Emilia Pérez and Wicked Lead Oscar Nominations

Headline:
Emilia Pérez Dominates Oscar Noms; First Trans Actor Nominated for Best Actress

Subhead:
As wildfires rage in LA, the film industry rallies behind a Spanish-language musical about transgender identity.

Byline:
The latest

In the heart of wildfire-stricken Los Angeles, the movie industry showed resilience Thursday as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards. Leading the pack is Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical drama directed by Jacques Audiard, which secured a whopping 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón — a historic first for an openly trans actor.

Emilia Pérez, a co-production between Spain and France, tells the story of a young woman navigating love, identity, and belonging. The film’s star, Karla Sofía Gascón, is now in the running to become the first openly transgender actor to win an Oscar for Best Actress.

Another musical, Wicked, adaptation, also made waves with 10 nominations, including Best Picture and acting nods for leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film, a riches-to-riches retelling of "The Wizard of Oz," has been praised for its lavish production and powerful performances.

Here are the nominees for the top categories:

Best Picture:

• Anora
• The Brutalist
• A Complete Unknown
• Conclave
• Dune Part Two
• Emilia Pérez
• I’m Still Here
• Nickel Boys
• The Substance
• Wicked

Best Actor:

• Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
• Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown
• Colman Domingo, Sing Sing
• Ralph Fiennes, Conclave
• Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice

Best Actress:

• Demi Moore, The Substance
• Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
• Mikey Madison, Anora
• Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez
• Fernanda Torres, I’m Still Here

Original Song:

• "El Mal" from Emilia Pérez
• "The Journey" from The Six Triple Eight
• "Like a Bird" from Sing Sing
• "Mi Camino" from Emilia Pérez
• "Never Too Late" from Elton John: Never Too Late

Best Animated Film:

• Flow
• Inside Out 2
• Memoir of a Snail
• Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
• The Wild Robot

The nominees were announced against the backdrop of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which have threatened numerous film sets and production facilities. Despite these challenges, the film industry remains undeterred, with Emilia Pérez and Wicked leading the charge in this year’s Academy Awards race.

The 97th Academy Awards will take place on February 24, 2025.

As the ⁤specter of wildfire hangs heavy over Los Angeles, the Oscars shine a beacon of hope and triumph. “Emilia Pérez” stands ⁢not only as a cinematic ‍masterpiece but as a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience. Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination,a landmark achievement for transgender depiction,serves as a powerful reminder that change is possible and that the industry⁢ is beginning to reflect a more inclusive future.⁤ In a world grappling with uncertainty, the 97th⁣ Academy Awards⁣ offer a moment of unity and party, reminding us that even amidst adversity, the human spirit continues to create, inspire, and endure.
Amidst the backdrop of devastating wildfires, the 97th Academy Awards nominations serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of the film industry.Emilia Pérez, a film that celebrates love, identity, adn resilience, stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling. With Karla Sofía Gascón’s historic nomination, the industry takes a monumental step towards greater inclusivity, paving the way for future generations of diverse talent. As Hollywood rallies together to support those affected by the wildfires, the nominations remind us that even in the face of adversity, the magic of cinema continues to shine.