Chicago Theater and Arts – Page 23 – What's happening on the arts scene – on stage, in museums and at fairs and festivals

La Cage Aux Folles a glorious spectacle of sight and sound

Ginger Minj and Jason Richards in Music Theater Works La Cage (Photo by Brett Beiner) — Jason Richards and Ginger Minj in Music Theater Works La Cage (Photo by Brett Beiner)

Four Stars

Prepare for great music, lots of Laughs and gorgeous costumes as Music Theater Works takes you to the swanky nightclub of La Cage Aux Folles in St. Tropez.

Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, La Cage brings an outstanding night of musical theatre to the Performing Arts Center in Skokie with a few surprises throw in!

Based on the hit French farce that also inspired Hollywood’s “The Birdcage,” this Broadway smash features a hilarious book by Harvey Fierstein and a score by the king of show tunes, Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly! and Mame).

From the moment you enter the theatre, you’ll be immediately transported to La Cage’s elegant St Tropez nightclub, complete with “women” in cages welcoming you, an onstage bar and tables surrounding the stage.

Opening on Broadway in 1983, La Cage broke barriers by becoming the first hit Broadway musical centered on a gay relationship.

Society has come very far from the times when this play opened. Today, gender roles have never been a more contemporary issue.

The plot centers around Georges, the owner of “La Cage,” and his long-time lover, “Zaza.” When their son, Jean- Michel, announces his engagement to Anne, the trouble begins, especially when they find out her father is a very conservative government official, running for office.

Ginger Minj as Zaza in Music Theater Works La Cage. (Photo by Brett Beiner)

With plenty of audience interaction, the musical is filled with not one, but two show-stopping hits you’ll be humming as you leave the show.

“I Am What I Am” is the perfect anthem for everyone – live your own life and do not make excuses for being true to yourself. The cast belts it out loud and clear. “The Best of Times” is another powerful ballad that will leave you breathless.

The production stars RuPaul’s Drag Race headliner, Ginger Minj, as Albin, and he/she is beyond fabulous. She sings, acts and creates a great performance with a touch of whimsy. And oh, those exquisite wigs designed by David Ian Grant!

Jason Richards makes his Music Theater Works debut as Georges. He’s got a great voice and excellent stage presence as both the emcee of his club and his role as husband to Zaza. He demonstrates a sense of vulnerability, afraid to hurt his lover.

Standouts also include Dane Strange as Jacob who keeps the audience in stitches with his antics and Caron Buinis, with her strong operatic voice.

(Top row, L to R) Daniel Hurst, Brian Selcik, Jordan Taylor and Gabe Kohlbeck (Photo by Brett Beiner)

Kudos to project runway designer Justin LeBlanc for his costumes that are over-the-top sparkly, flashy and gorgeous. And to choreographer, Christopher Carter, whose dance moves especially for male bodies, is fabulous. Artistic director Kyle Dougan directs the show with passion and purpose.

As with many shows of this type, the dancers are so graceful it’s hard to believe their gender.

This is the first show of the season for Music Theater Works. The rest of the season includes “The Little Mermaid (March 10 – April 3) Zorro (August 11 -21), Camelot (October 20 – November 13) and White Christmas (December 15 – January 1.)

DETAILS: “La Cage” is playing at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie through April 3, 2022. Runtime: 2 hours and 40 minutes with intermission. For Tickets, go to musictheaterworks.com/la-cage-aux-folles/.

Important Notice: All guests will be required to wear face masks regardless of vaccination status and show their vaccination cards.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Celebrate Saint Patrick and Irish culture

Chicago River turns Green to celebrate Saint Patrick. (Photo courtesy of City of Chicago)

Wear something green on March 17, the date Saint Patrick died in the fifth century. But if you want to watch a parade in his honor or see the Chicago River turn green you’ll want to start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the weekend before the anniversary date.

Chicago River Dyed Green

On Saturday, March 12, 2022, start your celebration near Chicago’s Mag Mile at the Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wacker Drive on the south bank or the Riverwalk on the north bank.

