‘Emilia Pérez’ and ‘Wicked’ Take Center Stage in Oscar Shortlists
The road to the 97th Academy Awards is heating up as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its shortlists in 10 categories on Tuesday. Notable contenders in documentary, international feature, original song, and score are now one step closer to Hollywood’s most coveted honor.
Two musicals, “Emilia Pérez” and “Wicked,” have emerged as strong contenders, earning recognition in multiple categories.
“Emilia Pérez” Shines Bright
Netflix’s daring transgender drug-lord drama, “Emilia Pérez,” leads the charge with mentions in international feature, original score, sound, hair and makeup, and two original songs—“Mi Camino” and “El Mal,” the latter performed by Zoe Saldaña.
“Wicked” Gains Momentum
The highly anticipated adaptation of the Broadway hit “Wicked” is also making waves. While ineligible for original songs due to its source material, the film secured spots in hair and makeup, original score, sound, and visual effects.
Spotlight on Original Songs
This year’s original song category features an eclectic mix of artists:
- Pharrell Williams for “Piece by Piece”
- Lainey Wilson for “Out of Oklahoma” from “Twisters”
- Elton John and Brandi Carlile for “Never Too Late”
- Robbie Williams for “Forbidden Road” from “Better Man”
Diane Warren, a 15-time nominee, is eyeing her 16th nod for her song in “The Six Triple Eight.” Nicholas Britell’s “Winter Coat,” performed by Saoirse Ronan in “Blitz,” and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Tell Me It’s You” from “Mufasa: The Lion King” also made the cut.
Documentary Features in the Spotlight
Fifteen documentaries advanced to the next round, including:
- “The Bibi Files”
- “Daughters”
- “Dahomey”
- “Frida”
- “Union”
- “No Other Land”
International Feature Film Highlights
Among the 15 international features advancing are:
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- “I’m Still Here” (Brazil)
- “Universal Language” (Canada)
- “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (Germany)
- “Kneecap” (Ireland)
- “Flow” (Latvia)
- “Dahomey” (Senegal)
Below-the-Line Contenders
Celebrating the technical and artistic crafts, below-the-line categories feature some unexpected nominees:
- “Deadpool & Wolverine” for sound and visual effects
- “Alien: Romulus” for sound and score
- “Dune: Part Two” for visual effects, sound, and hair and makeup, though Hans Zimmer’s score was deemed ineligible due to overlap with the first “Dune.”
Zimmer did, however, secure a spot for “Blitz.” Other notable composers advancing include Danny Elfman (“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”), Kris Bowers (“The Wild Robot”), and Bryce Dessner (“Sing Sing”).
What’s Next?
Shortlists are determined by Academy members within specific branches, employing various methods, including committees and minimum viewing requirements.
The race now narrows as the final five nominees in each category will be revealed on January 17. The 97th Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place on Sunday, March 2, airing on ABC and streaming live on Hulu.
