Despite the predictability of awards season, the Oscar nominations always lead to interesting surprises. “American Fiction,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and “Rustin” are among the Black nominees we’re excited to see get recognized. However, in addition to those fan favorites, there are plenty of other fascinating stories to dive into. Before you watch The 96th Oscars Sunday, March 10 on ABC, check out our recap of the best Oscar nomination surprises and stories.
Suggested Reading
Bye Barbie
“Barbie” received eight nominations, but they didn’t include a Best Actress nod for Margot Robbie or Best Director for Greta Gerwig. Remember when the world gave us grief for being pissed about Angela Bassett’s Oscars snub? Yeah, now you get it.
LGBTQ+ Representation
The nods for Colman Domingo and Jodie Foster mark the first time two openly LGBTQ+ actors received nominations for playing LGBTQ+ characters. Lily Gladstone (she/they) was also nominated for Best Actress for “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Do not underestimate how much this representation means.
Best Original Song
There’s a lot to unpack in the Original Song category. However, the biggest question is whether the Academy will just keep nominating Diane Warren for every damn song until she finally wins.
Netflix and Chill
Thanks in large part to Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” Netflix is the most nominated studio with 18 nods. How mad is Warner Bros. right now?
Inclusivity in Acting
We’re always going to want more Black artists and projects recognized. But it’s also heartening to see BIPOC nominees in all the acting categories.
Best Actor: Jeffrey Wright – “American Fiction”
Best Actress: Lily Gladstone – “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Best Supporting Actress: Danielle Brooks – “”The Color Purple”
Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph – “The Holdovers”
Lily Gladstone Shines
Lily Gladstone is the first Native American performer nominated for Best Actress for her heartbreaking work in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” It’s beautiful to see her recognized for portraying an important part of her community’s history.
Ew, ‘Saltburn’
Let’s be honest: “Saltburn” grossed its way out of a nom. You can’t be that out here like the bathtub or grave scenes and expect Oscar nominations.
‘American Symphony’ Misses Out
Jon Batiste’s emotional, moving, personal Netflix documentary about his biggest career triumphs coming amid his wife’s cancer battle seemed like a lock for a Best Documentary Feature nomination. At least it was recognized in the Best Original Song category.
Sterling K. Brown’s Overdue Ovation
Sterling K. Brown is so extraordinary at eliciting every possible emotion from viewers. In one scene he can take you from anger, to attract, to laughter, to devastation. Even if he doesn’t win, we’re overjoyed to see him get this well-deserved moment of appreciation.
‘The Color Purple’ Dilemma
Yes, we’re disappointed about “The Color Purple’s” near shut out. Congrats Danielle Brooks! However, the most shocking snubs for this movie are in Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
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