Christopher Nolan, the writer and director behind the critically acclaimed film “Oppenheimer,” has expressed his amusement and gratitude as the movie leads this year’s Oscar nominations with an impressive 13 nods. The R-rated, three-hour black-and-white biopic delves into the life of nuclear physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, and its success has taken even Nolan by surprise.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Nolan reflected on the unexpected level of recognition the film has received, saying, “We’ve clearly caught a wave with the film, and that’s something we’re very grateful for. We never imagined this level of success.” Despite the unconventional nature of the film’s subject matter, Nolan and his team had faith in the compelling story they were telling.
Nolan’s producing partner and wife, Emma Thomas, shared in his appreciation for the film’s numerous nominations. “That’s massively gratifying to us to see their work being recognized in that way,” she commented. “Oppenheimer” secured nominations in multiple categories, including Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Lead Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and many more. Notably, it marks a milestone for Nolan, as he received both directing and writing nominations for one of his films, and it’s also his most nominated film to date.
One nomination that holds special significance for Nolan is the recognition in the screenplay adaptation category. He expressed his unique thrill at adapting the book “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin, a meticulously researched academic history. Nolan mentioned that Martin Sherwin, one of the authors, passed away before he could share the script, making the adaptation nomination particularly special.
Reflecting on his Best Directing nomination alongside esteemed directors like Justine Triet, Yorgos Lanthimos, Martin Scorsese, and Jonathan Glazer, Nolan called it a rewarding honor. He previously received a nomination in this category for “Dunkirk” in 2017.
When asked about the possibility of winning in the directing category, Nolan conveyed, “It would mean the world to me. I grew up loving Hollywood movies, watching the Academy Awards as a kid. It’s always stood in my mind for the highest form of recognition in a field that I love.” He emphasized the significance of this recognition from peers within the industry and expressed his current appreciation for the nominations, describing them as “staggering and really rewarding.”
As the Oscars draw nearer, the anticipation surrounding “Oppenheimer” continues to grow, and fans and industry insiders alike eagerly await the results of this year’s awards ceremony.
