Casey Affleck Was Nominated for an Oscar

Photo by Claire Folger

Massachusetts native Casey Affleck is officially nominated for an Academy Award for Manchester by the Sea. The actor has long been a heavy favorite for his work in the drama, which tells the story of a grieving man trying to care for his nephew after his brother dies. He’ll face Ryan Gosling, Viggo Mortensen, Andrew Garfield, and Denzel Washington.

His movie could potentially have a pretty big day, with co-stars Lucas Hedges and Michelle Williams also getting nominations for best supporting actor and actress, respectively. Kenneth Lonergan, the film’s writer and director, was nominated for best original screenplay and best director, and the movie itself is in the running for best picture against Arrival, Fences, Hacksaw Ridge, Hell or High Water, Hidden Figures, La La Land, Lion, and Moonlight.

It wasn’t the only film with Mass. connections to get honored. Jackie, the Natalie Portman film about the days after JFK’s assassination, also received nominations for costume design and for Portman herself, in the lead actress category. Mark Wahlberg’s BP oil disaster movie, Deepwater Horizon, also received a little attention, receiving nominations for sound editing and visual effects.

The ceremony airs February 26 on ABC, with Jimmy Kimmel hosting. You can see a full list of the nominees here.