2017 Oscars: Here’s the scoop

Written by Giavanna Foster

The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, is an annual American awards ceremony that recognizes excellence in the United States film industry. The Oscars are a widely popular telecast, and people around the world watch it. Last year, 34.4 million people tuned in to watch the Oscars.

This year La La Land, Moonlight, and Manchester by the Sea are the Oscars’ leading nominees. Here’s the scoop:

La La Land is a true contender, as it received 14 nominations. The cast of La La Land received major recognition for their contributions to the film. Ryan Gosling is nominated for the actor in a leading role category, while Emma Stone is nominated for the actress in a leading role category. Damien Chazelle also received recognition for directing La La Land and writing the original screenplay for the film. His work is nominated in the directing and writing (original screenplay) categories.

Moonlight is also a standout, as it has received 8 nominations. The cast of Moonlight received recognition for their contributions to the film. Naomie Harris is nominated for the actress in a supporting role category. Moonlight is also nominated for Best Picture. Producers Adele Romanski, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner helped create the movie’s plot structure. Moonlight is also nominated for the writing (adapted screenplay) category. Barry Jenkins wrote the screenplay, while Tarell Alvin McCraney wrote the story.

Manchester by the Sea is the third standout film, as it has received 6 nominations. The cast of Manchester by the Sea received recognition for their contributions to the film. Michelle Williams is nominated for the actress in a supporting role category. Casey Affleck is nominated for the actor in a leading role category. Also, Lucas Hedges is nominated for the actor in a supporting role category. Hedges is one of the youngest actors to receive an Oscar nomination.

Vogue Runway tweeted that Hedges will be featured in their February 2017 issue:

Rising star Lucas Hedges and model Vittoria Ceretti in the most romantic looks from Vogue’s February 2017 issue: https://t.co/Xv7QORrCfG pic.twitter.com/UEqPoihz61

— Vogue Runway (@VogueRunway) January 17, 2017

Manchester by the Sea scored a nomination for Best Picture. Producers Matt Damon, Kimberly Steward, Chris Moore, Lauren Beck and Kevin J. Walsh worked together to help create the movie’s atmosphere and plot line. Manchester by the Sea is also nominated for the writing (original screenplay) category. Kenneth Lonergan wrote the original screenplay for this film.

Fan favorites Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Moana received 2 nominations. Rogue One earned 1.011 billion USD from box office profits. It is nominated for two categories: sound mixing and visual effects. David Parker, Christopher Scarabosio, and Stuart Wilson helped create the movie’s atmosphere by composing all of the sounds. John Knoll, Mohen Leo, Hal Hickel and Neil Corbould worked together to create the visual effects.

Moana earned 509.3 million USD from box office profits. It is nominated for two Oscars: music (original song), and animated feature film. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the music and lyrics for “How Far I’ll Go”, the movie soundtrack. John Musker, Ron Clements, and Osnat Shurer worked as a team to create the animations seen in Moana. The Forbes.com article has more information on the major box office success of these movies.

Also, Justin Timberlake is nominated for the Trolls soundtrack. “Can’t Stop the Feeling”. Timberlake worked with Max Martin and Karl Johan Schuster on the soundtrack. Together, they composed this catchy tune’s music and lyrics.

Jimmy Kimmel is hosting this year’s Oscars. It will take place on February 26, 2017 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The Oscars will also be televised live in more than 225 countries. See all key dates here.