The 93rd Oscars to be held on the 26th of April this year, is applauded for celebrating diversity this year.  The Academy Awards was previously criticized for its lack of diversity, leading to many actors boycotting the awards publicly, other celebrities turned to social media stating they would not attend the event due to the lack of diversity.  The voting body has vastly expanded over the past year, with more than 800 new members, after actress Cynthia Erivo was previously the only non-white acting nominee and no female directors were mentioned. 

 A total of nine actors of colour have been nominated this year, with two female directors receiving recognition for the first time, including Steven Yeun, who is now the first Asian American to receive a nomination in the best actor category for his work in Minari. Chloe Zhao is the first woman of colour to be nominated for best director for the drama “Nomadland”, also nominated in the same category is female director Emerald Fenell for the thriller/comedy “Promising Young Woman”. Making it the first time two females are nominated in this category. 

Nominations this year are led by biographical drama “Mank”, with 10 nominations, including best actor and best film directed by David Fincher. “The Father” followed closely behind with seven nominations.  Amongst the 20 nominations, nine of the actors are of colour, but specifically pointing out the best male category, a category previously white-dominated, changed history by having this category celebrated with more men of colour.

Nominations in the best male category include; Steven Yeun (Minari) who is the first Asian American to receive a nomination; Chadwick Boseman (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) who received a posthumous nomination; and Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) who is the first Muslim actor to be given a nod in the category.  

Female nominees include best actress in a leading role Viola Davis (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) and Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday). 

The awards really stretched it this year, allowing movies that debuted on a streaming service without a theatrical run, eligible for some of the industry’s most prestigious recognition. Netflix leading this category, with 35 nominations. 

A show to look forward to this, apart from the red-carpet fashion, it’s highly anticipated this year.