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Denis Villeneuve didn’t nab an Academy Award nomination for best director. Nor did Blade Runner 2049, Villeneuve’s magnificently dystopian take on the original 1982 Ridley Scott film, get an Oscar nod for best film. Also shut out were the film’s stars, Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford.

But the Quebec director is thrilled with the five technical nominations garnered by his ambitious, nearly three-hour-long sci-fi epic, which was budgeted at around $155 million.

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“I feel relieved … there was a lot of strong competition this year,” Villeneuve said, following Tuesday morning’s nominations announcements. “It was intense this year, because it was a cross mix between politics and art (of films that were being made). And I feel relieved that the movie has been recognized for its artistry and that we got five nominations. I never take things for granted. Until the very last second, I was praying for some nominations.