinematic landscape, setting the stage for an exciting Oscar night.
