The Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles marks the conclusion of an exceptionally unpredictable Oscar season, characterised by shifting frontrunners. Leading the nominations is Netflix’s Emilia Pérez, with 13 nods, but its prospects have been marred due to controversial tweets from its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, who is the first openly trans actor nominated for Best Actress.
The frontrunner for Best Picture is Anora, directed by Sean Baker. This film, which tells the story of a sex worker marrying the son of a Russian oligarch, has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Cannes Palme d’Or and accolades from several industry guilds. The only film with a similar awards track record that did not win Best Picture was Brokeback Mountain.
Conclave, a papal thriller starring Ralph Fiennes, stands as Anora‘s closest competitor, having secured wins at both the BAFTAs and SAG Awards, notably coinciding with Pope Francis’s hospitalisation due to pneumonia, although Oscar voting concluded before this unfortunate event.
Representing Australia, Guy Pearce is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Brutalist. Additionally, Melbourne’s Adam Elliot is in contention for Best Animated Feature with Memoir of a Snail, while fellow Australian Greig Fraser received a nomination for his cinematography in Dune: Part Two.
Other notable Australian contenders include Rodney Burke, nominated for Best Visual Effects for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and producer Maya Gnyp, who is nominated for her work on the documentary short I Am Ready, Warden.
As the Academy announces its winners, watch for updates on the big contenders including Anora, The Brutalist, Conclave, and Emilia Pérez, among others. The competition also features a host of talented individuals across various categories, ensuring a night full of excitement and anticipation.