Cinematic Excellence Unmasked: Navigating the 96th Academy Awards Drama
As the 96th Academy Awards approach, the late-night TV host, Jimmy Kimmel, is back at the helm for his fourth hosting gig of the award show. As we brace for the cinematic extravaganza of the Oscars, known for its unexpected turns, this year, the drama has already begun to unfold even before the curtains rise. Two notable snubs have already taken center stage, adding an early layer of unpredictability to the anticipation. Embark with us on an exploration of twelve of the most prestigious awards, honoring exceptional accomplishments in the world of cinema.
The Awards and Nominees:
Best Costume Design:
- Jacqueline Durran for “Barbie”
- Jacqueline West for “Killers of the Flower Moon”
- Janty Yates, and Dave Crossman for “Napoleon”
- Ellen Mirojnick for “Oppenheimer”
- Holly Waddington for “Poor Things”
Prediction: Jacqueline Durran “Barbie”
Best Writing (Adapted and Original Screenplay):
- Cord Jefferson for “American Fiction”
- Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach for “Barbie”
- Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer”
- Tony McNamara for “Poor Things”
- Jonathan Glazer for “The Zone of Interest”
Prediction: Christopher Nolan “Oppenheimer”
Best Cinematography:
- Edward Lachman for “El Conde”
- Rodrigo Prieto for “Killers of the Flower Moon”
- Matthew Libatique for “Maestro”
- Hoyte van Hoytema for “Oppenheimer”
- Robbie Ryan for “Poor Things”
Prediction: Hoyte van Hoytema “Oppenheimer”
Best Production Design:
- Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer for “Barbie”
- Jack Fisk and Adam Willis for “Killers of the Flower Moon”
- Arthur Max and Elli Griff for “Napoleon”
- Ruth De Jong and Claire Kaufman for “Oppenheimer”
- James Price, Shona Heath, and Zsuzsa Mihalek for “Poor Things”
Prediction: Sarah Greenwood & Katie Spencer “Barbie”
Best Actress in a Supporting Role:
- Emily Blunt for “Oppenheimer”
- Danielle Brooks for “The Color Purple”
- America Ferrera for “Barbie”
- Jodie Foster for “Nyad”
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph for “The Holdovers”
Prediction: Da’Vine Joy Randolph “The Holdovers”
Best Actor in a Supporting Role:
- Sterling K. Brown for “American Fiction”
- Robert De Niro for “Killers of the Flower Moon”
- Robert Downey Jr. for “Oppenheimer”
- Ryan Gosling for “Barbie”
- Mark Ruffalo for “Poor Things”
Prediction: Robert Downey Jr “Oppenheimer”
Best Actor in a Leading Role:
- Bradley Cooper in “Maestro”
- Colman Domingo in “Rustin”
- Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers”
- Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer”
- Jeffrey Wright in “American Fiction”
Prediction: Cillian Murphy “Oppenheimer”
Best Actress in a Leading Role:
- Annette Bening in “Nyad”
- Lily Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon”
- Sandra Hüller in “Anatomy of a Fall”
- Carey Mulligan in “Maestro”
- Emma Stone in “Poor Things”
Prediction: Lily Gladstone “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Best Director:
- Justine Triet for “Anatomy of a Fall”
- Martin Scorsese for “Killers of the Flower Moon”
- Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer”
- Yorgos Lanthimos for “Poor Things”
- Jonathan Glazer for “The Zone of Interest”
Prediction: Christopher Nolan “Oppenheimer”
Best Original Screenplay:
- Justine Triet and Arthur Harari for “Anatomy of a Fall”
- David Hemingson for “The Holdovers”
- Bradley Cooper & Josh Singer for “Maestro”
- Samy Burch for “May December”
- Celine Song for “Past Lives”
Prediction: Justine Triet & Arthur Harari “Anatomy of a Fall”
Best Animated Feature:
- “The Boy and the Heron” by Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki
- “Elemental” by Peter Sohn and Denise Ream
- “Nimona” by Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Karen Ryan, and Julie Zackary
- “Robot Dreams” by Pablo Berger, Ibon Cormenzana, Ignasi Estapé, and Sandra Tapia Díaz
- “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” by Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal
Prediction: “Spider Man Across the Spider-Verse”
Best Picture:
- “American Fiction” by Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Cord Jefferson, and Jermaine Johnson
- “Anatomy of a Fall” by Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion
- “Barbie” by David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, and Robbie Brenner
- “The Holdovers” by Mark Johnson
- “Killers of the Flower Moon” by Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese, and Daniel Lupi
- “Maestro” by Bradley Cooper, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning, and Kristie Macosko Krieger
- “Oppenheimer” by Emma Thomas, Charles Roven, and Christopher Nolan
- “Past Lives” by David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon, and Pamela K
Prediction: “Oppenheimer”
Despite the excitement surrounding the nominations, the absence of Margot Robbie for her role in the highest-grossing film of the year, “Barbie,” raises eyebrows. The film amassed a staggering 1.4 billion dollars globally, while competing with Oppenheimer in the theaters, making it a commercial juggernaut. Equally surprising is the exclusion of Leonardo DiCaprio for his pivotal role as Ernest Burkhart in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” His performance is lauded as phenomenal, and the film itself is considered a strong contender for Best Picture.
As we eagerly anticipate the 96th Academy Awards, the stage is set for an unforgettable cinematic showcase. Amidst the excitement, the unexpected snubs of Margot Robbie and Leonardo DiCaprio add layers of intrigue to the proceedings. As the spotlight shifts to the Dolby Theater on March 10th, we invite you to join us in the anticipation. Do the Academy’s choices align with your expectations, or do these omissions leave you with lingering questions? The grand spectacle awaits, promising a night of both triumph and intrigue in the world of cinema.
