Below, Deadline talks to Ross about his nomination and the making of the film.
We have a huge team that has been out there hitting the pavement forNickel Boys.
However, I was on my couch in my studio under the covers [laughs].
(L-R) Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson in ‘Nickel Boys’Everett
I had some popcorn and a blue Gatorade watching through squinted eyes.
How are you processing this?
ROSS:I am unsure how to feel.The process of moviemaking [and campaigning] is so long.
ROSS:Let me turn that question around and say, I think I underestimated.
The thing aboutNickel Boysis its a film that is more intelligent than its maker.
Making art in which youre learning is something I always strive towards.
And then its going to have archival footage and montages.
DEADLINE: What do you think people are responding to when they watch this film?
ROSS:I love this phrase called experiential monument.
What is an experiential monument?
Its not something that is didactic.
Its something that you feel and absorb.
And it just makes me smirk.
I was just at Dozier last week and walked around the grounds.
But, nothing else.
DEADLINE: Whats next for you?
ROSS:Im a slow worker.
Im really looking forward to resuming normal life [laughs].
My only upcoming preparation for theOscarsceremony is prayer.
ET at the Dolby Theatre.
