Oscar Nominations for 2024:Our Favorites for Best Picture

As the film industry continues to evolve, the Best Picture nominees reflect the changing times. The 2024 Oscars are expected to showcase a diverse range of films that tackle important social issues and highlight underrepresented voices. From dramas to comedies, and everything in between, the Best Picture nominees promise to be a reflection of the best of the film industry.

Best Picture Favorites

The Best Picture category is always the most anticipated and talked about award at the Oscars. The films that are nominated for this prestigious award are often the ones that have made the biggest impact on audiences and critics alike. Here are some of the favorites for Best Picture at the 2024 Oscars:

Critically Acclaimed Films

Critically acclaimed films are often the frontrunners for the Best Picture award at the Oscars. These films are not only loved by audiences but also by critics, who praise their storytelling, cinematography, and performances. Some of the critically acclaimed films that are favorites for the Best Picture award at the 2024 Oscars include:

• Oppenheimer: This somber biopic about the father of the atomic bomb has been a favorite among critics and audiences alike. With its stellar cast, gripping storyline, and powerful message, Oppenheimer is a strong contender for the Best Picture award.
• Poor Things: This dark comedy-drama has been praised for its unique storyline, strong performances, and clever writing. With its mix of humor and heart, Poor Things is a favorite among critics and audiences alike.

Box Office Hits

Box office hits are often overlooked at the Oscars, but they can still be favorites for the Best Picture award. These films not only make a lot of money but also resonate with audiences on a deep level. Some of the box office hits that are favorites for the Best Picture award at the 2024 Oscars include:

• Barbie: This film, starring Margot Robbie as the iconic Mattel doll, has been a hit with audiences and critics alike. With its stunning visuals, empowering message, and strong performances, Barbie is a strong contender for the Best Picture award.
• Killers of the Flower Moon: This crime drama, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, has been highly anticipated by audiences and critics alike. With its all-star cast, gripping storyline, and stunning visuals, Killers of the Flower Moon is a favorite for the Best Picture award.

Indie Darlings

Indie darlings are often the underdogs at the Oscars, but they can still be favorites for the Best Picture award. These films are often made on a shoestring budget but still manage to captivate audiences with their unique storytelling and strong performances. Some of the indie darlings that are favorites for the Best Picture award at the 2024 Oscars include:

• The Holdovers: This indie drama, directed by Miranda July and starring Evan Rachel Wood, has been praised for its unique storyline, strong performances, and quirky humor. With its indie sensibility and heartfelt message, The Holdovers is a favorite among critics and audiences alike.
• Anatomy of a Fall: This indie drama, directed by Debra Granik and starring Jennifer Lawrence, has been highly praised for its powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and raw emotion. With its indie sensibility and strong message, Anatomy of a Fall is a favorite for the Best Picture award.

Best Director Contenders

As with every year, the Best Director category is always highly competitive. Here are some of the top contenders for the 2024 Oscars.

Veteran Filmmakers

In this category, we have some of the most renowned and experienced directors in the industry. Martin Scorsese, known for his masterful storytelling and captivating visuals, is a strong contender with his latest project, “Killers of the Flower Moon”. Ridley Scott is also in the running with “Kitbag”, a historical drama about Napoleon Bonaparte. Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans”, a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age film, is also generating buzz.

Newcomers

This year, there are several promising newcomers who could potentially make a splash in the Best Director category. Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” has been receiving critical acclaim, and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is also generating buzz. Other notable newcomers include Céline Sciamma with “Petite Maman”, and Sarah Polley with “Tidal”.

Overall, the competition for Best Director at the 2024 Oscars is fierce, with both veteran filmmakers and newcomers vying for the coveted award. Only time will tell who will come out on top.

Best Actor Prospects

Leading Men

The Best Actor category is always one of the most competitive at the Oscars, and 2024 looks to be no exception. Some of the top contenders for the award include Cillian Murphy for his haunting portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in “Oppenheimer” Paul Giamatti for his role in “The Holdovers,” and Jeffrey Wright for his performance in “American Fiction”

Other leading men who could potentially snag a nomination include Denzel Washington for his role in “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey,” Joaquin Phoenix for “C’mon C’mon,” and Michael B. Jordan for “A Journal for Jordan.” Each of these actors has proven their talent time and time again and could easily be recognized by the Academy for their outstanding performances.

