Latinos are having a banner year in cinema, proven by the outstanding performances, and invigorating filmmakers and artisans, behind many of this year’s leading contenders for the Oscars.
During this holiday break, we’re sitting in the midst of voting for the Screen Actors Guild Awards (which opened on Dec. 6 and closes Jan. 9) and the first round of BAFTA Awards (began on Dec. 10 and ends Jan. 3).
As guild voters plow through their pile of screeners, both digitally and physically, Variety is providing a helpful reminder of films that are engrossed with Latino talent and culture that should not be forgotten before ballots are turned in.
From the newcomers that stepped in front of the camera in “West Side Story” (David Alvarez and Rachel Zegler) to the scribes that told our stories in “Encanto” (Charise Castro Smith and Yvett Merino); from the visionaries behind “Nightmare Alley” (Guillermo del Toro) to the first-time director that made it look easy in “Tick, Tick … Boom!” (Lin-Manuel Miranda); and from the names you may already know in “The French Dispatch” (Benicio del Toro) to the ones you may not recognize as our own in “Passing” (Tessa Thompson), there’s enough consideration to be given to a group that is grotesquely underrepresented in the Academy’s history.
There’s history that can be made for people like Ariana DeBose (who would be the first person to win in a remake for a previous Oscar-winning character), Rita Moreno (who would be the oldest nominee of any competitive Oscar ever), Clifton Collins Jr (who would be the fifth Latino nominated for best actor) and Reinaldo Marcus Green (who would be the first Afro Latino directing nominee).
It’s not just about what you can see and who directed the projects. An animated gem like “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” has Cuban Phil Lord while Natalie Morales and Virgil Williams are telling stories differently with “Language Lessons” and “A Journal for Jordan.”
Check out all the predictions for the Oscars here. In no particular order, here are the Latinos voters shouldn’t forget.
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David Alvarez ('West Side Story')
Category: Supporting Actor
Role: Bernardo
Distributed by: 20th Century Studios
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Tony Kushner (based on the musical “West Side Story” by Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents and “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare)The scene that proves it: “The Rumble”
Taking on a former Oscar-winning performance is no easy task, but for Alvarez, he annihilates any previous notion the world may have had regarding Maria’s doomed brother. Described by his co-star Ariana DeBose as “the working man’s Bernardo,” in his debut feature performance, the dancer and actor left the entertainment business after winning a Tony Award for lead actor musical for “Billy Elliot the Musical.” Back and better than ever, he soars as Maria’s brother Bernardo, worthy of acclaim, and will hopefully be led to many more dynamic and exciting roles in the future.
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Moisés Arias ('Jockey')
Category: Supporting Actor
Role: Gabriel Boullait
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
Directed by: Clint Bentley
Written by: Clint Bentley, Greg KwedarThe scene that proves it: “I saw this photo and thought, ‘What if I could be somebody like that?'”
The future for Latinos in cinema looks bright with actors like Moisés Arias continuing to make an indelible impression in films like “The Kings of Summer” (2013) and “Monos” (2019). He does it again opposite Clifton Collins Jr and Molly Parker in Sony Pictures Classics’ “Jockey.” While the supporting actor race remains open, many of Arias’ successes are heightened by his heartfelt and soulful turn.
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Stephanie Beatriz ('Encanto')
Category: Best Actress
Role: Mirabel
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith (co-director)
Written by: Charise Castro Smith, Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Jason Hand, Nancy Kruse, Lin-Manuel MirandaThe scene that proves it: “The miracle is dying because of you.”
Continuing to push the Actors Branch to look beyond their conventional performances, there have been dozens of voice turns that have been worthy of Academy attention (i.e., Robin Williams in “Aladdin” and Ellen Degeneres in “Finding Nemo”). Besides showcasing an angelic set of singing pipes (after already showing it off in “In the Heights” and NBC’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Beatriz’s inflections into Mirabel’s yearn to please her overbearing grandmother are vibrantly touching.
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Clifton Collins Jr ('Jockey')
Category: Best Actor
Role: Jackson Silva
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
Directed by: Clint Bentley
Written by: Clint Bentley, Greg KwedarThe scene that proves it: “There ain’t no better world. There’s just this one.”
With over 75 movie credits, Clifton Collins Jr has worked with just about everyone in the business. He delivers one of his finest moments on screen in Clint Bentley’s stunning debut “Jockey,” which premiered last year at the Sundance Film Festival. With a snub under his belt as Perry Smith opposite the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Capote” (2005), it’s time for this incredible actor to be properly recognized by the Academy. He would be just the fifth Latino ever up for best actor if nominated. He also has a small role in Guillermo del Toro’s “Nightmare Alley,” which adds to his breadth of work this year.
