After delays caused by devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards nominations will proceed on Thursday morning at 8:30 AM ET. Despite the challenges, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences aims to honor the resilience and creativity of the film industry.

The nominations will be announced through multiple platforms, including Oscar.com, Oscars.org, social media, Disney+, Hulu, and ABC’s Good Morning America. Actors Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott will present the nominations.

Wildfires and Their Impact on Hollywood

Initially scheduled for January 17, the nominations were postponed after the wildfires on January 7 ravaged areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena, causing historic destruction. The Academy extended the voting window to accommodate those affected.

Despite calls to cancel the Oscars, Academy leaders insisted the March 2 ceremony must go on to support Los Angeles’ economy and symbolize the industry’s resilience. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang stated the event will reflect recent hardships while celebrating unity in global filmmaking.

However, the usual glitz of award season has been scaled back:

• The annual nominees’ luncheon was canceled.
• Other events were postponed or downsized.
• Original song performances will not take place this year.

Comedian Conan O’Brien, whose home narrowly escaped the fires, is set to host the event.

What to Watch for in the Nominations

1. A Wide-Open Best Picture Race

Unlike past years, no clear favorite has emerged. Four films have secured nominations from major guilds:

• “Anora”
• “Conclave”
• “Emilia Pérez”
• “A Complete Unknown”

They are expected to be joined by:

• Golden Globe-winner “The Brutalist”
• Blockbuster musical “Wicked”
• Sci-fi sequel “Dune: Part Two”

Other contenders for the 10 spots include:

• “A Real Pain”
• “The Substance”
• Potential surprises like “Sing Sing,” “September 5,” or “Nickel Boys”

Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” is expected to dominate with the most nominations, possibly setting a new record for non-English language films.

2. Best Actress: Tough Competition

This year’s Best Actress category is packed with talent. Likely nominees include:

• Demi Moore (The Substance)
• Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
• Mikey Madison (Anora)
• Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez)

The fifth spot is up for grabs among:

• Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
• Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths)
• Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl)

Notably absent might be heavyweights like Nicole Kidman (Babygirl) or Angelina Jolie (Maria).

3. History in the Making?

Karla Sofía Gascón, the star of “Emilia Pérez,” could become the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Oscar. In the film, Gascón plays a drug lord who transitions into a woman, a dual role that has captivated audiences.

Reflecting on the possibility of making history, Gascón said:

“If it happens, I’d be so grateful. If it doesn’t, I’ll go back to my life. I’ll play with cats, see my family, and work on other projects.”

4. The Controversial “The Apprentice”

One of the boldest films of 2024, “The Apprentice,” explores former President Donald Trump’s early career in real estate under attorney Roy Cohn. With Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn, both are on the fringe of Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor nominations. Trump, unsurprisingly, labeled the filmmakers “human scum.”

5. Will Best Director Be All Male Again?

The Best Director category has seen progress in recent years, but this year might revert to an all-male lineup, including:

• Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
• Sean Baker (Anora)
• Edward Berger (Conclave)
• Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
• James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)

Potential female contenders include:

• Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light)
• Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)

Big-budget filmmakers like Jon M. Chu (Wicked) and Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two) could also break into the mix.

The Road Ahead

The nominations announcement will set the stage for an Academy Awards season shaped by resilience, creativity, and hope in the face of adversity. Stay tuned for Thursday’s reveal and the surprises it may bring.

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