A record-breaking number of actors of color were nominated at the early morning Oscar announcements Monday morning and for the first time, two female directors — Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) and Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman) — both received nods.
Director/Writer Chloé Zhao and Frances McDormand on the set of NOMADLAND.
After being overlooked at the Golden Globes, Gary Oldman’s Mank took 10 noms, including Best Actor, Best Film, and Best Supporting Actress (for Amanda Seyfried.)
The nine people of color nominated in acting categories include Best Actor in a Leading Role nominees Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal), Chadwick Boseman (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) and Steven Yeun (Minari), Best Actress in a Supporting Role nominee Youn Yuh-jung (Minari), Best Actress in a Leading Role nominees Viola Davis (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) and Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday) and Best Actor in a Supporting Role nominees Daniel Kaluuya (Judas and the Black Messiah), Leslie Odom, Jr. (One Night in Miami) and Lakeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah).
Viola Davis as Ma Rainey.
With her FOURTH Oscar nomination, Viola Davis becomes the most nominated black actress ever.
The Academy Awards will air April 25, from the Dolby Theatre and L.A.’s Union station.