On Thursday morning, stars across the entertainment world reacted with mixed emotions as the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were announced.
While the day was a time for celebration, the tragic backdrop of ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles,
which have claimed at least 28 lives, cast a somber shadow over the usual excitement.
For some nominees, the recognition was overwhelming. Zoe Saldana, nominated for her role in *Emilia Perez*, took to social media to express both her gratitude and sorrow.
“I don’t think I can properly express the deep levels of gratitude and joy I feel for the recognition Emilia Pérez has been given,” said Saldana,
who also reflected on the devastation caused by the fires. She added, “It’s a bittersweet moment as our community in Los Angeles is processing the heartbreaking losses from the ongoing fires.”
Saldana’s words embodied the sense of unity and loss shared by many, particularly as the city grapples with the fallout of the fires, which have ravaged homes, schools, businesses, and entire neighborhoods. She concluded with heartfelt support for those affected, including first responders working tirelessly to rebuild the community.
Karla Sofia Gascon, nominated for *Emilia Perez* for her transformative role as a drug lord-turned-social-activist, kept her reaction short but sweet, sharing a simple yet powerful message on Instagram: “Thank you so much @theacademy @emiliaperezfilm.” Gascon, who has earned praise for her groundbreaking performance, is also celebrated as the first transgender actress to be nominated in this category.
Ariana Grande’s nomination for *Wicked* sparked an emotional response from the pop star. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Grande shared how overwhelmed she was by the recognition, breaking down in tears. “Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you so much to @theacademy for this unfathomable recognition,” she wrote. She reflected on her childhood love for the film *The Wizard of Oz*, saying she was proud to share this moment with her younger self who adored Judy Garland’s iconic performance. Grande also expressed deep appreciation for her director, Jon M. Chu, and co-star Cynthia Erivo, calling Erivo’s brilliance “never-ending.”
Demi Moore, nominated for Best Actress for her role in *The Substance*, posted a brief yet heartfelt thank you on her Instagram stories. “Thank you, The Academy,” Moore wrote, before praising the film’s director, Coralie Fargeat, for her work on the project, which also earned nominations for Best Picture and Best Director.
Meanwhile, Adrien Brody, nominated for his portrayal of a complex character in *The Brutalist*, shared a thoughtful message of gratitude. “For almost four decades, I’ve experienced the peaks and valleys of being an artist,” Brody said. “Portraying László Tóth… has rekindled my own sense of being and belonging.” He expressed deep appreciation for his co-stars and the crew of *The Brutalist*, acknowledging that the honor was shared among many talented people.
The announcements also saw many notable names in the acting categories, including Ralph Fiennes for *Conclave*, Guy Pearce for *The Brutalist*, and Fernanda Torres for *I’m Still Here*. Fiennes, who earned his third Oscar nomination, expressed his excitement, saying he was thrilled to be part of the *Conclave* ensemble. Pearce echoed similar sentiments, calling his nomination “humbling” and thanking the Academy for the recognition.
The Best Supporting Actor category was equally competitive, with nominees like Jeremy Strong for *The Apprentice* and Kieran Culkin for *A Real Pain* reflecting on their journeys to this point. Strong, in particular, shared an emotional note about the hardships faced by the production of *The Apprentice*, expressing his gratitude for being recognized alongside his fellow cast members.
As expected, *Emilia Perez* led the charge with 13 nominations, closely followed by *Wicked* and *The Brutalist*, each with 10 nods. The diversity of the nominations reflected the range of talent and the wealth of unique stories represented in this year’s race for the golden statuettes.
This year’s Oscar nominations come amidst the backdrop of the destructive wildfires in Los Angeles, which have left the city mourning loss while celebrating remarkable achievements in film. As the Academy Awards ceremony approaches, the industry continues to reflect on the immense challenges faced by the community, offering both moments of joy and sorrow.
As we approach the Oscars ceremony on March 2, 2025, with Conan O’Brien as the first-time host, the road to the awards promises to be a blend of excitement, emotion, and recognition for a diverse and talented group of filmmakers and performers. The event will undoubtedly be a testament to both the power of storytelling and the resilience of the Los Angeles community in the face of adversity.
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