Key Takeaways:
- The Academy Awards, despite declining ratings, still inspire passion and excitement globally.
- The 98th Academy Award nominations will be announced on January 22, with "One Battle After Another" and "Sinners" being top contenders.
- The best actor race is highly anticipated, with Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio being top contenders.
- The Oscars may recognize "Weapons" as a best picture nominee, which could bring some much-needed shakeups to the ceremony.
- The Academy Awards will air on Sunday, March 15, and will be followed by the Sundance Film Festival.
Introduction to the Oscars
The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are a highly anticipated event in the film industry. Despite declining ratings, with only 20.2 million viewers tuning in last year, the ceremony still manages to inspire passion and excitement globally. The Oscars have been a staple in the entertainment industry for nearly a century, and their impact is still felt today. With the 98th Academy Award nominations set to be announced on January 22, the anticipation is building up, and fans are eager to know which movies and actors will be recognized.
The Top Contenders
The top contenders for the 98th Academy Awards include "One Battle After Another" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and "Sinners" starring Michael B. Jordan. "One Battle After Another" has been steamrolling through award season, despite flopping at the box office, and is likely to receive several nominations. "Sinners," on the other hand, could wind up with the most nominations due to its success and the fact that it has songs and effects. However, it’s worth noting that having the most nominations doesn’t necessarily guarantee a win, as seen with "Emilia Perez" last year, which received 13 nominations but only won two awards.
The Best Picture Category
The best picture category is highly competitive, with "One Battle After Another," "Sinners," and "Hamnet" being top contenders. "Hamnet," a tragedy about Shakespeare’s wife, is also poised to perform well at the BAFTAs, the British Oscars. However, it’s unlikely to pull off a surprise win, and its star, Jessie Buckley, is more likely to win best actress. Other movies, such as "Marty Supreme," "Sentimental Value," and "Frankenstein," are also in the running for best picture. The remaining slots are up in the air, but are likely to be filled by foreign films or blockbusters like "F1" or "Wicked: For Good."
The Best Actor Race
The best actor race is highly anticipated, with Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio being top contenders. Chalamet’s performance in "Marty Supreme" is considered unbeatable, and he is likely to win the award. DiCaprio’s performance in "One Battle After Another" is strong, but it’s rare for an actor to win for a performance that the movie doesn’t hinge on. Ethan Hawke’s performance in "Blue Moon" is also noteworthy, but the movie’s lack of buzz may hurt his chances. The best actor category is always highly competitive, and this year is no exception, with several talented actors vying for the top spot.
Other Notable Contenders
Other notable contenders include Rose Byrne, who has been scooping up accolades for "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You," but her movie may be too weird for the Oscars. The Academy has a history of recognizing more traditional films, and "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You" may not fit the bill. On the other hand, "Weapons" is a movie that could bring some much-needed shakeups to the ceremony. It was one of the most buzzed-about original movies of the year and a major box office success, and it would be a welcome addition to the best picture category. The Academy would be smart to recognize "Weapons" and give it the recognition it deserves.
Conclusion
The 98th Academy Awards are shaping up to be an exciting event, with several talented movies and actors vying for the top spots. With the nominations set to be announced on January 22, fans are eagerly awaiting the news. The ceremony will air on Sunday, March 15, and will be followed by the Sundance Film Festival, which will kick off a new year of film excitement. Whether you’re a fan of the Oscars or not, it’s hard to deny the impact they have on the film industry and the excitement they bring to fans around the world. The Oscars may not be as highly rated as they used to be, but they still have the power to inspire and delight, and that’s something to be celebrated.
