The 98th Academy Awards nominations are here, and with it the wild twists and turns that even the boldest awards experts can’t see coming. See some of the morning’s biggest snubs and surprises below.
SNUB: “Wicked” left in the cold
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo seemed like shoo-ins for a nod, as well as one of Stephen Schwartz’s two new songs written for the film, but they were all snubbed.
SNUB: Chase Infiniti didn’t secure a nomination
One of the season’s breakout stars couldn’t secure a nod in her lead actress campaign for “One Battle After Another.”
SURPRISE: Delroy Lindo snags supporting nod for “Sinners”
Of all of the nominations discussed for “Sinners,” Lindo was rarely in the larger conversations. Now the veteran actor has a nod for his rousing role as Delta Slim.
SNUB: Paul Mescal passed by for “Hamnet”
While his scene partner Jessie Buckley was always in the conversation (and got a nod), it was assumed that Mescal’s turn in the emotional film could earn him kudos.
SURPRISE: Kate Hudson scoring a nomination for “Song Sung Blue”
Hudson has had a great campaign, but it didn’t seem like a sure bet she could score the more competitive nomination compared to the starrier Globes.
SNUB: “Superman” misses VFX nod
Apparently, Academy voters weren’t as taken with the Man of Steel as audiences.
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SURPRISE: Elle Fanning scores a supporting nomination for “Sentimental Value”
While all of the buzz was around her co-star Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas getting a nomination in the category, both secured them.
SNUB: “No Other Choice” doesn’t secure best international film nomination
Park Chan-wook’s dark social satire was buzzy, doing well at the box office and well-loved by critics, but it was a crowded category this year — in part because Neon brought so many good titles to the table.
SNUB: “Weapons” misses original screenplay
Outside of Amy Madigan’s supporting nod (which she secured), this seemed to be the other award that stoked discussion for Zach Cregger’s hit horror film.
SNUB: No love for “Sorry, Baby”
The well-loved indie was a Globe nominee and a favourite of many critics groups, but it couldn’t secure an Oscar nod.
SURPRISE: Shudder gets a nomination with “The Ugly Stepsister”
The gorgeous and stomach-churning “The Ugly Stepsister” is definitely worthy as an unconventional makeup and hairstyling nominee.
SNUB: “Jay Kelly” shut out
Any other year, Noah Baumbach’s film would have been primed to get nominations at least for its stars, George Clooney and Adam Sandler. But competition was particularly heavy this time around.
SURPRISE: F1 gets a best picture nod
Although it had heat with more traditional Oscar voters, it didn’t seem like Apple’s campaign would get it across the finish line except in below the line nominations.
SNUB: “Sentimental Value” doesn’t get casting nod
Given that this is a new category, it was a bit hard to predict who would get nominations. But when the four primary actors each get acting nods — including two in supporting — it would seem to be cast effectively?
SNUB: Jennifer Lawrence’s ferocious performance in “Die My Love” snubbed
Lynne Ramsay’s challenging indie had trouble finding an audience, and that apparently extended to Oscar voters, too — despite Lawrence’s outstanding work and lively press cycle with Robert Pattinson.
SNUB: “The Testament of Ann Lee” left in the cold
Despite late momentum for Amanda Seyfried’s lead role, Mona Fastvold’s ambitious historical drama might have been too unconventional for voters.
SNUB: Miley Cyrus snubbed for original song
Cyrus has been campaigning for “Dream As One,” her contribution to “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” but it didn’t make the final tally.
SURPRISE: Names were pronounced correctly
Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman did their homework. Thank you!
SNUB: Guillermo del Toro couldn’t secure best director slot
Considering the industry love for del Toro and the fact that “Frankenstein” scored nine nominations — including best picture — it’s surprising not to see him celebrated in that category.
SURPRISE: “The Lost Bus” lands a nod
It seemed like the Paul Greengrass film was lost in the campaign cycle, but it secured a visual effects nomination.
From Variety US