The first trailer has arrived for All’s Fair, promising scandal, drama and whodunnit chaos.

Set to premiere this fall on Hulu (US) and Disney+ (UK), the Ryan Murphy-created legal drama follows a group of female lawyers who leave their male-dominated law firm to open a “powerhouse” practice.

As per the synopsis: “Fierce, brilliant, and emotionally complicated, they navigate high-stakes breakups, scandalous secrets, and shifting allegiances—both in the courtroom and within their own ranks. In a world where money talks and love is a battleground, these women don’t just play the game—they change it.”

All’s Fair is set to bring together an array of stars from the Ryan Murphy TV universe, including Sarah Paulson, Niecy Nash-Betts, Kim Kardashian, and Naomi Watts.

The series is also set to feature Hollywood iconGlenn Close, Teyana Taylor and Matthew Noszka.

In the trailer, Allura Grant (Kardashian), Emerald Greene (Nash-Betts) and Liberty Ronson (Watts) are sitting in a conference room before the former asks their client, Dee Barber (Elizabeth Berkley), to take “a deep breath” and tell them her story.

“It’s been a lot. I’m sorry,” Dee says, resulting in Liberty exclaiming, “No, no. We don’t meet with sorry people.”

Disney+/Hulu

As the trailer progresses, the iconic ‘Cell Block Tango’ from Broadway’s Chicago plays in the background while clips of the ladies and their glamorous yet complicated lives flash across the screen.

“He hurt you. Get mad, get hot. Get revenge!” Dina Standish (Close) exclaims.

In addition to teasing the series’ intricate storylines, the trailer promises backstabbing, witty dialogue, stunning outfits, twists, turns, and hot, shirtless men.

While an exact release date for All’s Fair has not been announced, the trailer has generated plenty of buzz on social media.

“This show was quite LITERALLY made for me holy shit,” one person on X/Twitter wrote.

Another viewer commented: “Will subscribe to Disney+ again for this.”

A third pop culture enthusiast tweeted: “I know this is a Ryan Murphy production, so I shouldn’t be surprised, but god, this cast is CAMP.”

Check out the full trailer and first-look photos of All’s Fair below.

Disney+/Hulu

Disney+/Hulu

Disney+/Hulu

Disney+/Hulu

Disney+/Hulu

Disney+/Hulu

The post All’s Fair: Ryan Murphy’s new star-studded legal drama receives first teaser trailer appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Social media is currently bombarded with memes, commentary on which diva deserves the Emmy and shock over the resort guests that perished on The White Lotus season three, but what of the “incest brothers“?

Major spoilers ahead!

The final episode of HBO’s salacious drama intensified the violence and devastation seen in the previous two finales, culminating in the deaths of three major characters: anarchic hitman Rick (Walton Goggins), his free-spirited, astrology-loving girlfriend Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), and Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), the man who was believed to have killed Rick’s father, only for Sritala (Patravadi Mejudhon) to reveal that Jim is (or was) Rick’s father.

Several other storylines also came to a close: the Ratliff family’s discovery of Timothy’s (Jason Isaacs) illegal business activity, along with their impending financial ruin; Piper’s (Sarah Catherine Hook) decision on whether to follow Buddhiiiism; Belinda’s (Natasha Rothwell) negotiations for a payout from Greg (Jon Gries); and the survival odds of Laurie (Carrie Coon), Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), and Kate’s (Leslie Bibb) four-decade-long friendship.

The episode also provided closure to Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan’s (Sam Nivola) controversial incest storyline.

For those who are not in the know, here’s a brief rundown: episode one saw Saxon undress in front of Lochlan, who then proceeded to look at his older brother’s bare buttocks with… fascination; episode five upped the ante when Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) pressured them to lock lips; and episode six featured a threesome between all of the above, with Lochlan bringing his inebriated sibling to completion.

Following the lack of interaction between the brothers in episode seven—Lochlan trailing Piper to the monastery and Saxon attempting to find mental equilibrium through meditation, thanks to Chelsea (RIP)—the finale featured one brief, yet notably awkward, conversation between them.

After Lochlan politely asks Saxon to make him a protein smoothie (this is not a metaphor; it’s exactly what it sounds like), his disgruntled brother shuts him down, telling him, “No one’s gonna make you a man.” Saxon then declines Lochlan’s invitation to join him at the beach, prompting Lochlan to ask, “Are you mad or something?”

