Challengers

Challengers Shockingly Leaves with 0 Oscar Nominations

ByDavid Gilbert

Zendaya’s fans were left outraged and disappointed after the actress was overlooked for an Oscar nomination for her movie, Challengers. Although she received a Golden Globe nomination, Tashi Duncan, Zendaya wasn’t included in the list of Oscar Nominees announced on Thursday morning. Furthermore, the film itself was also snubbed, failing to receive a single nomination. 

Zendaya’s Fans Outraged with Challengers’ Snub

The omission of Challengers has sparked widespread frustration among fans and observers. Specifically, they had anticipated recognition for the film and its talented cast, particularly Zendaya. Social media users have criticized the Academy for overlooking the Luca Guadagnino-directed film. Likewise, they expressed frustration for neglecting to nominate its composers, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. 

Many of these same users were upset on behalf of Zendaya as they felt she was snubbed for her performance. Moreover, some speculated that the actress’ absence from Oscar consideration may impact her future project choices. Additionally, users were baffled by the film’s omission as a whole, with some believing the film’s unconventional themes and Zendaya’s standout performance as reasons for the snub.

Challengers Find Success Despite Oscars Snub

The news that another film featuring Zendaya, Dune: Part Two, received five Oscar nominations, contributing to fans’ outrage. Some fans have expressed their frustrations with Challengers’ lack of nominations on social media, with one user describing the snub as “evil.” Furthermore, they believed that the film’s composers, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, deserved recognition for their phenomenal score. Others cited the film’s “insanely electric filmmaking,” “unbeatable screenplay” and impressive cinematography as reasons for the Academy’s decision. 

Despite being overlooked by the Academy, Challenges has already achieved an impressive array of accolades. Crafted by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the film’s soundtrack earned a prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score. Additionally, Zendaya received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. In the future, the sports drama may receive further praise at the upcoming Critics’ Choice Awards.

Nominees for the 2025 Academy Awards

With the Oscar season officially arriving, the 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater on March 2. What’s more? Conan O’Brien is set to host the ceremonious event for the first time. Even with the LA fire causing a week-long delay in voting, the nominations were still announced, revealing numerous talented contenders.

Best Actor Nominees

  • Adrien Brody for The Brutalist 
  • Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown 
  • Colman Domingo for Sing Sing 
  • Ralph Fiennes for Conclave 
  • Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice

Best Actress Nominees

  • Demi Moore for The Substance 
  • Cynthia Erivo for Wicked 
  • Mikey Madison for Anora 
  • Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez 
  • Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here

Original Song Nominees

  • “El Mal” from Emilia Perez
  • “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight
  • “Like a Bird” from Sing Sing
  • “Mi Camino” from Emilia Pérez 
  • “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late

Best Animated Nominees

  • Flow
  • Inside Out
  • Memoir of a Snail 
  • Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl 
  • The Wild Robot

Best Supporting Actor Nominees

  • Yura Borisov from Anora
  • Kieran Culkin from A Real Pain
  • Edward Norton from A Complete Unknown 
  • Guy Pearce from The Brutalist 
  • Jeremy Strong from The Apprentice

Best Supporting Actress Nominees

  • Monica Barbaro from A Complete Unknown
  • Felicity Jones from The Brutalist
  • Ariana Grande from Wicked
  • Isabella Rossellini from Conclave 
  • Zoe Saldaña from Emilia Pérez

Original Screenplay Nominees

  • Anora
  • The Brutalist 
  • A Real Pain
  • September 5 
  • The Substance

Challengers Prove Success Despite Challenges

Ultimately, Challengers was released in theaters on April 26, 2024. Achieving significant commercial success, the sports drama generated a worldwide total of $96 million. Given its 8/10 average rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film received widespread critical acclaim, underscoring its impact on both audiences and critics. Particularly, Zendaya and her costars were praised for their performances.

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