By AMEARA DITSCHE
Staff Writer
The 91st Academy Awards, otherwise known as the oscars will be held Feb. 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. On Jan. 22, the nominations from each category were announced.
Up for Best Film is of course, “Black Panther,” the most iconic movie of the year. “BlacKkKlansman,” my personal choice for best movie of the year. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a beautifully shot film detailing the life of Freddie mercury. “Roma,” the first Netflix original to receive a best picture nomination, and if won will be the first foreign language film to snag the highly coveted award. A “Star is Born,” pop-sensation Lady Gaga’s film debut. As well as “Vice,” “Greenbook,” and “The Favourite.”
For best leading actor, four out of five starred in one of the Best picture nominees. The only exception being Willem Dafoe for his role in “At Eternity’s Gate.” Among the rest was Christian Bale, best known as Batman and a highly committed method actor. Bradley Cooper, a seven time nominee. And Rami Malek, a fan favorite who brought Freddie Mercury back to life in his emotional portrayal in the biopic.
In Best Leading Actress, we see many well known names like the aforementioned Lady Gaga and comedic superstar Melissa McCarthy, but also Glenn Close who’s name you may not recognize, but voice you almost surely will. Close voiced one of the most evil villains of our childhood, Cruella DeVille in “101 Dalmations.”
For best supporting actor, Adam Driver, who made a name for himself as Kylo Ren in the infamous Star Wars franchise, found himself his first ever academy award nomination. Driver played a supporting role in “BlacKkKlansman.” Driver delivered the complex role with ease. He played Flip Zimmerman, who was a detective designed to go undercover to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan, his acting within acting showcased skill that rightfully brought him to the academy’s attention. Other nominees include, Sam Rockwell, Sam Elliott, Richard Grant, and Mahershala Ali.
For best supporting actress one of the most notable nominees is Regina King for “If Beale Street Could Talk,” an eye-opening film to what it was like to be black in early post-civil rights america. Beale Street was loved among many and came to a surprise when it only had 4 nominations, in comparison to other highly talked about films like “A Star is Born” or “Black Panther.” “The Favourite,” found itself two nominees in this category in actresses Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz.
For best animated film, nominees are, the “Incredibles 2,” “Mirai,” “Isle of Dogs,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” and “Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse.” The Incredibles 2 has been long awaited and for good reason apparently, the time was well spent crafting this movie into an award nominated masterpiece. “Mirai” is a film in the japanese anime style that has become loved across america, especially in recent years. And my personal favorite, Into the Spiderverse, a superhero movie aimed at children but with quick wit that attracted and won the hearts of comic fans of all ages.
There are two awards dedicated to best screenplay, one for original and one for adapted. As a writer myself, the script is what I often pay attention most when watching a movie. I live for how the plot twists, thickens and develops, actors bring scripts to life we can see yes, but without screenwriters there would be nothing for them to bring. For Adapted, I am again rooting for the quick witted, important “BlacKkKlansmen,” and for original I loved “First Reformed,” a haunting yet very real account of religion dn many people who seek it out in recovery. “First Reformed” also took place in Snowbridge, NY, a fictional town said to be in here in Albany County. Even without that small tie to my life, the movie’s rawness allowed it feel authentic to people of all religious and geographic backgrounds.
These eight categories are often the most talked about but there is 16 other categories awarding films for categories like Cinematography, Best Hair and Makeup, costume design, and more. There is something for everyone to enjoy, film buffs and casual viewers alike.
An important highlight to note this year is an increased amount of diversity. In recent years the academy has been under fire for very little non-white nominees. Hashtags like #OscarsSoWhite trended nationally and pute viewership of the awards at risk. This year however, every category I covered has at least one person of color in the running. As well as standouts like the previously mentioned “Black Panther” and “Roma.” “Black Panther” shook the world with its almost entirely black cast and african inspired setting. It brought a refreshing amount of diversity that put people of color in a positive light in the media. Also roma, a mexican foreign language film that grabbed an astounding 10 nominations. Also Spike Lee, a highly accredited and well known director received his first nominations for an oscar, including one for best director.
Tune in in February to see the show and find out who comes out on top, with issues with hosting and record breaking list of nominees the show will at the very least be exciting to witness.