“Look, Loch, it’s okay for you to, like, worship me, but don’t… worship me,” says Saxon. “You know what I mean?” Confused, Lochlan responds, “Look, all you care about is getting off. I saw you lying there, and I thought you looked a little left out. And I’m, you know, a pleaser. I just want to give everyone what they want, and I’m in a family full of narcissists.”

Saxon cuts him off, imploring him to “drop this, like, forever, please”.

Their incestuous activities are never raised again. However, Saxon continues in his attempts to evolve spiritually, reading the self-help books provided him to Chelsea (again, RIP babe).

In an interview with Variety, Nivola offered his perspective on the duo’s final scene together, opining that Saxon is a “healthier character” than Lochlan. “It’s really tragic, because the way that Lochlan describes himself in that scene is just exactly right,” he explained.

“He’s just a “people pleaser,” and he just wants to make everyone happy, and if he feels like he’s not making people happy, he feels alone. He is alone. He obviously goes about that in the wrong way.

“But it’s tragic that no one can forgive him for that. Basically that conversation, I think, is what leads him to make a protein shake, because he’s trying to feel closer to his brother who just rejected him.”

In Nivola’s eyes, the relationship between the brothers is “irreparably damaged” and they will never “be as close” as they once were: “I don’t know if it’s like they’ll never talk again — I think they’ll probably suppress it and try to forget it never happened. But you can’t forget something like that happened. It’s too awful and traumatizing.”

Speaking with the same publication, Schwarzenegger reflected on the change in power dynamics between Saxon and Lochlan, saying his character is unable to “confront what happened between them” and “begs to have them live in denial forever”.

The season three finale of The White Lotus is streaming in the UK on Sky and NOW TV—check out what social media had to say about the culmination of the infamous “incest brothers” storyline below.

when lochlan started to try to explain himself to saxon #TheWhiteLotus pic.twitter.com/ceWJLQlHfT

— kathleen (@kathleen_hanley) April 7, 2025

wait… lochlan and saxon switching places, lochlan becoming “see no evil” instead of “speak no evil,” piper losing her “hear no evil,” saxon losing “see no evil” and reading/expanding his knowledge… okay FINE mike white this is good https://t.co/rn9kgtMEh1

— Dan (@dannah__montana) April 7, 2025

The way Lochlan took his brother’s place. Piper is where she’s always been. & Saxon is on the other side. pic.twitter.com/iyCw36wNjA

— Ethan Tsosie (@sinnamonchaitea) April 7, 2025

are we not going to talk about what lochlan said to saxon…? #TheWhiteLotus pic.twitter.com/AyjEKYE2zd

— . (@sage1honey) April 7, 2025

Lochlan: Well you looked left out and you know I’m a pleaser…

Saxon: pic.twitter.com/OkUcPwJO83

— The Mighty Quinn 🇹🇹 (@misterj006) April 7, 2025

lochlan's explanation to saxon was the craziest thing i've ever heard like damn yeah it kinda feels like the only way to move past it is to get poisoned

— soph🌜🪐 (@fullmoonyelena) April 7, 2025

The post The White Lotus: How the season 3 finale concluded the “incest brothers” storyline appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Trixie Mattel has teased her new era after taking an extensive break from drag.

Back in June, the beloved Drag Race alum revealed to Elle that she was taking a hiatus from the public eye.

“I can’t really do it anymore. I’m going on a three or four-month sabbatical: July, August, September, and October. I’m not even doing social media, so I’m going to really be gone for a while,” she revealed to the publication.

In addition to announcing her break from the industry, Trixie hinted that her return would bring a few changes.

“I’m probably not going to come back at the full speed of Trixie anymore.  The Trixie we know, the Trixie that is on every YouTube video, on every show, and every TV show, I just can’t sustain that anymore,” she added.

“This giant rat wheel that I’ve been running on, I need to pull back a lot. So it will be honestly this phase of everybody being like, “You’re everywhere. How do you do it?” You do it by running yourself in the ground. I want a family, and I want a life, and I haven’t really had that. I’ll probably grow a beard.”

