We couldn’t be prouder of our fellow Canadians nominated for an Oscar! From directors, writers, actors and more, the list of 2023 Oscar nominees includes a ton of Canadian talent and here are just a few people we could see an acceptance speech from.

BRENDAN FRASER – THE WHALE 

One of the most talked about films of the year, Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale stars Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Canadian icon, Brendan Fraser as a reclusive English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter.

Nominated for: Best actor in a leading role, best actress in a supporting role, makeup and hairstyling.

JAMES CAMERON – AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER 

A vibrant, yet heartwrenching love letter to the ocean, Canada’s James Cameron finally premiered Avatar: The Way of Water this past December. Highly anticipated by fans of the first installment, this stunning film was met with critical acclaim and nominated in several categories at this year’s Oscars.

Nominated for: Best picture, production design

INA FICHMAN – FIRE OF LOVE

A sad and beautiful story about intrepid scientists Katia and Maurice Krafft, Fire and Love, was co-produced by Canada’s Ina Fichman and has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film. Here’s to hoping it catches some heat!

Nominated For:  Documentary Feature Film

SARAH POLLEY – WOMEN TALKING

Based on the Miriam Toews novel of the same name, Women Talking was written by a Canadian, then adapted by a Canadian filmmaker. While the premise is dark, it’s an important story to tell and we hope that it brings home the gold at this year’s event.

Nominated for: Best picture, writing (adapted screenplay)

DOMEE SHI  – TURNING RED

Best known for her work on some incredible Pixar Films like Turning Red and Inside Out – Canadian animator Domee Shi is also up for one of the Academy’s prestigious awards. Here’s to hoping she can bring it home!

Nominated For: Animated feature film

DANIEL ROHER – NAVALNY

Detailing the 2020 assassination attempt of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Daniel Roher’s 2022 documentary Navalny also appears on the ballot at this year’s Oscars. It’s an interesting watch, but will it take home the gold?

Nominated For:  Documentary Feature Film

CHRIS WILLIAMS – THE SEA BEAST

A Netflix Original featuring the voice of Karl Urban (The Boys), The Sea Beast has been nominated for Best Animated Feature Film. Directed by Chris Williams, a Canadian-American animator – this beautiful movie goes head to head against fellow Northern film, Turning Red.

Nominated For: Animated feature film

WENDY TILBY AND AMANDA FORBIS – THE FLYING SAILOR

Lastly, on our list, Canada-born Wendy Tilby and Amanda Formis were also nominated by the Acadamy for their work on a short animated film, entitled ‘The Flying Sailor’

Nominated For: Short Film (animated)

And there you have it, folks! Just a few Canadian Oscar Nominees to watch out for this year. Here’s to hoping they all bring something home. There’s some mighty fierce competition!