The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the nominees for the 89th Annual Academy Awards and it is set to be a promising year for Australian film.
For the first time, two Australian films are in the running for Best Picture, including debut actor Garth Davis' harrowing tale 'Lion' and Mel Gibson's war drama 'Hacksaw Ridge'.
They join acclaimed musical 'La La Land' -- in an unsurprising lead with 14 nominations -- 'Moonlight', 'Manchester By The Sea' and 'Hidden Figures', among three others.
Telling the compelling true story of a Tasmanian man's journey to unite with his family in India, 'Lion' has scooped up six nominations, including Best Picture.
Co-stars Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel are in the running for Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor, with the Aussie drama also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score and Best Cinematography.
Recognition for 'Lion' is unsurprising following an impressive opening of $5 million at the Australian box office last weekend.
Mel Gibson is continuing his Hollywood comeback with 'Hacksaw Ridge', which he shot and directed in Australia.
Along with Best Picture, Gibson has scooped up Best Director, with lead Andrew Garfield in the running for Best Actor. Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing make up six nominations for the Aussie film.
For the first time, Australian film is featuring in the Best Foreign-Language category with 'Tanna'. Directed by former documentary directors Bentley Dean and Martin Butler, the film is performed by the people of Yakel in Vanuatu.
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