Welcome to an Oscars ceremony like no other in recent memory. While some winners seem certain, with movies like “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” likely to scoop up screenplay awards, others remain up in the air due to a unique awards season and a diverse lineup of films.
To guide you through the suspenseful evening, we’ve analyzed the major categories and the tight races within them.
In the Best Picture category, “One Battle After Another” is a strong contender, having secured top honors from various guilds and critics. However, “Sinners” has gained momentum with recent wins and a substantial number of nominations, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
The Best Director award is expected to go to Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another,” although Ryan Coogler for “Sinners” poses a formidable challenge. An upset win for Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme” is unlikely but not impossible.
For Best Actor, Michael B. Jordan of “Sinners” is a frontrunner, with Ethan Hawke of “Blue Moon” as a dark horse candidate. Best Actress appears to be a lock for Jessie Buckley in “Hamnet,” with Rose Byrne and Eva Victor trailing behind.
In the supporting categories, Amy Madigan in “Weapons” and Sean Penn in “One Battle After Another” are strong favorites, but Teyana Taylor and Wunmi Mosaku could pull off surprises. Stellan Skarsgård in “Sentimental Value” is also a contender, benefitting from increased visibility among voters.
As the Oscars approach, the uncertainty and excitement surrounding these categories promise a night full of surprises and well-deserved recognition for the best talents in the film industry.