Todd Phillips’ “Joker” scored a leading 11 Oscar nominations on Monday, including best picture, best director for Phillips and best actor for Joaquin Phoenix. Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and Sam Mendes’ “1917” followed close behind with 10 nods a piece. Those films, along with “Ford v Ferrari,” “Jojo Rabbit,” “Little Women,” “Marriage Story” and “Parasite” will compete for best picture.
Female filmmakers were entirely shut out of the best director race. Along with Phillips, the nominees include Scorsese for “The Irishman,” Mendes for “1917,” Tarantino for “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and Bong Joon Ho for “Parasite.” Greta Gerwig (“Little Women”), Kasi Lemmons (“Harriet”), Lulu Wang (“The Farewell”) and Lorene Scafaria (“Hustlers”) were all overlooked by the Academy. Only five women have ever been nominated for director, and only one, Kathryn Bigelow (“The Hurt Locker”) has ever won the prize. Issa Rae, who had been enlisted to read off the nominees, made a biting nod to their exclusion after the directing contenders were unveiled.
Until “Harriet” star Cynthia Erivo was announced as a nominee for best actress, it was looking increasingly likely that the Oscars were heading for a repeat of the #OscarsSoWhite controversy that drove the Academy to aggressively begin diversifying its membership four years ago. Instead, Erivo saved the Academy from the embarrassment of yet another slate of all-white acting nominees — but just barely. Awkwafina (“The Farewell”), Jennifer Lopez (“Hustlers”), Eddie Murphy (“Dolemite Is My Name”), Zhao Shuzhen (“The Farewell”), Lupita Nyong’o (“Us”), Alfre Woodard in (“Clemency”), Jamie Foxx in (“Just Mercy”) and the cast of “Parasite” failed to earn nominations.
-
Leonardo DiCaprio
Image Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock Best Actor, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
“I’d like to thank the Academy for recognizing my work along with the incredible performances of my fellow nominees. I’ve been incredibly fortunate with this film to have partnered with brilliant collaborators in Quentin Tarantino, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. This is a film is an homage to the city of Los Angeles, and I had the opportunity to portray an actor facing his own obsolescence at a time when our culture was going through massive change. This film in many ways is a tribute to all those who were a part of this industry. Cinema is, and continues to be, a powerful form of free artistic expression. This film along with so many others this year were truly original and impactful. I hope as we progress, we continue to see even more of them. I feel honored to be a part of it all. Thank you again.”
-
Scarlett Johansson
Image Credit: Shutterstock Best Actress, “Marriage Story;” Best Supporting Actress, “Jojo Rabbit”
“Working with Noah Baumbach and Taika Waititi, respectively, has given me such deep artistic satisfaction; ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Jo Jo Rabbit’ are two great highlights of my career. I am deeply humbled by the Academy’s recognition of my work, which would not have been possible without the support of the incredibly gifted actors and writer/directors that I’ve been so fortunate to collaborate with.”
-
Martin Scorsese
Image Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock Best Director, “The Irishman”
“I’m honored that our work on ‘The Irishman’ has been honored by the Academy with these nominations. We put all of ourselves into this picture, a true labor of love, and to be recognized in this way means a great deal to all of us.”
-
Bong Joon Ho
Image Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film, “Parasite”
“I didn’t create this film for all these nominations, but somehow this all happened. I was particularly happy to see the craft nominations for editing and production design. They are all great masters with a long career and I was very happy to see them nominated…We put in so much effort in all departments for this film. We tried to approach it with mastery and artistry and with new challenges and not remain complacent. I think the voters really recognized that as fellow filmmakers.”
Read our full conversation with Bong here.
-
Greta Gerwig
Image Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutt Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, “Little Women”
“I am brimming with happiness — thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you (that’s six!) to the Academy. This film of ‘Little Women’ has been over thirty years in the making, from the very first time Louisa May Alcott and Jo March reached across time and space and made me believe I could be a writer and creator. Every single person who worked on this film poured their heart and soul into it, and we are all so grateful to the Academy for recognizing the collective effort. I am so personally proud of each person who worked on the film, and I am bursting with joy for all of them. I have to say a few names loudly, because I am just so deeply thrilled for them — my filmmaking partner/wizard/genius Saoirse Ronan, you are my inspiration and my honesty and my co-captain, always, my baby girl superstar Florence Pugh, the Marmee of our dreams Laura Dern (woot! ‘Marriage Story’!), our gorgeously talented and ridiculously intelligent Emma Watson, the bright shining soul and life force Eliza Scanlen, our Queen Meryl, the quiet strength and world-class craft of Jayne Houdyshell, and the fifth March sister and all around prince Timothee Chalamet. The men who, as Louisa says, possess “chivalry worth having,” Chris Cooper, Tracy Letts, James Norton, Bob Odenkirk and Louis Garrel. The costumes of Jacqueline Durran, the sets of Jess Gonchor, and the music of Alexandre Desplat — they gave me such incredible gifts and each frame of the movie is filled with their skill and work and care. Amy Pascal, I have no words big enough but you know what is in my heart. Everyone at Sony and Columbia Pictures especially to Tom Rothman, my favorite sparring partner and tireless champion. Writing and directing this film was an honor and sharing it with audiences has been the most sincerely heart-warming journey. I hope our ‘Little Women’ does for another generation of girls and women what it did for me: lights a fire to write your book, make your movie, sing your verse. From all of us Little Women and Men, thank you to the Academy.”