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Robin de Jesús ('Tick, Tick ... Boom!')
Category: Supporting Actor
Role: Michael
Distributed by: Netflix
Directed by: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Written by: Steven Levenson (based on “Tick, Tick … Boom!” by Jonathan Larson)The scene that proves it: “No More”
The infectiously entertaining and talented Robin de Jesús smashes it as Jonathan Larson’s former roommate and best friend Michael in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s directorial debut. In the musical adaptation, de Jesús finds the essence and heart of the character, showcasing his wit and charm during the hilarious “No More” and then shattering your heart into pieces with “Real Life” after his big reveal. The three-time Tony nominee is ravishing and needs more film roles, stat.
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Ariana DeBose ('West Side Story')
Category: Supporting Actress
Role: Anita
Distributed by: 20th Century Studios
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Tony Kushner (based on the musical “West Side Story” by Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents and “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare)The scene that proves it: “America.”
Ariana DeBose is a triple threat. First, the young Afro Latina — an actress, dancer, and singer — steals every essence of Spielberg’s beloved classic remake. Then, in a role that is so revered due to Rita Moreno’s Oscar-winning involvement, she ultimately makes it her own, giving her gravitas and strength that isn’t felt in other productions. Not just worthy of a nomination, she deserves to hold that Oscar, SAG and every other statuette that will be handed out this awards season.
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Benicio del Toro ('The French Dispatch')
Category: Supporting Actor
Role: Moses Rosenthaler
Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures
Directed by: Wes Anderson
Written by: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola, Hugo Guinness, Jason SchwartzmanThe scene that proves it: Painting Simone
Benicio del Toro’s turn in “The French Dispatch” is the best of its sprawling cast, within the best story of the anthology film. Winning an Oscar for best supporting actor for “Traffic” (2000) and picking up another nom for “21 Grams” (2003), the Puerto Rican-born actor continues to prove he’s one of the best in the business. He works remarkably with Anderson’s deadpan comedy and is deserving of a checkbox. Even if you’re mixed on the film, there’s little doubt that his segment, and chemistry with Lea Seydoux and Adrien Brody, is the most engaging for viewers.
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Guillermo del Toro ('Nightmare Alley')
Category: Best Director
Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Written by: Guillermo del Toro, Kim Morgan (based on the novel “Nightmare Alley” by William Lindsay Gresham)The scene that proves it: “Mister, I was born for it.”
Visionary director Guillermo del Toro pushes the boundaries of cinema once again with his dark interpretation of “Nightmare Alley.” Boasting a lively ensemble that includes Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, Rooney Mara and David Strathairn, he challenges every facet of the viewer’s intellect on what movies can and are supposed to be. Adapting the novel with his wife Kim Morgan and hardly taking any cues from the original 1947 feature, his artisan assembly is nearly unmatched from this year. It provides an indelible modern take on the noir thriller. For what it’s worth, the Oscar-winner for “The Shape of Water” (2017) makes a compelling case for more love from the branches.
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Eugenio Derbez ('CODA')
Category: Supporting Actor
Role: Bernardo Villalobos
Distributed by: Apple Original Films
Directed by: Siân Heder
Written by: Siân Heder (based on “La Famille Bélier” by Victoria Bedos, Thomas Bidegain, Stanislas Carré de Malberg, Éric Lartigau)The scene that proves it: “Do you have something to say?”
The conversation surrounding “CODA” has rightfully been on the cast, who are worthy of the nomination for cast ensemble from the SAG Awards. In the supporting actor arena, Gotham Award winner Troy Kotsur has been getting the lion’s share of the praise, but also impressively dynamic is comedian Eugenio Derbez’s portrayal of a music teacher who is trying to inspire a young student.
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Colman Domingo ('Zola')
Category: Supporting Actor
Role: Abegunde “X” Olawale
Distributed by: A24
Directed by: Janicza Bravo
Written by: Janicza Bravo, Jeremy O. Harris (based on “Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted” by David Kushner and Tweets by Aziah “Zola” King)The scene that proves it: Meeting in the car
With parents from Belize and Guatemala, Afro Latino Colman Domingo is a proven entertainer of the stage, television and cinema. The 52-year-old has delivered standout turns in films like 2020’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and 2018’s “If Beale Street Could Talk.” In Afro-Latina Janicza Bravo’s dark comedy about two strippers taking a road trip with a sketchy pimp, he’s utterly memorable and the clear standout — overdue for some love.
