26/02/2023

‘Before the moment..the exact moment’

It’s that time again. As award season begins drawing to a close with the announcement of the 2020 Academy Award nominations, the stars are looking toward February’s big night with hope in their hearts.
This year, films like Joker, Marriage Story, and The Irishman swept the nominations this year, with actors like Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, and Florence Pugh securing Best Actor, Actress, and Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, fans were upset by a shut-out for women in the Best Director category once more, as well as several snubs, such as no recognition for Jennifer Lopez for her work in Hustlers or Adam Sandler’s breakout film Uncut Gems.
Here’s how the nominees, hopefuls, and fans reacted to the news.
From Best Picture Nominee, Joker
Todd Phillips, nominated for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay
“Joker began as an idea, an experiment really could we take an indie approach to a studio film by inverting it into a character study to reflect the world around us? Explore what were seeing and feeling in society, from the lack of empathy to the effects of the absence of love. I am deeply honored by the overwhelming recognition of the Academy this morning, and I want to thank the genius that is Joaquin Phoenix, and all my incredible collaborators. We are beyond humbled that our peers in the filmmaking community have embraced the film and its message.”
Joaquin Phoenix, nominated for Best Actor
“I feel honored and humbled to have been nominated by my fellow actors. The Academys encouragement helped ignite and sustain my career and I am incredibly grateful for that support. Id like to also congratulate my fellow nominees for being recognized for their inspiring performances that have enriched our art form.”
Hildur Guðnadóttir, nominated for Best Original Score
“Im truly honored and proud to be recognized with an Academy Award nomination for my work on Joker. Being invited into this illustrious group of talent and getting to take part in telling this story means the world to me. Todd Phillips is a master of his craft and it was wonderful to experience how he trusts and empowers his collaborators so they can deliver their best work possible. We see that in the way every element of the film has its space to shine, because he gives each element real weight. The brightest shining of those of course being Joaquin Phoenix’s performance, which was simply otherworldly. Im grateful for having been invited on this journey of a lifetime with them and I congratulate all of my fellow nominees on their nominations.”
From Best Picture nominee, Little Women
Director Greta Gerwig
Saiorse Ronan, nominated for Best Actress
“!!! Im just so thrilled that our Little Women has been recognized by the Academy. Greta made something so special that Im just thankful to have been a part of, let alone nominated for. Thank you to my academy peers for loving and appreciating this film that is so close to my heart.”
Florence Pugh, nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role
“Amy has been such a literary enemy for so long, I think Greta allowed her to be fun and unapologetic for her decisions. We didnt quite see her, or listen to what she was doing, she was just the girl in the book who ended up with the guy. In terms of Greta’s snub, Im happy that everybody is upset. Its great when you dont need to point out the obvious. As Greta has said before, its been a great year for female creators and I hope this encourages a larger conversation. This is literally why Greta made the film one about women living in a mans world, related to money and success. This news only highlights the message of the film.”
Amy Pascal, Producer
“We are profoundly overwhelmed and honored to have received all these nominations from the Academy, and to have made history by being only the third movie ever to be nominated for Best Picture that’s written, directed and produced exclusively by women. This film is a testament to the brilliance of Greta Gerwig. She is the most brilliant creative talent working in our industry today, and we are thrilled that she and our beautiful film have been recognized.”
From Best Original Song and Best Actress nominee, Harriet
Cynthia Erivo, nominated for Best Actress, Best Original Song
“To receive two Oscar nominations for a film paying tribute to Harriet Tubman, a person whose heart and spirit are the embodiment of courage, makes this mornings news beyond anything I could have ever imagined. This is more than a dream come true. When I got the opportunity to play this incredible woman, I felt truly honored that Kasi and our producers saw fit to have me play the part; being asked to co-write and perform the song in the film was the icing on an already wonderful cake. I continue to feel overwhelmed with gratitude today to the Academy for recognizing my performance and our song Stand Up.”
From Best Picture nominee, 1917
Sam Mendes, nominated for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay
“I couldnt be more thrilled. This movie was a labour of love for many people myself included so to see it recognized in this way is very moving for all of us. I would like to thank the Academy on behalf of my fellow producers, and on behalf of every single person who put their heart and soul into this film. Thank you.”
From Best Original Screenplay nominee, Knives Out
Rian Johnson, nominated for Best Original Screenplay
“In a year with so much great writing, I’m honored and thrilled to be on that list with people I admire and respect. Love and gratitude to my fellow writers in the Academy!”
Jamie Lee Curtis, Linda Drysdale
From Best Documentary Feature nominee, American Factory 
Directors Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert, nominated for Best Documentary Feature
“Trusting someone to tell your story is no small thing. We were trusted by great people who work at a factory in our strong and scrappy hometown, Dayton, Ohio, and by Fuyaos maverick Chairman, Cao DeWang, to tell the story of American Factory . We are profoundly grateful that this movie has resonated with the Academy. We, and our small but mighty team, are over the moon at todays news. Were deeply grateful to the amazing people at Participant Media, Higher Ground Productions and Netflix for elevating the stories of working class people. The fate of working people around the globe is under great pressure and duress, and we hopeAmerican Factory can give voice to their journey.”
Barack Obama, Producer 
Michelle Obama, Producer
From Best Picture nominee, The Irishman
Director Martin Scorsese, nominated for Best Director
“I’m honored that our work on The Irishman has been honored by the Academy with these nominations. We put all of ourselves into this picture, a true labor of love, and to be recognized in this way means a great deal to all of us.”
Meanwhile, Adam Sandler responded to his own shut-out from the Oscars, lamenting he got “no love from the Academy” but congratulated friend Kathy Bates on her nomination.
Fans also took to social media to voice their overall displeasure a lack of women directors, Jennifer Lopez’s nominations, and a variety of oversights.
It’s going to be an interesting cap to awards season, that’s for sure.