Regina King's first Oscar nomination is just part of her trailblazing

LOS ANGELES - Everyone, it would seem, loves Regina King.

In line at a Hollywood coffee bar, the barista offers the 48-year-old actress heartfelt congratulations on her Oscar nomination for "If Beale Street Could Talk." While drinking her latte, King, wearing sweats so she can get in a quick gym workout before flying to Atlanta, where she's shooting HBO's top-secret "Watchmen" adaptation, is recognized by a woman at the next table. She leans in and offers well wishes.

"I'm nominated too," she whispers, as if sharing membership in a secret society. It's sound editor Mildred Iatrou, feted this year for "First Man." "I loved your movie," she tells King. "I wish it had been nominated."

So it goes. At the Oscar luncheon