History could not have failed to be made by the 2021 Oscar nominees. It duly has, twice over. For a start, Chinese film-maker Chloé Zhao has become the first woman of colour ever nominated for the prize of Best Director. Her nomination alongside British director Emerald Fennell also makes this the first time two women will contest the category.
Equally, after a year almost without cinemas and with enforced changes to eligibility rules, the contenders reflect 12 months in which streaming has come to define the film business. In multiple categories, the winner on the night of April 25 is likely to be Netflix. Many would argue the biggest victory is already theirs.
The single largest haul of nominations — 10, including Best Picture — went to Mank, an inky Hollywood Valentine produced by the streaming giant and directed by David Fincher. Zhao’s Nomadland, meanwhile — the story of an American woman building a new life off-grid — picked up six nominations, also including Best Picture as well as Best Actress for star Frances McDormand. Six nominations were also secured by Minari, Judas and the Black Messiah, The Trial of the Chicago 7, The Father and Sound of Metal.