Get to know the actors nominated for the first time in this year’s Academy Awards and where you may have seen them.
Slated on Monday, March 11, the 96th Academy Awards will be livestreamed exclusively on Disney+ Philippines. This year, several actors are poised to bring home their very first Oscar trophy on their first nomination.
Just because it’s your first time to get nominated, it doesn’t mean that your chances of winning an Academy Award are slim to nil. The Oscars are never shy of awarding worthy performers on their first foray into the competition. Just ask all of last year’s acting winners Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All At Once), and Brendan Fraser (The Whale), or Ariana DeBose (West Side Story, 2021), Troy Kotsur (CODA, 2021), Yuh-jung Youn (Minari, 2020), Olivia Colman (The Favourite, 2018) Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody, 2018), Brie Larson (Room, 2015), JK Simmons (Whiplash, 2014), Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave, 2013), among many more. They were all welcomed to the party as first-time Oscar nominees and proclaimed winners at the end of the night.
This year, half of the 20 nominated actors are getting their first stab at an Oscar. Some are known for their work in the theater, many are veterans in movies, while others are celebrated TV performers. FInd out who they are and where you may have seen them.
Emily Blunt Finally Breaks Through
Forbes ranked Emily Blunt as one of the highest-paid actresses in the world in 2020. Despite her roles in several critically acclaimed and blockbuster films, she only made her debut on the list of Oscar nominees this year. Nominated for the first time, Blunt is recognized in the Best Supporting Actress category for her compelling portrayal of Kitty Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's 2023 biopic.
Where you’ve seen them:
Film - The Devil Wears Prada (2006), The Young Victoria (2009), Into the Woods (2014), Edge of Tomorrow (2014), Sicario (2015), The Girl on the Train (2016), The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016), A Quiet Place (2018), Mary Poppins Returns (2018), A Quiet Place Part II (2020), Jungle Cruise (2021).
Purple is the Color of Success for Danielle Brooks
Mainly known for her roles on TV and theater, Danielle Brooks received acclaim for her portrayal of Sofia in the Broadway production of The Color Purple, earning a Tony nomination in 2017. Almost seven years later, she revisited the same role for the film adaptation and received her first Academy Award nod.
Where you’ve seen them:
TV - Orange is the New Black (2013-2019), Girls (2014), Master of None (2015-2017)
Theater - The Color Purple (2015-2017)
This is Sterling K. Brown
Sterling K. Brown plays Clifford Ellison, a flashy plastic surgeon and brother to the film's protagonist, Monk, in American Fiction. Known for his award-winning TV roles, he has collected nine Emmy nominations (winning three), and is one of few actors to be nominated across all three performances (lead, supporting, guest) and genres (comedy, drama, limited series/TV-movie) categories, as well as for narrating.
Where you’ve seen them:
Film - Black Panther (2018), Hotel Artemis (2018)
TV - The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016), This is Us (2016-2022), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2019)
Colman Domingo Represents
Colman Domingo is a versatile Emmy-Award-winning actor, playwright, and director, recognized for his contributions across stage and screen. He is an advocate for diversity and inclusion, using his platform to address social issues and support underrepresented voices. Domingo is nominated for his portrayal of Bayard Rustin, an activist who was forced into the background because he was gay. Should he win, he'll be the first openly gay Black man to take home an acting Oscar.
Where you’ve seen them:
Film - Selma (2014), If Beale Street Could Talk (2018), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020), The Color Purple (2023)
TV - Fear the Walking Dead (2015-2023), Euphoria (2019-present)
The Next Great Speech for America Ferrera
“I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don’t even know.” It was the monologue that was heard all over the world, delivered with so much passion by Gloria, played by America Ferrera, on Barbie. She is an actress, director, and television producer, who has amassed numerous accolades, including Time’s 100 most influential people in the world (2007) and BBC's 100 Women list (2023). She also received the SeeHer Award at the recent Critics’ Choice Awards for being an advocate for gender equality and portraying authentic, boundary-pushing characters.
Where you’ve seen them:
Film - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Parts 1 and 2 (2005, 2008)
TV - Ugly Betty (2006-2010), The Good Wife (2011-2013), Superstore (2015-2021)
Lily Gladstone’s Herstory
Starring in Killers of the Flower Moon as Mollie Kyle, Lily Gladstone not only achieved a personal milestone, but also carved out a place in history as the first Native American actress to receive an Oscar nomination. She is of Siksikaitsitapi and Niimiipuu heritage.
Where you’ve seen them:
Film - Certain Women (2016), The Unknown Country (2022)
TV - Room 104 (2017–2020), Billions (2016–2023), Reservation Dogs (2021–2023)
Sandra Hüller Conquers Beyond Boundaries
German actress Sandra Hüller is featured in not one but two Best Picture-nominated films this year: the first is for Anatomy of a Fall in which she played the role of Sandra Voyter (that also earned her a Best Actress nod), and the second is for the historical drama The Zone of Interest as Hedwig Höss.
Where you’ve seen them:
Film - Requiem (2006), Toni Erdmann (2016), Sisi & I (2023)
Cillian Murphy’s Quietly Explosive Performance
Irish actor Cillian Murphy has won the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild Best Actor awards this year for portraying the title role in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. As a frequent collaborator of Nolan, he has already worked with the renowned film director six times.
Where you’ve seen them:
Film - 28 Days Later (2002), Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), Inception (2010), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Dunkirk (2017), A Quiet Place Part II (2020)
TV - Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
The Divine Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Da’Vine Joy Randolph is a talented American actress and singer who has garnered recognition for her memorable performances on stage and screen. In her role as boarding school cook Mary Lamb in The Holdovers, she has experienced a remarkable run in this year's supporting actress category. Transitioning from a first-time nominee to a first-time winner, she achieved success at the BAFTA, Golden Globes, Indie Spirit, Critics’ Choice, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Where you’ve seen them:
Film - Dolemite is My Name (2019), The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
TV - Selfie (2014), This is Us (2016), People of Earth (2016–2017), Empire (2017–2018), Only Murders in the Building (2021–present)
Theater - Ghost The Musical (2012)
Jeffrey Wright Steps into the Spotlight
A multi-awarded character actor, Jeffrey Wright is known for his powerful and versatile performances across film, television, and stage. He has garnered Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony awards. In the entertaining satire American Fiction, Wright plays the English literature professor and author Monk, who's frustrated with the publishing industry's expectations of Black authors.
Where you’ve seen them:
Film - Casino Royale (2006) Quantum of Solace (2008), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2 (2014, 2015), No Time to Die (2021)
TV - Angels in America (2003), Boardwalk Empire (2013-2014), Westworld (2016-2022)
Theater - Angels in America (1993)
Tune in to the exclusive livestream of the 96th Academy Awards on March 11, available only on Disney+ Philippines. The pre-show red carpet festivities commence at 6:30 AM, followed by the award ceremony at 7:00 AM. Hosted by late-night host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel, this marks his fourth time leading Hollywood’s most prestigious and biggest night.
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