"All Quiet on the Western Front" | © Netflix
Like in the last few seasons, the Academy has announced shortlists in 10 Oscar categories – Documentary Feature, International Film, Original Score, Song, Sound, Visual Effects, and the three Shorts races. As always, there are surprises along with expected honors and the domination of certain frontrunners. One imagines this is an especially sweet batch of finalists for fans of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and All Quiet on the Western Front, who rule over all other contenders with mentions in five different categories. Not far behind, we find Avatar: The Way of Water with four categories.
Expect more commentary at a later time, but for now, let's look over the complete lists and fire off some instant reactions…
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
I'm sad that Alcarràs and Mars One missed the list and most surprised by Klondike's snub. But, overall, I didn't do that lousy predictions-wise – a rare occasion worth celebrating.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
This category has the potential to be one of the very best lineups of the year. So please don't disappoint, AMPAS. Regarding surprises, I'm shocked at Good Night Oppy's failure to secure a spot on this shortlist. The same goes for Three Minutes: A Lengthening, which many were predicting.
"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" | © Disney
ORIGINAL SCORE
Though Tár was deemed ineligible, Hildur Gudnadottir is still on track for a second nomination thanks to her work in Women Talking. Good to know Nope wasn't completely forgotten and that Don't Worry Darling can get recognition for one of its few worthy elements.
ORIGINAL SONG
Justice for "Nobody Like U" and "(You Made It Feel Like) Home" from Turning Red and Bones & All, respectively. Also, am I the only one surprised at Amsterdam's success here?
"Moonage Daydream" | © Neon
SOUND
Moonage Daydream is a delightful inclusion, though it's sad that Tár's sound design didn't impress Academy voters. Pinocchio is another surprise addition, while The Fabelmans' absence may indicate less widespread support than many have assumed. We'll have to wait and see.
VISUAL EFFECTS
What a boring list overall. Sad, too, since Everything Everywhere All At Once's absence is a shock. Also, how on Earth did The Secrets of Dumbledore make it here?
MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING
A Man Called Otto won't follow in the path of its Swedish original, which scored one of those weird Makeup nods for European flicks. It seems The Northman was utterly forgotten by voters. Furthermore, Crimes of the Future aside, this branch remains vexingly anti-horror.
"Ice Merchants" | © COLA - Colectivo Audiovisual
ANIMATED SHORT FILM
I can't begin to explain how overjoyed I am at Ice Merchants' success. Please, let this materialize in a nomination.
LIVE-ACTION SHORT FILM
DOCUMENTARY SHORT
What are your thoughts on the Oscars shortlists? What surprised and delighted you the most? What made you seethe?