The Oscars are set to air live Sunday, March 2, to several hundred million viewers in over 200 countries. But before that, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, “Saturday Night Live” comedian Bowen Yang and “Bottoms” (2023) star Rachel Sennott announced the 222 nominees across the 23 categories.

As the top film school in the United States, the School of Cinematic Arts is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. With industry leaders across the board, SCA is bound to produce Oscar nominees each year. The Daily Trojan researched each of the 222 nominees and their alma mater and found three members of the Trojan Family who will be honored at the award ceremony this year.

We must also celebrate Trojans in roles that are not nominated for the golden statuette or who work jobs below-the-line and might be ineligible. Around the world, Trojans are contributing to keeping film going 24/7 — even when they aren’t center stage. The nominees represent just a small fraction of Trojans who have had an impact on the entertainment industry this year.

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Alex Coco — Best Picture: “Anora” (2024)

This is the first Best Picture nomination for Coco, who served as a producer on Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning film, though it was not Coco’s first trip to the French town of Cannes. His previous film, “Red Rocket” (2021), premiered at the same festival. Coco is also well known for his work on “The Sweet East” (2023) and “Pet Shop Days” (2023).

“Anora” tells the story of a young woman in Brooklyn and her adventures with a man she meets at the strip club she works at. She can tell right off the bat he isn’t your average guy, but later learns he is the son of a Russian oligarch. 

Through impromptu decisions and busy travels, they suddenly find themselves in the disfavor of his parents as the film takes a sudden shift. The entire story is powerfully put together by fellow Oscar nominee Mikey Madison’s outstanding performance and all-around beautiful storytelling produced by Coco.

Coco graduated from SCA in 2016 and continues to climb the ranks of the most prestigious Trojans in the film industry. This Best Picture nomination is surely just the start of what is to come in Coco’s career.

Walter Salles — International Feature Film: “I’m Still Here” (2024)

Salles directed the Golden Globe-nominated film “I’m Still Here,” which was nominated and selected to represent Brazil at the Academy Awards. This is Brazil’s fifth nomination. Salles himself is mostly known in Brazil for his films “Central Station” (1998) and “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004) — and now “I’m Still Here” (2024).

The film is based on a true story set in 1971 as the Emílio Garrastazu Médici military dictatorship continues to gain power through violence. The film focuses on a mother as she tries to discover who she is, bring her family back together and hold together the family that remains. With a powerful and Golden Globe-winning performance by Fernanda Torres and brilliant direction by Salles, USC is proud to call Salles an inspiration and an alum.

Doug Hemphill — Sound: “Dune: Part Two” (2024)

With two wins under his belt already, Hemphill is no stranger to the Oscars. This is his eleventh nomination in the sound category. Previously, Hemphill won for “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992) and “Dune: Part One” (2021). Hemphill has proven himself not just through accolades but through effort as one of the premiere suspense sound experts. 

In a thrilling sequel to the first film, Paul Atreides continues his revenge-filled adventure in one of the most acclaimed films of the year. Those fortunate enough to hear the film with a high-level system, such as Dolby Atmos, already know the expertise of Hemphill’s work, but even those watching at home now can appreciate its award-winning sound team.

Hemphill started his career on “Apocalypse Now” (1979), where he worked in the sound department alongside SCA alum and sound designer and editor Walter Murch. Hemphill not only worked alongside Murch but continues to place himself alongside Murch in the list of SCA post-production legends.