The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were announced amidst ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, impacting the film industry. Notably, Canadian filmmakers and stories received recognition in several categories, including Best Documentary.
Leading the nominations was "Emilia Pérez," a Spanish-language film directed by Jacques Audiard, which garnered 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Oscar. Close behind with 10 nominations was "Wicked," a film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, featuring nominations for Best Picture and acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Another film, "The Brutalist," directed by Brady Corbet, also received 10 nominations, including Best Picture and acting nominations for its leads, Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. Canadian filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat, along with journalist Emily Kassie, was nominated for Best Documentary for "Sugarcane," which investigates the history of abuse at a British Columbia residential school. The filmmakers expressed gratitude for the nomination, highlighting the film's significance in addressing ongoing trauma.
Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Two" is in contention for Best Picture, continuing the story of Paul Atreides from the previous installment. Additionally, Linda Muir from Toronto received a nomination for Best Costume Design for her work on "Nosferatu," a remake of the classic horror film.
Reactions from nominees varied, with many expressing gratitude and excitement on social media. The full list of nominations includes a diverse selection of films across various categories, underscoring the breadth of talent recognized this year.