BU Today feature: 2019 Oscar Nominations: The Snubs and Surprises
Harvey Young, CFA dean, weighs in, offers some predictions
Monday was a day full of surprises for Hollywood, with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announcing this year’s Oscar nominations. Roma, a moving, critically praised drama about a Mexican maid, and The Favourite, a rollicking costume drama, led the way with 10 nominations each. History was made when Black Panther, with a box office of more than $1.3 billion, became the first superhero film to earn a best picture nod. Also, Spike Lee earned his first nomination as best director for helming BlacKkKlansman, another film touted by critics. And perennial Oscar nominees Glenn Close and Amy Adams, who have never won, each got another shot at an award, Close as best actress for her performance in The Wife and Adams as best supporting actress for her role in the political drama Vice.
Not all the surprises elicited smiles—there were unexpected snubs, too. Bradley Cooper failed to earn a best director nomination for his much-touted directorial debut in A Star Is Born. Emily Blunt, widely praised for her work in Mary Poppins Returns and A Quiet Place, was not nominated for either film. And the international hit comedy Crazy Rich Asians also was shut out.
BU Today asked Harvey Young, dean of the College of Fine Arts, for his take on what the Academy got right, and wrong, and his predictions for who’s likely to take home Oscar gold at the 91st Academy Awards on February 24.
BU Today: What surprised you most about this year’s nominations?
Young: The big surprise for me was the exclusion of If Beale Street Could Talk from the best picture and best director categories. Beale Street director Barry Jenkins was my odds-on favorite for best director, if not Cuarón for Roma, so I thought the best director award could go to either, but with Jenkins not in the running now, it seems like a slam dunk for Cuarón.