3 nominees of Filipino heritage vie in this year’s Oscars

LOS ANGELES—A Filipino-American and a Filipino-Canadian won nominations in the same category in the 91st Oscars. Both animators, the two men were among the ecstatic talents who learned on Tuesday morning (Tuesday evening, Manila time) that they snagged nods in the Academy’s 24 categories and had a chance to win the famous golden trophy.

Trevor Jimenez’s “Weekends” and Bobby Pontillas’ “One Small Step” were nominated in the best animated short film field, along with Alison Snowden and David Fine’s “Animal Behaviour,” Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb’s “Bao” and Louise Bagnall and Nuria Gonzalez Blanco’s “Late Afternoon.”

Trevor, who grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, works as a story artist at Pixar in California.

Bobby, who was nominated with his codirector Andrew Chesworth, was originally from Bremerton, Washington, and lives in Los Angeles, where he is the cofounder of Taiko Studios.

With Matthew Libatique bagging his second Oscar cinematography nomination for “A Star Is Born,” that’s a record three nominees of Filipino heritage in this year’s Academy race. Matthew earned his first cinematography citation for Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan” (which starred Natalie Portman) in 2011.

Actors Kumail Nanjiani and Tracee Ellis Ross announced the nominations at the Academy’s headquarters in Beverly Hills.

The following are the reaction quotes of some of the nominees:

Trevor Jimenez, best animated short film nominee – “Weekends”

(Via Twitter) I still can’t believe it. Thanks to all the friends and family for blowing up my phone and filling my office with balloons. You all made this moment truly special.

Trevor Jimenez —Photo grabbed from Twitter

Bobby Pontillas, best animated short film nominee – “One Small Step”

(Via Instagram, his caption to a video that recorded his reaction just before and after seeing his name during the nominations announcement) At the risk of my embarrassment at 5 a.m., I’ll put this (video) here because I couldn’t be prouder of the team that worked hard to make this film happen. It’s all due to you, guys!

Bobby Pontillas —Taiko Studios

Yalitza Aparicio, best actress nominee – “Roma”

As a daughter of a domestic worker and as an indigenous woman myself, I am proud that this movie will help those of us who feel invisible to be seen. I am eternally grateful to the Academy for recognizing “Roma.” I’m honored to be part of Alfonso’s vision.

Congratulations to Alfonso, the entire cast and crew, and my dear friend Marina De Tavira (who earned a best supporting actress nod, also for “Roma”).

Alfonso Cuaron, best picture, director, original screenplay and cinematography nominee – “Roma”

Human experience is one and the same. So it’s gratifying that a black and white film about life in Mexico is being celebrated around the world.

We are living in a great moment in cinema where diversity is embraced by audiences. This kind of visibility pushes our industry forward and creates more opportunities for new voices and perspectives to emerge.

It is a testament to how late we’re arriving to this moment, in which stories of the invisible among us—the domestic workers and indigenous women—are put at the center of our narratives.

Richard E. Grant, best supporting actor nominee – “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

For a boy growing up in Swaziland, the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, becoming an actor seemed an impossible dream, let alone being nominated for an Oscar. I am literally levitating!

Rami Malek, best actor nominee – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

I have absolutely treasured playing Freddie Mercury. I am profoundly humbled and thrilled to honor him this way.

Rami Malek — RUBEN V. NEPALES

Lady Gaga, best actress and original song nominee – “A Star Is Born”

To be recognized as the lead actress and a musician at the same time, I can’t tell you what that means to me. I just burst into tears.

Lady Gaga — RUBEN V. NEPALES

Bradley Cooper, best picture, actor and adapted screenplay nominee – “A Star Is Born”

Everyone who worked on this film truly risked putting themselves out there—in the hope that in doing so, people will connect and feel something deep and personal—the way films have made me feel since I was a kid.

Phil Lord and Chris Miller, best animated feature film nominees – “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

We’re grateful to the Academy for recognizing the work of more than 800 artists and filmmakers who came together to tell the extraordinary story of Miles Morales in a groundbreaking way.

In the last few months, we’ve heard countless stories about parents whose children looked up at them while watching the film and said, “He looks like me,” or “They speak Spanish like us,” or “I want to grow up and be like her.”

It’s such a simple concept, but that’s the reason many people worked so hard—to make a movie that was worthy of Miles and makes everyone feel powerful and seen.

Now, more than ever, the world needs everyday superheroes, and we are counting on everyone.

Sam Rockwell, best supporting actor nominee – “Vice”

Hot damn! I am so truly honored to be recognized by the Academy again this year.

Mahershala Ali, best supporting actor nominee – “Green Book”

Through Dr. Donald Shirley (whom he played), I had the gift of navigating circumstances as a profound, gifted, complicated genius. A man who had experiences and a combination of qualities I had yet to see on film.

I’m tremendously grateful for the lessons I learned through both his struggles and successes. I sincerely hope Dr. Shirley’s music and his unique contribution to our culture continue to be discovered, shared and appreciated.

Mahershala Ali —RUBEN V. NEPALES

Adam Driver, best supporting actor nominee – “BlacKkKlansman”

It’s surreal, to say the least. I’m humbled and thankful to the Academy and feel very privileged to represent this film in a setting such as this, especially with Spike Lee, Barry Brown and Terence Blanchard. Three people whose past collaborations have been an inspiration in my life.

I’m so grateful to the crew, the cast, especially my friend John David Washington, and Spike for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a film that is equal parts joy and primal scream.

Getting to work with people you admire and respect is a miracle in and of itself, but when it connects on a larger scale like this, it’s hard to articulate.