Oscar 2022 Nominees: The Complete List

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Oscar 2022 Nominees: The Complete List

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the dazzling world of cinema? Let's take a closer look at the Oscar 2022 nominees! The 94th Academy Awards celebrated the best movies of 2021, and it was a night filled with glamour, surprises, and unforgettable moments. So, grab your popcorn, and let's break down the complete list of nominees. From the frontrunners to the underdogs, we'll cover it all, making sure you're up-to-date on the films that captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Let's get started!

Best Picture Nominees

The Best Picture category is always the most anticipated, and in 2022, it was packed with incredible films. Here’s a rundown of the nominees:

  • Belfast: Kenneth Branagh's semi-autobiographical film, Belfast, offers a poignant look at a childhood amidst the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Shot in black and white, the movie is a visual masterpiece that captures the intimacy and chaos of family life during a turbulent time. The stellar cast, including Jamie Dornan, Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, and Ciarán Hinds, delivers powerful performances that resonate deeply. Branagh's direction is both tender and unflinching, making Belfast a standout contender. The film's emotional depth and historical context resonated with many, earning it critical acclaim and numerous nominations.

  • CODA: CODA, which stands for Child of Deaf Adults, is a heartwarming story about a young woman who is the only hearing member of her deaf family. The film explores her struggles and aspirations as she navigates her responsibilities to her family and her dreams of pursuing a singing career. Emilia Jones shines as the lead, and the supporting cast, including Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Daniel Durant, brings authenticity and emotional weight to their roles. CODA is celebrated for its inclusive storytelling and its ability to shed light on the experiences of the deaf community. Its uplifting narrative and strong performances made it a crowd favorite and a significant contender in the awards season.

  • Don't Look Up: Adam McKay's satirical comedy, Don't Look Up, tackles the urgent issue of climate change with a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, and Jonah Hill. The film follows two astronomers who try to warn humanity about an approaching comet that will destroy Earth. Don't Look Up is a dark and humorous commentary on political inaction, media sensationalism, and public apathy. While the film received mixed reviews, its timely message and A-list cast sparked considerable debate and made it a notable entry in the Best Picture category. McKay's bold direction and the film's provocative themes ensured it remained a talking point throughout the awards season.

  • Drive My Car: Ryusuke Hamaguchi's Drive My Car is a Japanese drama adapted from a short story by Haruki Murakami. The film tells the story of a stage actor and director who develops a bond with his young female chauffeur. Drive My Car is a slow-burn meditation on grief, connection, and the healing power of art. With its subtle performances and evocative cinematography, the film captivated audiences and critics alike. Its international appeal and critical acclaim made it a strong contender in the Best Picture category, highlighting the increasing recognition of international cinema on the global stage.

  • Dune: Denis Villeneuve's Dune is a visually stunning adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic science fiction novel. With its epic scope, breathtaking visuals, and immersive sound design, Dune transports viewers to the desert planet of Arrakis. The film features a stellar cast including Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and Zendaya. Dune is a monumental achievement in filmmaking, showcasing Villeneuve's masterful direction and the technical brilliance of the production team. Its nomination for Best Picture recognized its ambition, scale, and artistic vision, solidifying its place as a landmark science fiction film.

  • King Richard: King Richard is a biographical drama that tells the story of Richard Williams, the father and coach of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. Will Smith delivers a powerful performance as Richard, capturing his unwavering determination and unconventional methods. The film celebrates the Williams sisters' incredible journey to success and highlights the importance of family, perseverance, and belief in oneself. King Richard is an inspiring and uplifting story that resonated with audiences, earning it critical acclaim and numerous nominations. Smith's performance and the film's heartwarming narrative made it a standout contender in the awards season.

  • Licorice Pizza: Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza is a coming-of-age story set in the San Fernando Valley in the 1970s. The film follows the unlikely relationship between a teenage actor and an older woman. With its nostalgic atmosphere, quirky characters, and improvisational style, Licorice Pizza is a charming and unconventional love story. Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman deliver breakout performances, capturing the awkwardness and excitement of first love. Anderson's direction is both whimsical and heartfelt, making Licorice Pizza a unique and memorable film.

  • Nightmare Alley: Guillermo del Toro's Nightmare Alley is a neo-noir psychological thriller based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham. The film follows a con-man who becomes involved with a dangerous psychiatrist. With its dark atmosphere, stylish visuals, and complex characters, Nightmare Alley is a gripping and unsettling film. Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, and Rooney Mara deliver stellar performances, adding depth and nuance to their roles. Del Toro's masterful direction and the film's intricate plot made it a compelling entry in the Best Picture category.

  • The Power of the Dog: Jane Campion's The Power of the Dog is a Western psychological drama set in 1920s Montana. The film explores themes of masculinity, repression, and hidden desires. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a commanding performance as a domineering rancher, and Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee provide strong supporting performances. Campion's direction is precise and evocative, creating a tense and atmospheric film. The Power of the Dog received widespread critical acclaim and was a frontrunner in the awards season, recognized for its artistic vision and powerful performances.

