The 2016 Academy Award nominations have been released this morning, and Moonlight has snagged eight nods.
The film follows the life of Chiron - an African-American man growing from childhood through to adulthood in Miami as he struggles to come to terms with his sexuality and identity.
Starring Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes as Chiron, as well as Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris and Janelle Monáe, the film has been nominated for Best Picture, Cinematography, Original Score, Film Editing and Best Adapted Screenplay, with Barry Jenkins snagging a nod for Best Directing.
Naomie Harris and Mahershala Ali have also been nominated for Best Supporting Actress and Actor, respectively.
Speaking to PinkNews, director Barry Jenkins said: “It takes a village and this morning I was moved beyond words by the love that was shown by the Academy to so many of the wonderful people in our Moonlight village. I’m in Amsterdam at the moment, sharing Chiron’s story a continent away with people of a different culture. That’s what the spirit of these nominations signals to me: an affirmation that film has the power to erode barriers and reveal what makes us all human.”
Meanwhile, Naomie Harris released a statement saying: “Moonlight is touching many hearts at a time when people are seeking compassion and connection in the world. I am incredibly grateful to the Academy for recognising my part of this story as well as my fellow Moonlight family. It has truly been an honor to share Barry Jenkins’ and Tarell McCraney’s beautiful journey.”
After winning Best Picture - Drama at the Golden Globes earlier this year, it looks as though Moonlight's main competition will be La La Land, which has snagged 14 nods, the most since Titanic in 1997, and All About Eve in 1950.
Basically, the film is excellent and you should go see it. SBS is giving away a double pass, and you can enter the competition here.
