Chicago’s Connections to the 97th Academy Awards

Chicago International Film Festival

Many of this year’s nominated films were actually screened at the Chicago International Film Festival. Some of the notable films that were screened at the festival include:

• “Better Man” (Nominated for Best Visual Effects)
• “The Brutalist” (Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score)
• “Conclave” (Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design)
• …

Diane Warren

Diane Warren, the mastermind behind many chart-topping songs, has a connection to Chicago. Her song “Look Away” from the band Chicago is a No. 1 hit, and she also wrote “I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love,” a Top 10 hit. Despite being nominated 16 times, Warren has never won an Academy Award, although she received an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in November 2022.

Erik Winquist

Erik Winquist, a visual effects supervisor, is nominated for Best Visual Effects for “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” Born in Evanston, Illinois, Winquist is still hoping to win his first Academy Award.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande, a pop singer and actress, is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Glinda Upland in Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked.” Interestingly, Grande’s first public display of talent was singing the National Anthem at a Chicago Blackhawks game in 2002, when she was just 8 years old.

Conclusion

Chicago has a significant connection to the 97th Academy Awards, with many nominated films screened at the Chicago International Film Festival and notable individuals with ties to the city. From Diane Warren’s chart-topping songs to Erik Winquist’s work in visual effects, and even Ariana Grande’s early performance at a Chicago Blackhawks game, the Windy City has a strong presence in this year’s ceremony.

FAQs

* What was the name of the film in which Diane Warren’s song “Look Away” was featured?
– “Look Away” was featured in the film “Chicago.”
* Who was the band that recorded “Look Away”?
– The band Chicago recorded “Look Away.”
* What was the name of the Chicago Blackhawks’ opponent in the game where Ariana Grande sang the National Anthem?
– The Chicago Blackhawks’ opponent was the Florida Panthers.