That is where the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 work their secret formula magic each year between Columbus Drive and Wabash Avenue, Saturday morning before Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Typically using two motor boats and usually starting about 10 a.m., union members pour and disperse gallons of an orange-colored environmentally-safe vegetable powder into the water.

The process takes about 45 minutes and draws a big crowd so if you go you’ll want to get to the area early for a good vantage point.

Originally started in 1962 using a fluorescent dye that made the water green for a few weeks, the dying process was changed to an eco-friendly powder that turned the river green for a few hours.

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Next, head to Columbus Drive for the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It begins at 12:15 p.m. at Balbo Drive and continues north to Monroe Drive.

Expect to see floats, Irish dancers, bagpipers and bands including the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band which has been leading the parade since 1956. Then, you will hear lots of applause as representatives of the 2022 theme, Chicagoland’s Essential Workers, march into view. Of course there will be city, state and US politicians. For more info visit St. P:atrick’s Day Parade org.

Irish American Heritage Center Fest

Wind up at the St. Patrick Festival at Irish American Heritage Center for good food, beer and entertainment from 1 to 11:30 p.m. While there absorb Irish culture in its museum. Find tickets and more information at Irish American Heritage Center (irish-american.org) (Children welcome and ages 11 and under have free admission.

South Side Irish Parade

The St. Patrick salutes continue on Sunday, March 13 with the popular South Side Irish Parade in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago at noon.

A family-friendly parade, it began as a really small, kids only parade by a couple of neighbors in 1979. However, it grew and grew to become so popular across the Chicago area attendance disrupted its Beverly neighborhood until restrictions on parking and drinking were put in place.

So go but observe neighborhood requests. The parade is on Western Avenue from 103rd Street to 115^th Street. For more information visit Home – South Side Irish Parade

Northwest Side Irish

If Northwest is more your location, consider the Northwest Side Irish Parade March 13 that also beings at noon. It goes from Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway.

A fun, community event, the parade winds through Chicago’s Norwood Park neighborhood. It begins at the William J. Onahan School, goes south on Neola venue to Northwest Highway and then heads north to Harlem Avenue. There is an after parade party at Zia’s Social. Visit Northwest Side Irish Parade.

You might hear Céad mile fáite (A hundred thousand welcomes) n or Erin Go Bragh (Braugh) roughly meaning Ireland til the end of time, there or at the Irish Heritage Center.

Jodie Jacobs

Film Festival News: Russian film boycotts plus Jewish Film Festival month

Film Festival boycotts

In step with boycotts of anything Russian, the prevailing film festival sentiment including the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals is to not accept Russian filmmakers or films with ties to the Putin regime.

Festival de Cannes released a statement saying it would ban Russian delegations at its 75^th edition in May. The statement read: As the world has been hit by a heavy crisis in which a part of Europe finds itself in a state of war, the Festival de Cannes wishes to extend all its support to the people of Ukraine and all those who are in its territory.” The statement continued with “However modest as it is, we join our voices with those who oppose this unacceptable situation and denounce the attitude of Russia and its leaders.”

To clarify, the statement added, “During this winter of 2022 the Festival de Cannes has entered its preparation phase. Unless the war of assault ends in conditions that will satisfy the Ukrainian people, it has been decided that we will not welcome official Russian delegations nor accept the presence of anyone linked to the Russian government.”

The Venice Biennale which oversees the Venice Film Festival also issued a statement that said it would ban Russian delegations and people connected to the government but added that it would not ban Russian artists who are independent and speak against the Vladmir Putin regime. Their statement said the festival would “therefore not accept the presence at any of its events any official delegations, institutions or persons tied in any capacity to the Russian government.”

Jewish Film Festival (Photo courtesy of JCC)

Jewish Film Festival in March

The JCC Film Festival will stream and hold in-person showings of 18 films from March 10 through March 27, 2022. The in-person showings will be at three successive Sundays, March 13, 20 and 27, but at four different theaters.

March 13 is at Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie.

March 20 is at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago and the Landmark Renaissance Place Cinema 1850 2nd. St., Highland Park

March 27 is at the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave. Wilmette.

Find ticket and more information at JCC Chicago Jewish film Festival.