Breakthrough Performances

In addition to the established leading men, there are several rising stars who could potentially make a splash in the Best Actor category. One standout is newcomer Alex Wolff, who has been generating buzz for his performance in “The Cat and the Moon.” Another possibility is Kelvin Harrison Jr., who has been praised for his work in “Cyrano” and “The Harder They Fall.”

It’s also worth keeping an eye on the performances of Timothee Chalamet in “Bones & All,” Rami Malek in “The Little Things,” and John David Washington in “The Harder They Fall.” All three actors have already proven their talent in previous roles, and their performances in these upcoming films could potentially land them a spot in the Best Actor category.

Overall, the Best Actor category is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive races at the 2024 Oscars. With so many talented actors vying for the coveted award, it will be interesting to see who ultimately comes out on top.

Best Actress Predictions

The Best Actress category is always highly competitive, and the 2024 Oscars are no exception. Here are some of the leading ladies and rising stars who could potentially take home the award.

Leading Ladies

Emma Stone

Emma Stone is no stranger to the Oscars, having won Best Actress in 2017 for her performance in “La La Land.” In 2024, she could potentially take home another statuette for her role in “Poor Things,” a dark comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand is a veteran actress who has won two Best Actress Oscars in the past. In 2024, she could potentially take home another one for her role in “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” a film adaptation of the Shakespearean play directed by Joel Coen.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence is another actress who has won an Oscar in the past, having taken home the award for Best Actress in 2013 for her performance in “Silver Linings Playbook.” In 2024, she could potentially win another one for her role in “Mob Girl,” a crime drama directed by Paolo Sorrentino.

Rising Stars

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever is a young actress who has been making a name for herself in the industry in recent years. In 2024, she could potentially earn her first Oscar nomination for her role in “The Sky is Everywhere,” a coming-of-age drama directed by Josephine Decker.

Zoe Kazan

Zoe Kazan is another rising star who has been gaining critical acclaim for her performances. In 2024, she could potentially earn her first Oscar nomination for her role in “The Lost Daughter,” a drama directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning is a young actress who has been acting since she was a child. In 2024, she could potentially earn her first Oscar nomination for her role in “The Nightingale,” a historical drama directed by Mélanie Laurent.

These actresses are just a few of the potential nominees for the Best Actress category at the 2024 Oscars. With so many talented performers in the running, it will be interesting to see who ultimately takes home the award.

Supporting Roles Spotlight

Supporting Actors

The 2024 Oscars for Best Supporting Actor is expected to be a tight race, with several contenders vying for the coveted award. Ryan Gosling is a top contender for his role as Ken in the film “Barbie” directed by Greta Gerwig. Robert Downey Jr. is also a strong contender for his role in the biopic “Oppenheimer,” while Robert DeNiro is expected to be nominated for his role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Other potential nominees include Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jacob Elordi, and Tee Yoo. It remains to be seen who will take home the award, but one thing is for sure: the competition will be fierce.

Supporting Actresses

The Best Supporting Actress category is also shaping up to be a competitive one. Early predictions suggest that Margot Robbie will be nominated for her role as Barbie in the film of the same name. Other strong contenders include Florence Pugh for her role in “Don’t Worry Darling,” Emma Watson for her role in “Little Women 2,” and Dakota Johnson for her role in “The Lost Daughter.” It’s worth noting that these predictions are subject to change, and there may be surprises when the final nominations are announced. Regardless of who ultimately takes home the award, it’s clear that the supporting actresses of 2024 have delivered some truly remarkable performances.

 Cinematography

Cinematography is a crucial aspect of filmmaking that can make or break a movie. In 2024, there are several films that stand out in terms of their cinematography. One of the top contenders is “The French Dispatch,” directed by Wes Anderson. The film features stunning visuals that are characteristic of Anderson’s unique style. Another film that could potentially win in this category is “Killers of the Flower Moon,” directed by Martin Scorsese. The film is set in the 1920s and features breathtaking landscapes that are captured beautifully on camera.

