Disney's *Inside Out 2* has come out on top as the highest-grossing film globally in 2024, while the Oscars race faces the backdrop of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles that have impacted thousands. This year's awards season has certainly been eventful, stirring up scandals from romantic disputes to the controversies of AI in filmmaking, with one particular incident involving Emilia Pérez garnering notable attention due to historic tweets that created a stir.
Further riding the wave of excitement, here are some standout quirks and records from the list of nominees ahead of the Oscars, scheduled for March 2.
1. Two musicals, *Wicked* and *Emilia Pérez*, have made history by being nominated for Best Picture, a feat not seen for more than 50 years since *Funny Girl* and *Oliver!* in 1969, marking a resurgence in musical cinema due to the expanded category now allowing up to ten nominees.
2. Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor for *The Pianist* at just 29 years old, may break another record if he wins again for *The Brutalist*, making him the first actor to secure two leading award wins from only two nominations.
3. However, Timothée Chalamet poses a formidable challenge; if he triumphs for *A Complete Unknown*, he will become the youngest Best Actor recipient, merely 10 months younger than Brody was at his win.
4. Though Netflix's *Emilia Pérez* leads in nominations, it faces the risk of following in the footsteps of other streaming titles that fell short in award wins, despite their nominations. Its predecessor films like *The Irishman* and *The Power of the Dog* left with little to show despite multiple nods.
5. Notably, Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong from the acclaimed series *Succession* are both up for Best Supporting Actor, but neither film is nominated for Best Picture, showcasing a rarity in this category.
6. *The Substance* is making waves as the first body horror nominated for Best Picture, potentially influencing categories such as Best Makeup, aiding in tight acting races.
7. Isabella Rossellini’s nomination for *Conclave* highlights a unique aspect of the Oscars, featuring performances shorter in duration yet impactful enough to make the cut, though her runtime is not the record holder.
8. Colman Domingo's consecutive nomination achievement stands out in *Sing Sing*, attempting to find his legacy among past greats with multiple nominations.
9. All Best Actress nominees hail from films also in the Best Picture category, the first such crossover since 1977, indicating a shift toward recognizing female-driven narratives.
10. Sebastian Stan’s role in *The Apprentice* as a younger Donald Trump provides a fresh take in a genre where portrayals of presidents historically garner recognition.
11. The connection of Robbie Williams to *Better Man* and *Emilia Pérez* ties the music industry's influence on films, further enriching this year's narrative.
12. Ralph Fiennes, a nominee once again, has a chance to set records should *Conclave* win, although challenges remain with the lack of a Best Director nod for his film.
13. Diane Warren’s 16th nomination keeps her hopes high, as she contemplates breaking her Oscar drought, despite a strong field for Best Original Song.
14. *Wicked* faces its own hurdles with significant omissions in directing and screenplay nominations, despite strong performances.
15. Newcomers Fernanda Torres and Isabella Rossellini are carving a path of their own, following the legacy of their celebrated actress mothers.
16. Should Sean Baker of *Anora* continue his winning streak at the Oscars, he could become the first ever to win four in one night for the same film.
17. Finally, excitement surrounds the animated film *Flow*, which surprises with its Golden Globe victory amidst competition from heavy hitters, further showcasing the diverse offerings of this year’s ceremony.
As anticipation builds, the Oscars promise a plethora of memorable moments and potential historic wins.
