South African short film “The Last Ranger” secures an Oscar nomination, marking a significant milestone for African cinema on the global stage.
South Africa’s film industry is celebrating a historic moment as the short film The Last Ranger, directed by Cindy Lee, has earned an Academy Award nomination in the category of Best Live Action Short Film.
- The Last Ranger tells the compelling story of a lone park ranger’s battle to protect endangered wildlife in South Africa while facing personal struggles and societal challenges.
- The film, directed by Cindy Lee, is lauded for its gripping narrative, powerful performances, and breathtaking cinematography that showcases South Africa’s rich landscapes.
- Industry experts view the Oscar nomination as a breakthrough moment for African cinema, shedding light on the continent’s storytelling prowess and creative potential.
- South Africans have expressed immense pride in the film’s recognition, with social media buzzing with support and congratulations for the cast and crew.
- The nomination has sparked conversations about the representation of African stories in mainstream cinema and the potential for further collaborations between African and international filmmakers.
- The Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien is set to take place in March, where The Last Ranger will compete for the coveted top honor.
The nomination of The Last Ranger represents a landmark achievement not only for South Africa but for African cinema as a whole. 
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As the global film industry takes greater notice of African stories and talent, this recognition serves as inspiration for aspiring filmmakers across the continent.
Regardless of the final outcome, The Last Ranger has already left an indelible mark and paved the way for future African productions on the international stage.
SEE THE FULL LIST OF NOMINEES HERE:
Live Action Short Film
A Lien
Anuja
I’m Not A Robot
The Last Ranger
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent
Best Picture
Anora
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Emilia Perez
I’m Still Here
Nickel Boys
Best Director
Sean Baker, Anora
Brady Corbet, The Brutalist
James Mangold, A Complete Unknown
Jacques Audiard, Emilia Perez
Coralie Fargeat, The Substance
Best Actor
Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Timothee Chalamet, A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo, Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes, Conclave
Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice
Best Actress
Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
Karla Sofia Gascon, Emilia Perez
Mikey Madison, Anora
Demi Moore, The Substance
Fernanda Torres
Best Supporting Actress
Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande, Wicked
Felicity Jones, The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini, Conclave
Zoe Saldana, Emilia Perez
Best Supporting Actor
Yura Borisov, Anora
Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce, The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice
Best Adapted Screenplay
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Emilia Perez
Nickel Boys
Sing Sing
Best Original Screenplay
Anora
The Brutalist
A Real Pain
September 5
The Substance
Animated Feature
Flow
Inside Out 2
Memoir Of A Snail
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
The Wild Robot
Best International Feature Film
I’m Still Here, Brazil
The Girl With The Needle, Denmark
Emilia Perez, France
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Flow, Latvia
Best Documentary Short
Death By Numbers
I Am Ready, Warden
Incident
Instruments of a Beating Heart
The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Best Cinematography
The Brutalist
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Perez
Maria
Nosferatu
Best Costume Design
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Gladiator II
Nosferatu
Wicked
Film Editing
Anora
The Brutalist
Conclave
Emilia Perez
Wicked
Makeup and Hairstyling
A Different Man
Emilia Perez
Nosferatu
The Substance
Wicked
Original Score
The Brutalist
Conclave
Emilia Perez
Wicked
The Wild Robot
Original Song
Production Design
The Brutalist
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Nosferatu
Wicked
Best Sound
A Complete Unknown
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Perez
Wicked
The Wild Robot
Visual Effects
Alien: Romulus
Better Man
Dune: Part Two
Kingdom of The Planet of the Apes
Wicked
Documentary Feature
Black Box Diaries
No Other Land
Porcelain War
Soundtrack To A Coup D’Etat
Sugarcane
Animated Short Film
Beautiful Men
In The Shadow Of The Cypress
Magic Candies
Wander to Wonder
Yuck!
