Dev Patel makes it to diverse Oscar list

Los Angeles, January 24

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“La La Land”, a whimsical ode to classic Hollywood musicals, tied the record previously set by “Titanic” and “All About Eve” by bagging 14 nods at the 89th Academy Awards nominations announced today while British-Indian actor Dev Patel scored in the best supporting category.

“La La Land”, a candy-coloured romance about two struggling dreamers in Hollywood, earned nods for best picture, best director for 32-year-old Damien Chazelle and best actress and actor nods for its lead stars, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling at the nominations.

The Academy, which faced a lot of criticism for its lack of diversity for last two years, addressed the topic by nominating actors such as Denzel Washington, Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Ruth Negga, Mahershala Ali, Dev Patel, Naomie Harris and films like “Hidden Figures” and “Fences” and “13th”.

Patel, who has won hearts with his poignant portrayal of a man in search of his roots in “Lion”, said he was “overwhelmingly grateful” to be recognised. “I’m sitting here with my mouth wide open figuring out how this happened. I’m feeling overwhelmingly grateful right now.” — PTI