The upcoming 98th Academy Awards, broadcast on Sunday, March 15, is anticipated to be filled with unexpected twists and emotional moments, especially following the recent Actor Awards that shifted the landscape of nominations. With film academy members completing their ballots ahead of Thursday’s 8 p.m. Eastern deadline, predictions for the major categories are becoming increasingly intriguing.
The nominees for Best Picture have been announced, featuring a range of films: "Bugonia," "F1," "Frankenstein," "Hamnet," "Marty Supreme," "One Battle After Another," "The Secret Agent," "Sentimental Value," "Sinners," and "Train Dreams." Observers noted that "One Battle After Another" was leading the awards race, claiming top accolades at the Producers Guild Awards, Directors Guild Awards, BAFTAs, and the Golden Globes, until the surprising wins for "Sinners" at the Actor Awards added an element of uncertainty. The odds may be shifting as "Sinners" has been highlighted for its strong ensemble performance, potentially complicating the anticipated victory for "One Battle After Another."
In the Best Actress category, the nominees include Jessie Buckley for "Hamnet," Rose Byrne for "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You," Kate Hudson for "Song Sung Blue," Renate Reinsve for "Sentimental Value," and Emma Stone for "Bugonia." Analysts suggest Buckley is the likely winner due to her performance in "Hamnet" and her status as an exceptionally talented actor. This could mark her first Oscar win, especially as her work has resonated with audiences and critics alike since her breakthrough in "Wild Rose."
The Best Actor nominees are Timothée Chalamet for "Marty Supreme," Leonardo DiCaprio for "One Battle After Another," Ethan Hawke for "Blue Moon," Michael B. Jordan for "Sinners," and Wagner Moura for "The Secret Agent." Despite initial predictions favoring Chalamet, the recent shifts suggest Jordan may have gained momentum following his heartfelt acceptance speech at the Actor Awards. This category remains competitive, and many feel either nominee would be a worthy recipient.
For Best Supporting Actress, nominees include Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for "Sentimental Value," Amy Madigan for "Weapons," Wunmi Mosaku for "Sinners," and Teyana Taylor for "One Battle After Another." Taylor is seen as a strong contender due to her striking performance, capturing the attention of both critics and audiences. Meanwhile, Madigan's award recognition at the Actor Awards could also sway voters in her favor.
In the Best Supporting Actor category, the field features Jacob Elordi for "Frankenstein," Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro for "One Battle After Another," Stellan Skarsgård for "Sentimental Value," and Delroy Lindo for "Sinners." Analysts indicate that Penn’s recent recognition at the BAFTAs and Actor Awards bolster his chances, while Lindo has been praised for his compelling performance that resonates with audiences.
In the race for Best Director, the nominees include Chloé Zhao for "Hamnet," Josh Safdie for "Marty Supreme," Paul Thomas Anderson for "One Battle After Another," Joachim Trier for "Sentimental Value," and Ryan Coogler for "Sinners." With Anderson having previously been overlooked at the Oscars, this year seems ripe for his win, especially after his successful campaign at the Directors Guild Awards.
The Best Documentary Feature nominees list "The Perfect Neighbor," "The Alabama Solution," "Come See Me in the Good Light," "Cutting Through Rocks," and "Mr. Nobody Against Putin." Critics believe that the award might shift focus back to domestic issues in America, with "The Perfect Neighbor" being a strong contender due to its impactful storytelling and exposure through Netflix.
The nominees for Best International Feature are "The Secret Agent" (Brazil), "It Was Just an Accident" (France), "Sentimental Value" (Norway), "Sirat" (Spain), and "The Voice of Hind Rajab" (Tunisia). While all nominees have strong narratives, both "The Secret Agent" and "Sentimental Value" might edge out as favorites, potentially reflecting contemporary themes that resonate with voters.
Finally, in the Best Animated Feature category, the nominees include "Arco," "Elio," "KPop Demon Hunters," "Little Amélie or the Character of Rain," and "Zootopia 2." The lively nature of "KPop Demon Hunters" is expected to capture the audience's voting sentiment, celebrated for its cultural impact and market reach.
