Netflix musical "Emilia Pérez" leads this year's Oscars nominations, with "Wicked" also among the top contenders.
"Emilia Pérez," a film about a Mexican drug lord who undergoes a gender transformation, has received a total of 13 nominations. However, one of its stars, Selena Gomez, did not make the cut.
"Wicked" has garnered 10 nominations, including recognition for British actress Cynthia Erivo and her co-star Ariana Grande.
The epic movie "The Brutalist," starring Adrien Brody, also received 10 nominations. Meanwhile, Demi Moore earned her first Oscar nomination for portraying a fading star in "The Substance."
Moore, 62, expressed her gratitude for the nomination, calling it "an incredible honor." She reflected on the current situation in Los Angeles, stating, "This is a time of incredible contrasts, and right now, my heart is with my friends, family, neighbors, and community here in LA."
In the best actor category, Sebastian Stan and Timothée Chalamet are contenders for portraying real-life figures. Brody, a previous winner, is favored to win again for his role in "The Brutalist."
The Oscar ceremony, hosted by US comedian Conan O'Brien, is scheduled for March 2nd.
The nominations were delayed due to the recent wildfires, and the organizers have highlighted that the ceremony will "reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that define Los Angeles and our industry."
"Emilia Pérez" has stirred mixed reactions but has received strong approval from Oscar voters. It's the most-nominated non-English language film, set in Mexico and largely acted in Spanish.
Karla Sofía Gascón is nominated for best actress, making history as the first trans person nominated in an acting category. Zoe Saldaña is up for best supporting actress.
"Wicked" has been a resounding success, surpassing expectations with its 10 nominations. The film features standout performances by Erivo and Grande.
Ralph Fiennes received his first nomination in 28 years for his role in "Conclave." Felicity Jones and Sir Elton John are also among the nominees.
Wallace and Gromit (Aardman Animations) are aiming for their fourth Oscar, contending for best animated feature with "Vengeance Most Fowl."
Although individuals like Pamela Anderson and Marianne Jean-Baptiste didn't secure nominations, the competition in the best actress category was fierce.
Despite the high anticipation, some notable figures like Daniel Craig and the Irish-language rappers Kneecap were overlooked by the Oscars this year.