The highly-anticipated nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were unveiled by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Tuesday, showcasing a diverse array of films and performances that have captivated audiences over the past year. Leading the pack is Oppenheimer, securing an impressive 13 nominations, including recognition for Best Picture, Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), and Best Supporting Actress (Emily Blunt). Trailing closely behind are Poor Things and Killers of the Flower Moon, with 11 and 10 nominations respectively.

Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie ignored

However, amidst the celebration, there were some notable snubs that caught the attention of industry observers. Despite Greta Gerwig's remarkable feat of being the first woman to direct three consecutive Best Picture nominees, including Barbie, she was surprisingly overlooked for a Best Director nomination. Margot Robbie, the lead in Barbie, also missed out on a Best Actress nomination but did secure a Best Picture nod as a producer.

Leonardo DiCaprio misses out

Despite Killers of the Flower Moon earning 10 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, Leonardo DiCaprio was notably absent from the Best Actor category for his role as World War I veteran Ernest Burkhart. Nevertheless, the film stands as a testament to Martin Scorsese, who now holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for a director. Despite its widespread acclaim and numerous nominations, Killers of the Flower Moon faced a notable snub in the Best Adapted Screenplay category too.

Greta Lee snubbed

Past Lives actress Greta Lee, who received widespread acclaim for her performance was considered a strong contender for the Oscars, faced disappointment as she was left out of the Best Actress category. Despite early optimism, industry awards and the Academy ultimately overlooked her exceptional performance.

May December overlooked

Todd Haynes’ May December, which received acclaim for Charles Melton's portrayal of Joe Yoo, was surprisingly absent from major categories. Lead actresses Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, as well as director Todd Haynes, were not recognised, leaving fans and critics puzzled. The drama received only one nod for Best Original Screenplay.

America Ferrera lands Best Supporting Actress nom

In an unexpected turn of events, America Ferrera, who portrayed Barbie's human counterpart in the film, received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Ferrera — who is one of three people of colour nominated in the supporting actress category, alongside Da’Vine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers and Danielle Brooks for The Color Purple — had only landed a nomination in the Critics Choice Awards 2024 before Oscars.

Marking a first

Lily Gladstone also made history by becoming the first Native American to be nominated for Best Actress for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon. Celine Song added another milestone by becoming the first Asian woman nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

Anatomy of a Fall makes a splash

Anatomy of a Fall, which clinched the Palme d'Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, is vying for recognition in five different categories at the 96th Oscars. The French courtroom drama has secured a spot in the Best Picture category at the Academy Awards. Furthermore, Sandra Hüller, the leading actress in the film (who also appears in another Best Picture nominee, The Zone of Interest), has earned a nomination for Best Actress. In addition to these accolades, director and co-writer Justine Triet has received nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, while the film itself is in contention for the Best Editing award.