Oscar Records Fall as 'Sinners' Leads with 16 Nominations
The Academy Awards announced this year's nominations on Thursday, with several record-breaking moments and notable surprises ahead of the March 15 ceremony.
Historic Nominations Set New Standards
'Sinners' made Oscar history with 16 nominations, breaking previous records. The achievement highlights Hollywood's continued embrace of bold storytelling that resonates with global audiences, including Filipino viewers who appreciate complex narratives.
In another groundbreaking moment, four non-English-language acting performances received nominations for the first time. This international recognition includes three Norwegian actors from 'Sentimental Value' and Brazil's Wagner Moura from 'The Secret Agent,' reflecting the Academy's growing appreciation for diverse cinematic voices.
Notable Snubs and Surprises
Pop sensation Ariana Grande faced disappointment after missing out on a nomination for 'Wicked: For Good,' despite her prominent role in the Broadway adaptation's second chapter. The sequel failed to earn any nominations, contrasting sharply with the first film's 10 nods and two Oscar wins.
Other surprising omissions included Chase Infiniti from 'One Battle After Another' and Paul Mescal from 'Hamnet.' However, veteran actor Delroy Lindo earned recognition for 'Sinners,' while Elle Fanning surprised many with her supporting nomination for Norwegian dramedy 'Sentimental Value.'
Warner Bros Dominates Despite Uncertain Future
Warner Bros achieved the rare feat of having two clear frontrunners with 'Sinners' (16 nominations) and 'One Battle After Another' (13 nominations). This success comes as the century-old studio faces a fierce bidding war between Paramount Skydance and Netflix, potentially marking its final year as an independent distributor.
New Category and Rising Stars
The Academy introduced its first new category since 2002: best casting. The nominations largely mirrored expected best picture contenders, including 'Hamnet,' 'Marty Supreme,' and 'The Secret Agent.'
Director Chloe Zhao made history as only the second woman to receive multiple directing nominations, following her previous win for 'Nomadland.'
Chalamet's Third Chance
Timothée Chalamet, at just 30, earned his third best actor nomination for 'Marty Supreme.' The semi-fictional tale of a ping-pong player in 1950s New York and Japan exceeded expectations with nine nominations, positioning Chalamet as a strong contender against Leonardo DiCaprio.
As Filipino cinema continues gaining international recognition, these diverse nominations reflect the global film industry's evolution toward more inclusive storytelling that resonates across cultures and languages.