As the 97th Academy Awards approach on March 2, Hollywood’s campaign season is in full swing. While the presidential election may have concluded, Oscar campaigns are heating up, with film executives, publicists, and studios working tirelessly to secure nominations. With nearly 10,000 Academy members voting, “For Your Consideration” ads are flooding Los Angeles. Unlike the past two years, which saw clear front-runners like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Oppenheimer, this year’s Best Picture race is wide open. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining which films rise to the top.
Top contenders for Best Picture
Several films have already gained momentum in the Best Picture category, each bringing unique stories and compelling performances. Here’s a breakdown of this year’s leading contenders:
Anora
Directed by Sean Baker, Anora is a standout after winning the Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The film follows a Brooklyn stripper, played by Mikey Madison, as she navigates a tumultuous relationship with the son of a Russian oligarch. With its compelling narrative and critical acclaim, Anora is poised to replicate the success of Parasite, a past Cannes and Oscar winner.
The Brutalist
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist tells the sweeping story of a Hungarian Jewish architect, played by Adrien Brody, who escapes World War II and seeks a new life in America. The film, which earned Corbet the Silver Lion for directing at the Venice Film Festival, explores themes of postwar resilience and Jewish identity. Distributed by A24, known for Oscar successes, The Brutalist debuts in theaters on December 20.
Blitz
Steve McQueen’s Blitz focuses on a mother and son’s bond during World War II in London. Starring Saoirse Ronan and newcomer Elliott Heffernan, the film’s emotional depth and historical context could resonate with voters. Its parallels to past Oscar-winning films like Schindler’s List and The English Patient may give it an edge. Available on Apple TV+, Blitz is generating significant buzz.
Conclave
Conclave, directed by Edward Berger, offers a gripping look at the power struggles within the Catholic Church as cardinals elect a new pope. With a star-studded cast featuring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, the film’s blend of suspense and social relevance makes it a strong contender. Currently in theaters, Conclave is gaining traction with audiences and critics alike.
Dune: Part Two
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two builds on the success of the first installment, which earned ten Oscar nominations and six wins. With a stellar cast and impressive visuals, the sequel could break the trend of science fiction films being overlooked in the Best Picture category. Dune: Part Two is available for streaming on Max and remains a strong contender.
Emilia Pérez
Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez is a genre-bending musical crime thriller starring Karla Sofía Gascón. The film’s exploration of identity and transformation has captivated audiences and critics, positioning it as a unique entry in this year’s race. It’s currently streaming on Netflix.
Gladiator II
Ridley Scott’s return to the Gladiator franchise has generated significant anticipation. Starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, the sequel hopes to replicate the original film’s Oscar-winning success. With its theatrical release already underway, Gladiator II is a contender to watch.
Nickel Boys
Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Nickel Boys explores the dark history of a reform school notorious for abuse. Directed by RaMell Ross, the film’s powerful narrative and critical acclaim make it a strong Oscar hopeful. It’s set for release on December 13.
A Real Pain
Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain delves into themes of family and heritage as two cousins travel to Poland. The film’s exploration of identity and personal growth has garnered attention, positioning it as a potential awards contender. A Real Pain is currently in theaters.
September 5
This docudrama revisits the 1972 Munich Olympics terror attack, offering a unique perspective through the eyes of the ABC Sports crew. With its release scheduled for November 27, September 5 is gaining attention for its historical significance.
Sing Sing
Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing highlights the transformative power of theater within the prison system. Featuring a mix of professional actors and formerly incarcerated individuals, the film’s poignant story and authentic performances have resonated with audiences. It will eventually stream on Max.
Wicked
The long-awaited film adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. With its built-in fan base and box office success, Wicked is poised to make a splash in the awards season. The film is currently in theaters and generating buzz.
Other notable mentions
Several other films are also gaining traction, including Babygirl, Challengers, A Complete Unknown, The Piano Lesson, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and The Substance. Each brings a unique narrative and standout performances that could appeal to Academy voters.
Looking ahead: An unpredictable race
With a diverse array of films competing for the top prize, the race for Best Picture is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. Unlike previous years with clear front-runners, this year’s competition is wide open, making it anyone’s game.
As campaign season ramps up, studios and publicists will continue to push for recognition, ensuring that the coming weeks will be filled with anticipation and excitement. For movie lovers and industry insiders alike, the 97th Academy Awards promise to be a celebration of cinematic excellence and storytelling.
Whether it’s the emotional depth of Blitz, the genre-bending brilliance of Emilia Pérez, or the sweeping epic of The Brutalist, each contender brings something unique to the table. As we count down to Oscar night, one thing is certain: this year’s ceremony will be one to remember.