Vanity Fair Presents: Unexpected Snubs and Surprises in Oscars 2024 Nominations

By Vanity Fair

The unpredictability of Oscar season is one of its few guarantees. Regardless of the conjecture from critics predicting winners, when the time comes, voters will make their own choices. Along with the typical shocking omissions - no best director nomination for Greta Gerwig, really? - come delightful surprises. Leonardo DiCaprio's lack of recognition could be viewed as fortunate for Colman Domingo. Here, VF spotlights the unseen developments.

Her acting was consistently impressive, especially that monologue scene! Director Greta Gerwig confided to VF that the heartfelt "always/never" speech, which she collaborated on with Noah Baumach, “does not exist as it does without America. It's rightfully hers, more than anyone else's. That scene still deeply resonates with me. I see these adolescent girls that have self-doubt, yet they're utterly beautiful and clever. You wish for them to realize that." Ferrera revealed that Gerwig invited her to contribute to the now-famous monologue. Greta also expanded on one of the lines Ferrera discussed, morphing it into 'Always be grateful’ but 'Never forget that the system is rigged.’ she shared with The New York Times.

To dampen the joy of Ferrera's deserved recognition, Greta Gerwig’s cinematic phenomenon was overlooked in the categories of editing, sound, and director, along with best actress for Margot Robbie (though she does have a nomination as a movie producer in the best picture category). Is it a genre bias, gender bias or promotion fatigue? Gerwig’s landmark feat of breaking box office records for a female-directed film—$1.5 billion worldwide—did not secure her a nomination for director, despite her past nominations. However, the film has other hopefuls: Ryan Gosling with an anticipated best supporting actor nod, music by Billie Eilish and Mark Ronson is also nominated, and Gerwig and her husband Baumbach were acknowledged in the adapted screenplay category during their publicity drive for their film.

As Cliff Ellison, the hesitant brother rejoining his family after a tragedy, Brown offers both a disruptive flair and relatable sorrow to Cord Jefferson’s first feature. Cliff’s personal problems add intrigue, and we can't help but want more of him. Brown’s SAG nomination for best supporting actor and the well-earned ensemble recognition piqued interest for more accolades this season. Now, the three-time Emmy winner has secured his first Oscar nomination, one of five for American Fiction.

Lily Gladstone nabbed a best actress nomination, Martin Scorsese predictably got a best director nomination, and Killers secured a spot in the best picture category. However, Leonardo DiCaprio's lack of a nomination for best actor was both unexpected and viewed as an oversight. Likewise, the lack of recognition for adapted screenplay was surprising given the attention received by the adaptation of David Grann’s 2017 bestselling Osage tribe murders history. Observers of the Oscar race noticed DiCaprio supporting Gladstone’s campaign instead of promoting himself, despite this, he managed a nomination as a movie producer. Leo lives on!

Mr. Cooper has several reasons to celebrate: Maestro, his passion project, landed seven Oscar nominations and his personal count is currently an impressive 12. However, it’s puzzling that the director of Maestro didn't get nominated for best director, much like Gerwig’s vision for Barbie was neglected in the same category. Perhaps the voters felt that both Maestro and Barbie would do well regardless and chose to nominate directors of smaller yet captivating films, like Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest.

Colman Domingo's best actor nomination holds significant importance for several reasons, one being it is his first-time nomination as a lead. This notable achievement marks his excellent portrayal of the life and works of Bayard Rustin, a suppressed civil rights activist due to his open homosexuality. However, Rustin's story has finally found a voice through Domingo, an openly gay actor. Plus, Domingo's show-stopping red-carpet appearances are a sight to behold. In a recent edition of VF's Little Gold Men podcast, he commented on how he embraced the role of Rustin with all his talent as a seasoned theater artist and television writer. His role as 'Mister' in 'The Color Purple' also received significant praise.

Despite its smart social observation, Emerald Fennell's film failed to bag any of the expected nominations for best original screenplay or for actors Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi. Questions abound whether the film was too cynical for the sentimental Academy voters or if the competition was just too stiff this year. Only time will provide the answers.

Ilker Çatak’s tense drama about a German school turning into 'The Crucible' caught attention despite not being a pre-voting favorite and secured a nomination in the best international film category. The film portrays a sixth-grade teacher, played splendidly by Leonie Benesch, struggling against a web of suspicion and defending her students from their fellow students, teachers, and parents.

Despite noteworthy performances from Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, and Charles Melton, 'May December' didn't receive any nominations. The film's topic, revolving around the relationship of Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau, might have caused discomfort due to its sensitive nature. Written by Samy Burch, the film only ended up being recognized for original screenplay.

Matthew Heineman’s 'American Symphony', a documentary that covers art, love, life, and death, seems to not have met the Oscar voters' full expectations. The film illustrates Jon Batiste’s journey of composing a symphony while his life partner, author Suleika Jaouad, battles against returning cancer.

Celine Song’s debut film 'Past Lives' received two nominations for best picture and best original screenplay. However, the film’s lead actor’s performance, although deserving, didn't make it to the nominations. As the film reflects upon 'what could have been', its nomination omission also symbolizes the same sentiment.

Though a Nintendo game-based movie 'Peaches', with Jack Black's viral character, might not be a conventional choice for the best picture nomination, its omission was still a disappointment for those who appreciate a touch of whimsy in nominations.

The following additions are by Hillary Busis, Richard Lawson, and a view on the surprising humor in the history of Oppenheimer. It also features a daring vision of the Holocaust in ‘The Zone of Interest,’ Robert Downey Jr.’s third act, and a challenge to Hollywood’s limited imagination about Black people through American Fiction.