Mike Faist, Zendaya, and Josh O'Connor in 'Challengers'
(Amazon MGM Studios)

‘They hate messy bisexuals’: A shocking Oscars snub is angering fans

The Oscar nominations were released this week, and in a shocking snub, Challengers was left out of the running. That’s right: the controversial Emilia Pérez made out with a record-breaking 13 nominations, including a historic and undeniably impactful Best Actress nomination for trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón, but Challengers was suspiciously absent from every single category.

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It really is a surprise, given that it seemed like Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s score for Challengers would continue its awards season sweep. Even if the film’s actors didn’t get nominations, it seemed almost certain that its editing or directing would at least net it something. And what about the cinematography? Reactions online rightfully have been calling out the snub, with one X (formerly Twitter) user calling it “gross.”

As a resident bisexual, I am inclined to agree with another X user’s statement that the snub means the Oscars hates messy bisexuals. Give us our representation during awards season! That triangle was chef’s kiss, perfectly delicious. It isn’t too much to ask for more character dynamics like that, is it?

In all seriousness, though, the snubs for Challengers and Queer are disappointing but, ultimately, not surprising. Both films *ahem* challenged viewers and were not exactly what typical Academy voters go for. But to snub a Nirvana needle drop?! And a score full of Ross/Reznor-certified bangers? (Looking at you, “Yeah x10.”) There is also the possibility of a recency bias for Challengers, especially, since it came out nearly a year ago.

Unfortunately, I can’t say that I’m necessarily shocked. Every year there are always films nominated that are clear Oscar bait that nudge out films that genuinely deserve to be nominated. It is just unfortunate that Challengers and Queer had to suffer. Both were incredible films in their own right and at the very least deserved one nomination.

So for all of us messy bisexuals out there: Watch (or rewatch) Challengers! It will always be an Oscar-nominated film in my heart.


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Rachel Tolleson
Rachel (she/her) is a freelancer at The Mary Sue. She has been freelancing since 2013 in various forms, but has been an entertainment freelancer since 2016. When not writing her thoughts on film and television, she can also be found writing screenplays, fiction, and poetry. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her cats Carla and Thorin Oakenshield but is a Midwesterner at heart. She is also a tried and true emo kid and the epitome of "it was never a phase, Mom," but with a dual affinity for dad rock. If she’s not rewatching Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul she’s probably rewatching Our Flag Means Death.