Good news everybody, we’re one step closer to the release (slated for May 5, 2017) of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” The anticipated sequel to the 2014 Marvel film has officially begun principal photography at Pinewood Studies in Atlanta, Georgia.

The original cast, which includes Chris Pratt (Jurassic World), Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness), Dave Bautista (Spectre), Vin Diesel (Furious 7), Bradley Cooper (American Sniper), Michael Rooker (Jumper), Karen Gillan (The Big Short), and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls), are all set to reprise their roles. This comes as no surprise after the first “Guardians” made over $770 million at the worldwide box office, which makes it the most successful debut film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some newcomers will also be joining, including Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby), Chris Sullivan (The Drop) and Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight), although no details about their characters have been revealed. It has been revealed though that Pom Klementieff (Oldboy) will be joining as Mantis, a former member of the Avengers.

With the news, Marvel also released the above image, which seems to show Rocket (voiced by Cooper), Drax (Bautista), Star-Lord (Pratt), and Gamora (Saldana) standing from left to right. It’s probably a safe bet to assume that Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) is standing on Drax’s shoulder. Written and directed by James Gunn, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2″ will follow Peter Quill (Pratt) and his team as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.

The Academy announced the nominees for this years Oscars, and as usual, didn’t exactly hit the mark. While most of the nominees were no brainers- Reese Witherspoon, “Boyhood,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Birdman”- there were still some omissions and additions that were certainly unexpected.

Laura Dern’s nomination for Best Supporting Actress for “Wild” had the audience in gasps as the announcement was made. Other than Reese Witherspoon’s work in the film, “Wild” hasn’t received much praise. Golden Globe winner Amy Adams (“Big Eyes”) and strong contender Jennifer Aniston (“Cake”) were snubbed for Best Actress nods, allowing Marion Cotillard to sneak up for her work in the French language “Two days, One Night.” Despite not even getting a Golden Globe nomination, Bradley Cooper is up for Best Actor for “American Sniper,” his third nomination in a row.

Angelina Jolie received no praise for directing “Unbroken.” But in the male dominated category (Aren’t they all?), Jolie was not the only woman left behind. Despite “Selma” receiving a Best Picture nod, Ava DuVernay was shut out of the Best Director category. The film also received a nomination for John Legend and Common’s original song, “Glory,” but nothing else. David Oyelowo, who received high praise for his performance as Martin Luther King Jr in the film, was let out of the Best Actor nominees. Philip Lord’s “The Lego Movie” was one of the most successful animated films last year, was met with rave reviews, and received a Golden Globe nomination, but was noticeably absent from the Best Animated Feature list. At least Lord had a great response:

Even though there were disappointments, nine actors received their very first Oscar nominations! Steve Carell, Benedict Cumberbatch, Eddie Redmayne, Michael Keaton, Felicity Jones, Rosamund Pike, Emma Stone, J.K. Simmons, and Patricia Arquette are all first timers, meanwhile, Meryl Streep received her 19th nomination. Emma Stone’s reaction to the news was by far, the best ever. In a statement, Emma said, “Thank you to the Academy for this incredible honor. I am very proud and lucky to be a part of Birdman and can’t believe it came to this. I am so f–king excited. Are you allowed to say f–k when you’re making a statement for the Oscars? I’m just really f–king excited.”

Check out the full list of nominees below!