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Leslie Grace ('In the Heights')
Category: Supporting Actress
Role: Nina Rosario
Distributed by: Warner Bros
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Written by: Quiara Alegria Hudes (based on the Broadway show “In the Heights” by Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda)The scene that proves it: “Let me listen to my block.”
The cinematic year gave birth to so many Latino stars. One of those gifts was the beautifully talented Dominican actress and three-time Latin Grammy nominee Leslie Grace. Her work as the conflicted Nina from the critically acclaimed musical was one of the many bright spots in a sprawling ensemble that included multiple Latino sensations. Her naturalistic outing has led her to more upcoming roles. The most anticipated is Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. “Batgirl,” in an upcoming HBO Max film.
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Reinaldo Marcus Green ('King Richard')
Category: Best Director
Distributed by: Warner Bros
Directed by: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Written by: Zach BaylinThe scene that proves it: Venus Williams vs. Arantxa Sánchez Vicario
The story of Venus and Serena Williams’ (Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton) entry into the world of tennis, as told through the eyes of their father Richard (Will Smith), is a crowdpleaser in a time where many are seeking hope. Though, journalists have taken too much leisure in dismissing Afro Latino Reinaldo Marcus Green’s direction on the biopic drama, likely due to its lack of visual effects and splashy cinematic trips. But as you watch the story unfold, you see Green make informed and deliberate decisions to elevate the method in which these stories are typically told, with the help of outstanding editor Pamela Martin. You see it with Brandi (Aunjanue Ellis) and Richard’s confrontation in the kitchen, the near abandoning of the kids after bragging about winning, and most prominently in the final match of Venus, which creates nail-biting tension in an event whose outcome is widely known. It’s fresh and new, and Green deserves the credit.
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Oscar Isaac ('The Card Counter')
Category: Best Actor
Role: William Tell
Distributed by: Focus Features
Directed by: Paul Schrader
Written by: Paul SchraderThe scene that proves it: Reenactment in Abu Ghraib with Gordon
There are two choices for the talented Cuban and Guatemalan actor from 2021, with roles that are not tied to his cultural identity — which we want to see more of in Hollywood. His outing as Duke Leto Atreides in Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” has depth and emotion that people tend to write off in science fiction. However, his best chance at a nom looks to be his turn as a gambling ex-military prisoner in Paul Schrader’s divisive “The Card Counter.” With excellent chemistry with Tiffany Haddish (who should also be given consideration), he provides another example of being one of our finest actors who has yet to find Academy recognition, despite having “Inside Llewyn Davis” (2013) and “A Most Violent Year” (2014) in his filmography.
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Pablo Larraín ('Spencer')
Category: Best Director
Distributed by: Neon/Topic Studios
Directed by: Pablo Larraín
Written by: Steven KnightThe scene that proves it: Eating the pearls
Director Pablo Larraín has created a niche for himself by depicting powerful women in history, shown via Natalie Portman in “Jackie” and Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in “Spencer.” Not to be confused with “biopics,” as he doesn’t categorize his films as such, he constructs a luscious and terrifying fable that gives the doomed royal the happy ending she always deserved. Even if people are split on the overall articulation of “Spencer,” Larraín makes a dazzling case to be included in the best director field a la past nominees like Bennett Miller (“Foxcatcher”) and Mike Leigh (“Vera Drake”), whose names were recognized when their films were not. If there’s one thing the Oscars can be proud about in recent years, it’s the diversity of their winners for directing, with Latinos Alfonso Cuarón (“Gravity” and “Roma”), Alejandro González Iñárritu (“Birdman” and “The Revenant”) and Guillermo del Toro (“The Shape of Water”) among the names in the last decade. It may be time for the Chilean filmmaker to join.
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Phil Lord ('The Mitchells vs. the Machines')
Category: Best Animated Feature
Shared credit collaborator(s): Chris Miller (producer), Mike Rianda (director)
Distributed by: Netflix
Directed by: Mike Rianda, Jeff Rowe (co-director)
Written by: Mike Rianda, Jeff RoweThe scene that proves it: “Behold, cinema.”
One-half of the minds behind “The Lego Movie” (2014) and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018) is a Cuban from Miami, and it feels so good. The Oscar-winning pair of Lord and Miller helm the laughs, heart and zany visions of Mike Rianda and Jeff Rowe in “The Mitchells vs. the Machines.” Initially planned for a theatrical release by Sony Pictures, the main distribution rights were sold to Netflix due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the awards machine at the streamer has been consistently chugging along, with the film leading the way in precursor prizes. Along with Mexican producer Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out” and “Toy Story 4”), Lord is one of two Latino Oscar-winners in the category and could be on his way to his second statuette.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda ('Tick, Tick ... Boom!')
