The 98th Oscar nominations, announced on Jan. 22, have become a popular topic of discussion among those in UMKC’s Film Department.
Some of this year’s most anticipated categories are Best Actor and Actress in a leading role, Best Actor and Actress in a supporting role, and Best Picture.
“I’m not really surprised by some of the nominations in the categories, but I was also surprised by some of the films that were nominated for best picture, like ‘F1’, since I did not see it nominated at the Golden Globes,” said Brittny Antillanca, a junior film student.
The Oscars are considered one of the biggest awards shows in the film industry during awards season, and many look forward to it.
“I do plan on watching the awards show, and I plan on watching all the movies that are nominated that I haven’t seen yet because I like to be really informed,” said Taron Petsel, a junior studying film and media arts.
Many are excited to see which films, directors, and actors will be taking home the top awards.
“I hope that Guillermo Del Toro at least wins some of his nominations,” said Antillanca. “I look up to him and I love his films.”
Del Toro’s 2025 film ‘Frankenstein’ was nominated for best picture and best adapted screenplay.
One of the biggest films of the year was Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’, which broke box office records. According to ScreenRant, it made $48 million in its opening weekend, which made it “the best opening weekend for an original horror film.” The film also recently broke the record for the most Academy Award nominations in a single ceremony, with 16 nominations, including Best Picture.
Associate film professor Caitlin Horsmon says “it is very exciting to see a film like Sinners break so many records”, and that she hopes it “encourages a wave of unique and diverse storytelling.”
“I think cinema viewers are ready for interesting movies and movies that tell stories that they haven’t necessarily heard before from perspectives that have been historically missing,” said Horsmon.
Despite the excitement, there is some disappointment that not many female-led and produced films were nominated this year.
“It stands out to me that there were so many great films made by women this year, and only one of them shows up,” said Horsmon.
With online streaming and social media on the rise, many feel that the experience of live TV programming has changed significantly.
“I do think streaming has changed things; most people will probably watch from TikTok,” said Horsmon.
In recent years, some say that the awards show has become commercialized and “a celebration of cinema’s relationship to capitalism,” says Horsmon.
The Oscars will stream live on March 15 on ABC and Hulu.
