With all the past year’s craziness, it’s essential to shine a light on the positives as we look back on the past twelve months. On March 15, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra-Jonas announced the season’s most anticipated nominations, The Academy Awards, via live stream from London.
The directing category has two women nominated, Emerald Fennell (“Promising Young Woman”) and Chloe Zhao (“Nomandland”). It is surprising that the most historic number of women directors to be nominated is five–the list includes: Lina Wertmüller (1976′s “Seven Beauties”), Jane Campion (1993′s “The Piano”), Sofia Coppola (2003′s “Lost in Translation”), Kathryn Bigelow (2009′s “The Hurt Locker”) and Greta Gerwig (2017′s “Lady Bird”). However, the only woman that has won best director is Bigelow. This is also a first for Asian filmmakers Chloe Zhao of “Nomadland.” Zhao is the first Chinese woman to be nominated for best director. In addition, she is nominated for editing, screenplay and best picture.
As expected, Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis received a nomination for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” in the best actor/actress category. Not only were their performances excellent, but it was a fantastic farewell to the late Chadwick Boseman. My prediction is that he will take this award home to his family in his absence. While Viola was incredible, I think the best actress category could go many ways. The category’s talent is insane; the nominees all added their flair to their characters. Following that, “Promising Young Woman” is up for several awards, which may beat the film in several categories. The scenery, performances, story, etc., make the perfect story for today’s world. My take is that “Promising Young Woman” will win “Best Picture.”
I was surprised to see that “I Care a Lot” did not receive any nominations. It is possible the movie came out too late to accept any acclaim, but in my opinion, it should be up against the others. I believe “I Care a Lot” had reason to be nominated as it was a groundbreaking action-packed drama that had the audience on the edge of their seats.
On another note, the amount of representation throughout the nominees this season is impressive, and it’s something the academy has neglected in the past. Three of the best actor nominees are people of color. As stated earlier, this is the first time two women are nominated for best director at the same time. Out of the twenty nominees of actors there nine are people of color!
The ceremony will take place on April 25 at two locations, including the Dolby Theatre and Los Angeles’ Union Station, with no host. Steven Soderbergh will be producing the star studded evening. It is not yet clear how many attendees will be at the two locations, but the academy has decided that they want a “no zoom element.” Given the past year, I believe that will be best for all, giving us back a sense of normalcy.
The 93rd Academy Awards will be available to watch Sunday, April 25 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC.