The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released several shortlists for the upcoming 2024 Oscars, giving an early glimpse into some of this year’s likely nominees. The shortlists cover multiple categories like Best Documentary Feature, Best International Feature Film, Best Original Score, and more.
Frontrunners Emerge Across Major Categories
While the full list of Oscar nominees will not be revealed until January 24th, the 9 films that made the Best Picture shortlist indicate some clear frontrunners. Top contenders include big-budget spectacles like “Oppenheimer” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” along with critically-acclaimed films like “Babylon” and “The Fabelmans.”
Stephan Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film “The Fabelmans” is considered a lock for a Best Picture nomination after dominating several early critics awards contests. Meanwhile, Martin Scorcese’s $500 million mob epic “Killers of the Flower Moon” has also built significant buzz through its sprawling performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Brendan Fraser.
On the acting side, early contenders to watch include Margot Robbie for Best Actress for her work in “Babylon,” along with Brendan Fraser and Colin Farrel for the Best Actor prize.
| Film | Categories |
|---|---|
| Babylon | Best Picture, Best Actress |
| The Fabelmans | Best Picture, Best Director |
| Killers of the Flower Moon | Best Picture, Best Actor |
| Oppenheimer | Best Picture, Best Visual Effects |
International Films Make a Splash
In the Best International Feature category, 15 films advanced to the next round of voting after an initial screening process. Germany’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” is considered the frontrunner after its critically acclaimed depiction of a young German soldier during World War I.
Other shortlisted titles span the globe, from films like “Argentina, 1985” about bringing justice after Argentina’s military dictatorship, to “EO,” a Polish drama told entirely from the perspective of a donkey. Diverse stories rooted in local cultures could help some of these films break through to mainstream Oscar success next year.
Best Documentary Race Takes Shape
The Oscar shortlist also includes 15 documentary features covering timely topics like mental health, abortion rights, and the threat of nuclear weapons.
Director Laura Poitras’ “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed” is seen as an early frontrunner, using the story of a famous photographer to weave a tale exploring America’s ongoing opioid crisis.
Other predicted nominees include “Navalny” about the imprisonment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and “Retrograde” which examines the last months of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. These compelling real-life stories look to make a splash in the final nominations next month.
What Happens Next?
Now that the shortlist voting has concluded, final nominations will be decided when the next round of Academy member voting takes place January 12-17th. After nominations are announced January 24th, the over 9,500 eligible Oscar voters will cast final ballots to select this year’s winners.
So while critical consensus and industry buzz provide early clues, some surprises almost always develop during the final stages of voting. With expanded 10 film fields now allowed for categories like Best Picture as well, the competition promises to be fierce leading up to the March 12th award ceremony.
Tight Best Picture Race Emerging Between Fan Favorites and Critical Darlings
Based on the early shortlists and winner’s from this year’s critics awards circuit, a tight race for Oscar’s top prize is emerging. While big budget spectacles like “Oppenheimer” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” have built strong public support, smaller intimate dramas like “Tár” and “The Banshees of Inisherin” are excelling with critics groups.
It remains to be seen whether the Academy will go with their head or their heart when final voting happens next month. But one thing is certain – with expanded nomination slots, some fan favorite blockbusters like “Top Gun: Maverick” still have an outside shot to sneak in for a Best Picture nomination as well.
So stay tuned movie fans! The road to Oscar gold this year promises surprises all along the way.
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