UPDATE: The nominations for the Actor Awards have just been announced, and the results are shocking! For the first time in years, not a single nomination was allocated to non-English-language films or performances, raising eyebrows among industry insiders and fans alike.
The SAG-AFTRA nominating committee, comprised of 2,500 members, opted to bypass expected contenders such as the acclaimed Norwegian film Sentimental Value. Many anticipated that it would land nominations in key categories, including best ensemble and individual nods for Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgard. However, these predictions fell flat, leaving audiences in disbelief.
This decision is particularly perplexing given the SAG-AFTRA’s history of recognizing international cinema. Just six years ago, the committee nominated the Korean-language film Parasite for best ensemble, which went on to win an Oscar for best picture. In contrast, this year’s nominations seem to reflect a more insular approach, as the majority of SAG-AFTRA members are based in the U.S.
In stark contrast, four films dominated this year’s nominations. One Battle After Another received at least one nomination in every category, including best actor for Leonardo DiCaprio and best actress for newcomer Chase Infiniti. Similarly,Sinners scored nominations for both best ensemble and Michael B. Jordan, alongside unexpected recognitions for supporting actors Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku.
Meanwhile, Marty Supreme surprised everyone with a nomination for supporting actress Odessa A’zion, and Hamnet garnered nominations for its cast, including Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Among the standout nominees is Jacob Elordi, whose recent win at the Critics Choice Awards enhances his chances in the best supporting actor category.
In further developments, the film Bugonia exceeded expectations, securing nominations for both Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone. However, several nominees stand alone as the only representatives from their films, including Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon and Ariana Grande for Wicked. This trend raises concerns about their Oscar prospects, as the Academy tends to favor nominees associated with best picture contenders.
Many are left questioning how films like Sentimental Value and Jay Kelly, which explore the personal challenges faced by actors, were completely overlooked. Notably, Adam Sandler, who received acclaim for his performance in Hustle, did not receive a nomination this year, further highlighting the disconnect between the SAG-AFTRA and broader industry sentiment.
As the Oscar nominations loom on January 22, 2024, all eyes will be on the Academy to see if they will diverge from SAG-AFTRA’s choices. The upcoming weeks promise to be critical as the industry anticipates the potential for surprises in Oscar nominations.
Stay tuned for more updates as reactions from the film community pour in and discussions around this year’s nominations continue to unfold!