Trixie then joked: “Besides, the other drag queens have been waiting for me to take my high heel off their throats for years. They love it when I get a sick day. Those fucking bitches love it when I get sick. They love it.”

Staying true to her word, the All Stars 3 winner maintained a relatively low profile over the last few months, aside from a handful of one-off X tweets in September.

However, on 10 October, Trixie finally announced the official end of her sabbatical with a brief statement.

I’ve been off the internet for about four months. Please show me memes and important internet items so I can react on YouTube:

— Trixie Mattel™ (@trixiemattel) October 10, 2024

“I’ve been off the internet for about four months. Please show me memes and important internet items so I can react on YouTube,” she wrote on X.

Of course, fans were eager to oblige, filling her mentions with an array of hilarious videos, memes, and viral topics.

One user wrote: “Do you know Moo Deng?”

Another fan commented: “Glenn close fuck you bitch reaction video.”

A third follower suggested: “Pls get Katya to give u a PowerPoint presentation on the pod of important internet moments you’ve missed.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Trixie Mattel (@trixiemattel)

The next few weeks are looking to be busy for Trixie, with the drag superstar and her comedy partner Katya hitting the road for their The Bald and the Beautiful live tour. Shows kick off in October and run till December.

Trixie memorably rose to fame as a contestant on the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she placed sixth, before conquering the third season of Drag Race All Stars.

In the years since Trixie has released four studio albums, embarked on six headlining tours, hosted six seasons of The Pit Stop, founded the cosmetics brand Trixie Cosmetics, judged two seasons of Queen of the Universe and led her own docu-series, Trixie Motel.

The post “Please show me memes”: Trixie Mattel teases her drag return after four-month hiatus appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Ryan Murphy has assembled an A-List cast for his new Hulu legal drama, All’s Fair. 

First announced in December 2023, the series will reportedly focus on all-female law firm in Los Angeles and is set to star acclaimed actresses Glenn Close and Halle Berry, as well as Kim Kardashian.

All three will executive produce, as will Kris Jenner, Alexis Martin Woodall, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson and Holly Jeter, with Close producing under her Trillium Productions banner.

All’s Fair will be Murphy’s first series under his new overall deal with Disney.

He recently ended his deal with Netflix, the largest development deal in television history, in which he helmed dramas such as The Politician (2019-2020), Hollywood, Ratched (both 2020), Halston (2021), Monster and The Watcher (both 2022-present).

Murphy also collaborated with the streamer on the following films: Circus of Books, A Secret Love, The Boys in the Band, The Prom (all 2020), Pray Away (2021) and Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022).

All’s Fair will mark Close’s return to the legal drama genre following her five-year stint in Damages, for which she received a Golden Globe and three Primetime Emmy Awards.

It feels redundant to do this, since she’s an icon, but the eight-time Academy Award nominee is also known for roles in Fatal Attraction (1987), Dangerous Liaisons (1988), 101 Dalmations (1996), Albert Nobbs (2011), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and The Wife (2017).

As well as Close, All’s Fair will be the television comeback for Berry, who hasn’t starred in a regular series role since the sci-fi drama Extant, which ran for two seasons between 2014 and 2015.

After making history as the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Monster’s Ball (2001), Berry memorably earned worldwide recognition for her performance as Storm in the X-Men franchise (2000-2014).

Additional iconic credits include Die Another Day (2002), Gothika (2003), Catwoman (2004), Cloud Atlas (2012), John Wick 3 (2019) and Bruised (2020).

Meanwhile, Kardashian made her acting debut in the 12th season of Murphy’s lauded anthology horror series, American Horror Story, subtitled Delicate. 

Although the reality star’s involvement with the series was initially met with a polarising response online, her performance as Siobhan Corbyn, the wickedly bitchy publicist to Emma Roberts’ Oscar-hungry Anna Victoria Alcott, is widely considered to be one of the season’s saving graces.

The post Halle Berry, Glenn Close and Kim Kardashian cast in new Ryan Murphy series appeared first on GAY TIMES.

We’ve been keen to check out Closer to Heaven for some time, so when this revival was announced at the cosy Turbine Theatre down by Battersea Power Station, we knew we had to be there to check it out. For those unfamiliar, it’s a musical from 2001 with a book by Jonathan Harvey (best known for seminal gay play Beautiful Thing) and original songs by iconic queer pop duo Pet Shop Boys. The show has spawned a spin-off sequel called Musik which we’ve actually already seen – which is a cabaret show focused on one of Closer to Heaven’s protagonists, Billie Trix – so we thought it was high time we caught the original source material.

