On November 21, the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the qualifying lists of films that have been submitted for consideration for the 97th Academy Awards. This highly anticipated event, also known as the Oscars, is considered the most prestigious award ceremony in the film industry.
The Academy has released a total of 366 films that are eligible for nomination in various categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor/Actress. This year’s list includes a diverse range of films from different genres, languages, and countries, showcasing the global impact of cinema.
One of the most notable films on the list is «The Irishman» directed by Martin Scorsese. This epic crime drama, starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, has received critical acclaim and is considered a strong contender for multiple nominations. Another highly anticipated film is «Joker» directed by Todd Phillips, which has already broken records at the box office and has received praise for Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as the iconic villain.
In addition to these big-budget productions, the list also includes independent and foreign language films that have made a significant impact on audiences and critics alike. «Parasite» directed by Bong Joon-ho, a South Korean dark comedy-thriller, has been receiving rave reviews and is expected to be a strong contender in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
The Academy has also made efforts to increase diversity and representation in this year’s nominations. Films like «Harriet» directed by Kasi Lemmons, which tells the story of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, and «Crazy Rich Asians» directed by Jon M. Chu, a romantic comedy with an all-Asian cast, have been included in the list, showcasing the Academy’s commitment to recognizing diverse voices in the industry.
The qualifying lists also include documentaries, animated films, and short films, highlighting the Academy’s recognition of the diverse forms of storytelling in the film industry. This year’s list features a record number of documentaries, including «Apollo 11» directed by Todd Douglas Miller, which chronicles the historic moon landing, and «For Sama» directed by Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts, a powerful documentary about the Syrian civil war.
The Academy’s announcement of the qualifying lists has sparked excitement and anticipation among filmmakers, critics, and audiences. The final nominations will be announced on January 13, 2020, and the winners will be revealed at the star-studded ceremony on February 9, 2020.
The Oscars not only recognize the best in film but also serve as a platform to celebrate the art of storytelling and its impact on society. It is a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and creativity of filmmakers from all around the world. As we eagerly await the final nominations and the ceremony itself, let us appreciate the power of cinema to entertain, inspire, and unite us all.
