Oscar Nominations 2021: The Snubs And Surprises

Thomas Vinterberg effectively took Regina King's spot. That doesn't mean that he is not deserving of it. One of the biggest shocks of these nominations is how Vinterberg managed to climb his way into an incredibly crowded directing line-up. Vinterberg helms the Best International Feature Film frontrunner Another Round, the story of four middle aged teachers who decide to try and live their lives at a 0.5% blood alcohol concentration.

The film is a light drama with some strong moments and a great leading performance from Mads Mikkelsen (who would have been a far safer guess for a nomination than Vinterberg). It is particularly surprising to see Another Round score only two nominations, if there was clearly enough support for the film to score it a Best Director nod, it stands to reason it would reap other bids, perhaps for its screenplay.

Thomas Vinterberg went through a terrible personal loss during the making of this film and the passion and connection he has to the material is incredibly clear throughout. No one saw him coming, but he is a welcome addition all the same.