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Earlier today, the Academy announced the nominations for the 2019 Academy Awards. As per usual, a number of Oscar debates sparked up on Twitter and in other circles in which these nominations are dissected. Everyone has their feels, but let's keep it real: What are the biggest takeaways?
For some, there were triumphs—Spike Lee and Black Panther successfully edged their way into the machine. For others (Hereditary, Widows), the Academy showed no love whatsoever. It was also a huge year for Netflix, which bet big on Roma and will start cashing in on that investment relatively soon. It wasn't a surprising nominations batch, but there are some interesting things coming out of it.
As we prep for the Oscars ceremony (which takes place on February 24), here's a look at the biggest takeaways from this year's Oscars nominations. Take some notes and show up to your debates informed.
Toni Collette, 'Hereditary' Getting Zero Nominations
While horror doesn't always get the recognition it deserves during AWARDS SZN, Toni Collette's intense performance in A24's Hereditary not getting Academy recognition is troubling. She easily could've bumped a few of those Best Actress nominees for her portrayal of a mother grieving in a mysteriously horrific home. One of these days, the Academy will put some respect on horror's name.
Spike Lee Getting His First Best Picture, Best Director Nominations
While the legend Spike Lee has been releasing feature films since 1985, you can count the number of Oscar nods he's been given on one hand: nominations for Best Original Screenplay (Do the Right Thing) and Best Documentary Feature (4 Little Girls), and an Academy Honorary Award. Insane, right? Well, 2019 has rectified that, with Spike's BlacKkKlansman getting nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. For some, this feels like the year Spike could take the Oscar home. He has some strong competition, but the White Guilt factor might make Lee a deserved shoo-in for the Best Director Oscar, at the very least.
Several Major Snubs for 'If Beale Street Could Talk'
Barry Jenkins' first film since the Best Picture-winning Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk, seems to have been left out of a number of key categories. Sure, it netted three nominations (including Best Supporting Actress, which we're going to assume Regina King will grab), but Barry not getting a Best Director nomination is foul. More importantly, this is one of the most beautifully shot films of 2018—there's no recognition in the Best Cinematography category? Just some things to point out.
'Roma' Scores Big for Netflix
While far from a surprise, Netflix scored BIG with Roma, which netted multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Original Screenplay. This would mark the first time that Netflix has received a Best Picture nomination, which feels like what they were going out for off the rip. The film could end up winning big for the streaming service, working wonders for their future as an all-around entertainment hub.
The Lack of Love for 'Widows'
Color us biased, but we had Widows atop our Best Movies of 2018 picks for a reason. Steve McQueen brought the pizazz to the heist genre, with the likes of Viola Davis, Brian Tyree Henry, and Daniel Kaluuya bringing the ruckus in their respective roles. No Best Director or Best Picture? That's fine. Can we show some love to Viola for putting that entire film on her back?
'Black Panther' Makes History
Black Panther grabbed seven nominations at this year's Oscars, including Best Picture, which is a first for ANY superhero film. That's a major feather in Marvel's cap (and the result of their tireless Oscars campaign). It's interesting to note that not only did they NOT get any actor/actress nominations (Michael B. Jordan could've been a solid Supporting Actor), but Ryan Coogler didn't get a Best Director nomination. Progress is progress, though, amirite?