Oscars 2024 10 Actors With Their First Nominations At The 96th Academy Awards

Okay, so, like, have you guys survived the Oscars buzz? It’s been a whole thing, right? All the glitz, the glam, the questionable fashion choices… you know the drill. But this year felt a little different, didn't it? It was like, a breath of fresh air with all these new faces popping up. Seriously, the Academy finally decided to pay attention to some seriously talented folks who were, like, totally overdue for some Oscar love. We’re talking about actors who’ve been killing it for ages, but this year, BAM! Nomination station!

It got me thinking, who were these amazing newcomers, these first-timers gracing the Oscar nomination lists? It’s always so exciting to see who makes the cut, and honestly, sometimes it feels like a total surprise party! Who are we forgetting? Who else should have been there? (Spoiler alert: always a million people, but we’re focusing on the glorious newbies today!) So, grab your (imaginary) coffee, because we’re about to dish on 10 actors who got their very first taste of Oscar nomination at the 96th Academy Awards. It’s going to be good, trust me.

Meet the Newbies!

First up, let's talk about the one and only, Lily Gladstone. Seriously, this woman is a force of nature. Her performance in Killers of the Flower Moon? Ugh, just chef’s kiss. She brought such a quiet power, a profound depth to her character, Mollie Burkhart. You felt every single emotion, every single ounce of strength and heartbreak, right there with her. It was mesmerizing. And to think, this is her first Oscar nod? It feels like a crime it didn't happen sooner, but hey, better late than never, right? She's basically royalty now, and this nomination just solidifies it. We're all rooting for you, Lily!

Then we have Colman Domingo. Okay, so Colman is not a newcomer to acting. He’s been around, absolutely crushing it in theatre, TV, you name it. But for his role asC.G. "Sugar" Perry in Rustin, he finally got that big Academy recognition. And deservedly so! He was electric. Playing Bayard Rustin, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, he brought this incredible charisma and resilience to the screen. It was a performance that commanded attention, a true masterclass. You couldn't take your eyes off him. It’s like, where has this Oscar nomination been hiding? Seriously, Colman, welcome to the club!

Moving on, let’s give it up for Sterling K. Brown. Now, Sterling is another actor who’s been a fan favorite for a minute. He’s won Emmys, he’s got that voice that just… melts you. But this year, for his role in American Fiction, he snagged his first Oscar nomination. And it was for playing a character, Cliff, who’s dealing with a whole lot, you know? Family drama, identity… he brought this relatable, nuanced, and often hilarious performance. He’s so good at balancing the funny with the deeply human. It’s like, he can make you laugh until you cry, and then cry until you laugh. That's talent, people!

And how about Da'Vine Joy Randolph? Oh. My. Goodness. Her role asTulsa in The Holdovers? Just… perfection. Absolute, unadulterated perfection. She was the heart and soul of that film, bringing such a warm, grounded, and incredibly moving performance. You felt her pain, her resilience, her dry wit. It was a role that could have easily been a stereotype, but she infused it with so much humanity and grace. This nomination is so well-deserved, and honestly, I was screaming when I saw her name. Finally, the world is recognizing this treasure!

Alright, alright, deep breaths. We're not even halfway through this awesome list! Next up, we have Paul Mescal. Now, Paul has been on our radar for a while, right? Normal People? Ugh, swoon. But this year, for his role in All of Us Strangers, he earned his first Oscar nomination. And it was for a film that’s, like, emotionally intense. He plays a character grappling with love, loss, and the surreal. He has this ability to convey so much with just a look, a subtle shift in his posture. He's a quiet storm, this one. It’s so exciting to see his talent being recognized on this level. He’s going places, folks, big places.

And speaking of All of Us Strangers, we have to talk about Andrew Scott. He was also nominated for his first Oscar for his work in that same film. The man is just… magnetic. He plays a character who’s, well, it’s a bit of a spoiler, but he brings this incredible vulnerability and intensity to the role. You’re drawn to him, you feel for him, even when things get really complicated. He’s got that star power, that je ne sais quoi, that just shines through. It's like, "Okay, Andrew, you’ve officially arrived!" We’re ready for whatever you do next.

Now, this next one might have surprised a few people, but it’s so, so deserved. Ryan Gosling! Yeah, yeah, I know. Ryan Gosling? First nomination? But it's true! For his absolutely iconic, scene-stealing role asKen in Barbie, he finally got his Oscar nod. And honestly, can you even imagine a better Ken? He brought so much humor, so much pathos, so much… Ken-ness to that role. He embraced the absurdity, he embraced the heartbreak, he embraced the sheer, unadulterated joy of being Ken. It was a performance that was both hilarious and surprisingly profound. He was, quite literally, just Ken in the best possible way. This nomination was a long time coming for this kind of comedic brilliance!

Let’s shift gears to something a little more dramatic, shall we? Jeffrey Wright. Another actor who’s been a staple of excellent performances for years, but this year marked his first Oscar nomination for his role asThelonious "Monk" Ellison in American Fiction. And it was such a smart, nuanced portrayal of a writer navigating the complexities of race, identity, and the publishing world. He brought so much intelligence and subtle humor to the character. You understood all his internal struggles, his frustrations, his moments of triumph. He's just an actor's actor, and seeing him get this recognition feels so right. It’s like, "Okay, Academy, you’re finally catching up!"

Okay, almost there! Who else got their golden ticket for the first time? How about Jodie Foster? Now, Jodie Foster is, like, a legend. She’s won Oscars before. But hear me out! This nomination for her role in Nyad was a nomination for a different kind of role, a different kind of story. She plays the fiercely determinedBonnie Stoll, Diana Nyad's coach and friend. She brought this incredible grit, this unwavering support, and a surprising amount of humor to the character. It was a performance that grounded the epic swim, and it was a reminder of just how versatile and powerful she is. So, technically a nomination for a new chapter in her Oscar journey, and that’s exciting!

And last, but absolutely not least, let’s shine a spotlight on Robert Downey Jr.. Now, RDJ is a movie star. A bona fide, mega-watt, charisma-dripping movie star. But for his role asLewis Strauss in Oppenheimer, he finally snagged his first Oscar nomination. And it was for playing such a complex, morally ambiguous character. He was so chilling, so conniving, so utterly believable. He showed a completely different side of his acting prowess, and it was a performance that was impossible to ignore. It’s like, we knew he was good, but this good? This is the kind of role that reminds everyone why he’s a force. A well-deserved, long-awaited nod!

The Future is Bright (and Nominated!)

Isn't it just thrilling to see all these incredible actors get their moment in the Oscar spotlight for the very first time? It feels like a celebration of talent that’s been simmering, waiting for the perfect roles to truly shine. It makes you excited for the future of filmmaking, doesn’t it? These are the actors who are going to be defining cinema for years to come.

It’s like, the Academy is finally paying attention to the indie darlings, the character actors who've been doing the quiet work, and the established stars taking on challenging new roles. We love to see it! Who knows who will be on this list next year? The possibilities are endless, and that's the magic of it all, isn't it? So, here’s to these ten amazing actors, their first nominations, and all the incredible performances that are sure to follow. Cheers!