Editing

Editing is another important technical aspect of filmmaking that can greatly impact a movie’s success. One film that stands out in terms of its editing is “DUNE,” directed by Denis Villeneuve. The film features complex action sequences that are expertly edited to create a seamless and thrilling viewing experience. Another film that could potentially win in this category is “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” directed by Joel Coen. The film features a unique visual style that is enhanced by its editing.

Visual Effects

Visual effects are an integral part of modern filmmaking, and the 2024 Oscars are sure to recognize some of the best examples of this art form. One film that stands out in terms of its visual effects is “Avatar: The Way of Water,” directed by James Cameron. The film features breathtaking underwater sequences that are made possible through innovative visual effects. Another film that could potentially win in this category is “The Marvels,” directed by Nia DaCosta. The film features stunning visual effects that bring the superhero world to life in a new and exciting way.

Sound Design

Sound design is an often-overlooked aspect of filmmaking that can greatly impact a movie’s success. One film that stands out in terms of its sound design is “Bardo,” directed by Michael Mann. The film features a unique sound design that enhances the film’s dreamlike quality. Another film that could potentially win in this category is “The Northman,” directed by Robert Eggers. The film features an atmospheric sound design that transports the viewer to a different time and place.

Overall, the 2024 Oscars are sure to recognize some of the best technical achievements in filmmaking. From stunning cinematography to innovative visual effects, these films showcase the incredible talent and artistry of the film industry.

Original Screenplay

The Original Screenplay category recognizes outstanding achievement in screenwriting for a film that is not based on previously published material. Here are some of the favorites for the 2024 Oscars:

Dramas

• “May December” (Netflix) – written by Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik
• “Maestro” (Netflix) – written by Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer

“May December” is a drama that follows the story of a young woman who falls in love with an older man. The film explores themes of age, love, and power dynamics. Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik’s script has received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of the characters and their relationships.

“Maestro” is a biographical drama that tells the story of the legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein. Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer’s script has been praised for its attention to detail and its ability to capture the essence of Bernstein’s life and work.

Comedies

• “Air” (Amazon MGM Studios) – written by Alex Convery
• “Next in Line” (Netflix) – written by C. Robert Cargill

“Air” is a comedy that follows the story of a group of flight attendants who are forced to deal with a series of unexpected events on a long-haul flight. Alex Convery’s script has been praised for its witty dialogue and clever plot twists.

“Next in Line” is a comedy that explores the absurdity of the American political system. C. Robert Cargill’s script has been praised for its sharp satire and its ability to make audiences both laugh and think.

Overall, these original screenplay favorites represent a diverse range of genres and themes. It will be interesting to see which films ultimately make the cut and earn nominations for the 2024 Oscars.

Adapted Screenplay

The Adapted Screenplay category is always one of the most competitive at the Oscars, and the 2024 ceremony is no exception. Some of the top contenders for this award include “Killers of the Flower Moon,” based on the non-fiction book by David Grann, and “Dumb Money,” a crime drama adapted from a novel by Joanna Schaffhausen.

Another film that could make a splash in this category is “The Power of the Dog,” based on the novel by Thomas Savage. The film, directed by Jane Campion, has already generated buzz for its performances and cinematography, but its screenplay could also be a strong contender.

Other potential nominees include “The Lost Daughter,” adapted from the novel by Elena Ferrante and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, and “The Humans,” adapted from the Tony-winning play by Stephen Karam.

It’s worth noting that the Adapted Screenplay category often rewards films that are faithful to their source material while also bringing something new to the table. So, while these films are all based on pre-existing works, they will need to stand out in their own right in order to win over Academy voters.

Animated Features

The Best Animated Feature category is always highly anticipated at the Oscars, and 2024 is no exception. With dozens of films vying for the nomination, the competition is fierce. Some of the top contenders include:

• The Boy and the Heron: This film, produced by GKids and Toho, tells the story of a young boy who befriends a heron and embarks on an adventure to save their home from destruction. Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, the film boasts an impressive team of producers, including Avi Arad, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Amy Pascal, and Christina Steinberg.
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The sequel to the hit 2020 film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Directed by Jeff Fowler and featuring the voice talents of Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, and Idris Elba, this film promises to be just as action-packed and entertaining as its predecessor.
• Lightyear: This Pixar film tells the origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the beloved character from the Toy Story franchise. Directed by Angus MacLane and starring Chris Evans as the voice of Buzz, the film is sure to be a hit with both children and adults.

