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Ahhhh, the Oscar Nominations (and SNUBS)

Taraji was snubbed, and cramming three Black actresses into Supporting (though deserved) has me concerned. This is probably Viola's year for an Oscar, though Naomie was really solid. Octavia's performance was too close to the space of "The Help" to earn another trophy. I would have MUCH rather seen Janelle on the list OR seen a slot made available for Taraji in the Best Actress category. No shade to Meryl Streep, but did we REALLY need another nomination for a movie that nobody even cared to see?
Good to see the representation for Hidden Figures and Moonlight... but I hate that 13th and I am Not Your Negro are facing off (against the OJ documentary no less). Le Sigh.
Supporting Actor is jammed with great performances. Pulling for Ali, but Bridges was AMAZING in "Hell or High Water," I'm not a fan of "Nocturnal Animals" but Michael Shannon inhabited his character fully. I guess "Manchester" is the "La La Land" of drama, but I don't see it for the movie or the nominations. I'll have to see "Lion," but Dana Cunningham says it was great.
Notably absent, of course, is any mention of former #OscarsSoWhite poster child Nate Parker and "The Birth of a Nation." This is fine inasmuch as the "Black" films that did receive recognition surpassed his work in every way. OTOH, I'm struggling to understand how Casey Affleck's Yankee miscreant is earning all these raves. I MUCH preferred his comedic take on this archetype during his SNL hosting gig. Given his perhaps WORSE record of sexual assault, the hypocrisy is glaring.
I wish I grokked how "La La Land" is taking everyone's breath away. I presume it's just so meta that Hollywood can't help but embrace it, but honestly the audience button-pushing is SO nakedly calculated I just can't. There are a few categories I could accept for them, but if they steal a trophy from one of my favorites, we will NOT be amused.
All in all, few surprises here. I'm predicting splits on Best Picture and Director. La La is likely to get one, but I'm guessing there's an outside chance for Moonlight in the Director slot because of the arresting technique and content. OTOH, maybe they'll toss a bone for Adapted Screenplay instead.
See you on Oscar night!

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