A Look at the Top Contenders and Snubs in This Year’s Oscar Race
The anticipation surrounding the 2024 Oscars reached its peak as the nominations were announced today, with Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” emerging as the frontrunner with an impressive 13 nominations. The race promises excitement, surprises, and notable snubs, setting the stage for the 96th annual Academy Awards.
Oscar Front-runners
1. “Oppenheimer” Dominates:
Nolan’s World War II biopic, centered around J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb, leads the pack with 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy.
2. “Poor Things” Shines:
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, “Poor Things” follows closely with 11 nominations, showcasing its strong impact on the awards circuit.
3. Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”:
Martin Scorsese’s drama secures 10 nominations, featuring standout performances by Lily Gladstone and an unexpected snub for Leonardo DiCaprio in the acting categories.
Surprises and Snubs
1. Greta Gerwig Misses Best Director Nod:
Despite the success of “Barbie” at the box office, director Greta Gerwig was notably absent from the Best Director category. The film earned eight nominations but fell short in key directorial recognition.
2. Margot Robbie Overlooked:
“Barbie” producer and star Margot Robbie did not secure a nomination for her performance, leaving fans and industry insiders expressing disappointment.
3. Historic Nominations:
Lily Gladstone becomes the first Native American to be nominated for Best Actress, and Justine Triet is the eighth woman ever nominated for Best Director for “Anatomy of a Fall.”
Diversity and Recognition
1. America Ferrera Shines:
After missing out on a Golden Globe nomination, America Ferrera’s supporting role in “Barbie” earns her a well-deserved nod at the Oscars.
2. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Absence:
Despite not receiving an acting nod, “Killers of the Flower Moon” co-star Lily Gladstone makes history as the first Native American nominated for Best Actress.
Categories to Watch
1. Best Original Song:
A competitive category featuring songs from “Flamin’ Hot,” “Barbie,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” showcasing the diverse musical talents in this year’s films.
2. Cinematography Showdown:
A visually stunning lineup with films like “El Conde,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and “Oppenheimer” competing for the coveted Best Cinematography award.
Conclusion
The 96th Academy Awards promise an exciting night of celebration, recognizing the outstanding achievements in cinema over the past year. As the countdown to March 10 begins, film enthusiasts eagerly await to see which films and performances will take home the prestigious Oscars.