The Washington Blade reports that some of the Oscar nominations announced today were for LGBT-themed movies and performances.
Most prominent, of course, is “Call Me By Your Name.” This gay coming-of-age story may have generated some controversy over the age gap between its two protagonists. . . . Its nomination for Best Picture is no surprise, nor is its presence in the categories of Best Actor [for Timothée Chalamet] and Best Adapted Screenplay, though its nod for Sufjan Stevens’ “Mystery of Love” in the Best Original Song category may have raised some eyebrows.
What’s disappointing and telling is the exclusion of co-star Armie Hammer (considered as a likely bet for a Best Supporting Actor bid) and, even more shocking, Luca Guadagnino for the Best Director prize.
On the other hand, James Ivory, who is also an out gay man, was nominated for his adaptation of André Aciman’s book; no stranger to Oscar attention (“A Room With A View,” “The Remains of the Day” and “Howard’s End”), he is considered a front-runner to take home the statuette.
Though not explicitly gay-themed, Gerwig’s “Lady Bird” does feature a tenderly handled subplot involving a gay character. That film is well-represented in the competition, and stands a reasonable chance of winning any of its nods for Best Picture, Director, Original Screenplay, Actress (Saorise Ronen) or Supporting Actress (Laurie Metcalf).
Likewise, Guillermo Del Toro’s “The Shape of Water,” which leads the nomination tally with a total of 13, is not an LGBT movie but an exploration of “otherness” in a world dominated by straight, white, cis-gendered male identity. It also prominently features a gay character, an older commercial artist whose happiness is blocked at every turn by homophobia and the psychology of the closet, played by actor Richard Jenkins.
See the full Washington Blade story here.
Click here to see the full list of Academy Award nominations announced today.
1 comment:
Overall, and not referring particularly to any LGTB dimensions, it's an interesting list. I'll no doubt have to see 'The Shape of Water' but don't really want to as it sounds to be one of those drowning(!) in slushy sentiment. However, now that I know it features a gay character that should give it some added interest - as well as, of course, the lovely Miss Sally Hawkins.
(Also hoping that 'Get Out' comes away with some significant recognition.)
Post a Comment