2014 Blog 1: Oscar Nominees

Early Wednesday morning, January the 16th 2014, the long months of anxious waiting and hoping were ended. Oscar nominees for the 86^th celebration of Hollywood’s best and brightest were announced, inciting buzz and excitement around the world (#Oscar is currently the top trending item on Twitter, with over 311.7K tweets). As expected, A-list dramedy American Hustle scored big, with 10 nominations in all categories. 12 Years a Slave, Gravity and Wolf of Wall Street also received a few nods. However, many fan favorites and terrific actors were snubbed, including Tom Hanks as Best Actor and Blackfish as Best Documentary.

2013 seemed to be the year of heavy-handed themes (think slavery, crime, unrequited love, greed, and evil). Although there was much cause for tears among cinemas this past film year, it was also a good time for animation. Best Animation film nominees include (no surprise) Disney darling Frozen, Despicable Me 2, and The Croods (which was apparently favored over Monster’s University). 

Of course, the Oscars wouldn’t be the Oscars if not for the best actor/actress. This year’s Best Actors in a Leading Role category includes: Christian Bale (American Hustle), Bruce Dern (Nebraska- a surprising entry), Leonardo DiCaprio (Wolf of Wall Street), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), and Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club).  Best Actress in a Leading Role nominees are: Amy Adams (American Hustle), Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine), Judi Dench (Philomena), Sandra Bullock (Gravity), and Meryl Streep (August: Osage County).

Though there are many different awards presented to many different categories, a few of the broader ones are things such as Cinematography, Hair and Makeup, Special Effects, and Best Score (Coldplay’s Atlas was majorly snubbed in that category). And of course, many foreign films and actors are to be honored at the Oscars as well.

In the spirit of celebrating the film industry, the actors/actresses who have passed on this last year will be recognized and mourned. Talented stars such as Cory Monteith, James Gandalfini, Paul Walker, Marcia Wallace, Ed Lauter, and Lisa Robin Kelly will be remembered and honored for their roles in films as well as society. It will surely be a cause for tears within the audience and across America.

With a dazzling ensemble, many talented actors/actresses lined up for a win, and Ellen DeGeneres hosting, the 86^th annual Academy Awards is sure to be a night to remember.
Lists of the nominees and categories can be found here: http://oscar.go.com/nominees

-Lauren Sonik, TPP profiles writer