All-Black producing team: For the first time ever, one of the movies up for best picture has an all-Black producing team.

Asian representation: Not only is Zhao the first Asian woman and woman of color to be nominated as a director, but there are others who also are notching firsts.

Yeun's costar Yuh-jung Youn is the first Korean woman nominated for best supporting actress.

For your weekend

Three things to watch:

In the lead-up to Sunday's Oscars ceremony, why limit yourself? This week, I'm going to cheat a bit and encourage you to watch as many of the films nominated for best picture as you can to prep for the big day. Kick off the viewing with my personal faves.

All of these films touch on something at the forefront of our country at the moment: the economy, race relations and the immigrant experience.

'Nomadland'

Frances McDormand is exceptional is every role she tackles, and this film is no exception.

As a widow who travels the country looking for gig work, she finds a community unlike any other -- not "homeless" but "houseless." The film brings new meaning to the concept of home being where the heart is.

'Judas and the Black Messiah'

Fred Hampton was only 21 years old when he was gunned down by authorities in his Chicago apartment in 1969.

'Minari'

A Korean family moves to rural Arkansas to pursue the American dream in this heartwarming movie.

It's a struggle, but along the way, lessons of family, tradition and community are learned.

These works are some of the best of the year.

Two things to listen to:

Let's throw it back on a Thursday.

A group that got its start in the '80s, Dinosaur Jr., releases its 12th studio album, "Sweep It Into Space," out Friday.

All hail indie pop.

The trio Sir Sly is dropping a new album titled "The Rise & Fall of Loverboy."

"It's also about slowly eating away at that magic through drinking and self-medicating, and my journey into early sobriety and reckoning with my past," he said.

"The Rise & Fall Of Loverboy" comes out Friday.

One thing to talk about:

The singer/actress posted on her official Instagram complaining about a frozen yogurt shop that had a selection of sugar-free and "other diet foods" on display.

Lovato, who is in recovery for an eating disorder, sparked criticism from some who felt she used her massive platform to shame a small business.

The star argued that the LA shop had a problem with messaging and should reframe its approach for customers like her and others who struggle with body image.

Instead, she discovered the internet isn't too sympathetic when it comes to emotional triggers.

Something to sip on

And if anyone ever tries to make a hologram of the Purple One, they will have to deal with me. You have been warned.