The nominees are out for the 98th Academy Awards. Sinners holds the most nominations, followed by One Battle After Another. This year, theatrical success seemed to matter, but it wasn’t necessarily the deciding factor in making the list. Despite its success, Wicked: For Good was completely snubbed. Paul Mescal was left out of best supporting actor in Hamnet, and Chase Infiniti was left out for best actress in One Battle After Another. No Other Choice, by Park Chan-wook, only made the shortlist. The Korean film, following a man trying to eliminate his competition after a sudden layoff, did not make it into the international feature film category. Elle Fanning got her first nomination of the season for her role as Rachel Kemp in Sentimental Value. Netflix’s success KPop Demon Hunters, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, and Pixar’s Elio compete alongside critically acclaimed Arco, by Ugo Bienvenu. The fairy-tale body horror The Ugly Stepsister got nominated for makeup and hairstyling. It is Emilie Blichfeldt’s directorial debut.
Best Picture
This year’s best picture slate is a genre mix, balancing large-scale films with more intimate stories and international titles.
Sinners, 16 nominations — Sinners is the most nominated film in Oscars history, landing nominations in every technical category. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, it follows twin brothers, played by Michael B. Jordan, who return to their hometown in 1932 Mississippi and find a greater evil waiting for them. The film has grossed more than $360 million worldwide. Available in theatres and on Crave.
One Battle After Another, 13 nominations — The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary who falls back into his old lifestyle after his daughter, Willa. played by Chase Infiniti, goes missing. Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film is available in theatres and on Crave.
Frankenstein, 9 nominations – Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi as the Creature, and Mia Goth in a dual role as Lady Elizabeth Harlander and Baroness Claire Frankenstein. Available on Netflix.
Marty Supreme, 9 nominations — Directed by Josh Safdie, the film follows Marty Mauser, played by Timothée Chalamet, a shoe salesman and hustler with big dreams of becoming the best table tennis player in the world. Chalamet trained vigorously for the role, especially his table tennis skills. His practice began in 2018, with several hours spent learning movements, positioning and footwork. Available in theatres.
Sentimental Value, 9 nominations — Directed by Joachim Trier, the film focuses on the Borg family drama. Sisters Agnes and Nora Borg, played by Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, respectively, reunite with their father, Gustav Borg, once a renowned filmmaker. Trying to revive his career, he offers Nora the lead role in his upcoming film. After she turns it down, Gustav gives the role to Rachel Kemp, played by Elle Fanning, an eager Hollywood star. The family must confront old resentments and traumas while also dealing with an actress in the middle of their family dynamic. Available in theatres and to buy on Apple TV and YouTube.
Hamnet, 8 nominations — Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film portrays the relationship between Agnes and William Shakespeare with the arrival and loss of their young son, Hamnet. The film explores love, loss and resilience. Available in theatres.
The Secret Agent, 4 nominations — Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, The Secret Agent is Brazil’s biggest achievement in Academy Awards history. Greatly acclaimed at the Cannes Film Festival, it earned best director and best actor. The film stars Wagner Moura as Marcelo, a technology expert who returns to his hometown of Recife seeking refuge during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Available in theatres.
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