As the industry approaches the climax of awards season, all eyes turn to the 96th Academy Awards, set to conclude with a glitzy celebration in just a week’s time. From closely contested categories to likely victory laps, the upcoming Oscars promise an evening packed with excitement. We delve into the strong contenders and potential surprises ahead of the star-studded evening, happening Sunday, March 10th, at 7 p.m. ET. To get up to speed on the nominees, you can check out the full list here.
Best Picture: Oppenheimer
The primary honor of Best Picture seems a foregone conclusion this year. Oppenheimer has commanded the season with wins across the board, including the Golden Globe for Best Drama, the BAFTA for Best Film, and others. The crowning glory of these accolades suggests a resounding victory for Best Picture is on the horizon.
Best Director: Christopher Nolan
Acclaimed for his craft, Christopher Nolan might finally grasp the Best Director statuette for Oppenheimer. With a trail of prestigious wins for his direction in this season’s award ceremonies, he is poised to convert his second nomination into a celebrated Academy win.
Best Actor: Cillian Murphy
The spotlight intensifies on Cillian Murphy, whose portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, after pulling ahead in the race with recent wins, is tipped to edge out his competitors for Best Actor, despite Paul Giamatti’s riveting performance in The Holdovers.
Best Actress: Lily Gladstone
In one of the most anticipated head-to-heads, Lily Gladstone is pitted against Emma Stone for Best Actress. With a bewildering BAFTAs outcome that snubbed Gladstone, the race remains unpredictable, but the momentum might sway in favor of Gladstone for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon.
Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr.
A charismatic force in the industry, Robert Downey Jr. has rapidly ascended as the favorite for Best Supporting Actor, captivating audiences and critics alike with his role in Oppenheimer.
Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Unanimously praised for her performance in The Holdovers, Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s victory for Best Supporting Actress appears virtually uncontested, with triumphs spanning an impressive array of award associations.
Best Original Screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall
With a Golden Globe already secured, Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall seems set to clinch the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay following an impressive award season run.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Barbie
The Adapted Screenplay category presents a battlefield of narratives, with a compelling undercurrent supporting Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s Barbie, despite strong competition from the likes of American Fiction and others.
Best International Feature: The Zone of Interest
The Zone of Interest emerges as a clear frontrunner for Best International Feature, transcending its challenging themes with exceptional creativity and solidifying its stake with an impressive number of Oscar nods.
Best Animated Feature: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Echoing past successes, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse stands in prime position for the Best Animated Feature award, with the Oscars often favoring popular choices within this category.
Best Original Song: “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell
A standout in its category, the hauntingly evocative “What Was I Made For?” is projected to earn Billie Eilish her second Oscar given its pervasive acclaim this season, including a prestigious Grammy win.
FAQs: Predicting the 96th Academy Awards Winners
Q: When are the 96th Academy Awards scheduled to take place?
A: The 96th Academy Awards are scheduled for Sunday, March 10th, at 7 p.m. ET.
Q: Which movie is leading the predictions for Best Picture?
A: Oppenheimer is the frontrunner for Best Picture, having swept numerous major awards in the lead-up.
Q: Is Christopher Nolan a favorite for Best Director?
A: Yes, Christopher Nolan is widely favored to win Best Director for Oppenheimer, leading the category with significant wins in other award ceremonies.
Q: Which films are nominated for Best Animated Feature?
A: While the full list of nominees can be found on the Oscars website, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is predicted to win Best Animated Feature.
Q: Could “What Was I Made For?” win Best Original Song?
A: Billie Eilish’s song “What Was I Made For?” is likely to win Best Original Song, following its success at other award shows, including the Grammys.
Conclusion
The upcoming 96th Academy Awards ceremony is shaping up to be a memorable night with several clear frontrunners and a few potential upsets. While the stars align for films like Oppenheimer and artists such as Christopher Nolan and Billie Eilish, the Oscars are known for their unpredictability and could surprise us all. Nonetheless, one thing remains certain: the art of cinema will be celebrated, and the night will be a testament to the remarkable talent across the film industry.