Surprises and Snubs in 2024 Oscar Nominations: Bradley Cooper and Greta Gerwig Miss Best Director Nods

The 96th Academy Awards nominations were revealed today, showcasing outstanding performances in a year filled with cinematic brilliance. However, it’s not without some surprises and notable omissions.

by TAUHID SHAH: January 23: Tuesday: 10:48 PM | 2024 Updated.

One of the noticeable snubs in the Best Actor category is Leonardo DiCaprio, who didn’t secure a nomination for his lead role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Similarly, Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore were left unrecognized for their contributions to “May December,” along with emerging star Charles Melton.

In the highly competitive Best Actress category, we see past winner Emma Stone in “Poor Things,” Carey Mulligan in “Maestro,” Annette Bening in “Nyad,” and newcomers Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) and Sandra Hüller (“Anatomy of a Fall”). However, Margot Robbie, Greta Lee, Cailee Spaeny, Fantasia Barrino, and Michelle Williams were notably absent.

The Supporting Actress division includes Emily Blunt for “Oppenheimer,” America Ferrera for “Barbie,” Danielle Brooks for “The Color Purple,” Jodie Foster for “Nyad,” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph for “The Holdovers.” Surprisingly not in the mix were Rosamund Pike, Penelope Cruz, Rachel McAdams, Claire Foy, Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson, Juliette Binoche, and Tilda Swinton.

Bradley Cooper secured three nominations for “Maestro,” but interestingly, no nod for directing. Similar oversights happened for Greta Gerwig (“Barbie”) and Celine Song (“Past Lives”). Notably, the directing category breaks the male trend with Justine Triet (“Anatomy of a Fall”) joining the competition.

Despite “Barbenheimer’s” (apologies, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”) 21 nominations, it stumbled in unexpected technical areas. “Barbie” got nods for production design and costumes but missed out on makeup/hair and editing. “Oppenheimer” was overlooked for its practical effects, and “Killers of the Flower Moon” missed out on a screenplay nomination.

“Poor Things” stood out with a remarkable 11 nominations. The use of sound in “The Zone of Interest” was acknowledged, highlighting auditory horrors at Auschwitz. “Godzilla Minus One” made history with Japan’s beloved monster securing a visual effects nomination. Black-and-white cinematography takes the spotlight with “Oppenheimer,” “Maestro,” and “El Conde.”

In the latest Indiana Jones installment, composer John Williams secured his 54th career nomination. Robbie Robertson posthumously earned recognition for the score of “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Among the documentaries, “American Symphony” and “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” didn’t make the final cut.

Notable films missing from the Best Picture nominations were “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “The Color Purple,” “Air,” “May December,” “Ferrari,” “Napoleon,” and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “Asteroid City,” “Priscilla,” “Origin,” and “Rustin.”

Mark your calendars for the Oscars on March 10, where the winners will be revealed.