Hollywood is buzzing with anticipation as the film academy prepares to hand out its most coveted honors. The 98th Academy Awards will see nearly 10,000 voting members cast ballots in more than 20 categories, including a brand-new award for casting excellence. Nominees will be revealed on January 22, and the ceremony is set for March 12.
What Makes This Year’s Oscars Stand Out
The Academy’s expansion of categories signals a broader recognition of the craft behind filmmaking. With the addition of a casting award, industry insiders are watching how the voting body values the art of assembling a cast. The timeline-nominee announcement on the 22nd of January followed by the ceremony on the 12th of March-provides a clear roadmap for fans and critics alike.
The Films Most Likely to Make the Cut
Below is a curated list of the dozen movies that critics and insiders say have the strongest chance of earning Oscar nominations. They span a range of genres, from epic science-fiction to intimate dramas, and each offers a unique viewing experience.
Avatar: The Way of Water
James Cameron’s third installment in the Avatar franchise follows Na’vi couple Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) as they defend their family and homeland against new threats. The first two films each contended for Best Picture, and this sequel could complete the trilogy’s Oscar run.
*How to watch:* In theaters now; available on Disney+ and Hulu after release.
Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale, featuring Oscar Isaac as the ambitious surgeon Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his “Creature.” Del Toro, known for his 2018 Best Picture winner The Shape of Water, brings his signature style to this gothic story.
*How to watch:* Available on Netflix.
Hamnet
Chloé Zhao explores the grief of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife Agnes (Jessie Buckley) after the death of their young son. The film is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Zhao, who won Best Director for Nomadland in 2020, has become a rare female figure in the Oscars’ history.
*How to watch:* In theaters; will stream on Peacock. The film was distributed by Focus Features, a unit of NBCUniversal.
It Was Just an Accident
Iranian director Jafar Panahi earned the Palme d’Or at Cannes for this powerful examination of revenge and moral responsibility under a repressive regime. The film, France’s submission for Best International Feature, follows a man who believes an accidental death was intentional.
*How to watch:* In theaters; will stream on Hulu.
Marty Supreme
Josh Safdie’s frenetic 1950s-set picaresque features Timothée Chalamet as a determined ping-pong player. Supporting roles include Gwyneth Paltrow, Fran Drescher, and Kevin O’Leary, known from Shark Tank. Chalamet is a strong contender for Best Actor.
*How to watch:* In theaters; will stream on HBO Max.
No Other Choice
Park Chan-Wook’s dark comedy tackles corporate culture and late-capitalist malaise. Lee Byung-Hun stars as a laid-off paper company worker who takes drastic steps to gain a competitive edge.
*How to watch:* In theaters; will stream on Hulu.
One Battle After Another
Paul Thomas Anderson’s loosely adapted thriller from Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland follows a group of political revolutionaries, including Leonardo DiCaprio’s weary single dad, as they confront a ruthless colonel played by Sean Penn. The film has topped year-end best-of lists and is a front-runner.
*How to watch:* Available on HBO Max.
The Secret Agent
Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho revisits the 1970s under a brutal military dictatorship. Wagner Moura portrays a scientific researcher who clashes with a regime-aligned businessman, forcing him into flight.
*How to watch:* In theaters; will stream on Hulu.
Sentimental Value
Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier examines parent-child dynamics in this layered drama. Stellan Skarsgård plays a celebrated director struggling to reconnect with his estranged daughter, played by Renate Reinsve.
*How to watch:* In theaters; will stream on Hulu.
Sinners
Ryan Coogler’s genre-mixing film follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan) as they confront a supernatural threat in a 1932 Mississippi Delta juke joint. The movie earned over $367 million worldwide and received glowing reviews.
*How to watch:* Available on HBO Max.
Train Dreams
Joel Edgerton leads a visually striking drama that spans 80 years in the life of a railroad worker. Clint Bentley directs a script adapted from a Denis Johnson novella, celebrating the American wilderness amid industrial change.
*How to watch:* Available on Netflix.
Wicked: For Good
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in the sequel to the Broadway hit, drawing from the second half of the original story. Elphaba (Erivo) protects Oz’s animals from the duplicitous Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), while Glinda (Grande) faces divided loyalties.
*How to watch:* In theaters; will stream on Peacock. Distributed by Universal Pictures, a unit of NBCUniversal.
Five Other Contenders
The Oscars field also includes:
- Blue Moon, Richard Linklater’s portrait of lyricist Lorenz Hart
- Bugonia, Yorgos Lanthimos’s dark conspiracy satire
- Jay Kelly, Noah Baumbach’s show-business dramedy
- The Testament of Ann Lee, Mona Fastvold’s biopic of the Shakers founder
- Weapons, Zach Cregger’s suburban horror tale
Key Takeaways
- The 98th Academy Awards will feature a new casting category and will be announced on January 22.
- The ceremony is scheduled for March 12, with nearly 10,000 voting members.
- A diverse slate of films-from Avatar to Sinners-is poised to compete for the coveted Oscars.
Final Thoughts
As the Academy prepares to honor cinematic excellence, fans have a clear roadmap for watching the most promising contenders. Whether you’re drawn to epic sci-fi, gritty dramas, or bold comedies, the 2024 Oscars promise a rich tapestry of storytelling that reflects the breadth of contemporary filmmaking.