Other notable contenders include Barbie, Encanto, and The Addams Family 2. While it’s still too early to predict which film will take home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, these top contenders are sure to make for an exciting race.

Documentary Features

Documentary features have become increasingly popular in recent years, with powerful and thought-provoking films taking center stage. This year, there are several documentaries that are generating buzz and could potentially earn Oscar nominations.

One such documentary is “Beyond Utopia,” directed by Madeleine Gavin and produced by Rachel Cohen, Jana Edelbaum, and Sue Mi Terry. This film explores the complex relationship between North Korea and the United States, delving into the history and politics that have shaped this dynamic. With its timely subject matter and expert storytelling, “Beyond Utopia” is a strong contender for a Best Documentary Feature nomination.

Another documentary that is generating buzz is “The Deepest Breath,” directed by Laura McGann and available on Netflix. This film follows Italian free diver Alessia Zecchini as she attempts to break a world record in the dangerous sport of free diving. With stunning underwater footage and a powerful message about pushing oneself to the limit, “The Deepest Breath” is a compelling and emotional documentary that could earn a nomination.

Finally, “20 Days in Mariupol” is a PBS documentary directed and produced by Mstyslav Chernov that explores the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With its raw and unflinching look at the toll of war on civilians, “20 Days in Mariupol” is a powerful and important documentary that could earn recognition from the Academy.

Overall, the Best Documentary Feature category is always a competitive one, but these three films are strong contenders that could potentially earn Oscar nominations.

International Films

The Best International Feature Film category is one of the most exciting categories at the Oscars, as it highlights some of the best films from around the world. The 2024 Oscars will be no different, with a number of international films expected to make the shortlist.

According to Variety, some of the eligible international films for the 2024 Oscars include “The Mother of All Lies” from Morocco, “Perfect Days” from Japan, and “20 Days In Mariupol” from Ukraine. Each of these films has received positive reviews and could potentially make the shortlist for the Best International Feature Film.

Another film that could make the shortlist is “The Good Traitor” from Denmark, which tells the story of a Danish ambassador who defies his own government to help Jewish refugees during World War II. The film has received critical acclaim and could potentially be a strong contender in the Best International Feature Film category.

It’s worth noting that the international film category is always unpredictable, with a number of factors influencing the final shortlist. However, based on critical reviews and early buzz, these international films could potentially make the cut at the 2024 Oscars.

Music and Score

In the Music and Score category, some of the favorites to win an Oscar in 2024 include Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish for their original songs in the movies “Barbie” and “Flora and Son,” respectively. “The Color Purple” and “American Symphony” are also in the running for Best Original Score.

Another contender is “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” which features an original song by Post Malone and Swae Lee. The first installment of the franchise won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2019, and the sequel is expected to be just as successful.

Rounding out the list is “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” which features an original score by James Newton Howard. Howard has been nominated for an Oscar eight times and has previously won for his work on “The Fugitive” in 1994.

Overall, the Music and Score category is always highly competitive, and this year is no exception. It will be interesting to see which of these talented artists will take home the Oscar in 2024.

Costume and Makeup

Costume design and makeup are two aspects of filmmaking that can make or break a movie’s visual appeal. In the Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling categories, the Academy recognizes the films that excel in these areas.

For the Best Costume Design category, some of the favorites for the 2024 Oscars include “Oppenheimer” and “Poor Things.” “Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan, is a historical drama set during World War II, while “Poor Things,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a dark comedy based on the novel by Alasdair Gray.

In the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category, “Maestro” and “The French Dispatch” are among the top contenders. “Maestro,” directed by Bradley Cooper, is a biographical drama about the life of composer Leonard Bernstein, while “The French Dispatch,” directed by Wes Anderson, is a comedy-drama anthology film set in France.

It’s worth noting that the official nominees for these categories won’t be announced until January 2024. However, based on early predictions and buzz, these films are likely to be strong contenders for the awards.