The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the 2024 Oscar Nominations
Full Review
The Story So Far:
The 97th Academy Awards nominations have been revealed, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated award ceremonies in recent memory. Among the nominees are groundbreaking films and performances that have captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. Let’s delve into the good, the bad, and the ugly of this year’s Oscar nominations.
A Plethora of History-Making Stats:
The 2024 Oscar nominations have brought forth a wave of history-making moments. From Emilia Pérez’s record-breaking 13 nominations to Karla SofÃa Gascón’s groundbreaking nomination as the first openly trans person in the acting category, this year’s nominations are filled with milestones. Cynthia Erivo’s double nomination for Best Actress, Yura Borisov’s historic nod, and many other firsts make this year’s nominations truly exceptional.
Wicked Overperforms:
One of the standout films this year, "Wicked," has defied expectations with its 10 nominations, including unexpected nods for Best Film Editing and Best Original Score. The film’s impressive performance showcases its depth and quality, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in multiple categories.
The Substance Breaks All the Rules:
In a surprising turn of events, the horror genre received recognition with "The Substance" netting five nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director for Coralie Fargeat. Demi Moore’s well-deserved nomination after a remarkable comeback story adds to the film’s success, highlighting a great day for genre films overall.
I’m Still Here Soars:
"I’m Still Here," the Brazilian gem, has emerged as a strong contender with nominations for Best International Feature, Best Actress, and a surprising Best Picture nod. The film’s unexpected success adds an exciting twist to the race, making it a formidable competitor in multiple categories.
Nominees To Be Determined:
Bowen Yang’s viral moment with the phrase "Nominees to be determined" added a touch of humor and unpredictability to the nominations, showcasing the excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming awards ceremony.
The Bad
Emilia Pérez Makes History:
While Emilia Pérez’s record-breaking nominations are impressive, some critics have raised concerns about the film’s overwhelming success. Despite acknowledging its ambition and artistry, the sheer number of nominations has left many scratching their heads, sparking debates about the film’s legacy and impact on future generations.
Challengers Comes Up Short:
Luca Guadagnino’s "Challengers" fell short of expectations, missing out on key nominations like Best Original Screenplay and Score. The oversight, especially in the Score category, has left many puzzled, considering the film’s exceptional musical composition and overall quality.
Nickel Boys Barely Scraps In:
Despite receiving two nominations for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, "Nickel Boys" faced criticism for overlooking Jomo Fray’s outstanding cinematography. The film’s integral visual storytelling was seemingly undervalued, raising questions about the Academy’s selection process and criteria.
Sing Sing Only Lands Two Nominations:
The underperformance of "Sing Sing," with only two nominations for Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay, was disappointing for many fans who expected more recognition for the film. Colman Domingo’s nomination aside, the film’s limited success has left audiences wanting more.
Kneecap Misses Best International Feature:
The absence of "Kneecap" in the Best International Feature category has drawn criticism, highlighting a missed opportunity to recognize the film’s cultural significance and artistic merit.
The Ugly
Marianne Jean-Baptiste:
The omission of Marianne Jean-Baptiste from the nominations, despite her exceptional performance in "Hard Truths," has sparked outrage among fans and critics. Her portrayal of a complex and compelling character was deemed Oscar-worthy by many, making her snub all the more baffling and disappointing.
Conclusion
The 2024 Oscar nominations have delivered a mix of surprises, milestones, and disappointments, setting the stage for an exciting awards season. While some films and performances have shone brightly, others have faced setbacks and oversights. As the ceremony approaches, the anticipation and speculation surrounding the winners continue to grow, making this year’s Oscars a must-watch event for film enthusiasts worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Emilia Pérez receive so many nominations?
Emilia Pérez’s record-breaking nominations were a result of its artistic ambition, compelling performances, and overall impact on the film industry.
2. What led to the success of Wicked at the Oscars?
Wicked’s impressive performance can be attributed to its exceptional craftsmanship, engaging storytelling, and strong presence across multiple categories.
3. Why was Challengers overlooked for key nominations?
Despite its quality, Challengers faced challenges in securing nominations, with factors like competition, voter preferences, and category dynamics playing a role in its outcome.
4. What caused the disappointment surrounding Nickel Boys’ nominations?
Nickel Boys’ limited nominations sparked disappointment due to the oversight of crucial elements like cinematography, raising questions about the Academy’s selection process.
5. Why did Sing Sing receive fewer nominations than expected?
Sing Sing’s underperformance in nominations was a surprise to many, with factors like timing, competition, and industry dynamics potentially affecting its recognition.
6. What impact did the absence of Kneecap have on the Best International Feature category?
Kneecap’s exclusion from the Best International Feature category was seen as a missed opportunity to celebrate its cultural significance and artistic merit on a global platform.
7. How did Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s snub affect the Oscars?
Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s omission from the nominations drew criticism and disappointment, highlighting the challenges faced by actresses portraying complex and unconventional roles in the industry.
8. What are the key takeaways from the 2024 Oscar nominations?
The 2024 Oscar nominations showcase a mix of achievements, surprises, and setbacks, reflecting the diverse and evolving landscape of the film industry.
9. Which films or performances stood out the most this year?
Emilia Pérez, Wicked, The Substance, and I’m Still Here emerged as standout contenders, garnering praise for their innovation, quality, and impact on audiences.
10. How will the Oscar nominations influence the upcoming awards ceremony?
The nominations will set the stage for a thrilling and competitive awards season, with anticipation building for the winners and the overall impact of the films and performances recognized by the Academy.
Tags: Oscars, Academy Awards, Film Nominations, Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Nominations, Snubs, Performances, Film Industry.