The nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, were announced on March 15, 2021, and as always, there were a few surprises and snubs to talk about. The Oscars are the most prestigious awards in the film industry, and every year, there is much debate and speculation over who will and who won’t receive a nomination.
One of the biggest surprises of this year’s nominations was the recognition of the film “Minari,” directed by Lee Isaac Chung. The film, a tender and poignant family drama about a Korean-American family trying to make a new life in rural Arkansas, received six nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Many had expected “Minari” to be overlooked, but its strong showing was a pleasant surprise for many in the industry.
Another pleasant surprise was the nomination of Steven Yeun for Best Actor for his role in “Minari.” Yeun is the first Asian-American to be nominated in this category, and his performance in the film has been widely praised. His nomination is a significant step forward in terms of diversity and representation in the industry.
Another unexpected nomination was that of “Sound of Metal” for Best Picture and Best Actor for Riz Ahmed. The film, which revolves around a heavy metal drummer who loses his hearing, has been hailed for its powerful storytelling and the outstanding performance of Ahmed. Many had not anticipated “Sound of Metal” to receive such high-profile nominations, but its inclusion in these categories has been widely welcomed.
On the other hand, there were some notable snubs in this year’s nominations. Perhaps the most talked-about snub was the absence of Delroy Lindo from the Best Actor category for his performance in “Da 5 Bloods.” Lindo’s performance has been highly praised, and it was widely expected that he would receive a nomination. His omission has sparked debates about whether the Academy is still overlooking performances from Black actors.
Another surprising snub was the absence of “One Night in Miami” from the Best Picture category. The film, directed by Regina King, was widely regarded as a strong contender for a Best Picture nomination, but it ultimately missed out. Some critics and industry insiders have expressed disappointment over the film’s omission, believing it to be a significant oversight by the Academy.
In conclusion, the 2021 Oscar nominations have once again generated a lot of discussion and debate within the film industry and among viewers. While there were some pleasant surprises, such as the recognition of “Minari” and “Sound of Metal,” there were also some notable snubs, including Delroy Lindo and “One Night in Miami.” As the Oscars ceremony approaches, the anticipation and excitement continue to build, and we will have to wait and see who will ultimately take home the awards on April 25th, 2021.