The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, is an annual ceremony that honors the top movies of the past year. The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony was held on April 25, 2021, and was broadcast from multiple locations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The movie "Mank" leads the nominations with 10 nods, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Gary Oldman's portrayal of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz. "The Father" follows closely behind with six nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins' performance as a man struggling with dementia.
"Judas and the Black Messiah" tells the story of the betrayal and assassination of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton and is nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Daniel Kaluuya's role as Hampton, and Best Original Screenplay.
"Nomadland" focuses on a woman traveling through the American West after the economic collapse of a company town and is nominated for Best Picture and Best Director for Chloé Zhao.
"Sound of Metal" portrays a heavy metal drummer who begins to lose his hearing and is nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor for Riz Ahmed's performance as the drummer.
Other notable nominations include "Minari" for Best Picture and Best Director for Lee Isaac Chung, "Promising Young Woman" for Best Picture and Best Director for Emerald Fennell, and "The Trial of the Chicago 7" for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony was unique due to COVID-19 safety protocols and was held at both the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. The show had no traditional host for the third year in a row, and presenters included Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, and Zendaya. The ceremony also featured performances from H.E.R., Leslie Odom Jr., and Tiara Thomas, who sang the nominated song "Fight for You" from "Judas and the Black Messiah."