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This Year’s Most Heinous Oscar Snub

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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SLU chapter.

Since the Oscar nominations were announced this week, the internet has been abuzz with theories, concerns and disappointments regarding this year’s picks. While an array of fantastic films received much-deserved recognition, many were snubbed in favor of more popular or topical films. Competing for a meager five spots, the race to be included in the short list of best directors this year was tight, and, unfortunately, Luca Guadagnino did not make the cut, losing a spot to inferior directors. Despite releasing two successful features this year –- “Challengers” and “Queer” –- he was snubbed by the Academy yet again.

The filmography of this acclaimed director is a must-see for any cinephile. From “Call Me by Your Name” to “Challengers,” the wide array of films overseen by this masterful artist are all worth your attention, even if the academy has yet to acknowledge his talent and hard work. With just one Best Picture nomination for “Call Me by Your Name” in 2018, Guadagnino has been largely ignored by the academy, despite the inventive, boundary-pushing nature of his movies. The success of his first nomination launched him into an array of other projects which have received much critical praise, but few awards. Directing the blossoming cult classic “Suspiria” for Amazon Prime in 2018, he received acclaim for his unique approach to body horror and delicate exploration of the female psyche. 

Guadagnino’s 2021 film, “Bones and All” is undoubtedly my favorite work of his, though it received little recognition compared to his previous pieces due to its unconventional narrative and aloof characters. Many were put off by the film’s depiction of cannibalism as a metaphor for all-consuming love and it subsequently received far less attention than his previous releases. Despite not receiving the same praise and following, “Bones and All” still boasts a fresh critic’s score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.

2024 was an ambitious year for Luca Guadagnino, releasing two films, both of which have garnered relatively little attention this awards season. His first production of the year, “Challengers” follows the tumultuous relationship between two athletic best friends who vie for the attention of a beautiful tennis prodigy. Spanning decades, the film dissects the complexities of love; both for others and for sport.

The dedication to the project that the three leading actors exhibit is one of the most important components that makes “Challengers” such an outstanding film. The flawless Zendaya plays the fierce Tashi, while Mike Faist takes on the role of Art Donaldson with Josh O’Connor alongside him as Patrick Zweig. The chemistry between all three performers is remarkable as their affection flits between one another.

Along with a riveting plot, “Challengers” is a spectacle to witness, with cinematography unlike any other film. The artist behind these stunning shots, Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, did not receive recognition for his work in the form of an Oscar nomination. Additionally, the picture has been praised for its incredible soundtrack, for which it won Best Original Score at the Golden Globes, but did not receive an Oscar nomination in the same category this year. The preference for inferior films is surprising as the Academy veers away from honoring truly innovative movies like “Challengers” in favor of those with simpler narrative conceptions and weaker performances.

“Queer” was Luca Guadagnino’s second 2024 release. Starring Daniel Craig, the film follows a struggling middle-aged man whose attention is drawn by a student with whom he forms a genuine connection. Drew Starkey of Netflix’s “Outer Banks” plays Eugene, the object of the protagonist’s fascination.

Critics have praised Guadagnino’s latest release, specifically noting Craig’s performance as one of the strongest aspects of the picture. Despite this, in line with the theme of disregarding Guadagnino’s work, the Academy did not recognize his performance. Though Craig did receive a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nomination for his portrayal of William Lee in the picture, the academy did not nominate him for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

“Challengers” and “Queer” were two of the strongest releases this year, both offering complex narratives and intense character studies, resulting in a mesmerizing film. Luca Guadagnino was one of the most prolific, acclaimed and successful directors of the year but has unfortunately received no recognition from the academy in the form of an Oscar nomination for 2025. Though both films should have garnered numerous nominations in various categories, the lack of a directing nomination for Guadagnino is the most ghastly of the academy’s offenses this year.

Hi, my name is Clare and I am so excited to be a part of Her Campus at Saint Louis University this school year! I am a freshman this school year. I am majoring in English and Secondary education and I hope to be a high school English teacher someday. I am from a suburb of Minneapolis Minnesota. In my freetime I enjoy reading, drawing, painting, crocheting, and listening to music. On the weekends I enjoy hanging out with friends and exploring St. Louis.