Jodie Jacobs

‘Come From Away’ reaches beyond the skies

Marika Aubrey leads a group of female pilots in “Come from Away.” (Photo by Matthew Murphy.)

4 Stars

Based on true events, this Tony award-winning musical tells the story of 7,000 airline passengers from 38 planes that were stranded in the town of Gander, Newfoundland, Canada after Sept. 11, 2001.

The people of the small town stepped up to the plate to house, feed, clothe and care for these frightened international travelers who had no idea when they’d be going home.

Written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and directed by Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley, this uplifting, high-energy musical goes straight to the heart. Many of the original Broadway cast have reprised their inspiring roles in Chicago.

The audience watches as cultures clash and uneasy alliances grow into lasting relationships. It is joyous in the face of tragedy.

Band performs front and center and behind the scenes in “Come from Away.” (Photo by Matthew Murphy) — Band performs front and center and behind the scenes in “Come from Away.” (Photo by Matthew Murphy.)

The cast members all play a number of roles, while a talented band of musicians rotate in and out throughout the play, led by members of the original show. Together, they create a powerful, commanding presence of storytelling.

Kudos to Marika Aubrey who plays American Airlines captain, Beverly, and others who have the best song in the play, “Me and the Sky.” She captivates the audience with her journey when there were no women in the cockpit through the ranks to piloting an airplane and then becoming a flight instructor. She is outstanding with strong vocals and believable character portrayals.

Stand outs also include Julie Johnson as Gander resident, Beulah, and Julie Knitel as Gander broadcaster Janice.

Scenic design by Tony Award Winner Beowulf Boritt navigates around seats in an airplane to seats at a table to create an innovative setting.

Even more heartwarming was the response of the passengers, who upon finally getting to leave, contributed thousands of dollars to the community. When returning home, the grateful passengers continued to send money, flowers, food and gifts.

In the story, the impact worked both ways as Newfoundlanders discovered how empty their lives felt after the passengers went home.

Cast of “Come from Away” celebrates 10 years later. (Photo by Matthew Murphy.)
Band performs front and center and behind the scenes in “Come from Away.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Ten years later, the crew and passengers reunite in Gander to celebrate the lifelong friendships and strong connections they created in spite of the terrorist attacks. As Claude the mayor professes, “Tonight we honor what was lost, but we also commemorate what we found.”

On opening night, the entire audience was on their feet for a standing, well- deserved ovation.

DETAILS: “Come from Away” is playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago through March 6, 2022/ Run time: 100 minutes without intermission. For tickets, go to broadwayinchicago.com.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Five fun Mardi Gras ideas to ‘let the good times roll’

The bar at Storyville a new Chicago restaurant and bar with New Orleans vibes (J Jacobs photo)

Maybe you know that Mardi Gras, the French words for Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday. But what matters to Mardi Gras observers is that New Orlean celebrates the festival in colorful, carnival style with food and events that aren’t just one day but go on for almost three months. After set aside in 2020 and 2021 during COVID, in New Orleans the celebration started Jan.6 and ends March 1, 2022.

In Chicago, Mardi Gras celebrations mean enjoying Cajun and other seafood dishes, King Cakes and Hurricane drinks, wearing and collecting strings of beads and listening to jazz and local bands all of February and early March.

So, laissez le bon temps rouler with food, drinks and music Feb. 25 through March 5.

Join the Bar Crawl Saturday, Feb. 26, 3 to 10 p.m. Different price points. Details and reservations at Official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl

Do Sunday Funday Feb. 27 with beads, masks DJ on the roof of theWit, 201 N. State Street, Chicago, from 1 to 7 p.m. Tickets SundayFunday.

Fat Cat Restaurant and Bar is doing a Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil and celebration on Fat Tuesday, March 1 from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Fat Cat is at 4840 North Broadway,Chicago. Dinner for two is $75. Reservations highly recommended.. Visit Fat Cat for more information and reservations.

