A new era for film has come to life. After the past few years of lockdown, the recent actors and writers strike, and innovations in technology, the future of cinema is being shaped in front of our eyes. Now, as we settle into this upcoming awards season, we must also acknowledge what was considered the best of 2024, which managed to showcase all of these attributes on a grand scale. What better place to acknowledge the contributions to film than the Oscars?
On Thursday, January 23rd, the nominees for the Academy Awards, otherwise known as the Oscars, were announced. The awards range from various aspects of filmmaking with the biggest of the night being the award for Best Picture. The category for Best Picture is both the most competitive and contentious of the night. With ten nominees in the running, the competition is fierce.
Leading the race for awards is Emilia Pérez, with a nomination in thirteen categories, including Best Picture. The film was released to the general public on November 13th and has since been at the end of controversy. Since its award wins at this year’s Golden Globe awards, the movie’s public reception has seemed to grow in a much negative light, with many citing its subject matter, musical performances, and recent findings of AI being somewhat used in its production.
Tied for second place in the race will be The Brutalist and Wicked, with each receiving ten nominations. One of which is for Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo. This will mark the actress’ second nomination for that award and third overall. Erivo has previously won a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy awards in the past, and if she wins the Oscar will grant her an EGOT award.
A Complete Unknown and Conclave follow behind, each with eight nominations. Sean Baker’s Anora has racked up six Academy awards, including the first-ever Oscar nomination for actress Mikey Madison who plays the titular character.
One of the most surprising nominations for the award of Best Picture came with the nomination of The Substance. While the film has received rave reviews both from critics and the general public, the movie does not shy away from being in the horror genre in its subject matter and brutality. Many critics of the Academy have brought up how the horror genre is often disrespected and ignored during awards season; The Substance is only the ninth horror film to ever be nominated for the award, with the last time it happened being seven years ago for Get Out.
This awards season is one to look out for. Due to the wildfires that have occurred in Los Angeles this year, the Academy has said that the event will not only be meant to acknowledge the film industry but also honor and recognize the brave efforts of the first responders and the victims of these tragic events as well. The Oscars will be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien and will be airing on March 2nd which will grant viewers enough time to catch up with all the movies they have missed last year.
