The reformation of the 2019 Oscars: Nominations
More stories from Anthony Howard
The 91st Academy Awards, rather known as the Oscars, are approaching in the upcoming month, cultivating anticipation regarding the Academy’s nominations. Announcing this year’s nominations with aid from Kumail Nanjiani and Tracee Ellis Ross, social media outlets were plastered with the lengthy list of movies and songs that were able to collect recognition. What could have turned into another #OscarsSoWhite protest took a revolutionary turn instead, as popular, transformative films in Hollywood scored big.
In the year of 2018, films garnered attention and brought needed change within the entertainment business and movie culture. Prior to the entrance of “Black Panther,” African Americans, let alone other people of color, were rarely displayed on screen in positive, affirmative contexts. With the introduction of the Marvel blockbuster, Hollywood would finally understand the importance of representation and that minority characters generate box office success.
Speaking of “Black Panther,” this is the first Marvel production, along with the first superhero movie, to earn a nomination for best picture. In total, the film earned seven nominations.
A plethora of underrepresented actors, directors, and producers acquired nomination(s) for their groundbreaking work. According to The New York Times, “After more than 30 years and some two dozen films, Spike Lee received his first Academy Award nomination for best director for “BlacKkKlansman.” It’s also the first time one of his movies has been nominated for best picture.”
With the introduction of the Marvel blockbuster, Hollywood would finally understand the importance of representation and that minority characters generate box office success.
The media powerhouse, Netflix, has even gained 10 nominations for their film “Roma,” making history as the first best picture by them.
“A Star Is Born,” a fourth remake of the classic, musical tale, has become the first adaptation of the film to earn a best picture nomination.
With these historical achievements, this year’s Oscars will be one to remember, if not for their diverse nominations, but the fact that no one will be hosting this year as well.
The 91st Academy Awards will premiere on Feb. 24 at 5p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on ABC.