Storyville, a new River North Cajun bar and restaurant with strong Big Easy vibes willl featuring a Crawfish Boil, beads and King Cake slices for Fat Tuesday. Storyville is at 712 N Clark St. Chicago. For more information or reservations visit Storyville. h

Fatpour in Wicker Park is holding a Mardi Gras brunch for $35 on Saturday, March 5 wih live Blues by Keith Scott, beads, traditional “N’Awliins breakfast items and drinks. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fatpour is at 2005 W. Division St., Chicago. For more information and tickets visit Fatpour.

Go to Storyville, a new River North Cajun bar and restaurant with strong Big Easy vibes. Featuring a Crawfish Boil, beads and King Cake slices for Fat Tuesday. Is at 712 N Clark St. Chicago. For more information visit Storyville.

Jodie Jacobs

Maple sugar time

Tapping maple trees at Ryerson Conservation Area in Lincolnshire. (Lake County Forest Preserves photo)

Maple syrup, yum. We love it on pancakes or dripping on French toast or sweetening what is cooking. But no matter how the syrup is used, in spring we celebrate it because that is when the sap turned into syrup rises in maple trees.

Luckily, forest preserves’ educators can tap the trees to capture sap, take visitors on hikes to see the tapping, taste the sap, explain how it is turned into syrup and say how much sap is needed for even a little bit of syrup.

Where to go

In Lake County, IL, the Lake County Forest Preserves’ educators and volunteers lead Maple Syrup Hikes through the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods.

“Educators are prepping a full slate of programs taking place in March,” said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. “We are looking forward to offering both in-person and virtual programs this spring.”

In-person, public Maple Syrup Hikes are offered Saturdays and Sundays, March 5–20, at Ryerson Conservation Area. Lasting one hour and held outdoors, the hikes run every half-hour from noon to 2 pm and are open to all ages.

Environmental Educator Jen Berlinghof noted that the temperature dictates what visitors will see along the trails. “The timing for tapping maple trees comes down to temperatures above freezing during the day but still below freezing at night, Berlinghof said. She added that other factors include precipitation and the hours of sunlight in a day.

Berlinghof explained that changing temperature causes the sap to surge upward from the roots toward the branches, where it helps the leaves grow and the buds bloom. Then in summer, the leaves will produce more sap, which will settle back down in the roots come winter.

“Visitors are able to witness the wonder of turning sap from sugar maple trees into sweet maple syrup. All registered participants can have a taste,” Berlinghof said.

Tickets for Maple Syrup Hikes are required. Hikes fill up quickly, so register early. Cost is $6 per person. Children ages 3 and under are free. Purchase tickets online or call 847-968-3321. Special sessions designed for scouts or other large groups are also available. Call 847-968-3321 to register a group.

“If your family is ready to hit the trails, we are providing free self-guided Maple Syrup Hikes from March 21–31,” Berlinghof said. “Through informational signs, you’ll learn the science behind how trees make sap and how we turn that sap into real maple syrup as you walk along the designated trail at your own pace,” she added.

Visit education programs and register online at LCFPD.org/calendar or call 847-968-3321. The Ryerson Conservation Area is at 21950 North Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods,IL

River Trail Nature center in Cook County holds Maple sap programs (Photo by Photo by Amanda Nieves.) — River Trail Nature Center in Cook County holds Maple sap programs (Photo by Photo by Amanda Nieves.)

In Cook County, the Forest Preserves of Cook County hold virtual and in person sap programs at the River Trail Nature Center.

The first one is a live, free virtual program. See it and find info at Facebook Live from River Trail Nature Center 847-824-8360.

Called “Sap’s Rising,” The in-person programs are every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. beginning February 26 at the River Trail Nature center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL. They will continue through March 19 at 1L30 p.m. For the March 19 event Vist Sap’s Rising,March 19.

River Trail Nature Center is at 3120 Milwaukee Ave Northbrook, IL. (Currently masks required indoors and unvaccinated visitors need them outdoors. But check when making a reservation.) Reservations are required. Call River Trail at 847-824-8360.

Jodie Jacobs

Orchids doing their thing

Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show, February and March, 2022. (J Jacobs photo)

Expect the unexpected at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Orchid show during this unpredictable year of 2022.

Stretching from the Regenstein Center into the greenhouses, orchids are rooting in an old upright piano, finding nooks in a secret garden, latching onto trees and winding around old strands of damp wood.

