2021 Oscars: Notable achievements and biggest snubs

According to the Academy (h/t CNN), 70 women received 76 nominations—a record number—while two women (Chloé Zhao and Emerald Fennell) are under consideration for best director for the first time in one year. Additionally, Zhao is the first-ever woman of color to receive a best director nomination.

Asian-Americans made long overdue headway elsewhere, too:

The firsts kept on coming, as Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) became the lone Bulgarian actress to receive a nomination in the show's 93-year history with a best supporting actress nod.

More somberly—but equally as groundbreaking—Chadwick Boseman is the seventh posthumous actor nominated for an Oscar. The Black Panther icon was recognized the best actor category for his work in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, his last film before passing away from colon cancer at 43 years old in August. Ma Rainey's will have a strong showing across the board:

As will David Fincher's Mank, leading the field with 10 nominations: 

Behind Mank, six films are tied with six nominations apiece:

And now for the downside. Even with the Academy doing so much right, nothing is ever perfect. Below are five notable snubs from this historic field.

Aaron Sorkin (The Trial of the Chicago 7)

Sorkin is hardly deprived of recognition. The acclaimed director has won more awards than can be listed here, including one Oscar for The Social Network in 2010 and three other Oscar nominations. One of those nominations even came this year, in the best original screenplay category for The Trial of the Chicago 7. The snub came when Sorkin wasn't also put up for consideration for best director. 

Alan Kim (Minari)

Minari, as we've already covered, made plenty of history, but 8-year-old Alan Kim wasn't included. The young actor, who was seven years old at the time of filming, played the son, David, to Steven Yeun's Jacob as the Korean family starts a new life in Arkansas. This snub is heartbreaking because Kim won't have an opportunity to replicate his lovely Critics' Choice Award speech:

But the good news is he is only eight, so there is plenty of time for him to continue stealing our hearts. Plus, as he told GQ's Chris Gayomali, it was simply "so awesome" to work with Yeun.

Regina King (One Night in Miami...)

One Night in Miami... was recognized, thankfully, with three nominations: best actor in a supporting role (Leslie Odom Jr.), best adapted screenplay (Kent Powers) and best achievement in music written for motion pictures ("Speak Now").

However, Regina King was notably absent. The Oscar-winning actress made her directorial feature debut with this film and has been widely lauded for her work. The Academy chose not to join in. If King would have been nominated, the best director category would have been stacked with three women.

Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods)

Like Sorkin, we aren't asking you to feel overly sorry for Lee. Plus, we have already established that the directing category is stacked. That said, Da 5 Bloods only receiving one overall nomination (best achievement in music written for motion pictures) is a bit surprising. The film was (duh) directed by Lee, who won his first and only Oscar for best adapted screenplay (BlacKkKlansman) in 2019:

Lee recently addressed his Golden Globes snub with The New York Times, and it's likely he feels the same way about this one.

Zendaya (Malcolm & Marie)

Malcolm & Marie was directed and written by Sam Levinson, then filmed with just 22 crew members on set during the pandemic. The plot focuses on Malcolm (John David Washington) and Marie (Zendaya) as they argue their way into the night at home, traversing deep and vulnerable waters. There is nobody else in the cast. Thus, there is nothing left to distract from Washington and Zendaya's performances.

Zendaya became the youngest-ever (24) to win best actress in a drama series at last year's Emmys, as well as the second Black actress after Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder). So, fans were expecting the Euphoria star to continue her ascent as universal awards darling at this year's Oscars. Instead, the actress in a leading role category was filled out by Davis (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom), Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday), Vanessa Kirby (Pieces of a Woman), Frances McDormand (Nomadland) and Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman).