As the Oscars approach, the film world buzzes with chaos: which film truly deserves acclaim? Will a director’s work face an unexpected overlook? The intricacies of who triumphs, often with surprising wins, create a convoluted and subjective landscape. If the discourse feels overwhelming, we won’t fault you for opting to enjoy some movies instead.
The nominations voting period spans from January 11 to 16, 2024, and the official Oscar nominations will be revealed on January 23, 2024. Subsequently, final voting will take place from February 22 to 27, 2024. The 96th Oscars telecast is scheduled for Sunday, March 10, airing live on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. Continuously check IndieWire for our updated 2024 Oscar predictions throughout the awards season.
Origin of director Ava Duvernay
Opinions among audiences at the Venice Film Festival premiere of this daring film were sharply divided. Merging reality and fiction, the storyline follows a writer in turmoil on a global quest to pen the novel “Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents” — a factual book addressing the enduring consequences of slavery, published in 2020. Aunjanue Ellis, an Oscar nominee for her role in King Richard, is poised for another nomination due to her compelling lead performance in this film.
American Fiction of director Cord Jefferson
A newcomer to the Oscar race, this literary satire on race in America secured the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival. The past 11 recipients of this accolade have gone on to receive Best Picture nominations, if not outright victories. “American Fiction” tracks Monk, a writer disenchanted with how American readers engage with Black narratives, overlooking valuable ones in favor of those perpetuating outdated tropes. As an experiment, he crafts a novel under a pseudonym, deliberately embracing every stereotype he vehemently despises.
Passages of director Ira Sachs
A provocative film that stirred passionate reactions this summer, Ira Sachs drama “Passages” explores the dynamic life of a charismatic bisexual movie director. The narrative unfolds as he engages in an affair with a woman, leading to tragic consequences for his existing relationship with his boyfriend. Notably, Franz Rogowski’s standout performance earned him well-deserved acclaim, complemented by stellar contributions from Ben Whishaw and Adèle Exarchopoulos.
Anatomy of a Fall
Claiming the Palme d’Or at Cannes this year, a courtroom drama unfolds in Switzerland. The narrative revolves around a woman accused of murdering her husband in their snow-covered mountain dwelling. Starring the acclaimed Sandra Hüller from “Toni Erdmann” the film cleverly withholds the titular ‘fall’ keeping viewers engaged in deciphering whether the protagonist is truly violent or simply misunderstood.
Past Lives
Celine Song’s debut feature, a clever and poetic creation, has captivated viewers since its Sundance premiere in January. Unfolding across three distinct decades, the narrative traces the journey of Nora, a screenwriter, and her conservative childhood crush Hae Sung. As time and distance weave their impact, the two are pulled apart and reunited. Notably, the film has secured a rare SAG-AFTRA waiver, enabling its actors, particularly the deserving Greta Lee, to actively campaign for awards. Anticipate additional nominations in recognition of its excellence.
Reality
Derived from the true story of Reality Winner, this film premiered at the Berlinale and delves into the interrogation of the American whistleblower. Winner leaked documents exposing Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential elections. Sydney Sweeney garnered praise for her portrayal in the lead role.
The Holdovers
Following the lukewarm reception of his film “Downsizing,” akin to a wishy-washy Borrowers tale, Alexander Payne’s latest endeavor signals a potential comeback. Titled “The Holdovers” and set in early ’70s Vermont, the narrative revolves around Paul Giamatti’s portrayal of a high school teacher tasked with caring for students unable to return home for Christmas. Amid this, he forms a bond with a teenager grappling with the recent loss of his father. A strong contender for widespread recognition in the upcoming awards season.
Saltburn
Whispers suggest that the latest creation from the director of “Promising Young Woman” is a lively spectacle. The story revolves around a working-class youth captivated by the opulent lifestyle of a privileged athlete in his British boarding school. This infatuation prompts him to spend a summer at the jock’s country boarding house. The trailer hints at a strong contender for cinematography and production design accolades. Barry Keoghan, previously nominated for Best Supporting Actor, might ascend to the lead category in 2024.
Oppenheimer
In Christopher Nolan’s three-hour biographical epic, a specific timeframe in the life of the man behind the creation of weapons of mass destruction unfolds. Far from the mundane Marvel content, this film resonated profoundly with audiences, drawing them repeatedly. On its trajectory to potentially become the highest-grossing biopic ever, it stands as one of Nolan’s acclaimed masterpieces. Alongside titles like Barbie, it played a pivotal role in reviving cinemas and emerges as a strong frontrunner in the competition.
A Thousand and On
Teyana Taylor garnered critical praise for “A Thousand and One” when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, securing the Grand Jury Prize. In the film, Teyana takes on the role of Inez, a mother who makes the bold decision to abduct her 6-year-old son from foster care. Together, they navigate the evolving landscape of New York, choosing to remain hidden from the shifting world around them.
