The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were announced yesterday, highlighting a groundbreaking year for cinema. Leading the pack is Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, which made history with 13 nominations—the most ever for a non-English-language film. The Spanish-language musical about a transgender drug lord in Mexico has been recognized in major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting honors.

Other top contenders include The Brutalist and Wicked, which each earned 10 nominations, followed by A Complete Unknown and Conclave with eight nods apiece. The diverse range of films reflects the Academy’s efforts to highlight unique voices and compelling stories from around the globe.

One of the most notable achievements this year is Karla Sofía Gascón’s historic nomination as the first openly transgender actress in an acting category for her role in Emilia Pérez. Her performance has been celebrated as a breakthrough in representation for the LGBTQ+ community in mainstream cinema.

Adrien Brody also earned a Best Actor nomination for his moving portrayal of a Holocaust survivor in Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist. The film, an epic tale of resilience and migration, has been lauded for its emotional depth and artistic vision, making it a strong contender in multiple categories.

This year’s nominations come after a two-week delay caused by the devastating wildfires that affected Southern California. Despite the setbacks, anticipation is high for the ceremony, scheduled for March 2 and hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien. The event promises to celebrate both cinematic achievement and cultural progress, with a lineup of nominees that highlights stories of diversity, resilience, and creativity.

As always, the nominations sparked discussions about snubs and surprises, with some fan favorites missing from key categories. For those looking for a lighter take on the awards, the “Muppet versions” of this year’s Best Picture nominees are already making waves online.

The 97th Academy Awards will undoubtedly be one for the history books, as it continues to spotlight groundbreaking achievements in film and foster discussions about representation and innovation in the industry.