  • West Side Story: Steven Spielberg's West Side Story is a vibrant and modern adaptation of the classic musical. With its energetic dance sequences, memorable songs, and passionate performances, West Side Story pays homage to the original while bringing a fresh perspective to the story. Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler lead the cast, and Ariana DeBose delivers a standout performance as Anita. Spielberg's direction is dynamic and engaging, making West Side Story a crowd-pleasing and visually stunning film.

Best Director Nominees

The Best Director category recognizes the visionaries behind the camera. Here's who was nominated in 2022:

  • Kenneth Branagh (Belfast): Branagh's direction of Belfast is both intimate and grand. He masterfully recreates the atmosphere of his childhood, blending personal memories with historical events. His ability to draw out authentic performances from his cast and create a visually stunning film earned him this nomination.

  • Ryusuke Hamaguchi (Drive My Car): Hamaguchi's understated and patient direction in Drive My Car allows the film's themes of grief and connection to resonate deeply. His subtle approach and focus on character development made this film a standout.

  • Paul Thomas Anderson (Licorice Pizza): Anderson's whimsical and nostalgic direction in Licorice Pizza captures the essence of the 1970s San Fernando Valley. His improvisational style and quirky characters create a unique and memorable cinematic experience.

  • Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog): Campion's precise and evocative direction in The Power of the Dog creates a tense and atmospheric Western. Her exploration of masculinity and repression is both subtle and powerful, earning her widespread acclaim.

  • Steven Spielberg (West Side Story): Spielberg's dynamic and engaging direction in West Side Story revitalizes the classic musical for a modern audience. His energetic dance sequences and passionate performances make this film a visual spectacle.

Best Actor Nominees

The Best Actor category celebrates the leading men who brought unforgettable characters to life. The nominees were:

  • Javier Bardem (Being the Ricardos): Bardem's portrayal of Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos is both charming and complex. He captures the energy and charisma of the iconic entertainer, as well as the challenges he faced behind the scenes.

  • Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog): Cumberbatch's commanding performance as a domineering rancher in The Power of the Dog is both chilling and nuanced. He delves into the depths of his character's repressed desires and inner turmoil.

  • Andrew Garfield (Tick, Tick... Boom!): Garfield's energetic and heartfelt performance as Jonathan Larson in Tick, Tick... Boom! is a tour de force. He captures the passion and creativity of the struggling artist, as well as his vulnerability and self-doubt.

  • Will Smith (King Richard): Smith's powerful performance as Richard Williams in King Richard is both inspiring and moving. He embodies the unwavering determination and unconventional methods of the father and coach of Venus and Serena Williams.

  • Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth): Washington's commanding performance as Macbeth in The Tragedy of Macbeth is both regal and tormented. He brings a gravitas and intensity to the iconic role, capturing the character's descent into madness.

Best Actress Nominees

The Best Actress category recognizes the leading ladies who delivered unforgettable performances. The nominees included:

  • Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye): Chastain's transformative performance as Tammy Faye Bakker in The Eyes of Tammy Faye is both sympathetic and captivating. She captures the flamboyant personality and compassionate spirit of the televangelist.

  • Olivia Colman (The Lost Daughter): Colman's nuanced performance in The Lost Daughter is both haunting and complex. She portrays a woman grappling with the choices she made as a mother, revealing layers of vulnerability and regret.

  • Penélope Cruz (Parallel Mothers): Cruz's performance in Parallel Mothers is both powerful and tender. She captures the emotional journey of a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, identity, and family secrets.

  • Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos): Kidman's portrayal of Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos is both iconic and insightful. She captures the wit and intelligence of the legendary comedian, as well as the challenges she faced in her personal and professional life.

  • Kristen Stewart (Spencer): Stewart's performance as Princess Diana in Spencer is both captivating and haunting. She embodies the isolation and turmoil of the royal icon, creating a portrait of a woman trapped by her circumstances.

Other Key Categories

Of course, the Oscars celebrate excellence in many other categories as well! Here's a quick look at some of the other key nominations:

  • Best Supporting Actor: This category featured standout performances from actors like Ciarán Hinds (Belfast), Troy Kotsur (CODA), and Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog).

  • Best Supporting Actress: Talented actresses like Ariana DeBose (West Side Story), Judi Dench (Belfast), and Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog) were recognized for their incredible supporting roles.

  • Best Original Screenplay: Nominees included Belfast, Don't Look Up, and King Richard, honoring the writers behind these compelling stories.

  • Best Adapted Screenplay: This category highlighted the writers who adapted existing works, such as CODA, Drive My Car, and The Power of the Dog.

  • Best Animated Feature: Animated films like Encanto, Flee, and Luca were celebrated for their creativity and storytelling.

Final Thoughts

The Oscar 2022 nominees represented a diverse and outstanding collection of films. It was a year of powerful performances, groundbreaking storytelling, and stunning visuals. Whether you're a film buff or just enjoy a good movie, the nominees offered something for everyone. So, did your favorite film get nominated? Which movie were you rooting for? Let us know in the comments below! Keep enjoying the magic of cinema, guys!