African superheroes. Black and white Mexicans. And a newly-born star.
That is what the Oscar nominations held this year.
At the crack of dawn Eastern Standard Time, Tracee Ellis Ross and Kumail Nanjiani announced this year’s crop of Academy Award nominees.
Roma from Alfonso Cuarón made history by becoming the first-ever Netflix offering to receive a Best Picture nomination amongst its 10 nods.
“Human experience is one in the same, and it’s so gratifying that a black and white film about life in Mexico is being celebrated around the world,” he said upon hearing the news.
The Mexican filmmaker himself received a nod for Best Director, though Bradley Cooper was snubbed for his work behind the camera on A Star Is Born.
Still, the 44-year-old picked up his 4th Best Actor nomination and expressed his gratitude by saying, “When I got this opportunity [to do the film] I knew I had to risk it all because I may never get another chance.”
Fellow nominee in that category, Rami Malek, said, “I guess there are words you just don’t expect hearing in your life and one is that you’ve been nominated for an Oscar. It’s an emotional moment,” upon hearing his name for Bohemian Rhapsody.
The Favourite tied with Roma for the most nomination, including recognition for all three of its female leads.
“Working on The Favourite alongside my brilliant friends Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and the whole cast was nothing short of incredible,” said Best Actress nominee, Emma Stone.
The Academy proved that it did not need its proposed Most Popular Film category as Black Panther picked up 7 nominations, becoming the first superhero movie to receive one for Best Picture.
“This is our reaction the first time we saw footage from the film and we’re feeling this way all over again today,” wrote star Lupita Nyong’o.
The 91st Academy Awards will take place on the 24th of February.
