On January 23, Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott revealed the nominees for the 97th Academy Awards at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The official ceremony for the Awards, more commonly known as the Oscars, is set to air on March 2 at the Dolby Theater. The following categories are some of the biggest talking points regarding this year’s choices.
Best Picture
Undoubtedly the most popular among the categories, the Best Picture nominee list is stacked with some popular films this year. Among the selections, “Wicked” was no surprise to anyone, as fans raved and rushed to theaters upon its release last November. “Dune: Part Two” was similarly expected, featuring renowned actors such as Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya [Coleman]. Surprisingly, no actors or actresses were nominated for a role in “Dune: Part Two,” unlike in the case of “Wicked.”
Best Actor
This year’s Best Actor nominees feature standout performances, with Timothée Chalamet portraying Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” capturing the iconic musician during a pivotal career phase. At 29, Chalamet became the youngest two-time Best Actor nominee since James Dean in 1957. Sebastian Stan also earned a nomination for his role as a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice,” marking him as the ninth actor recognized for portraying a U.S. president. Meanwhile, Adrien Brody’s portrayal of a visionary architect in “The Brutalist” has been lauded for its depth and nuance, contributing to the film’s success.
Best Actress
In the Best Actress category, Karla Sofía Gascón was nominated for her powerful performance as the titular character in “Emilia Pérez,” making history as the first openly transgender performer nominated for an acting category. In addition, Cynthia Erivo is recognized for her role as Elphaba in “Wicked,” bringing emotional depth and vocal prowess to the character. Moreover, Fernanda Torres earned a nomination for her portrayal of Eunice Paiva in “I’m Still Here,” becoming the second Brazilian performer nominated for Best Actress, following her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, in 1999.
Best Supporting Actor
In the Best Supporting Actor category, Edward Norton was nominated for his compelling performance in “A Complete Unknown,” portraying a key figure in Bob Dylan’s early career. Guy Pearce was also nominated, as his role in “The Brutalist” has been praised for its complexity and emotional depth, adding significant weight to the narrative. Lastly, Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of lawyer Roy Cohn in “The Apprentice” has also garnered critical acclaim, highlighting his versatility and commitment to challenging roles.
Best Supporting Actress
In the Best Supporting Actress category, Ariana Grande received her first Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Glinda in “Wicked.” Her performance has been praised for its charm and vocal excellence, marking a significant milestone in her transition from music to film. Monica Barbaro was also nominated for her role in “A Complete Unknown,” where she delivered a compelling performance that amassed critical acclaim. In addition, Felicity Jones earned a nomination for “The Brutalist,” with her portrayal adding depth and nuance to the historical drama.
Best Director
In the Best Director category, Jacques Audiard was nominated for his innovative storytelling and direction in “Emilia Pérez,” contributing significantly to its record-breaking nominations. Brady Corbet was also nominated, with his meticulous attention to detail and compelling narrative style being instrumental in The Brutalist’s success. Of course, James Mangold was recognized for his dynamic storytelling and character development in “A Complete Unknown,” a biopic exploring Bob Dylan’s transition to rock music.
Visual Effects
The Visual Effects category was well picked this year. “Wicked” is a great contender. The lack of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) and the intricate set designs make for a vibrant world, helping to enrich the plot. On the other hand, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” used CGI enhancements to shape a vast natural world engulfed with rich details. In both cases, these movies are well deserving of the award.
