Overview of the 91st Academy Awards Nominations
The 91st Academy Awards nominations were announced in early 2019, honoring film achievements from the previous year. This verified guide explains how nominees were selected, lists key categories with their official nominees, and outlines the timeline and voting process. It focuses on enduring structures and reliable facts rather than temporary news, making it useful for understanding how the Oscars recognize cinematic work. Below you will find category summaries, notable patterns, and answers to common questions about the nominations process.
How Nominees Are Selected
Nominations for the 91st Academy Awards followed rules set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Members in each branch suggested titles in their categories, after which ranked voting determined the final nominees. Only theatrical, original, public films released during the eligibility year were considered. Films required official screening in Los Angeles and met running-time and format requirements. The process aimed to reflect creative achievement across diverse genres and global productions, though discussions about representation and inclusion have evolved in subsequent years.
Eligibility and Submission Rules
- General eligibility: Publicly exhibited feature films released in the calendar year preceding the ceremony.
- Running-time and format: Typically at least 40 minutes long and presented on 35 mm or 70 mm film, or approved digital formats.
- Language and subtitles: Non–English-language films must include English subtitles.
- Official entry and screening: Films must be submitted by distributors and screened for Academy members in designated venues.
Key Nominated Films and Their Categories
Certain films from the 2018 eligibility year received multiple nominations, reflecting both critical and audience attention. The following table summarizes notable entries by category, offering a quick reference for the most recognized titles and their recognition level.
Notable Films and Category Count
| Film | Nominations | Category Examples | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roma | 10 | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress | Official Academy records |
| The Favourite | 10 | Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress | Official Academy records |
| Green Book | 5 | Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay | Official Academy records |
| BlacKkKlansman | 6 | Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay | Official Academy records |
| Vice | 8 | Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress | Official Academy records |
Major Categories and Official Nominees
The following sections present the verified nominees for major categories at the 91st Academy Awards, enabling readers to compare films, performances, and creative contributions across disciplines.
Best Picture
- Roma
- The Favourite
- Green Book
- BlacKkKlansman
- Vice
- If Beale Street Could Talk
- A Star Is Born
- Boyhood
- Isle of Dogs
Best Actor
- Viggo Mortensen (Green Book)
- Christian Bale (Vice)
- Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born)
- Ethan Hawke (First Reformed)
- John C. Reilly (Stan & Ollie)
Best Actress
- Olivia Colman (The Favourite)
- Glenn Close (The Wife)
- Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born)
- Melissa Leo (22 July)
- Yalitza Aparicio (Roma)
Best Supporting Actor
- Sam Elliott (A Star Is Born)
- Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)
- Mahershala Ali (Green Book)
- Robert Pattinson (The Lighthouse)
- Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther)
Best Supporting Actress
- Regina King (Beale Street)
- Rachel Weisz (Favourite)
- Amy Adams (Vice)
- Emma Stone (Battle of the Sexes)
- Laura Dern (Marriage Story)
Best Director
- Alfonso Cuarón (Roma)
- Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite)
- Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water)
- Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman)
- Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird)
Notable Patterns and Observations
At the 91st Academy Awards, several films demonstrated strong versatility across categories, while certain performances and technical achievements aligned with industry expectations. The following list highlights patterns that were evident from the nomination announcements and subsequent analysis.
- Roma and The Favourite each received 10 nominations, leading the field.
- Green Book earned five nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
- BlacKkKlansman collected six nominations, with recognition for adapted screenplay and ensemble cast.
- Vice contributed eight nominations, primarily in acting and technical categories.
- Performances in international and non–English-language cinema (e.g., Roma) were acknowledged alongside mainstream studio fare.
Voting Timeline and Process Details
Understanding the schedule and procedures behind the 91st Academy Awards nominations helps clarify how and when decisions were made. The timeline below reflects the official sequence for the 2019 cycle.
Key Dates for the 91st Academy Awards
| Date | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| October 1 of eligibility year | Eligibility period opens | Determines which films may be considered. |
| January 7, 2019 | Nominating ballots mailed | Members begin voting for nominees. |
| January 22, 2019 | Nominating ballots due | Deadline for member votes on nominees. |
| January 22, 22019 | Nominations announced | Public disclosure of nominated films and performers. |
| February 24, 2019 | 91st Academy Awards ceremony | Final awards are presented. |
Where to Find Official Information
For authoritative details about the 91st Academy Awards nominations, refer to the following reliable sources. These outlets and archives provide primary materials, official lists, and contextual reporting that can support research or in-depth review.
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences official website and press releases.
- Major entertainment news organizations with accredited access to announcements.
- Publicly available nomination and winner records maintained by the Academy.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Below are concise answers to frequently asked questions about the 91st Academy Awards nominations, based on verified procedures and public information.
When are the next Academy Awards nominations announced?
While this guide focuses on the 91st ceremony, the general schedule follows annual patterns: eligibility periods begin in October, voting ballots are distributed in early January, and nominations are typically announced in late January or early February.
Can a film released on streaming services be nominated?
Yes, streaming films are eligible if they meet theatrical screening requirements or qualify under rules for limited releases, and they must meet runtime, format, and submission standards.
How are writing categories decided compared to acting categories?
Screenplay categories rely on branch voting by Writers Branch members, while acting categories are determined by separate voting groups within the Actors Branch, each following the same ranked-choice procedures.
Are the nomination results influenced by box office performance?
No. The Oscars evaluate artistic and technical merit based on submitted work and branch voting; box office figures are not a criterion for nominations.
What happens if there is a tie in voting?
Ranked-choice voting and, if needed, preferential counting rules are used to resolve ties and determine final nominees.
Conclusion
The 91st Academy Awards nominations reflect a structured, rules-based process designed to recognize creative achievement across film disciplines. By understanding eligibility requirements, voting methods, and the official timeline, you can interpret nomination announcements with clarity and context. This overview provides enduring information about how the Oscars nominate films and performances, supporting deeper engagement with each year’s candidates.