The wait for the most highly-anticipated awards nominations was finally over today, when Asgardian God Chris Hemsworth took to the stage with Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs to announce who was in the running for the 86th Academy Awards.
And like any great awards noms, they have their share of snubs and surprises. ITM has a round-up.
“AMERICAN HUSTLE” AND “GRAVITY” HAVE A JOINT LEAD
Picking up 10 nominations each, these films have taken a joint lead in the nominations. But, while “American Hustle” picked up the bulk of its praise in the acting categories – it has a nominee in each one! – “Gravity” dominated the visual categories. Following closely behind is “12 Years A Slave,” with 9 nominations.
“BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR” IS A REAL WILD-CARD
Pundits were surprised by Jonah Hill’s “Best Supporting Actor” nomination for “The Wolf of Wall Street” – clearly quick to forget his 2012 nod for “Moneyball” – as he has been left out of shortlists this awards season. His nomination could certainly give Jared Leto a scare. But even more of a wild-card is Barkhad Abdi, the Somali-American actor whose first film role in “Captain Phillips” has been earning him nominations.
BYE BYE “THE BUTLER”
Did it come out too early? Did everybody forget about Oprah Winfrey’s performance? In any case, without a single nomination “The Butler” can kiss an Oscar goodbye.
THE LONE RANGER PICKED UP SOME NODS
Just yesterday ITM brought you the news about “The Lone Ranger”s nomination for “Worst Picture” at the satirical Razzie Awards. Well, with two Oscar nominations – for “Best Make-Up and Hairstyling” and “Best Visual Effects” – it looks like Johnny Depp and co could have the last laugh.
“DALLAS BUYERS CLUB” STARS ARE DOING WELL
Matthew McConaughey may have been a favorite from the start in the “Best Actor” category, but Jared Leto is also attracting a lot of attention for his portrayal of a transgender woman, enough to earn him a nomination for “Best Supporting Actor.” Jennifer Garner didn’t quite make the cut for her performance, however. ITM caught up with McConaughey at Sundance last year, when he told us about his work on “Mud.”
WATCH ITM’s interview with Matthew McConaughey.
IT HELPS TO TIME TRAVEL
Out of this year’s noms for “Best Picture,” only “Nebraska” is set in the present, with all of the other pictures being period pieces, based on true stories or, set in the not too distant future.
JUST SOME “ORDINARY LOVE” FOR MANDELA
Despite its critical success, and perfectly-timed release, “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” was left out of the major categories. Idris Elba missed out on a nomination for his portrayal of the late Nelson Mandela, although U2 did manage to nab a nom for “Best Original Song” for “Ordinary Love.”
LEGENDS ARE GETTING SNUBBED
Robert Redford, Forrest Whittaker, Tom Hanks, James Gandolfini - what do these actors all have in common? All four were snubbed for nominations despite their highly-praised performances in some of the year’s best films. Redford single-handedly helmed “All Is Lost,” while this was the last chance for the Academy to honor the late Gandolfini.
“BEST DIRECTOR” NOMINEES ARE ALL MALE
Oh wait, that’s not a surprise. We guess Kathryn Bigelow didn’t make a film in 2013. We wonder what the members of the Women’s Media Center would have to say about this…
ITM can’t wait for Sunday March 2, when the 86th Annual Academy Awards ceremony will be broadcast live from Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, at 7 EST / 4 PST on ABC and we’ll find out who wins!
That’s your latest In The Mixx Fixx!