First impressions are good: the Turbine Theatre has been reconfigured into Vic’s Nightclub, with a semi-immersive seating configuration surrounding a catwalk-style stage (if audience participation isn’t your thing, never fear, you’re welcome to opt out). Former Eurovision star and Tony-winning musical theatre actress Frances Ruffelle is our host for the evening and she’s a delight to watch – armed with most of the show’s best lines, she delivers a high-camp performance which is ridiculously over the top and always captivating.

We’ll say this right away – we don’t think Closer to Heaven is either Jonathan Harvey’s finest script, nor does it showcase Pet Shop Boys’ songwriting prowess. There are some decent lines in here but there are some clunky ones too, and a few underdeveloped characters – Mile End Lee is an integral part of the plot and is played sensitively by Connor Carson, but he’s hampered somewhat by a lack of airtime. Some of the jokes and cultural references haven’t aged terribly well and likely won’t land with a younger audience. The songs aren’t the best, either – there are a few entertaining ones, but there are also a few duds, with most falling into the ‘good enough’ category… it’s light on bangers and that’s a shame.

The musical is enjoyable nonetheless and that’s thanks to a talented cast who manage to sell it for all it’s worth. There are strong vocal performances from Glenn Anderson as ‘straight’ Dave and Courtney Bowman as Shell, and the club’s dancers turn out some impressive choreography. Our favourite performance, however, came from David Muscat as record label boss Bob Saunders – a villain so repulsive as to be almost pantomime-esque, he succeeded in making us hate him throughout, but with a healthy dose of humour thrown in.

We enjoyed our evening with Closer to Heaven – while we think there are some issues with the book and the songs, this is an entertainingly energetic and camp production with impressive singing and dancing, and some enjoyably daft performances. It opened earlier this week at the Turbine Theatre and will be playing until 30th June.

GAY TIMES gives Closer to Heaven – 4/5

More information can be found here.

The post Frances Ruffelle delivers a captivating high-camp performance in revival of Closer to Heaven – review appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Andrew Scott will play Robb the Protector in The Queen’s Guard, a new erotic audio series from Quinn.

In a short teaser for the upcoming series, Scott can be heard saying – rather sensually, we should add: “Look at you. Look at how beautifully your body bears the marks of everything you’ve been through. I could worship every one of them.”

The Fleabag star, out of character, then tells the audience: “I know a lot of you out there love a bit of fantasy and historical fiction. And I really think you’re gonna fall in love with this story.”

The Queen’s Guard will be available to stream on Quinn, an app exclusively dedicated to erotic audio stories, from 16 May.

Previous stars that have been cast as leads in their own Quinn stories include Thomas Doherty (Gossip Girl), Jesse Williams (Grey’s Anatomy) and Victoria Pedretti (The Haunting of Bly Manor).

Recently, Scott has received critical acclaim for his performance in Netflix’s neo-noir psychological thriller series Ripley, based on on Patricia Highsmith’s classic crime novel The Talented Mr. Ripley. 

He also earned nominations for a Golden Globe and BAFTA for his role in the LGBTQIA+ fantasy romance All of Us Strangers, which has since been hailed as one of the best queer films of all time.

Later this year, Scott will star alongside Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Kyle Chandler, Jamie Demetriou and Glenn Close in Netflix’s action comedy Back in Action. 

Check out the teaser for The Queen’s Guard below.

Now introducing… Andrew Scott as Robb the Protector.

The Queen’s Guard, a Quinn Original series, hits the Quinn app on May 16, 2024. pic.twitter.com/CSRD9CrJUY

— Quinn (@tryquinn_) May 13, 2024

The post All Of Us Strangers star Andrew Scott cast in “erotica” series The Queen’s Guard appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Happiest Season’s Dan Levy is set to star in the new animated comedy Standing By.

According to Variety, the Hulu series is set to follow the lives of “a group of eternally bound, disgruntled guardian angels” and the lessons they learn from humans and their own dysfunctional friendship.

In addition to Levy’s casting, David Tennant, Natalie Palamides, Glenn Close, Poppu Lou, and Samira Wiley have also joined the cast in undisclosed roles.

