Jewish talent is represented on screen and behind the camera in the nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards.
Scarlett Johansson had never been nominated for an Oscar, but this year she was recognized twice, as in the lead actress category for “Marriage Story” and in the supporting category for “Jojo Rabbit.”
Both films are among the nine Best Picture nominees, which also include “Ford v Ferrari,” “The Irishman,” “Joker,” “Little Women,” “1917,” “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,” and “Parasite.” All but the latter were produced by Jews.
Taika Waititi was not nominated for Best Director but scored nods for producing and adapting “Jojo Rabbit” for the screen. Noah Baumbach also received nominations for his “Marriage Story” original screenplay and producing the film with David Heyman, who also produced “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood.”
Director Sam Mendes is nominated for directing and writing the screenplay for his World War I movie “1917,” and Todd Phillips is similarly honored for his direction and writing on “Joker.” Both produced their films.
Among the other honored producers are Jane Rosenthal for “The Irishman,” James Mangold and Peter Chernin for “Ford v Ferrari,” and Amy Pascal for “Little Women.”
In the music categories, Thomas Newman is nominated for his “1917” original score, and Randy Newman is a double nominee, for his “Marriage Story” score and original song “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” from “Toy Story 4.” Diane Warren received her 11th Oscar nomination for “I’m Standing with You” from “Breakthrough.”
Lawrence Sher was recognized for his cinematography on “Joker.”
One of this year’s biggest Jewish snubs was “Uncut Gems.” The Diamond District New York thriller written and directed by Josh and Benny Safdie starred Adam Sandler and received critical acclaim and audience appreciation. The film which had Oscar buzz swarming around it since the release was recently chosen by the National Board of Review as one of the top ten films of 2019, with Sandler also winning Best Actor.
The Academy Awards will be given out Feb. 9 at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland and air live on ABC.
