The Oscar nomination snubs and surprises have become the newest talk of the town, leaving many shocked and some expecting it.
Film season is once again upon us. Its journey from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards to Golden Globes to the 94th Oscars is a spectacle that every audience anticipates, primarily because such a caliber of output is finally getting the recognition it deserves. However, it’s a no-brainer that there will be films contradicting what most believe deserves a certain spot, and sometimes films that most think belong to a particular category end up getting what they truly deserve.
As these nominations arise from criteria set by the juries, it can be argued that the snubs are glaringly evident to the preferences of each voter. For some, a ‘mainstream’ film doesn’t guarantee or equate to quality. For others, ‘underrated’ films emit a vibe that suggests something worthy of time.
The most shocking snubs and surprises in the 94th Oscar Nominations are as follows:
Expectations
The Oscar shortlist typically dictates who is poised to be in contention for a category. It is an annual shortlist released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts, detailing which films can be expected to officially receive nominations. Last December, the shortlist announced several nominations in categories such as Feature Film, Documentary, Makeup and Hairstyling, Animated Short Film, Original Song, Live-Action Short Film, Documentary-Short Subject, and Visual Effects. They usually include 15 nominations in a category and eventually narrow it down to at least 5 once the official nominations have begun.
The Nominees
The 94th edition of the Academy Awards has revealed its nominations, with the voting period spanning from January 11 to January 16. In one of the most significant events in awards shows, particularly within the film industry, several films have received numerous nominations. While expectations surrounded some of these nominations, others were surprised as a specific film failed to secure a spot in the anticipated categories.
Christopher Nolan’s film, “Oppenheimer,” emerged as the front-runner with the highest tally of 13 nominations. Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” secured 11 nominations, Martin Scorsese’s “Killer of the Flower Moon” earned recognition in 10 categories, and Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” received 8 nominations.
With these nominated films, and some advocating for a particular film to be considered in categories, does it imply being snubbed, or do some nominations genuinely come as a surprise?
Shocking Snubs and Surprises
When we refer to the Oscar Shortlist, it can be seen as a precursor that hints at what to expect in the nominations. Similarly, in other award shows, it serves as an indicator of who might secure a place in various categories. Some of the snubs are evident not only in the Oscar shortlist but also in other award nominations. On the other hand, surprises are particularly intriguing because they catch everyone off guard, especially when compared to predictions from different award-winning bodies and the shortlist.
While Oscar snubs are evident, perhaps the most talked-about snub in the nominations is in the world of ‘Barbie’. This involves its director, Greta Gerwig, and lead actress, Margot Robbie, missing out on nominations in the major categories. The snub, which sparked debates and clamor, is particularly noteworthy, especially considering that Ryan Gosling received a nomination while the two did not.
So Ryan Gosling’s nominated for playing ken but Margot Robbie isn’t nominated for playing barbie… in barbie #Oscars
— poppy ☾ (@scddevereaux) January 23, 2024
This also led to Ryan Gosling speaking about the nomination, prompting his stylist to share Gosling’s message on the Instagram account sharing a message to both of them.
America Ferrera, who secured a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, earned recognition for her role in Barbie. Surprisingly, the actress had been snubbed at the SAG Awards and Golden Globes, which is why people were shocked by her inclusion in the Oscars. The first time Oscar nominee’s monologue in Barbie have racked up several tractions for her portrayal in it.
Tell me how a movie can be the # 1 MOVIE OF THE YEAR AT THE BOX OFFICE but the director and main actress snubbed by Hollywood. Regardless, I will celebrate America Ferrera being nominated for Best Supporting because she delivered a monologue that every woman felt to their core. pic.twitter.com/zEfpmeN2UX
— Kristie (Kathy/Jane Doe 2) (@janefortruth) January 23, 2024
While “Poor Things” has been nominated in several categories, seasoned actor Willem Dafoe has been snubbed despite receiving nominations in other award-giving bodies. This fate also befell expected nominees like Bradley Cooper, Charles Melton, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Actresses such as Fantasia and Greta Lee did not receive a nod either. Meanwhile, surprises included Sterling K. Brown securing a nomination, as did Danielle Brooks for “The Color Purple”, On the other hand, there was a snub for Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” in the Adapted Screenplay category. “Past Lives”, expected to bag several nominations, almost missed the mark, landing in only two categories. The Finnish film “Fallen Leaves”, which performed strongly in different award shows and named as TIME’s best film of the year, was also snubbed by the Oscars. Additionally, “Saltburn” somehow experienced a burnt feeling by not receiving a nod in any category.
The surprising choices and
exclusions in award nominations highlight the film industry’s immense
diversity. Just because a film was not nominated does not imply that it
performed poorly; the limited nominations could be the result of a meticulous
and objective selection procedure. These nominations highlight the industry’s
complexities, shedding light on the delicate interplay of artistic and
commercial considerations. It is important to note that some films were not
overlooked; they may simply have not met the criteria for other awards. These
films, even if they are not recognized in other categories, are still valuable
for their unique contributions, challenging traditional measures of success in
an ever-changing and competitive film landscape. It serves as a reminder that
the complexities of the film industry extend beyond award nominations, with a
variety of factors influencing a film’s success, impact, and long-term relevance.
