This morning, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, marking a significant moment in cinematic history. Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” is leading the pack, a groundbreaking musical drama that delves into themes of transgender identity within the backdrop of a narco narrative. The film garnered an impressive 13 nominations, setting a new record for the most nominations received by a non-English-language film.

 

 

“Emilia Pérez” has been recognized in several major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director for Jacques Audiard, and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón. Gascón’s nomination is particularly historic, as she becomes the first openly transgender actor to be nominated for an Oscar.

Following closely are “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” each securing 10 nominations. “The Brutalist,” a postwar epic directed by Brady Corbet, received nods for Best Picture and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. “Wicked,” the much-anticipated adaptation of the Broadway musical, earned nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo, and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande. Erivo’s nomination is noteworthy as she becomes the first out queer Black performer to be nominated for Best Actress.

 

The nominations also highlighted international cinema, with Brazil’s “I’m Still Here” receiving three nominations: Best Picture, Best International Feature, and Best Actress for Fernanda Torres. This recognition has been a source of national pride in Brazil, with widespread celebrations following the announcement.

 

This is Demi Moore’s first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Actress after four decades in the entertainment industry for her role in The Substance.

The Best Supporting Actress category was also full of firsts as Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave) were among those who filled out the category.

 

 

 

However, the announcement was not without its surprises and snubs. Notably absent from the nominations were performances by Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl” and Angelina Jolie in “Maria,” both of whom were considered strong contenders this season. Additionally, Daniel Craig’s portrayal in “Queer” was overlooked, leaving many industry insiders puzzled.

 

 

The ceremony, set to be hosted by Conan O’Brien, is scheduled for March 2. However, due to the devastating fires across Southern California, this year’s programming will be more subdued, with ongoing discussions about potential event adjustments.

 

Best Picture

Anora
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
I’m Still Here
Nickel Boys
The Substance
Wicked

Best Actress

Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
Mikey Madison – Anora
Demi Moore – The Substance
Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here

Best Actor

Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice

Best Supporting Actress

Monica Barbaro – A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande – Wicked
Felicity Jones – The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini – Conclave
Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez

Best Supporting Actor

Yura Borisov – Anora
Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain
Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce – The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong – The Apprentice

 

Best Director

Sean Baker – Anora
Brady Corbet – The Brutalist
James Mangold – A Complete Unknown
Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez
Coralie Fargeat – The Substance

Best Original Screenplay

Anora
The Brutalist
A Real Pain
September 5
The Substance

Best Adapted Screenplay

A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Nickel Boys
Sing Sing

Best Cinematography

The Brutalist
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
Maria
Nosferatu