The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed their nominees for the 90th Annual Academy Awards on Jan. 23 at 5:25 a.m.  The announcements were livestreamed simultaneously via Twitter and their actual website.  

Hosted by Tiffany Haddish and Andy Serkis, the event revealed the nominees for various  categories such as Best Motion Picture, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Cinematography.  The Shape of Water stole the spotlight with thirteen nominations while Dunkirk earned eight and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri earned seven.

Films nominated ranged in genre from horror to fantasy, drama to bio-pics.   Each film offered different experiences for viewers and for Noah Chopin, 11, historical dramas provided him with the best experiences of the year.

“Dunkirk and Darkest Hour,” Chopin stated.  “I loved that they were about World War II, and how it focused on specific events and people from that time.”

Throughout the course of the show, each category was preceded by an introductory video showcasing their role in the paradigm of films.  Videos included celebrity guests to draw public interest and shine a limelight on various performers of the year.

While each film received a significant amount of praise, a nomination from The Academy doesn’t always guarantee universal love for a motion picture.  Differing opinions often surface around awards season and with Guillermo Del Toro’s The Shape of Water receiving the majority of the nominations, some have expressed animosity over its success such as Allyssa Chan, 10.

“I think The Shape of Water shouldn’t have been nominated for so many awards because it was weird and looked stupid,” Chan said.

With the #TimesUp movement making waves across Hollywood and most recently at the 75th Golden Globe Awards, the movement is expected to have a significant presence at the Oscars.  

Advocates for the movement such as junior, Kay Urquieta believe that its presence at the awards show is important in raising awareness and stopping any further acts committed against women.

“I think it will have a huge presence at the Oscars,” Urquieta stated.  “It is important for today’s  society to work together and raise awareness.”

Theatre chains such as Regal and AMC have implemented special events to view all the Best Picture nominees including Lady Bird; The Shape of Water; Get Out; Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; Darkest Hour; Dunkirk; Call Me By Your Name; Phantom Thread; and The Post.  All these nominees will have their chance to shine under the stars when the 90th Annual Oscars air on Mar. 4 at 5:00 p.m on ABC.