The anticipation for the Oscar nominations reaches a fever pitch as Leonardo DiCaprio's politically-charged thriller One Battle After Another is expected to be the frontrunner. With the nominations to be announced later, all eyes are on Sinners, a vampire horror that stands as a strong contender. British actress Wunmi Mosaku could secure an acting nomination, being one of the few UK stars with a chance this year. Meanwhile, Irish actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are both anticipated to be recognized for their roles in the adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel Hamnet.
Other films like Marty Supreme, Frankenstein, Sentimental Value, Bugonia, and The Secret Agent are also predicted to feature heavily when the nominations are announced at 13:30 GMT. US comedian Conan O'Brien will host this year’s Oscar ceremony on 15 March.
A Softer Year for Blockbusters
Despite the massive box office success of films like Wicked: For Good and Avatar: Fire and Ash, neither is forecasted to match their predecessors' performance in garnering Oscar nominations. Criticism of Wicked's second installment and diminishing interest in the Avatar franchise are influencing factors. Director James Cameron remains nonchalant about the Oscars, focusing instead on films that captivate audiences. Given this, nominations for blockbusters like A Minecraft Movie are unlikely.
Will Any Brits Be Nominated?
The UK may face a lean year in terms of Oscar nominations. At the Golden Globes, only two of the 36 nominated actors were British. Yet, neither Cynthia Erivo nor Emily Blunt is expected to feature at the Oscars. Instead, hopes lie with Wunmi Mosaku, who made waves with her supporting actress nomination at the Actor Awards and appeared on the Bafta longlist. If British stars are snubbed entirely, it would mark the first time since 1986 without UK representation in the acting categories. Conversely, Irish talent shines brighter, with Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as strong contenders, thanks largely to Hamnet.
Leonardo DiCaprio Takes on New Challenges
Director Paul Thomas Anderson, often called PTA, could finally achieve Oscar success with One Battle After Another. Despite mixed box office results, the film is storming through awards season. The movie tells a gripping tale of a former revolutionary attempting a rescue mission for his daughter from a white supremacist group. Anderson, previously a bridesmaid in the Oscar race, stands a strong chance in the categories of writing, directing, and producing this year. With talents like Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Benicio Del Toro leading, the film could capture a significant portion of acting nomination slots.