Emily Blunt has received her first Academy Award nomination for her compelling portrayal of Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer in the blockbuster film Oppenheimer, people.com reports. The 40-year-old acclaimed British actress, known for her diverse roles, including Mary Poppins Returns and Edge of Tomorrow, has finally secured her place among the nominees.
Blunt’s nomination was announced on January 23, where she earned a spot in the Supporting Actress category. Her performance as the wife of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer in the Christopher Nolan-directed film has garnered praise and recognition, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
Joining Blunt in the competitive Supporting Actress category are Danielle Brooks for The Color Purple, Da’Vine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers, America Ferrera for Barbie and Jodie Foster for Nyad. The winner will be revealed at the 96th Academy Awards on March 10, broadcasted from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.
Blunt’s journey to this Oscar nod has been long-awaited, considering her notable roles in various films. Despite earlier achievements, such as a Golden Globe Award for Gideon’s Daughter and a Critics Choice Award for Edge of Tomorrow, she had never previously secured an Academy nomination.
Oppenheimer, where Blunt stars alongside Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, has not only brought her recognition but also marked her first appearance in a Best Picture nominee. The film, released in 2023, achieved tremendous success, becoming the highest-grossing biopic of all time and the third-highest-grossing movie of the year.
Blunt’s absence from previous Oscar ballots, despite winning a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2019 for A Quiet Place, is notable. Nevertheless, her impact on the industry and her captivating performances have made her a familiar face at the Oscars over the years.
In an interview with People, Blunt shared her experience filming Oppenheimer in New Mexico, describing it as akin to “summer camp.” Despite the challenges of shooting in the desert, she emphasised the camaraderie among the cast, including Cillian Murphy, whose dedication to the role involved a strict diet, jokingly limited to “an almond every day.”