When Oppenheimer came out of the nominations with 13 noms, you had to wonder if it would be the kind of film that would keep it’s role as behemoth (Everything Everywhere All At Once) or lose steam and limp to the finish line (The Power Of The Dog). Will Christopher Nolan and his powerful biography win it all? Will Nolan win his first Oscar for directing?
Let’s see.
Best Director
THE NOMINEES:
Jonathan Glazer, The Zone Of Interest
Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things
Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer
Martin Scorsese, Killers Of The Flower Moon
Justine Triet, Anatomy Of A Fall
WHO WILL (AND WHO SHOULD) WIN?: It is finally the year for Christopher Nolan. I’m not sure Oppenheimer is his best film, but it’s in the conversation, and when you look at his career, that’s saying something. Nolan is masterful in directing this movie, playing with tension and making everything come together perfectly.
DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE A CHANCE?: Nope. This is all Nolan. Lock it in.
WHO GOT SNUBBED?: Much like Margot Robbie in acting, the fact Greta Gerwig is not in this list for the amazing work she did on Barbie is pretty stunning. I think she could replace Glazer or Triet.
Best Picture
THE NOMINEES:
American Fiction
Anatomy Of A Fall
Barbie
The Holdovers
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Maestro
Oppenheimer
Past Lives
Poor Things
The Zone Of Interest
WHO WILL (AND WHO SHOULD WIN)?: For the third time since 2019 (and the second time in two years), the best movie of the year will actually win the award for being the best movie of the year. Oppenheimer has not lost an ounce of steam, as evidence by the eight Oscars I have it winning on Sunday. I don’t know what more I can say about it that I haven’t said in the respective categories I have it winning. It’s the obvious choice. Sometimes, obvious is right.
DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE A CHANCE?: I think there is the slightest of chances you could see Anatomy Of A Fall or The Zone Of Interest sneak in. But, if that happens, then all my other predictions have gone to absolute hell and I will never again do this Oscar coverage.
WHO GOT SNUBBED?: This is a pretty good list, and while there were movies I liked more, it’s hard to argue with that is on here. I guess if we are being nit picky, I would swap Maestro with Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse or The Boy And The Heron.
Fancy Boys Club 