The nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were unveiled last month, showcasing remarkable films such as Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Killers of the Flower Moon. However, amidst the notable mentions, several exceptional movies unfortunately didn’t receive the same recognition. Today, we’ll delve into the topic of Oscar snubs, shedding light on films like Memory, The Iron Claw, and many more that truly deserve acknowledgment.
Be sure to check out the full list of movies that did make the cut for this year’s Oscar nominations before the ceremony airs on Sunday, March 10th, 2023 at 7 p.m. EST/ 4 p.m. PST. The event will be broadcast live on ABC and hosted by late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
Also, be sure to join us back here at Hollywood.com to follow along for live coverage of the event!
Memory
Peter Sarsgaard and Jessica Chastain both received critical acclaim for their performances at the Venice Film Festival. However, despite Sarsgaard’s win, Memory was surprisingly overlooked by the Oscars. The distributor, Ketchup Entertainment, failed to capitalize on the immense pre-release hype surrounding the film as an awards contender, ultimately contributing to the film’s lackluster reception.
SYNOPSIS: The story revolves around Jessica Chastain’s character, Sylvia, a single mother and social worker dealing with her past, and Peter Sarsgaard’s character, Saul, who suffers from early-onset dementia. These troubled lives become entwined following a high school reunion.
The Iron Claw
This film captivates with its incredible and heartfelt performances, especially from Zac Efron. It remains one of the most emotionally impactful movies of the year, which makes its Oscar snubs somewhat expected, though still disappointing. A24, the distributor, had already been promoting other films like The Zone of Interest and Past Lives for Best Picture. Combined with its late 2023 release, this sealed its fate for the Oscar snubs.
SYNOPSIS: Experience the captivating journey of the Von Erich brothers, as they etch their names in the annals of professional wrestling history during the early 1980s. Through a tapestry of triumph and tragedy, these siblings strive for immortalization on the grandest stage of sports, seeking a legacy larger than life itself.
Get ready to rumble with our review of the film. Don’t tap out before checking it out!
Origin
Ava DuVernay’s direction in the film Origin brought forth a remarkable performance by lead actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, delving into intriguing perspectives on racism and framing it as a facet of a caste system. Despite Neon’s efforts as the distributor, Origin, unfortunately, did not generate the anticipated momentum and failed to secure any Oscar nominations this awards season.
SYNOPSIS: While navigating personal tragedy, acclaimed author Isabel Wilkerson pens her groundbreaking work “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.” Through a profound global exploration, she reveals the intricate presence of racism within the United States, eloquently framing it as an integral component of a deeply entrenched caste system.
Fallen Leaves
Upon its release, this Finnish film garnered widespread critical acclaim and was considered a strong contender for international category nominations. Despite receiving multiple nominations at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and Golden Globes, as well as making the shortlist for Best International Feature at The Oscars, it ultimately fell short of securing any nominations and is yet another of the many Oscar snubs.
SYNOPSIS: In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls meet in a karaoke bar and try to build a relationship. Their path to happiness is beset by obstacles, from lost phone numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.
Saltburn
Despite generating significant buzz in recent months, Saltburn was completely overlooked by the Oscars. The film, directed by Emerald Fennell, received well-deserved nominations for its outstanding performances at both the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes. While it may not have garnered recognition from The Oscars, Saltburn has managed to cultivate a dedicated following, attaining a cult status that is, in its own right, a remarkable achievement.
SYNOPSIS: Set in Oxford and Northamptonshire, this captivating story centers around Oliver, a student at Oxford who becomes infatuated with Felix, an aristocratic classmate. Invited to spend the summer at Felix’s eccentric family estate, Oliver embarks on a journey that unravels a series of chilling events, engulfing Felix’s family in horror.
Other notable Oscar snubs
Given the abundance of remarkable films released last year, it’s impossible to cover all the notable Oscar snubs. However, here’s a list of some additional noteworthy 2023 releases that regrettably did not receive recognition in the 2024 Oscar nominations:
Air, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, All of Us Strangers, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret., Asteroid City, Beau is Afraid, BlackBerry, Dream Scenario, Eileen, Ferrari, The Killer, Of an Age, Priscilla, Showing Up, STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie, and A Thousand and One.
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Ben Ahrens is a versatile Silicon Valley-based writer, content marketer, photographer, and graphic designer. His passion lies in crafting engaging stories for the entertainment industry and embracing the tech culture of the Bay Area to uncover the next ground-breaking innovations. When not weaving words, you’ll find him curating the perfect playlist for every occasion or exploring the diverse landscapes of Northern California.
