Oscar nominations 2024: Academy Award surprises, snubs and reality checks

The 96th Academy Awards might mark Oscars' big comeback year, with Oppenheimer and Barbie leading nominations, and three women-directed Best Picture nominees.

The 96th Academy Awards may mark a triumphant return for the Oscars, despite the declining ratings of other major awards shows. This year's nominations reflect a shift in the industry, with the biggest box-office performers also leading the Academy's nominations. "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" are among the top contenders, with 14 and 10 nods, respectively. Notably, Greta Gerwig was snubbed for Best Director, despite her significant impact on the success of "Barbenheimer."

The Academy made gender history by nominating three movies directed by women for Best Picture, a significant milestone in the industry. Cord Jefferson's "American Fiction" and Jonathan Glazer's "The Zone of Interest" also received multiple nominations, surprising audiences and critics alike. Korean-Canadian filmmaker Celine Song's "Past Lives" continued to earn awards buzz throughout the year, ultimately earning a Best Picture nomination.

The Best Supporting Actor race was notably competitive, with several standout performances vying for recognition. However, there were some notable omissions, including Glenn Howerton's performance in "BlackBerry" and the stacked cast of "Poor Things." Despite critical acclaim, Andrew Haigh's "All of Us Strangers" and Ava DuVernay's "Origin" failed to earn any Oscar nods, marking a missed opportunity for the recognition of outstanding work in the industry.

Overall, the 2024 Oscar nominations reflect a changing landscape in Hollywood, with a focus on diverse voices and impactful storytelling. While there were some surprises and disappointments, the nominations showcase the talent and creativity of filmmakers and actors in the industry. As the awards season progresses, audiences can look forward to celebrating the best in film and recognizing the achievements of those who have made a lasting impact on the industry.