From Chadwick Boseman to Chloe Zhao: Oscar line-up is packed with firsts

This is the first time when two women have been nominated for directing in the same year. Chloe Zhao made history by becoming first woman of color to be nominated for best director ('Nomadland') and second woman to score a nom is Emerald Fennell for her feature film debut 'Promising Young Woman'

Riz Ahmed become the first Muslim to be nominated in the best actor category for 'Sound of Metal'. Before Ahmed, Mahershala Ali was the first Muslim actor to win for his supporting roles in 'Moonlight' (2016) and 'Green Book' (2018)).
 

The late Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer in August 2020, before the release of his final film 'Ma Rainey`s Black Bottom' was named Best Actor during the ceremony.

Daniel Kaluuya is the first British non-white winner of Best Supporting actor for his incredible performance in 'Judas and the Black Messiah'

He is only the sixth non-white actor to win the award.

Youn Yuh-Jung  is the first South Korean actor or actress to land an Oscar nomination for the Lee Isaac Chung's directorial 'Minari'

Steven Yeun made history by becoming the first Asian American to receive the best actor nomination for 'Minari'

Viola Davis recieved the fourth acting nomination that makes her the most nominated Black actress in Oscar history. she has only won once. This time Davis is nominated for her incredible acting in 'Ma Rainey`s Black Bottom'. 

At age 83, Anthony Hopkins is the oldest best actor nominee ever. Hopkins received the nom for his movie 'The Father'

Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the film's plot was inspired by Belgian contemporary artist Wim Delvoye's living work Tim (2006). The move is the first nomination for the North African country Tunisia.

Romanian 'Collective' is the first nomination for Romania which is competing in both the international film field and best documentary categories.

Maria Bakalova is the first Bulgarian actress to be Oscar nominated for Borat Subsequent Movie film.

A record nine of the 20 acting nominees are people of color: Andra Day, Chadwick Boseman, Leslie Odom Jr., LaKeith Stanfield, Riz Ahmed, Daniel Kaluuya, Viola Davis, Steven Yeun, Youn Yuh-jung.