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This is the one event that cinephiles world over wait with bated breath – Academy Awards nomination announcement. It defines the future of filmmaking and validates the hard work put in by directors, actors, cast and crew to weave a tale for the silver screen (or LED screens). 2021 marks the 93rd year for Academy Awards, popularly known as Oscars, and the nominations are out!
Hosted by one of world’s most beloved couples in showbiz – Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas – the nomination announcement saw films, actors, directors from various ethnic backgrounds and cultural landscape hit the limelight. It was an exciting night even more special with Priyanka dazzling in a Greta Constantine royal blue dress paired with neon pink pumps by Christian Louboutin, and Nick, who’s look was inspired by the Oscars’ statue, wearing a golden Dolce and Gabbana suit paired with white buckle shoes.
While the list was of course huge, we picked 10 movies for you to watch out at this year’s Oscars.
Mank
Set up in 30s Hollywood, David Flincher's Mank starring Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, and Lily Collins, takes you to the world of Citizen Kane, and the famous controversy around its screenplay. The movie has bagged multiple nominations including, costume design, original score, sound, production design, cinematography, makeup and hairstyling and best picture. Moreover, while Oldman and Seyfried have been nominated for best actor and best supporting actress categories respectively, Flincher has made it to the best director nomination list.
Soul
Nominated for the best animated feature film, original score and sound; Soul shows the life of a New York based jazz pianist who soon after getting his big break, meets with an accident and lands up in a world before life on planet earth. Directed by Pete Docter of Inside Out, Monster Inc, and Up, the characters of the film have been given voices by stars Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey and Graham Norton.
News of the World
Tom Hanks starrer News of the World – a book adaptation of Paulette Jiles’ 2016 novel -- is a story of a Civil War veteran and an abducted girl, who travel hundreds of miles and overcome dangerous obstacles, to reach a safe place. The film has been nominated for best original score, sound, production design and cinematography.
Nomadland
Chloe Zhao directed Nomadland starring Frances McDormand, David Strathairn and Linda May, is the story of a woman's journey through the American West, living the van life, after losing everything in the Great Recession in the 1930s. The film has bagged Oscar nominations in best adapted screenplay, film editing, cinematography, and picture. Moreover, while McDormand has been nominated for best actress in a leading role, Zhao has made it to the list of nominations for best director.
Sound of Metal
Directed by Darius Marder, Sound of Metal portrays actor Riz Ahmed as a heavy metal drummer whose life goes topsy-turvy when he begins to lose his hearing power. Apart from putting Ahmed in the list of nominations for best actor in a leading role and Paul Raci for supporting role, the film has also bagged nominations for best original screenplay, sound, film editing and picture.
Judas and the Black Messiah
A biographical drama revolving around the assassination of American activist Fred Hampton back in the 60s, Judas and the Black Messiah has managed to score six nominations, including best adapted screenplay, cinematography, best picture, original song for Fight for you, and best actors in supporting role for Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield.
The White Tiger
Adarsh Gaurav, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajkumar Rao starrer The White Tiger, shows an Indian driver's journey of escape from poverty. A book adaptation of author Aravind Adiga's New York Time's bestseller and 2008 Man Booker Prize winner novel, the film has been nominated for best adapted screenplay.
The United States vs Billie Holiday
After already winning the Golden Globes 2021 for best actress for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the film The United States vs Billie Holiday, actor Andra Day has now scored a nomination in the same category at this year's Oscars as well. The film follows the iconic jazz singer through all the ups and downs she faced in her career.
The Father
Based on director Florian Zeller's 2012 play, Le Perie, the film is a story of a father-daughter duo with the former refusing all assistance from the latter in his old age as his dementia worsens. Best picture, adapted screenplay, production design, and film editing, are some of the awards it has been nominated for. Moreover, British actors Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman have made it to the list of nominations for best actor in a leading role, and best actress in a supporting role respectively.
Minari
Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, Minari is the story of a Korean American family's struggles to settle in a new place and work towards achieving its dreams. The film has been nominated for best original score, original screenplay, and best picture. While actors Steven Yeun and Yuh-Jung Youn have been nominated for best actor in a leading role and best actress in a supporting role respectively, Chung has made it to the list of nominations for best director.
The award ceremony for the 93rd Academy Awards will be held on April 25, 2021 (April 26, 2021, in India) at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, and downtown L.A.'s Union Station, Los Angeles, USA. Predict your winners now!
Photo: Instagram/Priyanka Chopra