Denzel Washington, La La Land, Meryl Streep Could All Make Oscar History

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Can Meryl Streep match the late, great Katharine Hepburn for most acting Oscars? Will “La La Land” sink Titanic’s tied record for most Academy Awards? Will Denzel Washington make Oscar history?

The 89th Academy Awards Sunday will probably be remembered for being politically charged given the temper of our time, but it may also be the year for setting new records.
Moviegoers were spoiled over the last year as evidenced in the number of nominees with the potential to set new Academy Award records.

This Year’s Juggernaut

Hollywood loves Hollywood, and it shows with the record-tying 14 Academy Award nominations handed out to “La La Land.”

The film, an homage to Hollywood of yore as well as the dreamers that still make Los Angeles tick, tied the record for most Oscar nominations and has a shot at breaking the record for most wins. The musical would need to win 12 of its 14 categories, to break the current record of 11, held by “Titanic,” “The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King,” and “Ben-Hur.”

“La La Land” is a heavy favorite for best picture, actress, director and screenplay, but it’s far from guaranteed the film will rack up enough wins to enter record territory. It might have to pull off a couple of upsets to make history.

Historic Year For Black Artists

As Slate Magazine points out, 18 black filmmakers are nominated this year, and four wins would set a new record for most wins by black artists in a single year.

After two straight years with no black actors even nominated, it might not be surprising to learn that few black actors, historically underrepresented at the Oscars, have racked up many Oscar wins. Denzel Washington, nominated for best actor for his powerful performance in “Fences” could set a new record for most Oscars by a black artist. If he wins on Sunday in either the acting or best film category he would be the first black artist to snag three awards. The smart money's on Washington making history.

Washington might not be the only black artist to make history Sunday. “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins is nominated for best director, and if he wins, he would be the first black director to receive the honor.

According to Slate, several women could also set new records as black artists. Kimberly Steward could be the first black woman to win best picture as a producer for “Manchester by the Sea.” Ava DuVernay could be the first black woman to win Best Documentary, and Octavia Spencer could be the first black woman to win multiple Oscars if she wins best supporting actress for her role in “Hidden Figures.”

The Greatest

Meryl Streep has a shot at tying Katharine Hepburn for most wins ever by an actor Sunday night. Streep is nominated for best actress for her role in "Florence Foster Jenkins." If she won, it would be her fourth Academy Award. However, Streep is considered a longshot for the award because she is up against Viola Davis, who has, so far, swept the award season for her role in “Fences.”

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TELL US WHAT YOU THINK IN THE COMMENTS: WHO WILL MAKE HISTORY SUNDAY?

Photo: Denzel Washington from “Fences.” by David Lee, Paramount Pictures