By Jake Coyle, Film Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --Half a year after his death, Chadwick Boseman was posthumously nominated for an Academy Award on Monday for his final performance in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
The nomination for best actor was widely expected but still historic. Boseman is the first Black performer ever nominated posthumously for an Oscar. He was nominated alongside Steven Yeun ("Minari"), Riz Ahmed ("Sound of Metal"), Anthony Hopkins ("The Father") and Gary Oldman ("Mank").
Only six actors have previously been nominated after their death: James Dean, Spencer Tracy, Peter Finch, Ralph Richardson, Massimo Troisi and Heath Ledger. Two ultimately won: Finch for his performance in 1976's "Network" and Ledger for 2008's "The Dark Knight."
Jeanne Eagels is also often cited as a posthumous nominee at the second Academy Awards for her performance in the 1929 film "The Letter."
Many predict Boseman will also win for a performance that's been called the best of his life. Last month, he also won the Golden Globe for best actor in a drama. Boseman's widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, accepted the award on his behalf.
Boseman died last August of colon cancer at age 43. Three months later, the August Wilson adaptation "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" was released by Netflix. Boseman plays Levee, the ambitious trumpeter whose dreams end tragically during a recording session with Ma Rainey (Viola Davis) at a white-owned record label.
Boseman also performed in Spike Lee's "Da 5 Bloods" as a U.S. soldier in the Vietnam War — a performance that has also found awards attention. Boseman was nominated posthumously by the Screen Actors Guild Awards for his performances in both "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and his supporting turn in "Da 5 Bloods."
After his death, none of Boseman's collaborators on either film said they knew he was ailing. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2016.
It's Boseman's first Oscar nomination.
Taylor Swift wins big and Rita Ora pays tribute to Liam Payne at the MTV EMAs
Taylor Swift came out on top at the 2024 MTV EMAs on Sunday, walking away with best artist, best U.S. act, best live act and best video for "Fortnight" (featuring Post Malone).
Swift, who is finishing up her Eras tour on the other side of the Atlantic, thanked the fans for the bounty of prizes via video message.
The U.K. show opened with an acrobatic Benson Boone suspended in the air on a gold grand piano performing his viral hit "Beautiful Things" and latest release "Slow it Down." Boone also accepted his first EMA for best new act.
South African newcomer Tyla gave Swift a run for her money picking up three awards for best afrobeats, best R&B and best African act.
Tyla performed her smash hit "Water" for the EMA audience at the Co-op Live, Manchester, flanked by a host of dancers, as well as singing energetic new track "Push 2 Start."
British singer Rita Ora, who hosted the show for a record third time, paid tribute to former One Direction star Liam Payne, who died last month after falling from a balcony in Buenos Aires.
Ora had a close relationship with the singer and the pair recorded a song together in 2018, "For You (Fifty Shades Freed)." She addressed the audience saying, "I want to take a moment to remember someone. Liam Payne was one of the kindest people I knew." Her voice broke as she asked the crowd to take a moment to remember Liam saying, "He had the biggest heart and he left such a mark on this world."
Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes was awarded the EMAs global icon award from British rapper Little Simz telling the crowd that in 34 years of professionally recording this was his first award from MTV and it felt incredible. The 12-time Grammy Award nominee, who has more than 10 million album sales under... Read More