On the right track

The Oscar nominations are finally out after what has seemed like the longest year. Yes, we all know what to blame. This week we are taking a look at the Academy Award nominations which have been praised for having diversity. They were announced by Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas via global livestream from London.

The Best Director category has a number of firsts this year. Two women are nominated for the first time; Chloé Zhao for “Nomadland” and Emerald Fennell for “Promising Young Woman.” It is also the first time we have seen an Asian woman and an Asian American man up for the prestigious award. This is all positive news for the Academy who have been accused of being a number of negative things for their nomination choices over the past few years.

The film “Mank” received the most nominations with an impressive total of ten. The movie is directed by nominee David Fincher and is based on a screenplay written by his late father Jack Fincher in the 90s. Gary Oldman plays the title role for which he has received a Best Actor nod. Starring alongside him is Amanda Seyfried who is also nominated for her performance.

Apparently there will be “no Zoom element” to the award show. We are to expect an outdoor event held at two different locations and winners will accept their awards live onstage. Again, this is good news for the Academy. Audiences need to see and feel that raw excitement for award shows again. The Oscars will be held at the end of April.