Awards pundits were taken by surprise from the first two words spoken at the Oscar nominations on Thursday.Elle Fanning, for Sentimental Value, said hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, as they kicked off the nominations with the best supporting actress category. Fanning's appearance got things off to a spicy start from the earliest possible moment - she had received praise for her performance in the Norwegian family drama but few had predicted a nomination. The opening category set the tone for a string of snubs and surprises, which started coming thick and fast. Here are eight of the big takeaways.
Although 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another' did well, both had a slightly softer showing than expected in the acting categories. Paul Mescal missed out on a supporting actor nod for 'Hamnet' - a surprising omission. Four big actors from 'One Battle After Another' were recognized, but its breakout star Chase Infiniti missed best actress despite being a red-hot contender. Other notable absences included Jesse Plemons and Joel Edgerton.
'F1', starring Brad Pitt as a racing driver, was the biggest surprise in the best picture category. While many expected it to gain technical nominations, its entry into the best picture race shows that the Academy still appreciates traditional films.
'Sinners' scored a record-breaking 16 nominations, overshadowing previous record holders like 'La La Land' and 'Titanic'. Ryan Coogler's artistic achievement blended genre horror with 1930s blues music.
It was a fall from grace for 'Wicked: For Good', receiving zero nominations compared to its predecessor's success, signaling a critical reaction that didn't align with nomination expectations.
'Sinners' not only grabbed the highest number of nominations but also featured the only two Brits nominated in acting categories - Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo.
Three actresses received nods as their films achieved no other recognition. Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Amy Madigan symbolize the individual strength sustaining their projects.
The newly introduced casting category overlapped with general frontrunners, while several films missed a chance at recognition in casting despite individual nominations.
Timothée Chalamet is closer to his goal of becoming a Hollywood great, likely on course to win his first Oscar for 'Marty Supreme'. He stands out as a young actor with significant recognition amongst voters.
1. Some hot favourites missed out
Although 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another' did well, both had a slightly softer showing than expected in the acting categories. Paul Mescal missed out on a supporting actor nod for 'Hamnet' - a surprising omission. Four big actors from 'One Battle After Another' were recognized, but its breakout star Chase Infiniti missed best actress despite being a red-hot contender. Other notable absences included Jesse Plemons and Joel Edgerton.
2. F1 is a comfort-food movie
'F1', starring Brad Pitt as a racing driver, was the biggest surprise in the best picture category. While many expected it to gain technical nominations, its entry into the best picture race shows that the Academy still appreciates traditional films.
3. Sinners were the big winners
'Sinners' scored a record-breaking 16 nominations, overshadowing previous record holders like 'La La Land' and 'Titanic'. Ryan Coogler's artistic achievement blended genre horror with 1930s blues music.
4. Wicked did not bewitch the Academy
It was a fall from grace for 'Wicked: For Good', receiving zero nominations compared to its predecessor's success, signaling a critical reaction that didn't align with nomination expectations.
5. The Brits showed up
'Sinners' not only grabbed the highest number of nominations but also featured the only two Brits nominated in acting categories - Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo.
6. Several actresses carried their films to a nomination
Three actresses received nods as their films achieved no other recognition. Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Amy Madigan symbolize the individual strength sustaining their projects.
7. New category is a mixed bag
The newly introduced casting category overlapped with general frontrunners, while several films missed a chance at recognition in casting despite individual nominations.
8. Timothée is even closer to greatness
Timothée Chalamet is closer to his goal of becoming a Hollywood great, likely on course to win his first Oscar for 'Marty Supreme'. He stands out as a young actor with significant recognition amongst voters.
