As the anticipation builds for the 2024 Oscars, the spotlight is on potential winners, standout performances, and the excitement of Hollywood’s biggest night. Here’s our take on who will claim victory, who deserves the honor, and the surprises that could shake up the awards ceremony.
Best Picture
Who Will Win: “Oppenheimer”
- Christopher Nolan’s epic portrayal of the father of the atomic bomb has been a standout throughout awards season, making it a clear frontrunner for the top prize.
Who Should Win: “Oppenheimer” is a deserving choice, showcasing Nolan’s mastery as one of the last auteurs within the studio system.
Potential Surprise: “Poor Things” could emerge as an upset with its clever narrative and intricate production design, though it’s a long shot.
Best Director
Who Will Win: Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”
- Nolan’s directorial prowess and box office success make him a formidable contender, especially for his exceptional work in “Oppenheimer.”
Who Should Win: Nolan’s talent shines in “Oppenheimer,” making him a deserving recipient of his first Oscar.
Potential Surprise: If Yorgos Lanthimos takes the prize for “Poor Things,” it would be a shocking but intriguing twist in the awards race.
Best Actress
Who Will Win: Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
- Gladstone’s compelling portrayal in “Killers of the Flower Moon” has positioned her as the favorite to take home the award.
Who Should Win: Emma Stone’s performance in “Poor Things” showcases her exceptional talent and versatility, making her a standout choice for the honor.
Potential Surprise: While Emma Stone winning would surprise some, her stellar performance makes her a deserving candidate in this category.
Best Actor
Who Will Win: Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”
- Murphy’s captivating portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer solidifies him as the frontrunner, marking a significant moment in his career.
Who Should Win: Murphy’s performance is undeniably captivating, making him the rightful recipient of the award.
Potential Surprise: A win for Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers” would be unexpected but not implausible given his esteemed career.
Best Supporting Actress
Who Will Win: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”
- Randolph’s scene-stealing performance has earned her widespread acclaim and makes her a strong contender for the award.
Who Should Win: Da’Vine’s standout performance makes her a deserving recipient of the honor.
Potential Surprise: Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s win is widely anticipated and well-deserved, leaving little room for surprises in this category.
Best Supporting Actor
Who Will Win: Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”
- Downey Jr.’s exceptional performance, coupled with his illustrious career, positions him as the frontrunner for the award.
Who Should Win: Downey Jr.’s portrayal in “Oppenheimer” is a testament to his talent and resilience, making him a deserving choice for the honor.
Potential Surprise: Robert Downey Jr.’s win is widely expected and celebrated, leaving little room for surprises in this category.
Best Animated Feature
Who Will Win: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
- The sequel to the acclaimed original film has garnered widespread acclaim and box office success, making it a frontrunner for the award.
Who Should Win: “The Boy and the Heron” stands out for its masterful storytelling and thematic depth, making it a deserving choice for the honor.
Potential Surprise: The competition between “Spider-Verse” and “Heron” could lead to a suspenseful outcome, with either film potentially taking home the Oscar.
Best Original Screenplay
Who Will Win: “Anatomy of a Fall”
- Justine Triet’s compelling narrative and intricate storytelling make “Anatomy of a Fall” a strong contender for the award.
Who Should Win: Triet’s script is a standout in its genre, showcasing her talent and creativity as a writer.
Potential Surprise: “The Holdovers” presents a darkly humorous and complex storyline that could pose a challenge to “Anatomy of a Fall” in this category.
Best Adapted Screenplay
Who Will Win: “American Fiction”
- Cord Jefferson’s thought-provoking screenplay, coupled with Jeffrey Wright’s stellar performance, positions “American Fiction” as a frontrunner for the award.
Who Should Win: “Poor Things” captivates audiences with its dark comedy and well-developed characters, making it a deserving choice for the honor.
Potential Surprise: “Oppenheimer” emerges as an unexpected contender in this category, showcasing its versatility and appeal to voters.
Best Cinematography
Who Will Win: “Oppenheimer”
- Hoyte van Hoytema’s masterful cinematography elevates “Oppenheimer,” making it a frontrunner for the award.
Who Should Win: “Poor Things” impresses with its visually stunning shots and unique aesthetic, making it a standout choice for the honor.
Potential Surprise: While “Oppenheimer” is favored to win, “Poor Things” presents a compelling alternative with its exceptional cinematography.
Best Original Song
Who Will Win: “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
- Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s haunting melody has garnered widespread acclaim and makes it a strong contender for the award.
Who Should Win: Billie and Finneas’ mesmerizing composition is a standout in its category, deserving recognition for its brilliance.
Potential Surprise: While Diane Warren’s nomination is noteworthy, Billie and Finneas are favored to take home the Oscar for their exceptional contribution to “Barbie.”
As the excitement builds for the 2024 Oscars, anticipation is high for the winners, surprises, and memorable moments that will unfold on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Emma Müller
