The 2024 Oscar Awards are just around the corner, and film enthusiasts and industry insiders are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winners. This year’s nominations have sparked much speculation and debate, with several standout films dominating the conversation. However, despite the initial anticipation of a highly competitive race, it seems that this year’s ceremony may be more predictable than expected.
In the crafts categories, frontrunners for Best Score, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Costumes have already emerged, solidifying their positions as likely winners. These categories have seen dominating performances throughout the year, with names like Robert Downey Jr. and Da’Vine Joy Randolph sweeping every pre-cursor prize leading up to Oscar Night. The winners in these categories seem almost certain.
However, the lead acting categories are not as clear-cut. While there are two-person races in both categories, it would be unwise to underestimate the unpredictable nature of the final days of Oscar voting. Names like Lily Gladstone, Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, and Paul Giamatti have been mentioned as potential winners, but nothing is set in stone. The Academy has shown a tendency to overlook acclaimed performances, leaving room for surprises and upsets.
One notable snub that has sparked controversy is Greta Lee’s omission from the nominations for her role in “Past Lives.” Despite the hoopla surrounding Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s absence from the Best Director and Best Actress categories, both actresses still have a chance at taking home an Oscar. This is more than can be said for Lee, Teyana Taylor (“A Thousand and One”), and Natalie Portman (“May December”), whose work has gone unrecognized.
While “Oppenheimer” has been dominating the awards season, winning Best Picture at the PGA, BAFTA, Critics Choice Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, its victory is not guaranteed. If it fails to win over 50% of Best Picture voters, a ranked choice ballot scenario could come into play, giving secondary favorites like “Barbie” or “The Holdovers” a chance to challenge the presumed winner. However, the chances of any other film winning would be a statistical anomaly.
On the Awards Leaderboard, “Oppenheimer” is currently on track to become the most awarded film since tracking began. However, there are still several races that remain up in the air. The contest for Best Animated Feature between “The Boy and the Heron” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse” is particularly intriguing. If the webslinger flick emerges victorious, it would be the first time a film series outside of Pixar repeats in this category. Additionally, the shorts category presents noteworthy contenders, including films about a barber in Arkansas, The Last Repair Shop in Los Angeles, and a compelling short from Wes Anderson (“The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar”), which could potentially earn the acclaimed filmmaker his first Oscar win after eight nominations.
With so much uncertainty and drama surrounding this year’s awards, viewers can expect an exciting and unpredictable night. As always, there will be surprises and shocks that keep us on the edge of our seats. Jacqueline Coley, our Awards Editor, has made her predictions based on critical reception, nominations and wins from guilds and other industry groups, and insider buzz. However, only time will tell if her guesses align with the actual winners.
The 2024 Oscar Awards will be broadcasted on ABC at 8 a.m. EST/5 a.m. PST. So mark your calendars, tune in, and join us in celebrating the best of the best in the world of cinema. Who do you think will take home the golden statuettes? Share your predictions in the comments and see if you were right when the winners are revealed.
