If it’s really an honor just to be nominated, Apple was honored six-times over on Tuesday. That’s when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations for the 94th Academy Awards. That’s six-nominations divided by two-films - CODA and The Tragedy of Macbeth. Apple did, of course, rush to the fax machine and fired off a press release. We’ll start with Shakespeare. “Macbeth” got three of Apple’s six-nominations:
Bruno Delbonnel for Best Cinematography
Stefan Dechant for Best Production Design
Denzel Washington for Best Actor
According to Apple’s press release, Washington’s nomination for Macbeth is his tenth Oscar nom, making him one of the most nominated actors ever and the most nominated Black man in history. He’ll face Javier Bardem for Being the Ricardos, Benedict Cumberbatch for The Power of the Dog, Andrew Garfield for Tick, Tick … Boom!, and Will Smith for King Richard.
CODA kinda did better, garnering more high profile nominations than “The Tragedy…” They include:
Siân Heder for Best Adapted Screenplay
Troy Kotsur for Best Supporting Actor
CODA for Best Picture
Kotsur will go up against Ciarán Hinds for Belfast, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee - both of whom are up for The Power of the Dog, and J.K. Simmons for Being the Ricardos.
As for Best Picture, CODA gets to slug it out with Belfast, Don't Look Up, Drive My Car, Dune, King Richard, Licorice Pizza, Nightmare Alley, The Power of the Dog, and West Side Story.
While every nomination is historic, CODA’s are particularly so. According to Apple’s press release, the film:
…becomes the first motion picture starring a predominantly Deaf cast in leading roles to receive a Best Picture nomination, and Troy Kotsur becomes the first Deaf male actor to receive a nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category for his powerful performance.
Commenting on the nominations, Apple head of Worldwide Video Zack Van Amburg said:
We are humbled by reaching this milestone of receiving a Best Picture nomination for ‘CODA,’ a groundbreaking motion picture that uplifts, entertains and transforms. We applaud the visionaries in front of and behind the camera who brought ‘CODA’ and ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ to life, powerful films that connect story with humanity and will resonate with audiences for generations to come.
Also offering comment, Apple’s other head of video Jamie Erlicht said:
After watching audiences connect with these undeniably deserving films all over the world, it is rewarding to now see this diverse selection of Apple Original Films being honored at the highest level. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with so many talented creative storytellers and send our warmest congratulations to all of the nominees.
Amazingly neither one said “it’s an honor just to be nominated.” Maybe that’s what you say after.
The ceremony for the 94th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday 27 March. Oh look - they’re having it in Los Angeles this year. You will, no doubt, be able to watch it on the TV.
