Watch out for these Filipino nominees at the 2019 Oscars

The lack of diversity has always been a focal point of the Oscars discussion.

This year, however, several highly-talented minority artists have received well-deserved nominations for their work — and among them, a few individuals of Filipino heritage.

Matthew Libatique and Bradley Cooper on the set of “A Star is Born.” | Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Filipino-American Matthew Libatique, who worked as the director of photography in “A Star is Born” is nominated for best cinematography. This is his second Oscar nomination after “Black Swan” in 2011.

Best animated short nominees Bobby Pontillas of “One Small Step” and Trevor Jimenez of “Weekends.”  | Photos courtesy of Taiko Studios and YouTube

Meanwhile, two Filipinos were nominated in the best animated short category: Bobby Pontillas, who co-directed “One Small Step,” and Canadian-born Trevor Jimenez, who created “Weekends” based on his own childhood experiences.

Josie Trinidad, head of story (left) and Cesar Velazquez, head of effects animation for “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” which is nominated for best animated feature film | Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios / Linkedin

“Ralph Breaks the Internet,” which got an Oscars nod in the animated feature film category, had Fil-Ams Josie Trinidad as its head of story and Cesar Velazquez, head of effects animation.

Another film under the same category, “Spider-verse,” also featured the talents and skills of Filipinos. Filipina-American Hailee Steinfeld voiced the lead female character in the movie, Gwen Stacy. Louie del Carmen, Ryan Rubi and John Butiu, meanwhile, were part of the movie’s animation team, according to ABS-CBN.

The Academy announced its 2019 Oscar nominations on January 22 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

The 91st annual Academy Awards, which will be held at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, will air live on Sunday, February 24, on ABC.

Ritchel Mendiola

Ritchel Mendiola is a staff writer and reporter for the Asian Journal. You can reach her at [email protected].

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