In a joint statement, Levy and the show’s co-creator Ally Pankiw opened up about what viewers can expect from the series.

“Standing By is about the hilarity, embarrassment, and melodrama of everyday life as observed by a team of judgemental, gossip-starved angels,” they said.

“We are very excited to bring this world to life with the help of Hulu, 20th Televison Animation, and Bento Box Entertainment. Not to mention an insanely brilliant cast of actors.”

Standing By is one of many projects that Levy is connected to.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dan Levy (@instadanjlevy)

Back in October, Deadline reported that the Emmy winner would be making his directorial debut with the upcoming rom-com Good Grief.

The film focuses on a man called Marc Dreyfus who has “chosen to distract himself from the loss of his mom with a comfortable marriage.”

When Marc’s husband also dies unexpectedly, he’s “forced to finally confront the grief he’s tried so hard to avoid, sending him and his two closest friends on a Parisian weekend of self-discovery.”

Oscar nominee Ruth Negga (Loving), Himesh Patel (Yesterday), Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast), Celia Imrie (Better Things), Arnaud Valois (BPM Beats Per Minute), David Bradley (Game of Thrones) and Jamael Westman (The Essex Serpent) will star in the film, which marks Levy’s first under his Not A Real Production Company deal with Netflix.

In a statement, Levy described Good Grief as “a cautionary tale about friendship and loss and all the mess that comes with it when the truth is something you’ve evaded for most of your life,” adding: “It’s funny, it’s bittersweet, it’s a project that has helped me work through my own grief. And I hope it does the same for other people as well.”

The post Schitt’s Creek’s Dan Levy to star in a new animated TV series for Hulu appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Hocus Pocus 2, which will see the return of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, is coming to Disney+ – and it’s coming sooner than you think!

According to the streamer, the long-awaited sequel premieres exclusively on Disney+ in 2022. It’s happening, officially!

Midler, Parker and Najimy will don their cloaks and vacuums once again as the delightfully wicked Sanderson Sisters. The stars received critical acclaim for their performances in the 1993 original, although the film was met with mixed reviews.

In the years since, however, Hocus Pocus has cemented its status as a cult classic thanks to Midler’s berserk performance as coven leader Winifred, the film’s ridiculously camp sensibilities and endless popularity around Halloween season.

The sequel will follow three young women who accidentally resurrect the trio in modern day Salem “and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on the world.”

Production on Hocus Pocus 2 begins this fall under the direction of Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses, The Proposal), who is taking over directing responsibilities from her friend and colleague Adam Shankman (The Wedding Planner, Hairspray).

Shankman, who will serve as executive producer, said he’s unable to direct the film due to scheduling conflicts, but “couldn’t be more pleased to be handing the reigns over to Anne,” who he met in 1990 when they were both dancers at the Oscars.

Fletcher said: “Now more than ever, people need to laugh. We should be laughing every day, and there is so much fun to be had with these three unbelievable women playing delicious characters from such a beloved film.

“I am so grateful to be able to play a part in bringing these witches back to life, and to be working with my friends at Disney again makes it all the more special.

“This is a movie for everyone, from the fans who grew up with the first film to the next generation of viewers, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Midler, Parker and Najimy reunited as the Sanderson Sisters in 2020 for a virtual event in aid of the New York Restoration Project, which featured special guest stars such as Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Jamie Lee Curtis and Mariah Carey.

Following news of the sequel’s release date on Disney+, Parker and Najimy expressed their excitement with iconic quotes from the original. The former said she can’t wait to “run amok” while the latter said she “smells children”.

2022 can’t come quickly enough.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SJP (@sarahjessicaparker)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bette Midler (@bettemidler)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kathy Najimy (@kathynajimy)

The post BREAKING NEWS ALERT! Disney+ has announced a release date for Hocus Pocus 2 appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Billy Eichner has ‘proposed’ to Dan Levy to ‘anger’ the Pope and Catholic Church.

Earlier this week, the Vatican caused controversy for the umpteenth time after ruling that Catholic priests cannot bless same-sex unions, as homosexual partnerships are “not ordered to the Creator’s plan”.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) issued a two-page statement on the subject, where it stated that any marriage that’s not between a man and woman cannot be “considered licit”.