-
Taika Waititi
Image Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, “Jojo Rabbit”
“I wrote the first draft of this in 2011 and the s— wasn’t so bad back then. I wrote this more as response to research I was doing on the Bosnian War and what kids were going through. Apart from ‘Tin Drum’ and a couple of other films, we haven’t seen what kids have gone through in war time, in any war, really. My initial response was me writing that script. Then cut to seven years later and we made this film and it became a little bit more relevant and I’m really glad that we waited because I think the film has become more important now.”
Now that you directed an episode of “The Mandalorian” and played IG-11 in the Disney Plus series, does that mean you’ll be directing a “Star Wars” movie one day?
“Oh, I don’t know anything about that, but ‘Mandalorian’ was my chance to work with some stormtroopers.”
But would you want to direct a “Star Wars” movie?
“Yes. Obviously I would, but I’m going to just settle for IG-11 being the hero of the entire season.”
-
Florence Pugh
Image Credit: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock Best Supporting Actress, “Little Women”
“Amy has been such a literary enemy for so long, I think Greta allowed her to be fun and unapologetic for her decisions. We didn’t quite see her, or listen to what she was doing, she was just the girl in the book who ended up with the guy. In terms of Greta [Gerwig’s Oscar snub], I’m happy that everybody is upset. It’s great when you don’t need to point out the obvious. As Greta has said before, it’s been a great year for female creators and I hope this encourages a larger conversation. This is literally why Greta made the film — one about women living in a man’s world, related to money and success. This news only highlights the message of the film.”
-
Adam Driver
Image Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock Best Actor, “Marriage Story”
“I’m honored and incredibly grateful to represent the people who made ‘Marriage Story,’ and to be included among a list of actors I greatly admire! Thank you very much to Noah and to the cast and crew and, of course, to the Academy for this opportunity.”
-
Charlize Theron
Image Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock Best Actress, “Bombshell”
“It’s not hard to forget the moment when [the original funding for] this movie fell through and that call came and how I felt. But now we’re having this beautiful day and we’re ecstatic. It’s pretty crazy. [The cast and crew] are like family. I’m so happy for all of us. I wish more of us could have been nominated, but I’m just going to throw their names in with mine.”
-
Sam Mendes
Image Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutt Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, “1917”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled. This movie was a labor of love for many people–myself included- so to see it recognized in this way is very moving for all of us. I would like to thank the Academy on behalf of my fellow producers and on behalf of every single person who put their heart and soul into this film. Thank you.”
-
Rian Johnson
Image Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock Best Original Screenplay, “Knives Out”
“I’m blown away, man. We just set out to make a fun movie that audiences could enjoy. We never imagined we’d be in a conversation like this. Part of what helped [pull together this ensemble] was the speed — Daniel Craig had a very tight window to shoot before Bond. It was literally, ‘Can you come to Boston in two weeks and shoot this?’ I’m always kind of saying, if this movie does all right, I would be thrilled to make another one. But a lot has to happen. I have to write a script. The fun thing is thinking about it in the context of Agatha Christie and Poirot or Mrs. Markle. That way the sky’s the limit. It’s, ‘What is the next case?’ It’s not about building a mythology around the character.”
“Read our full conversation with Johnson here“
-
Joe Pesci
Image Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock Best Supporting Actor, “The Irishman”
“I’m honored, but as usual I’m humbled into speechlessness. I’m grateful to the Academy, our cast and crew and extend my sincere congratulations to the rest of the nominees.”
-
Hildur Guðnadóttir
Image Credit: AFF-USA/Shutterstock Best Original Score, “Joker”
“I’m truly honored and proud to be recognized with an Academy Award nomination for my work on ‘Joker.’ Being invited into this illustrious group of talent and getting to take part in telling this story means the world to me. Todd Phillips is a master of his craft and it was wonderful to experience how he trusts and empowers his collaborators so they can deliver their best work possible. We see that in the way every element of the film has its space to shine, because he gives each element real weight. The brightest shining of those of course being Joaquin Phoenix´s performance, which was simply otherworldly. I’m grateful for having been invited on this journey of a lifetime with them and I congratulate all of my fellow nominees on their nominations.”