Category: Best Director
Distributed by: Netflix
Directed by: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Written by: Steven Levenson (based on “Tick, Tick … Boom!” by Jonathan Larson)The scene that proves it: “Sunday”
With all the pandemic shuffles of productions and release dates, 2021 had the brilliant mind behind “Hamilton” covering every corner of the entertainment industry. There are multiple ways to reward his richly executed year, but he rightfully deserves consideration for bringing the music of Jonathan Larson to life in “Tick, Tick … Boom!” In his directorial debut, Miranda shows a natural gift for framing a scene, blending fantasy and reality and identifying the most talented stars that the world needs to know (i.e., Robin de Jesús). Hopefully a slam dunk nominee for the DGA Awards for the first-time director category, he’s also in the race to receive a nomination for best picture (as one of the film’s producers). However, Miranda’s most accessible road to a nomination and becoming an EGOT recipient is in original song for penning the number “Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto.” In addition, he has “In the Heights” and the animated “Vivo” that also serve as chances for noms.
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Natalie Morales ('Language Lessons')
Category: Best Actress, Director and Original Screenplay
Role: Cariño
Distributed by: Shout! Studios
Directed by: Natalie Morales
Written by: Natalie Morales, Mark DuplassThe scene that proves it: “I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
There were very few films as wholly original, even in the time of a pandemic, than Natalie Morales’ heartwarming “Language Lessons.” Of course, directing, writing and starring in your own project can be a daunting endeavor. Still, Morales hits all points like a natural, aided immensely by her co-writer and co-star Mark Duplass, another award-worthy contender. It may be next-to-impossible for a film as small as “Lessons” to stand out, but that’s where the championing of journalists comes in to ensure attention is given. Let’s not forget, Morales also directed the comedy “Plan B” from Hulu, which is equally worshipful.
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Olga Merediz ('In the Heights')
Category: Supporting Actress
Role: Abuela Claudia
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Written by: Quiara Alegría HudesThe scene that proves it: “Paciencia y Fe”
The Tony-nominated Merediz gives the standout performance of “In the Heights” and the first half of the 2021 calendar year. As the matriarch of the Latino community of Washington Heights, her love for the young people around her is an endearing presence. Her connection to Abuela’s backstory, with her own family immigrating from Cuba, was a noticeable touch that works on every level. Please don’t forget her.
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Yvett Merino ('Encanto')
Category: Best Animated Feature
Shared credit collaborator(s): Byron Howard, Jared Bush, Clark Spencer
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith (co-director)
Written by: Jared Bush, Charise Castro Smith, Byron Howard, Jason Hand, Nancy Kruse, Lin-Manuel MirandaThe scene that proves it: “Dos Oruguitas”
It’s not just about the artists that create the projects but the decision-makers that oversee them. Producer Merino has worked herself up through the ranks of Walt Disney Animation Studios for over 20 years, contributing to films such as “Big Hero 6” and “Moana.” Working alongside president of WDAS Clark Spencer to bring the Madrigal family to life, Merino proves the value of ensuring seats at the tables of storytelling are filled by those who know their subject best. If nominated, Mexican American Merino will be the first Latina ever to be nominated for animated feature. If “Encanto” triumphs at the Oscars, she’d be the fifth woman to win.
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Rita Moreno ('West Side Story')
Category: Supporting Actress
Role: Valentina
Distributed by: 20th Century Studios
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Tony Kushner (based on the musical “West Side Story” by Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents and “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare)The scene that proves it: “Somewhere”
Let’s accept that half the work is done for a list such as this when you type the name “Rita Moreno.” An icon not just for Latinos but for every essence of the entertainment scene, the EGOT recipient still shows that at 90 years old, she’s still got it and then some. As the new character Valentina in Spielberg’s musical remake, Moreno, who also serves as an executive producer, takes on the role that was occupied by Doc in the original, providing new energy and higher stakes. The respect for the Puerto Rican star is pronounced, and she could shatter multiple records in Oscar history if she manages a nom. Most prominent, and simultaneously grotesque: She would become the first Latina to be nominated for an Oscar a second time. This comes 60 years after her supporting actress win for playing Anita in the original. Her co-star DeBose takes on the role with a fearless conviction, highlighting that the baton for the next Latinx generation has been properly passed.
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Anthony Ramos ('In the Heights')
Category: Best Actor
Role: Usnavi
Distributed by: Warner Bros
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Written by: Quiara Alegria Hudes (based on the Broadway show “In the Heights” by Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda)The scene that proves it: “Returning to Abuela’s apartment.”
