Meryl, Viola, Denzel, Matt set Oscar records
Meryl Streep —AP
LOS ANGELES – By the time the 89th Oscars nominations announcement was done last Monday, pals Meryl Streep and Viola Davis had one more thing in common: they are Academy record holders.
With her third nomination for “Fences,” Viola became the most Oscar-nominated black actress. “Thank you to the Academy for recognizing this extraordinary film and my work in it.”
After bagging her 20th nomination, courtesy of “Florence Foster Jenkins,” Meryl boosted her status as the talent with the most nods. Through the film’s studio, Paramount, she sent a GIF, showing her dancing (from a Paul McCartney music video), as her wordless reaction to the nod.
Mr. Donald Trump, for an “overrated” actress, that sure is quite a number of nods.
Best supporting actor nominee (for Tom Ford’s “Nocturnal Animals”) Michael Shannon slyly dissed Trump’s reference to “American carnage” in his grim inauguration speech: “Nice to get some good news in the midst of all the carnage, so to speak.”
Also thanks to “Fences,” Denzel Washington bolstered his record as the black actor with the most nominations—seven.
Denzel Washington —AFP
The early morning announcement also answered the question posed by this columnist last November: Will Lin-Manuel Miranda earn an Academy citation and come closer to joining EGOT, the elite circle of talents who have won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards?
With his best original song citation for “How Far I’ll Go” (from “Moana”), the actor-singer-composer has a chance to be welcomed by EGOT members, Robert Lopez and Whoopi Goldberg, into their circle of only 12 members.
But standing in Lin-Manuel’s way are equally strong nominees, including Justin Timberlake, Sting and the formidable trio from “La La Land”: Justin Hurwitz, Justin Paul and Benj Pasek. That’s a lot of Justins in the “Hamilton” composer’s way.
“La La Land” pulled away with 14 nominations, tying “Titanic” and “All About Eve” as the movies with the most Academy nods.
Lin-Manuel brought up the geek in him in his reaction to his first Oscar nomination: “I spent a good chunk of my childhood memorizing Billy Crystal’s musical Oscar monologues, so this is insane. Seeing ‘The Little Mermaid’ changed my life at 9 years old. So, to work with its directors, Ron Clements and John Musker on ‘Moana’ has been a dream come true.
“Congratulations to this morning’s incredible nominees. And future congratulations to the kids watching the telecast this year, singing along with their favorite songs, performing private concerts for the mirror with a comb or toothbrush microphone. You’re next.”
Speaking of toothbrush, the Academy—in a surprise move —decided to do away with its traditional live nominations announcement at its headquarters. Instead, the nods were bared in a pretaped video package via a global live stream.
We still had to wake up at dawn to watch the announcement, but we no longer had to dress up and drive to 90210. So there we were at home, unbrushed, in a tattered, faded shirt and well-worn pajama pants, following the proceedings while eating pan de sal and Libby’s Vienna Sausage.
But of course, it was nothing like the excitement of seeing several actors read the nominations before media people from around the world at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
Matt Damon —AFP
Matt Damon joined another Academy club. With his best picture nod as the producer of “Manchester by the Sea,” he’s in the company of George Clooney and Warren Beatty—only three individuals who were nominated in the acting, writing and picture categories.
Lav Diaz, noted for the epic length of his films, should be heartened by the documentary feature nomination of ESPN’s “OJ: Made in America,” which is seven hours and 47 minutes long.
Thomas Newman’s 14th original score nomination for “Passengers” is certainly a feat, increasing the total Oscar nods of the Newman family (Alfred, Lionel, Emil, Thomas, David and Randy) to 90. No other family can claim that distinction.
Unfortunately, Thomas has never won that coveted golden trophy. Maybe the 14th nod is the lucky charm?
We’ll find out on Feb. 26 when the Oscars show, to be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel for the first time, takes place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Jimmy Kimmel Photo courtesy of AMPAS
More nominees’ reaction quotes below:
Best actress
Emma Stone, “La La Land”: What a morning. The greatest part of life is connecting with people. I love the deeply talented, kind and passionate people I was lucky enough to work with on this movie.
I’m also overjoyed that the movie has connected with audiences in the way it has, and that it’s hopefully putting a kick in their step to those who watch it.
Ruth Negga, “Loving”: I thank the Academy for this recognition, which I share with my collaborators Jeff Nichols (director) and Joel Edgerton.
It has been such an honor to have been given the opportunity to tell the incredible story of Richard and Mildred Loving, who serve as an inspiration that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. The Lovings fought quietly yet tirelessly, and changed the course of American legal history.
Best actor
Ryan Gosling, “La La Land”: It was a true collaboration, so to see everyone else’s wonderful work on the film acknowledged so generously makes it even more special.
Denzel Washington, “Fences”: Thank you to the Academy for this wonderful recognition, and for honoring August Wilson’s brilliant words.
I am just lucky to have been entrusted with this project and to have the chance to work with the amazing Viola Davis and the rest of my talented cast and crew.
Viola Davis —AFP
Best supporting actress
Naomie Harris, “Moonlight”: The film is touching many hearts at a time when people are seeking compassion and connection in the world.
It has truly been an honor to share Barry Jenkins’ (director) and Tarell McCraney’s (screenwriter) beautiful journey.
Nicole Kidman, “Lion”: I want to thank the Brierley family (adoptive family portrayed in the film) for putting themselves in such a vulnerable place and sharing their story with the world. And thanks to Garth Davis (director) for putting his heart and soul into all of us. Woo hoo!
Best supporting actor
Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight”: I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to contribute in some small way to both “Moonlight” and “Hidden Figures.”
The most one can ask for in this work is to have a presence in projects that entertain, yet still hold a space to educate, inform and uplift. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Best director
Damien Chazelle, “La La Land”: I am thrilled that the Academy is celebrating the work of Emma and Ryan, who brought these characters to life with such humanity and depth, and also the work of my college roommate Justin (Hurwitz), who created the beautiful music.
As a filmmaker, you are only as strong as the team around you and so to share this moment and recognition with my brilliant team—Tom, Linus, Mary, Benj, Justin, David, Sandy, Milly, Ai-Ling, Andy and Steve—the people who worked so hard and tirelessly and collaborated so creatively, is more than I could ask for.
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