For the first time, two sequels — “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” — were nominated for best picture. Baz Luhrmann's bedazzled biopic “Elvis” — another summer box-office hit, with $287.3 million worldwide — came away with eight nominations, including a best actor nod for star Austin Butler and nominations for its costumes, sound and production design. John Williams, his longtime composer, extended his record for the most Oscar nominations for a living person, and, at 90, became the oldest nominee ever. But in the best picture group, one of the up-for-grabs final slots went to Sarah Polley's “Women Talking,” a parable of sexual assault and justice. Keeravaani’s “Naatu Naatu.” The Palme d'Or-winning satire from Swedish director Ruben Östlund, “Triangle of Sadness," scored three big nominations, for best picture, best director and best original screenplay.

Source: Daily Nation January 24, 2023 13:57 UTC