-
Matthew A. Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver
Image Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock Best Animated Short, “Hair Love”
“We are so very grateful to The Academy for this recognition. We set out on this journey to tell the story of a young black father whose love for his daughter takes him into uncharted territory – doing her hair for the first time. The story was incredibly personal to us because it allowed us to tackle the negative societal stereotypes around natural hair and black fathers, and to normalize the depiction of a loving black family that we know so well and yet have seen so little of in media. We are grateful for the overwhelming reception. It’s a testament to how much representation matters and how it can empower all of us to see ourselves in a more positive light. We humbly thank Sony Pictures Animation and everyone who played a part in getting ‘Hair Love’ out to the world.”
-
James Mangold
Image Credit: Scott Roth/Invision/AP/Shutterst Best Picture, “Ford v Ferrari”
“Grown-ups are craving movies like we had when we were young — big, cinematic and made with care. The writing and the characterization and chemistry between Christian Bale and Matt Damon, this film speaks as much to car races as it does to making movies. Movies are expensive, they’re a leap in the dark. We don’t necessarily get killed like drivers did in the droves in the ’60s, but if you make a few bad ones, you don’t get to do it again. We’re very happy to make it to the end of this particular race.”
-
Pippa Harris
Image Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock Best Picture, “1917”
“The thing for us that is so heartening is that it shows you can make a film without big stars in the lead, unknown intellectual property, and you can reach a broad audience — if it’s put on and marketed well. All of us are cinema lovers, and we all want to have an excuse to see something that feels like it was designed to be in that space. Ten Oscar nominations is completely overwhelming.”
-
Bernie Taupin
Image Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock Best Original Song, “Rocketman”
“Thank you very much to the Academy for this incredible honor. This ‘Rocketman’ journey has been one of the highlights of my life and I’m grateful to be sharing this honor with my longtime friend and collaborator, Elton. We have personally and professionally supported each other for decades, and my goal in writing these lyrics was to honor his legacy, strength and perseverance as both an icon and compassionate friend. To think that what started as a chance encounter over 5 decades ago in a London diner would take us both on the journey of a lifetime is beyond even my imagination. I’m humbled and deeply grateful for this prestigious recognition of our work together.”
-
Randy Newman
Image Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock Best Original Score, Best Original Song, “Toy Story 4”
“I’m very happy. I loved working with Josh Cooley on ‘Toy Story 4.’ I’m proud of this song. I like it as well as any song I’ve written for a movie. I hope it wins.”
-
Thelma Schoonmaker
Image Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock Best Film Editing, “The Irishman”
“What a joy it was to work on this movie–with such brilliant direction by Scorsese and the extraordinary acting by De Niro, Pacino and Pesci and all the cast–and then an Oscar nomination? What a thrill!”
-
Ladj Ly
Image Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety/Shutters Best International Feature Film, “Les Misérables”
“I would like to say ‘merci’ to the Academy. I always dreamt to say this sentence one day! Thank you to all of you who voted for international movies and for France and for us. We are all Miserables in the sense that we are all immigrants. But we can all do the revolution, me I am doing it with my camera. I believe in the power of cinema as a tool to challenge the politics and even sometimes to inspire revolution and above all bring real lasting changes. Walt Disney had a saying: ‘All our dreams can come true… if we have the courage to pursue them.’ We had a dream and now it’s time to make it true. The Miserables need you, the world needs you to continue to have dreams… that’s also what we call the magic of cinema! Be ready, The Miserables are coming to Hollywood.”
-
Josh Cooley
Image Credit: Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP/Shut Best Animated Feature, “Toy Story 4”
“Early on, I think I had the same questions everyone had — why are we making another one? We had a perfect cap to the end of that story. We realized there was more story to tell, and it’s very gratifying to have audiences say, ‘I didn’t know I needed that movie.’ With a nomination on top of that, it keeps getting better. Who would have thought a spork was the answer?”
-
Tom Rothman
Image Credit: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock Best Picture, “Little Women,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
“The nominations today are reflective of our belief that a mix of powerful intellectual property and a big investment in originality is the best strategy. From Greta Getwig’s startlingly new take on ‘Little Women,’ to Quentin’s beloved movie, to our ‘Hair Love’ short. Any Oscar morning when the studio can get two best picture nominations is great, even if my Ravens lost on Saturday.”