“The Christian community and its pastors must welcome with respect and sensitivity persons with homosexual inclinations”, but these relations cannot be blessed, according to the CDF.

The news didn’t go down well with Eichner and Levy, who used their social media platforms to hit out at the Catholic Church’s archaic stance on homosexuality.

Levy called their ruling “shameful, dangerous and embarrassing,” before sharing a viral tweet of Schitt’s Creek matriarch Moira Rose (played by Catherine O’Hara) as she officiates a same-sex wedding in a glamorous, Pope-inspired ensemble.

Eichner wrote, “Can’t a nice gay gentleman like myself just be able to sit here and enjoy Glenn Close’s EIGHTH Oscar nomination without having to see this shit?” to which Levy responded: “Never been more jealous of a caption. Kudos.”

To “make the Pope angry,” Eichner then proposed to Levy, who replied with two emojis: a love heart and a gay couple holding hands. We ship this pairing!

Later, Eichner told his followers: “On a serious note, to everyone who goes out of their way to talk about how “cool” this pope is… NO.

“The Catholic Church has abused the LGBTQ community for MILLENIA. “So, go to church if you need to I guess but THAT’s what you’re enabling. Bye!”

Can’t a nice gay gentleman like myself just be able to sit here and enjoy Glenn Close’s EIGHTH Oscar nomination without having to see this shit? https://t.co/QORGPshHAU

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) March 15, 2021

Let’s get married just to make the Pope angry!

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) March 15, 2021

This is shameful, dangerous, and embarrassing (for them). Not to mention
t h e h y p o c r i s y . . . https://t.co/E6z9tyredO

— dan levy (@danjlevy) March 15, 2021

Exactly. https://t.co/RNOSbmzNrU

— dan levy (@danjlevy) March 16, 2021

On a serious note, to everyone who goes out of their way to talk about how “cool” this pope is…NO. The Catholic Church has abused the LGBTQ community for MILLENIA. So, go to church if you need to I guess but THAT’s what you’re enabling. Bye!

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) March 15, 2021

Both Eichner and Levy have made strides for gay representation in Hollywood, while being outspoken about issues pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community on social media and in interviews.

It was recently announced that Eichner, best known for his acclaimed game show Billy on the Street, will star in the first gay romantic comedy backed by a major studio.

According to Variety, the actor will co-write and executive produce the film, titled Bros, alongside Nicholas Stoller and Judd Apatow.

Last year, Levy made history when the sixth and final season of Schitt’s Creek swept all seven major categories at the Primetime Emmy Awards – the first time for a comedy or drama.

It won Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Directing (all for Levy), as well as Lead Actor (Eugene Levy), Lead Actress (O’Hara), Supporting Actor (Levy) and Supporting Actress (Annie Murphy).

The series also set a record for most Emmy wins by a comedy series in a single season, and Levy – who co-created the series with his father Eugene – became the first person to win a Primetime Emmy Award in all four major categories in a single year.

The post Billy Eichner proposes to Dan Levy “to make the Pope angry” appeared first on GAY TIMES.

This year’s Oscars ceremony has made history.

On Monday (15 March), Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra announced the stars and films in contention for the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards, making history in the process as the most ethnically diverse slate of nominees ever.

Nine out of the 20 acting nominees are people of colour, including Viola Davis for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Andra Day for The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Leslie Odom Jr. for One Night in Miami, Yuh-Jung Youn for Minari and Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield for Judas and the Black Messiah.

The late Chadwick Boseman received a posthumous nomination for his performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, while Steven Yeun became the first ever Asian-American performer to be recognized in the Lead Actor category for Minari.

For his role as Ruben Stone in Sound of Metal, Riz Ahmed also made history as the first Muslim actor to be nominated in the category.

This year’s candidates are a far cry from all the all-white acting nominees in 2016, which spawned the viral #OscarsSoWhite hashtag.

Female filmmakers have also made herstory due to nominations in the Best Director field for both Chloe Zhao (Nomadland) and Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman). Only five women have ever been nominated for the award.

Zhao is the first woman of Asian descent to be recognised in the category.

This diversity isn’t reflected in the coveted Best Picture category, with snubs for predominantly Black-led films such as Da 5 Bloods, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and One Night in Miami.

