The 97th Academy Awards are here (March 3), and while many movies have been nominated in various categories, one remains noticeably absent¡ªthe Best Choreography award. Despite the significant role choreography plays in numerous films, there is still no dedicated category for it at the prestigious awards ceremony.
Why is that? One major reason is the underrepresentation of choreographers within the Academy. Adding to this, the ongoing issues surrounding proper crediting and compensation for choreographers in the industry has also hindered efforts to establish this long-overdue award.
Let's take a look at some Oscar-nominated movies over the years¡ªnot just musicals¡ªthat feature stunning dance sequences, proving they would have been worthy contenders for Best Choreography.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest musicals of all time, Singin' in the Rain earned two Oscar nominations. Gene Kelly¡¯s iconic solo in the title track and the Moses Supposes tap routine remain legendary dance sequences¡ªboth of which could have easily won an award for choreography.
The movie earned a nomination for Best Actor (John Travolta). While not a musical, it remains one of the most iconic dance films of all time, with legendary disco sequences that helped shape pop culture.
Nominated for Best Original Song ("(I've Had) The Time of My Life", which won), this film revolves around dance, with its unforgettable final lift becoming a legendary cinematic moment.
The film received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, but it's John Travolta and Uma Thurman's twist contest at Jack Rabbit Slim's that became one of the most iconic dance scenes in film history.
It won six Oscars, including Best Picture. While it is a musical, its choreography and dance sequences are central to its storytelling, making it one of the most dance-heavy Oscar-winning films.
It won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, but its impact on choreography was just as significant. The energetic and joyous Bollywood-style dance sequence to Jai Ho during the end credits became a cultural phenomenon.?
Nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, Black Swan won Best Actress for Natalie Portman. Centered around ballet, the film features intense and haunting dance performances that elevate its psychological drama.?
Nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Silver Linings Playbook won Best Actress for Jennifer Lawrence. The film's climax centers around a dance competition, seamlessly blending romance, humor, and drama.
Nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, The Wolf of Wall Street is not a dance movie, but it features the hilarious and now-iconic nightclub dance scene with Leonardo DiCaprio.?
Nominated for 14 Oscars and winning six, La La Land is a musical, but its dance sequences¡ªespecially the vibrant opening freeway scene and the dreamy A Lovely Night¡ªstand out as major highlights.
While not widely recognized in the mainstream Oscar circuit, Dance Academy: The Movie showcases contemporary ballet and emotional storytelling, highlighting the power of dance as a narrative force.
Nominated for seven Oscars, winning Best Supporting Actress for Ariana DeBose. Steven Spielberg's reimagining of the classic West Side Story features breathtaking choreography that brings the iconic dance sequences to life.
Won the Oscar for Best Original Song (Naatu Naatu). The electrifying dance battle between Ram Charan and Jr. NTR in Naatu Naatu became a global sensation, marking history as the first Indian song to win an Academy Award.
Nominated for several Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song. This musical adaptation features energetic choreography, particularly in Push Da Button and Miss Celie's Blues.
Nominated for eight Oscars, Barbie features vibrant dance sequences, including Dance the Night and the show-stopping I¡¯m Just Ken, both of which became viral pop culture moments.?
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