Some surprises, some snubs and lots of firsts: 2019 Oscar nominations revealed
Los Angeles, January 23: The 91st Academy Awards nominations were announced overnight, and as always, the list was a combination of awards season favourites, surprise entries and shock snubs.
This year’s Oscar nominations took everyone by surprise as the uncertainty among the nominees is more than ever. Announced by Kumail Nanjiani and Tracee Ellis Ross on Tuesday, 2019 Oscar nominations are dominated by 2018’s hits “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “A Star is Born”, “Roma”, “The Favourite”, “BlackkKlansman”, “Vice” and “Black Panther”.
From Roma’s main actresses being recognized for their moving performances to Bradley Cooper being snubbed for best director; and the strong overall performance of Netflix, which roared into the race Tuesday with 15 nominations, making it a serious contender for the night’s biggest awards, Oscars this year are filled with facts and figures.
“Black Panther” made a history being the first superhero film and a comic book based film to be nominated for best picture. The film is nominated in 7 categories altogether. Its production designer, Hannah Beachler, became the first African American to be nominated for best production design.
People’s choice award winner “Roma” became the first ever Netflix film to be nominated for best picture in Academy Awards. Yalitza Aparicio’s nomination for Best Actress for her role in “Roma” comes in her first role as an actress. “Roma” and “The Favourite” vie for glory with 10 nominations each.
Rami Malek, nominated for playing Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” is the only first-time Oscar nominee among the men up for best actor. He’s up against multiple nominees namely Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Viggo Mortensen and Willem Dafoe.
“Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the work of so many from the cast and crew who made all of this possible. I have absolutely treasured playing Freddie Mercury, and I am so profoundly humbled and thrilled to honor him this way”, shared Malek.
After more than 30 years and some two dozen films, Spike Lee received his first Academy Award nomination for best director for “BlacKkKlansman.” It’s also the first time one of his movies has been nominated for best picture.
After long overdue for his long list of credits including the 1976 thriller “Taxi Driver” and 1980’s “Raging Bull”, the veteran screenwriter, Paul Schrader finally earned his first nomination for “First Reformed.”
Although his film “A Star is Born” won 8 nominations including Best Actor nomination for him, Bradley Cooper didn’t nab Best Director, even though many praised his movie as being one of the finest directed concert films of all time and people have a stir of reactions on this snub.
The 91st Academy Awards ceremony will air on February 24, 2019.