The 96th Academy Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the race for one of the most prestigious honors in the film industry. The 96th Academy Awards nominations showcase a mix of historical dramas, fantasy films, and box office hits. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 10, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The diverse range of nominees reflects the evolving landscape of the film industry amid challenges and changes in viewing habits. Notable contenders included “Oppenheimer,” a comprehensive exploration of the Atomic Age, with 13 nominations, closely followed by the feminist fantasy “Poor Things” with 11 nominations. “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a historical crime drama, received 10 nominations.

Political and Cultural Context

The recognition of “Oppenheimer” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” is significant in the current political climate of unrest and division in the United States, adding resonance to their exploration of dark chapters in American history.

Diverse Best Picture Contenders

The Best Picture category includes a diverse lineup with films like “Barbie,” the highest-grossing film of the previous year, alongside other notable entries such as “Poor Things,” “American Fiction,” and “The Zone of Interest.”

Directorial Achievements

Martin Scorsese, at 81, made history as the oldest directing nominee, while Justine Triet became one of three female directors with her film “Anatomy of a Fall.” The Best Director category also includes Jonathan Glazer, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Christopher Nolan.

Notable Performances

The Best Actor category features performances from Paul Giamatti, Cillian Murphy, Bradley Cooper, Colman Domingo, and Jeffrey Wright. The Best Actress race includes Lily Gladstone, Emma Stone, Annette Bening, Sandra Hüller, and Carey Mulligan.

Surprises and Snubs

Some surprises and snubs marked the nominations, with Charles Melton of “May December” and Leonardo DiCaprio for “Killers of the Flower Moon” overlooked. Unexpected nominations went to America Ferrera for “Barbie” and Sterling K. Brown for “American Fiction.”

Challenges for the Film Industry

The Oscars come at a challenging time for the movie industry, grappling with changing audience viewing habits, economic challenges for streaming services, and labor unrest affecting production schedules. The impact of these challenges may be reflected in next year’s awards season.

Industry Recognition

Disney earned 20 nominations across its various brands, while Netflix and Comcast both secured 18 nominations each. The departure of Netflix’s film chief, Scott Stuber, was announced just a day before the nominations.

Host and Ratings

Late-night star Jimmy Kimmel will host the Oscars for the fourth time. The broadcast has faced ratings challenges, with last year’s viewership at 18.7 million, a decrease from the 2017 audience of 33 million.