2024 Oscars: Top Contenders and Hollywood’s Campaign Rush

2024 Oscars: Top Contenders and Hollywood’s Campaign Rush

November 28, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Entertainment

Hollywood’s Campaign Season for the Oscars

The Oscars are just around the corner, scheduled for March 2. Hollywood executives and publicists are ramping up their efforts to win favor with around 10,000 members who vote for the Academy Awards. Expect to see “For Your Consideration” ads throughout Los Angeles in the coming months.

Debra Birnbaum, editor-in-chief of Gold Derby, notes that this year’s competition is wide open, with many opportunities for changes as campaigns intensify. Below are some leading contenders for the Oscars.

Leading Contenders

1. Anora

Director Sean Baker’s film, “Anora,” won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It follows a Brooklyn stripper, played by Mikey Madison, who marries a Russian oligarch’s son, leading to conflict with his powerful parents. The film has received strong reviews.
How to watch: In theaters now.

2. The Brutalist

Brady Corbet directs “The Brutalist,” a 215-minute epic about a Hungarian Jewish architect fleeing WWII. The film earned Corbet the Silver Lion for directing at the Venice Film Festival.
How to watch: In theaters Dec. 20.

3. Blitz

Steve McQueen’s “Blitz” tells a story of the bond between mother and son during WWII in London.
How to watch: Stream on Apple TV+.

4. Conclave
“Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger, delves into the power struggles among cardinals in the Vatican as they elect a new pope. The film features notable performances from Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow.
How to watch: In theaters now.

5. Dune: Part Two

The epic sequel “Dune: Part Two” continues the saga set in a universe of political intrigue and adventure.
How to watch: Stream on Max.

6. Emilia Pérez

Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” blends crime and musical elements in a story about a cartel boss transitioning into a woman. The cast won best actress honors at Cannes.
How to watch: Stream on Netflix.

7. Gladiator II

Ridley Scott returns with “Gladiator II,” which features Paul Mescal as the son of Russell Crowe’s character.
How to watch: In theaters now.

8. Nickel Boys

RaMell Ross adapts Colson Whitehead’s novel in “Nickel Boys,” centered around two boys in a violent reform school resembling the notorious Dozier School.
How to watch: In theaters Dec. 13.

9. A Real Pain

Jesse Eisenberg stars in and directs “A Real Pain,” a film that explores family trauma while reconnecting with heritage in Poland.
How to watch: In theaters now.

10. September 5
“September 5” focuses on the 1972 Munich Olympics terror attack through the eyes of ABC Sports crew members.
How to watch: In theaters Nov. 27.

11. Sing Sing
“Sing Sing” spotlights inmates at a New York prison engaging in theater as part of a rehabilitation program.
How to watch: Will stream on Max.

12. Wicked

The adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” highlights the relationship between two witches in Oz, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
How to watch: In theaters now.

Other Films in the Oscar Conversation

Other notable films likely to be discussed for nominations include “Babygirl,” “Challengers,” “A Complete Unknown,” “The Piano Lesson,” “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” and “The Substance.”