The show’s theme, “Untamed” is quite different from recent past years. Instead of remarking on how orchids are cultivated for celebrations or different uses, the show suggests they are resilient so can grow almost anywhere if left alone including where other plants might have trouble rooting.

Orchids and plants take over a secret garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden show. (J Jacobs photo)

Opened Feb. 12 and extending through March 27, 2022, the Orchid Show arrived in the Chicago area with more than 10,000 colorful orchids just as the weather seesaws from icy and snowy to warmer and rainy.

A special treat is Orchids After Hours on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. when cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are also available.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 10000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, just east of Edens Expressway.

For tickets and more information visit Chicago Botanic Garden

Jodie Jacobs

‘Outside Mullingar’ proves it is never too late

Left: Laura Leonardo Ownby (Rosemary), Right: Ross Frawley (Anthony). Photo by North Shore Camera Club.

3 Stars

When John Patrick Shanley’s play, “Outside Mullingar,” opened on Broadway, January 2014, it received accolades as a new kind of rom-com. For one thing, instead of young people, it featured older adults embarking on new relationships.

Thus is the play recreated at Citadel Theatre with four outstanding actors who bring the story to life. Set in Ireland, the play involves two families who own farms right next to each other.

Anthony and Rosemary have grown up together. Rosemary has been harboring unrequited feelings of love for Anthony her entire life. Anthony, who is painfully shy and unaware, still lusts over Fiona who went screaming the other way when he revealed his true feelings for her.

The major issue in the show is whether or not Anthony should inherit his family’s farm upon the death of his father. His cranky dad wants to leave the farm to his nephew Adam from New York City.

When I first read of the plot, it seemed vaguely familiar. That’s because the play had been turned into the 2020 movie, “Wild Mountain Thyme” starring Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan and Jon Hamm. The screenplay was written as well as directed by Shanley, based on his play.

Audience members will get caught up in the play from the very beginning as Irish music welcomes them into the theatre.

Left: Laura Leonardo Ownby (Rosemary), Susan Hofflander (Aoife). in Outside Mullingar at Citadel Theatre. (photo by North Shore Camera Club)

The four principals include: Susan Hofflander as widow Aoife Muldoon, Jack Hickey as widow Tony, Laura Leonardo Ownby as Rosemary and Ross Frawley as Anthony.

Hofflander is powerful and yet sympathetic as the widow Muldoon, while Hickey is a gruff, crabby old man who is filled with regret at some of his choices. Ownby shines as Rosemary and is the most animated character in the play. Frawley as Anthony plays his part with strong emotion and fervor. You’re rooting for both of them to finally break through.

What’s fascinating about the play is that you meet the parents and experience their interaction with their offspring. Then, it’s just the younger generation who must forge ahead.

Directed by Beth Wolf who was moved by the theme of loneliness in the play, “Outside Mullingar” really draws upon the idea of it’s never too late. Founder and artistic director of the free-Shakespeare-in-the park company Midsommer Flight, Wolf directed Citadel’s production of The Roommate two years ago.

Kudos to Eric Luchen for his innovative set design, flipping one farmhouse kitchen to another, without moving sets.

Outside Mullingar really gets inside its characters with sweetness and charm.

DETAILS: “Outside Mullingar” is at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, through March 13. Run Time: approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. For tickets and more information visit Citadel Theatre.

State COVID restrictions in effect at the time will be enforced at Citadel’s 144-seat performing space.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

West Side Story still relevant

West Side Story at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire (Photo by Liz Lauren)

4 Stars

While “West Side Story” is based on William Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet,” the tale of the star-crossed lovers remains a contemporary look at rival gangs that’s just as timely as the daily news reports.

But Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire creates a dynamic new twist to this production with a fresh look and new talents who bring this story to life.

For those who haven’t seen Steven Spielberg’s award-winning recent redo of the 1961 classic movie, West Side Story takes place on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in the 1950’s.

There’s tension in the hood between the Sharks and the Jets about who controls the turf. Hate, racism and violence rears its ugly head giving way to tragedy and sorrow on both sides of the fence.

