This morning at 8:18 am the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominees for the 89th annual Academy Awards.
LA LA Land leads the pack with the most nominations- 14 tying the record set by All About Eve in 1950 and Titanic in 1997. The Miami Valley connection to this movie is John Legend, who served as an Executive Producer as well as an actor in the film.
Neon Manager Jonathan McNeal predicted the success of LA LA Land in his report from the Toronto International Film Festival this past Sept right here on MostMetro:
This splashy, colorful, song-and-dance musical harkens memories of a bygone era of the Hollywood studio system. But even more, its influence is from one of my favorite musical directors – Jacques Demy. The opening scene, shot on an L.A. highway, will blow your mind and immediately had me scribble YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT in my notes. Starring Emma Stone (who will clearly be nominated for an Oscar) and Ryan Gosling, this film had me on my feet immediately as the “The End” appeared on screen. For the rest of the night, melodies swirled in my head and merely walking down the street was accompanied by the film’s infectious score. I can’t wait to obtain the soundtrack and see the film again!
Another Oscar nominated film with a Dayton connection is Moonlight. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay,Best Supporting Actor and Actress and Best Cinematography,this film chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami.
Centerville native Hannah Beachler, who was a Wright State graduate served as the 
Production Designer for Moonlight. As reported by Refinery 29, the 46-year-old mother of one spends her days mood-boarding whimsical worlds, decorating imaginary homes, offices, and neighborhoods, and working with the director as well as set dressers, hair, makeup, and costume departments to achieve just the right vibes for each story. “Everything you’re seeing on screen is the production designer, outside of the camera work and lighting,” she explains. “I’m basically the architect of a movie’s visuals.”
To see the full list of all nominees click here.
The 2017 Academy Awards will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and take place at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood. ABC will broadcast the show live on Sunday, Feb. 26, starting at 7:30 pm. Look for local watch parties at The Neon, Little Art Theatre as well as The Plaza Theater in Miamisburg.
