Latinos don’t get nominated for Academy Awards very often. Surprised?
Yeah, me either.
Like everything else, the Academy tends to favor white males. But this year proved to be better than usual for Latinos. So, what are their chances at winning? Some are good, others slim to none. Still, it’s an honor to be nominated – unless you lose. And judging from the fact that only a handful of Latino actors have won in the Best Actor category and that a Latina actress has never won Best Actress (in a Leading Role), there might be a lot of mumbled Spanish expletives this year. Here’s a list of this year’s Latino nominees and their chances of taking home an Oscar.
BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Demián Bichir for A Better Life
The competition is rough for Bichir. He’s nominated along with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Gary Oldman. Bichir’s performance as an undocumented immigrant and single dad in East L.A. is sincere and moving but unfortunately the movie is less impressive. The consensus is that the French actor Jean Dujardin will win for his role in the silent film The Artist. But, if it were up to me Bichir would win solely for the fact that he graciously dedicated his nomination to undocumented immigrants, “those 11 million human beings who make our lives easier and better in the U.S.”
CHANCES: Ni de pedo
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Bérénice Bejo for The Artist
Bejo was born in Buenos Aires and raised in France. Her standout performance showcases her incredible talent and captivating presence. Even though it’s likely that The Artist will win a whole bunch of awards, this probably won’t be one of them. Chances are someone from The Help will win. Too bad Bejo isn’t playing a maid. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 50 years since Rita Moreno won Best Supporting Actress for West Side Story. Hopefully it won’t be another 50 years before another Latina takes home an Oscar.
CHANCES: Ni de pedo
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Emmanuel Lubezki for The Tree of Life
Lubezki is a veteran of the business. His work in the films Y tu mamá también, Children of Men, Sleepy Hollow, Like Water for Chocolate, and The New World have made him a sought after cinematographer. He has now been nominated five times in the Best Cinematography category. His chances of winning? They look pretty good.
CHANCES: Cabrones.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Chico & Rita by Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal
An epic love story that takes place in Cuba this not-for-kids animated film took over seven years to make and $13 million to produce. It truly deserves to win. It’s gorgeous colors and amazing soundtrack along with an already Oscar-winning director make it a serious contender.
CHANCES: Cabrones.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“Real in Rio” by Sérgio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown, from the animated film Rio
Strangely there are only two songs nominated in this category. So, that gives each a 50/50 chance. The other nominated song is “Man or Muppet” from The Muppets. I’m not really sure who is going to win this one. But, if you flip a coin you have a high probability of predicting the winner.
CHANCES: Cabrones.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Alberto Iglesias for the music of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
Iglesias is famous for creating the musical score for many of Pedro Almodóvar’s films. He has been nominated twice before for his powerful musical compositions. The competition is tough. Either The Artist or Hugo could take home the golden bald man. Who really deserves it? Probably Iglesias.
CHANCES: Cabrones
Oscar winners will be announced on Sunday, February 26 in Los Angeles and broadcast en vivo on ABC at 7pm EST (4pm PST).