Last year, however, the Academy Awards announced a new representation and inclusion standard for films in the running for Best Picture.

As part of its Academy Aperture 2025 initiative, the historic new move has been introduced to better reflect the diversity of viewers and encourage inclusion amongst gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and diversity.

Andra Day in The United States vs. Billie Holiday

With the help of the Producers Guild of America (PGA), the Academy have established four representation categories: on-screen representation, themes and narratives; creative leadership and project team; industry access and opportunities; and audience development.

The new initiative won’t affect the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards, as it will not be implemented until 2024. Visit here to read the Academy Awards’ historic new initiative for films competing in the Best Picture category.

You can also read the full list of the 2021 Oscar nominations below.

Best Picture

• The Father

• Judas and the Black Messiah

• Mank

• Minari

• Nomadland

• Promising Young Woman

• Sound of Metal

• The Trial of the Chicago 7

Best Director

• Thomas Vinterberg – Another Round

• David Fincher – Mank

• Lee Isaac Chung – Minari

• Emerald Fennell – Promising Young Woman

• Chloe Zhao – Nomadland

• Minari – Lee Isaac Chung

Actor in a Leading Role

• Riz Ahmed – Sound of Metal

• Chadwick Boseman – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

• Anthony Hopkins – The Father

• Steven Yeun – Minari

• Gary Oldman – Mank

Actress in a Leading Role

• Viola Davis – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

• Andra Day – The United States vs. Billie Holiday

• Vanessa Kirby – Pieces of a Woman

• Frances McDormand – Nomadland

• Carey Mulligan – Promising Young Woman

Best Supporting Actress

• Maria Bakalova – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

• Glenn Close – Hillbilly Elegy

• Olivia Colman – The Father

• Amanda Seyfried – Mank

• Yuh-Jung Youn – Minari

Best Supporting Actor

• Paul Raci – Sound of Metal

• Lakeith Stanfield – Judas and the Black Messiah

• Leslie Odom Jr. – One Night in Miami

• Daniel Kaluuya – Judas and the Black Messiah

• Sacha Baron Cohen – The Trial of the Chicago 7

Best Original Screenplay

• Judas and the Black Messiah

• Minari

• Promising Young Woman

• Sound of Metal

• The Trial of the Chicago 7

Best Adapted Screenplay

• Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

• The Father

• Nomadland

• One Night In Miami

• The White Tiger

Daniel Kaluuya in Judas and the Black Messiah

International Feature Film

• Another Round – Denmark

• Better Days – Hong Kong

• The Man Who Sold His Skin – Tunisia

• Collective – Romani

• Quo Vadis, Aida – Bosnia and Herzegovina

• The Trial of the Chicago 7

Best Cinematography

• Judas and the Black Messiah

• Mank

• News of the World

• Nomadland

• The Trial of the Chicago 7

Best Music (Original Score)

• Da 5 Bloods

• Mank

• Minari

• News of the World

• Soul

Best Music (Original Song)

• “Fight for You” – Judas and the Black Messiah

• “Hear My Voice” – The Trial of the Chicago 7

• “Husavik” – Eurovision Song Contest

• “Io Si (Seen)” – The Life Ahead

• “Speak Now” – One Night in Miami…

Best Sound

• Greyhound

• Mank

• News of the World

• Soul

• Sound of Metal

Chadwick Boseman in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Best Visual Effects

• Love and Monsters

• The Midnight Sky

• Mulan

• The One and Only Ivan
• Tenet

Best Production Design

• The Father

• Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

• Mank

• News of the World

• Tenet

Best Costume Design

• Emma

• Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

• Mank

• Mulan

• Pinnochio

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

• Emma

• Hillbilly Elegy

• Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

• Mank

• Pinocchio

Best Animated Short Film

• Burrow

• Genius Loci

• If Anything Happens I Love You

• Opera

• Yes-People

Best Live Action Short Film

• Feeling Through

• The Letter Room

• The Present

• Two Distant Strangers

• White Eye

Documentary Short Subject

• Colette

• A Concerto Is a Conversation

• Do Not Split

• Hunger Ward

• A Love Song for Latasha

The 93rd Academy Awards take place 26 April. 

The post 2021 Oscars makes history with most ethnically diverse nominations appeared first on GAY TIMES.