The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the nominees for the 95th Academy Awards, and as always, there are a few surprises and snubs among the nominees. However, one trend that stands out this year is the return of the blockbuster film to the Oscar race.

Blockbusters are Back in the Oscar Race

After a few years of indie films and smaller productions dominating the nominations, the 2023 Oscar race is seeing a resurgence of big-budget films. Leading the pack is “Jurassic World: Dominion,” which earned nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and several technical categories. The film, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide, marks the first time a “Jurassic Park” film has been nominated for Best Picture.

Another blockbuster film that earned multiple nominations is “Avengers: Endgame.” The final installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe earned nominations for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Original Score. The film, which grossed over $2 billion worldwide, is the first superhero film to be nominated for Best Picture.

First-Timers Rule the Acting Categories

While the blockbuster films may be dominating the technical categories, the acting categories are being dominated by first-time nominees. In the Best Actor category, Timothee Chalamet earned a nomination for his role in “Little Women,” while Anthony Hopkins earned a nomination for his role in “The Father.” In the Best Actress category, Frances McDormand earned a nomination for her role in “Nomadland,” while Carey Mulligan earned a nomination for her role in “Promising Young Woman.”

Notable Snubs

As with any awards show, there are always a few snubs among the nominees. One notable snub this year is “Tenet,” which earned only a single nomination for Best Visual Effects. The film, which grossed over $363 million worldwide, was expected to earn multiple nominations, including a nod for Best Picture.

Another notable snub is “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” which earned only two nominations, for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Sacha Baron Cohen. The film, which received widespread critical acclaim, was expected to earn multiple nominations, including a nod for Best Picture.

Conclusion

The 2023 Oscar nominations are a mix of surprises and snubs, with blockbusters returning to the Oscar race and first-time nominees dominating the acting categories. While there may be a few notable snubs, the nominees showcase the breadth and diversity of films being produced in the industry today.