The latest Oscar nominations bring a mix of heavy hitters and unexpected surprises. The hosts dive into the Best Picture category, celebrating diversity and the groundbreaking inclusion of the first openly trans acting nominee. They debate standout performances, especially in the Best Supporting Actor category, questioning some nominations like Kieran Culkin's. Highlights include Sebastian Stan and speculation on the future of horror films at the Oscars. Overall, it's a lively discussion reflecting on the evolving landscape of award recognitions.
This year's Oscar nominations reflect a diverse landscape of films and storytelling styles, showcasing both unconventional narratives and representation.
The discussion highlighted notable performances in both lead and supporting categories, stirring conversations about category placements and evolving industry norms.
Deep dives
Eclectic Oscar Nominations
This year's Oscar nominations showcase a diverse set of films, highlighting a mix of genres and storytelling styles. Notable mentions include 'A Complete Unknown', which tells the story of a young Bob Dylan, and 'Anora', centered around a sex worker and her tumultuous relationships. The nominees also feature intriguing narratives such as 'The Brutalist', following a Jewish-Hungarian architect post-World War II, and 'Dune Part 2', where Paul Atreides faces new challenges. The discussion emphasizes the shifting landscape of the Academy, increasingly recognizing unconventional films that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Leading Role Highlights
In the Best Actress category, standout performances include Cynthia Erivo in 'Wicked', where she portrays the Wicked Witch of the West, and Mikey Madison in 'Anora', whose captivating presence demands attention. Demi Moore's role in 'The Substance' as an aerobics instructor battling the pressures of youth captivated listeners, while Fernanda Torres in 'I'm Still Here' sheds light on a mother’s heart-wrenching journey during Brazil's military dictatorship. Carla Sofia Gascon's role as a trans cartel leader in 'Emilia Perez' marks a historic nomination, showcasing representation in the Oscars. Overall, the category reflects a rich tapestry of characters that highlight both personal and societal challenges.
Supporting Roles and Directing
The nominations for supporting roles featured compelling performances from Edward Norton and Guy Pearce, each bringing depth to their respective characters. Kieran Culkin's nomination for 'A Real Pain' sparked a conversation around category fraud, as he was recognized in the supporting category despite being a co-lead. The directing nominations, which included Coralie Fargeat for 'The Substance', broke the mold by celebrating horror directors traditionally absent from the Oscars. This highlights an evolving perspective within the Academy, recognizing films with complex themes conveyed through unique stylistic choices.
This year's Oscar nominations are out, and if you liked Emilia Pérez, Anora, Wicked, The Brutalist, and A Complete Unknown, then you're in luck. As always, there's an eclectic mix of heavy favorites, left-field surprises, and the dreaded snubs. We give a broad sense of this year's major storylines, while also lamenting a few decisions we found baffling.