Fresh off his Emmy nomination for “Hamilton” and standout performance in HBO’s “In Treatment,” Anthony Ramos blazes onto the scene in a big way this year as Usnavi in Jon M. Chu’s acclaimed musical. Putting forth some incredible vocal and rap numbers opposite Corey Hawkins, Melissa Barrera, and the rest of the terrific ensemble (SAG nom, please?), we eagerly await his move in the world of cinema, especially after a deserved Golden Globe nomination.
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Charise Castro Smith ('Encanto')
Category: Best Original Screenplay
Shared credit collaborator(s): Jared Bush (screenplay and story by), Byron Howard (story by), Jason Hand (story by), Nancy Kruse (story by), Lin-Manuel Miranda (story by)
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith (co-director)
Written by: Jared Bush, Charise Castro Smith, Byron Howard, Jason Hand, Nancy Kruse, Lin-Manuel MirandaThe scene that proves it: “I’m never going to be good enough for you, will I?”
The rich culture of Colombia is lavishly brought to life in Walt Disney’s 60th animated feature film, standing as one of the best in their impressive arsenal. It’s certainly aided by the Latino perspective, provided by Cuban writer, producer, actress and director Charise Castro Smith. You can see the touches and details of Latino culture embedded within every scene but ushered through universality, pushing against the foolish notion that “specific” stories won’t work for mainstream audiences. Castro Smith is also playing double-duty as a co-director, which highlights a needed change to include them as recipients for the best animated feature category. As it stands now, “co-directors” are not given the nomination, an example seen by Kemp Powers not receiving a statuette for Pixar’s “Soul.” It seems pointless to try to argue any differences between a “director” and “co-director,” so let’s include everyone’s hard work in the accolades, shall we?
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Tessa Thompson ('Passing')
Category: Best Actress
Role: Irene “Reenie” Redfield
Distributed by: Netflix
Directed by: Rebecca Hall
Written by: Rebecca Hall (based on the novel by Nella Larsen)The scene that proves it: “You dislike Negroes, Mr. Bellou?”
It’s not about how loud an actor can be, but rather what they convey. Rebecca Hall’s stunning directorial debut is meticulously constructed through its themes and subtle performances, elaborated by the yin-yang interrelation between Tessa Thompson’s quietly stoic deliveries and Ruth Negga’s infectious complexities. Unfortunately, it’s too often demonstrated by the Academy’s overlooking of understated performances in favor of louder, more conventional Oscar-bait roles. Thompson, an Afro Panamanian, hits a home run of a performance but it’s so subtly run that the viewer doesn’t realize they’ve won the game. Please, for the sake of cinema, don’t dismiss this fearless internalization of demons, love and wonderment.
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Virgil Williams ('A Journal for Jordan')
Category: Best Adapted Screenplay
Distributed by: Sony Pictures
Directed by: Denzel Washington
Written by: Virgil Williams (based on the personal journal by Charles Monroe King and the book by Dana Canedy)The scene that proves it: “Open the curtains.”
Any chance we get to see stories of Black people in love, being humans and not simply resting upon the desensitizing images of racism and torture, we have to leap at it. Oscar-nominated screenwriter Virgil Williams, one of only four Latinos to ever be nominated for adapted screenplay for “Mudbound” (2017), explores the insecurities of womanhood in Denzel Washington’s drama. He articulates the meekness of body image and our precarious relationship with food and exercise, but most of all, he challenges our understanding of beauty. Lives and families are complicated, and the Puerto Rican and Black screenwriter showcases that every step of the way, even if the execution proved divisive for some.
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Rachel Zegler ('West Side Story')
Category: Best Actress
Role: Maria
Distributed by: 20th Century Studios
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Tony Kushner (based on the musical “West Side Story” by Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents and “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare)The scene that proves it: “One Hand, One Heart”
An open casting call by two-time Oscar-winning director Spielberg (“Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan”) led to the discovery of young Zegler to take on the iconic role of Maria in “West Side Story.” The Colombian actress and singer is inarguably the biggest breakout star of the year, not just in what she showcases in her iconic duets (like “Tonight” and “One Hand, One Heart”) but also in her infectious ownership of the camera, best displayed in the lighter “I Feel Pretty,” which displays her acting range. While we anticipate to see more of Zegler (including in the upcoming adaptation of “Snow White”), she angles to become the youngest Latina nominee in history. She could also join the few actresses that have landed noms for their debut roles, including Catalina Sandino Moreno (“Maria Full of Grace”) and Yalitiza Aparicio (“Roma”).