Believe the hype

Gay drama ‘Moonlight’ scores 8 Oscar nominations

It’s been incredible to watch Moonlight, director Barry Jenkins’ depiction of Black gay love and coming of age, make its way from art house darling to mainstream drama, racking up countless accolades and a recent Golden Globe win for Best Drama along the way.

And as far as conventional cinematic success goes, the last stop on the train is Oscarville. All year films are hyped as “Oscar contenders,” and more often than not it’s just a lot of hot air. Moonlight is the exception.

Related: 5 Reasons Moonlight Might Just Be The Best Movie Of The Year

The film earned an impressive eight nominations, including one for Best Picture and two for Jenkins, for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Mahershala Ali was recognized in the Best Supporting Actor category for his portrayal of Juan, a drug dealer who becomes a father figure to the youngest version of lead character, Chiron, and Naomi Harris received a nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category for playing Chiron’s deeply haunting mother.

Related: Beyond Moonlight: 5 Black LGBTQ films that blazed the trail

Nicholas Brittell is up for Best Score, and the film also received noms in the Best Editing and Best Cinematography categories.

Huge congratulations to team Moonlight.

Or in the words of Barry Jenkins:

Now do yourself a favor and see this wonderful film.

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