2019 Oscar nominations: Netflix scores first best picture nod and more
Jan 23, 2019
Yesterday morning, actors Kumail Nanjiani and Tracee Ellis Ross unveiled this year’s much-anticipated Academy Award Nominations.
The Favourite and Roma are leading the pack with 10 nods each and are both nominated for best picture alongside Vice, BlacKkKlansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, A star is Born, Black Panther (Wakanda Forever!) and Green Book.
While Alfono Cuaron’s semi-autobiographical Roma was expected to be recognised at the 91st Oscars, the two acting nods for Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tavira for best actress and best supporting actress respectively, came as pleasant surprises.
The Netflix black and white drama, both written and directed by Cuaron (a long-time favourite of the Academy), is set in the early 1970s and tells the compelling story of a live-in maid in Colonia Roma, an upper-scale neighbourhood in Mexico City.
The Favourite, directed by Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, really celebrates strong female characters with incredible performances by Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, all nominated for acting awards. The period-drama follows the conflicting relationship between two cousins desperately trying to become Queen Anne’s court favourite.
Perhaps, the biggest snub of this year was for Bradley Cooper, who didn’t land his much-anticipated best director nomination for his behind the camera debut in A Star is Born. Arguably, this also reduces the movie’s chances to win best picture, which, to be honest, were already quite slim.
Last but not least, Hereditary, a supernatural horror released in January 2018 and considered an early favourite, failed to score any nod. Toni Collette’s performance as the main character was remarkable and critically acclaimed but we all know that the Academy – way too often – tends to forget early contenders along the way to award season.
Check the full list of nominees here.
