Oscar’s best picture race typically takes many twists & turns as early frontrunners are overtaken by flavor-of-the-moment newcomers, but these five top contenders should stay the course:
Steven Spielberg’s THE FABELMANS, from Universal/Amblin, is still the film topping pundits’ picture projections. Not only is it Spielberg, but it’s based in part on his childhood & discovery of movies (a storyline that should play well to Academy voters).
Adding to its strength as the best picture contender is its appeal in key races like directing, original screenplay (Tony Kushner & Spielberg) & lead actress (Michelle Williams – pictured).
There’s still a lot of affection for A24’s EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE for the picture as well as directing & original screenplay for Daniel Scheinert & Daniel Kwan. It also helps that there’s a lead actress buzz for Michelle Yeoh.
There’s growing enthusiasm for Searchlight’s THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN plus a good buzz for directing & original screenplay for Martin McDonagh & lead acting for Colin Farrell.
Paramount’s BABYLON is a rising picture contender, helped by buzz for directing & original screenplay for Damien Chazelle & acting for Brad Pitt. Its late 1920s Hollywood setting as sound’s arrival makes & breaks careers is the kind of storyline Academy members will likely like.
Tom Cruise’s TOP GUN: MAVERICK, from Paramount/Skydance, continues to please pundits & has a strong shot at landing a picture nod despite being a mainstream commercial blockbuster. Cruise is also a very likely lead actor nominee.
There also are five other best picture noms to be filled and the accompanying hand-to-hand combat on the awards marketing front will be another lesson in survival of the fittest.
