“Emilia Pérez” has emerged as a standout contender in this year’s Oscar nominations, leading the pack with a remarkable 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón. This achievement marks “Emilia Pérez” as the most nominated non-English language film in Oscar history, breaking the previous record held by Netflix’s “Roma,” which received 10 nominations. Despite its recognition, Netflix has yet to secure a Best Picture win, even with past contenders like “Mank” and “The Irishman” only achieving limited success at the awards.
Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez,” a Spanish-language film, garnered extensive acclaim amid a challenging backdrop for Hollywood following recent wildfires in Los Angeles that significantly impacted the film industry. The nominations for “Emilia Pérez” include directing, original screenplay, multiple song nominations, and a nod for Zoe Saldaña as well.
Following closely behind, the Broadway adaptation “Wicked” received 10 nominations, including Best Picture and acting nominations for stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Brady Corbet’s postwar film “The Brutalist” also secured 10 nominations, including Best Picture and three acting nods for its talented cast featuring Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones.
A diverse range of films are represented in the Best Picture category, including “Anora,” “The Substance,” and the critically acclaimed “I’m Still Here,” which explores Brazil’s military dictatorship and secured a nomination for Fernanda Torres. The competition is particularly fierce in the Best Actress field, where Demi Moore’s performance in “The Substance” appears to be a strong contender, alongside Gascón, Torres, Erivo, and Mikey Madison from “Anora.”
The directorial nominations reflected a significant moment, as Coralie Fargeat broke through to represent female filmmakers among an otherwise male-dominated lineup. The Oscar nominations have been reshaped by recent tragic events, prompting discussions about the ceremony’s significance amidst the adversity faced by the industry.
While the wildfires have dampened the celebratory mood typical of award season, industry leaders insist that the Oscars will proceed as a testament to resilience and unity within the film community. Bill Kramer, academy chief executive, conveyed a commitment to celebrating creativity and optimism against the backdrop of hardship.
As the Oscar ceremony approaches on March 2, the race remains wide open, with multiple films in contention for Best Picture, hinting at an exciting awards season ahead. The nominations reflect a blend of mainstream successes and critically acclaimed works, showcasing the resilience of storytelling in a time of uncertainty.
This year’s Oscars promise to be a powerful reminder of the strength of the film community, even during trying times.