Despite securing nominations for best actor, best actress, best production design, best costume design and best hair and makeup, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was left off the best picture list.
This year the Academy filled only eight of the possible 10 spots for best picture, leading some to wonder why “Ma Rainey’s” wasn’t included on the ballot.
In 2009, the Academy amended its nomination rules so that up to 10 films could be nominated for best picture. However, the awards ceremony doesn’t always utilize all 10 spots.
Since the rule change went into effect, there have always been at least eight nominees in the category.
Surprise: LaKeith Stanfield
Co-star Daniel Kaluuya has been sweeping the awards season for his role in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” so it was a bit of a surprise when LaKeith Stanfield garnered a best supporting actor nomination alongside him.
Stanfield’s nomination is much deserved, but many had seen his role in the film as the lead, sparking questions about why he was nominated in the supporting category.
After all, Stanfield plays William O’Neal, a man who infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to gather intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton (Kaluuya). Stanfield’s O’Neal bookends the film with moments that call back to an interview he gave about his time in the Black Panthers.
What makes this turn of events even more strange is that Warner Bros. actually campaigned for Stanfield as lead actor and Kaluuya as the supporting actor.
Snub: ‘One Night in Miami’
Many had expected the Academy to rewrite the wrongs done to “One Night in Miami” at the Golden Globes. However, in addition to snubbing King for director, the Academy left the film off the best picture ballot.
In total, “One Night in Miami” garnered three nominations; one for Leslie Odom Jr. in a best supporting role, one for best song and one for best adapted screenplay.
Surprise: Steven Yeun
Steven Yeun became the first Asian-American actor to ever be recognized in the best actor category. Yeun, who had been snubbed at the Golden Globes, earned his nomination for his work in “Minari.”
Yeun and fellow nominee Ahmed are the first actors of Asian descent to be nominated in the category. Ahmed, who is of Pakistani descent, is also the first Muslim to garner a nomination for best actor.
Snub: ‘The Mauritanian’
“The Mauritanian” failed to garner a single Oscar nomination despite critical praise and several nods at the Golden Globes. Jodie Foster secured a Globe win as best supporting actress, but didn’t get an Oscar mention.
Surprise: ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ up for best song
When “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” debuted on Netflix last June, many viewers were left humming the melody to “Husavik (My Hometown).” Few, if any, would have thought nine months later, it would be nominated for an Oscar.
The half-English, half-Icelandic power ballad is up against songs from “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “The Life Ahead,” “One Night in Miami” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
