This year, after the nominees were announced, many media outlets noted a big change when it comes to diversity, which included seven minority actors and six black actors.
Along with Washington, newcomer actress Ruth Negga is also nominated for Best Actress for her role in “Loving.”
Three nominees for the Best Supporting Actress category are non-white, including Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, and Naomie Harris. This marks the first time in the Oscar history that a single category had three black nominees.
The diversity also goes beyond the acting category with “Fences,” “Moonlight,” “Lion,” and “Hidden Figures” all receiving nods for Best Picture.
Barry Jenkins is also nominated for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for “Moonlight.” August Wilson also earned a posthumous nomination for Best Screenplay for “Fences.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda is also nominated for his work on Moana’s theme song, while Dev Patel earned a nod in the Best Supporting Actor category for his performance in “Lions.”
This year’s Oscars will take place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California on February 26 with Jimmy Kimmel hosting the awards ceremony for the first time.
Jackie Chan, film editor Anne Coates, casting director Lynn Stalmaster, and filmmaker Frederick Wiseman are expected to be given Academy Honorary Awards during the ceremony.