West Side Story at Marriott Theatre (Photo by Liz Lauren)

This well-loved show features the brilliant music of Leonard Bernstein with such tunes as “Somewhere,” “Tonight,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “America.”

Using the traditional choreography from Jerome Robbin’s original production, Marriott’s high energy cast delivers the dance with amazing precision and youthful energy. It will leave you breathless.

Based on the book by Tony Award-winner Arthur Laurents, music by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Leonard Bernstein and Lyrics by Tony, Grammy, Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award-winner Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story is a trifecta of creative excellence.

The production is directed by critically acclaimed, award-winning stage veteran Victor Malana Maog who beautifully captures the passion and power of the show.

Musical direction is by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson and choreography is by Jeff Award nominee, Alex Sanchez.

West Side Story at Marriott Theatre (Photo by Liz Lauren)Making her Marriott Theatre debut is Lauren Maria Medina who plays an exquisite “Maria.” She has the voice of an angel with pipes big enough to completely fill the stage.

Also making their debuts on the Marriott stage are Jake David Smith as “Tony” who wins our hearts and Vanessa Aurora Sierra as “Anita” who sings and dances her way into the stratosphere.

Mention must be made of Marisa Fee as “Anybodys” whose gender issues are much more realized in this production. Originally a “tomboy,” Fee appears with the rest of the girls in a ballet, wearing a gown, a strong departure from the original.

Jeffrey D. Kmiec’s set design makes great use of the in-the-round stage with realistic appearance of a fire escape and other urban settings to reflect the cold stark reality of the neighborhood.

Kudos to costume designer Amanda Vander Byl for her realistic 1950s costumes and of course, to musical supervisor Patti Garwood and her orchestra who play the haunting score to perfection.

Covid Protocols: Marriott Theatre guests are currently required to wear face coverings and present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or an appropriate negative COVID-19 test to attend performances in the theatre. Details at MarriottTheatre.com

DETAILS: “West Side Story” is at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire through March 27. Run Time: 2.5 hours with a 15-minute intermission. For tickets and more information, call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit Marriott Theatre.

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Mira Temkin

Academy Award nominations announced

Oscars will be handed out at the 94th Academy Awards , March 27, 2022, at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood. (Photo taken by J Jacobs) — Oscars will be handed out at the 94th Academy Awards , (Photo taken by J Jacobs)

Movie goers had second, third and fourth thoughts about sitting in theaters for even such highly hyped and highly rated films as the remake of “West Side Story.” But even with a poor box-office showing, the newly done tragic musical and other well-done films, plus their directors, actors and the behind-the scenes components will be recognized at the 94th Academy Awards March 27 at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre.

Nominations in 23 categories for films released between March 1 and Dec. 31, 2021 , were announced at 5:18 PST Feb 8, 2022 by actor/comedian Leslie Jordan and actor, CEO and producer Tracee Ellis Ross plus special guests from California to New York City via a global live stream on the Academy’s digital platforms. Nominations are made by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences members in their own categories – actors choosing actors. For the full list see the nominations at Oscar.com and Oscars.org.

Best Picture nominations: Belfast, CODA, Don’t Look Up, Drive My Car, Dune, King Richard, Licorice Pizza, Nightmare Alley, The Power of the Dog and West Side Story.

Best Actor: Javier Bardem in “Being the Riccardos,” Benedict Cumberbatch in “The Power of the Dog,” Andrew Garfield in “Tic, Tick…Boom,” Will Smith in “King Richard” and Denzel Washington in “The Tragedy of Macbeth.

Best Actress: Jessica Chastain, ” The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” Olivia Colman in “The Lost Daughter,” Penélope Cruz in “Parallel Mothers, Nicole Kidman in “Being the Ricardos” and Kristen Stewart in “Spencer.”

The surprise was that Lady Gaga was not nominated as best actress for “House of Gucci.”

Nominations are made by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences members in their own categories – actors choosing actors. For the full list see the nominations at Oscar.com and Oscars.org.

Active members of the Academy are eligible to vote for the winners in all 23 categories beginning Thursday, March 17, through Tuesday, March 22.

Jodie Jacobs