Wow what a year it has been for movies! As a film critic I can't help but say that every year. But seriously the nominations for Best Picture at the 2024 Oscars are incredible. 

We've got movies like "Anatomy of a Fall" "American Fiction" "The Holdovers" "Past Lives" "Killers of the Flower Moon" and the unexpected duo of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer." This lineup is probably the strongest we've seen in the 2020s so far.

Of course there were some snubs and surprises. We even talked about them at length in our previous article. For example it's a shame that Greta Gerwig wasn't nominated for Best Director. 

But overall the Academy has shown good taste in their choices. They're no longer afraid to nominate foreign films like "The Zone of Interest" and "Anatomy of a Fall" or to recognize spectacular popular movies. It seems like a new era for the Oscars.

Now let's get into the predictions for the major categories on Oscar night. Remember these are just our early and enthusiastic guesses. 

We'll highlight who we believe should win in italics and who we think will win in bold. So enjoy reading and feel free to come back on March 11th to tell us how wrong we were!

Best Picture: The Battle of Outstanding Films

We're looking at a clear frontrunner for Best Picture: "Oppenheimer." This movie directed by the brilliant Christopher Nolan tells a gripping true story set during World War II. It's not often that we see a three-hour drama become a blockbuster but Nolan did just that. 

This film is a masterful blend of thrilling suspense and historical significance. It's truly the best film of 2023 and it's about time that Nolan receives the recognition he deserves from the Academy.

However "The Holdovers" could give "Oppenheimer" a run for its money. It has a chance to win in categories like Best Original Screenplay Best Supporting Actress and Best Actor. 

After all actors make up the largest voting bloc in the Academy. But let's face it without a Best Director nomination for Alexander Payne it's unlikely that "The Holdovers" will dethrone "Oppenheimer."

Best Director: Nolan's Triumph

In the Best Director category Christopher Nolan is the clear favorite to win. His direction in "Oppenheimer" is exceptional and perfectly complements the film's powerful storytelling. There's also a narrative that this is Nolan's year just like it was for Steven Spielberg when he directed "Schindler's List." 

Both directors made their names with popular movies that were often overlooked in the awards race. But when they shifted to more serious and historical subjects they finally gained the recognition they deserved.

It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that Nolan will take home the Best Director trophy especially considering that his biggest competitor the director of "The Holdovers" wasn't even nominated.

Best Actress: Stone vs. Gladstone

This is a tough category to predict. The race is mainly between Emma Stone for her mesmerizing performance in "Poor Things" and Lily Gladstone for her haunting portrayal in "Killers of the Flower Moon." We're leaning slightly towards Stone. Her performance as Bella Baxter a unique and unforgettable character is truly remarkable.

However there's a chance that Gladstone might win. Her portrayal of an Indigenous woman navigating a world of oppression in "Killers of the Flower Moon" is a powerful and timely statement. 

The Academy might also want to make up for the lack of recognition given to Indigenous actors in the past. So this one could go either way.

Best Actor: Giamatti vs. Murphy

The competition for Best Actor is intense with Paul Giamatti and Cillian Murphy as the frontrunners. Both actors delivered outstanding performances. Giamatti a long-working and beloved character actor shines in "The Holdovers" as a history teacher in need of a break. On the other hand Murphy holds the three-hour epic "Oppenheimer" together with his compelling presence.

We think it would be fantastic if another character actor like Giamatti gets the recognition he deserves. But let's not overlook Jeffrey Wright's brilliant performance in "American Fiction." He gives a subtle and subversive portrayal of a man navigating the struggles of aging parents and career frustrations while confronting the industry's history of overlooking Black experiences. Plus his win would make the ending of "American Fiction" even more amusing.

Best Supporting Actress: Randolph Shines

The easiest category to predict is Best Supporting Actress. Da'Vine Joy Randolph has been sweeping the awards season with her beautiful performance in "The Holdovers." Her role as Mary Lamb a chef at an elitist school captures both the bittersweetness and resilience of her character. There's no doubt that Randolph will add an Oscar to her collection of awards.

Best Supporting Actor: Downey Jr.'s Revelation

Robert Downey Jr. seems destined to win Best Supporting Actor for his incredible work in "Oppenheimer." After years of being associated with blockbuster franchises it's refreshing to see Downey Jr. deliver such a subtle and captivating performance. His portrayal of a complex character in a movie filled with great acting is truly riveting. And let's not forget that this award could also be a thank-you for breaking free from the Marvel bubble.

Best Original Screenplay: The Heartwarming Story

David Hemingson's screenplay for "The Holdovers" is the frontrunner in this category. His script strikes a delightful balance between humor and heartfelt moments. It may cover familiar cinematic ground but it does so in a way that is both touching and comforting. However we shouldn't overlook the slow and meticulous storytelling of Justine Triet and Arthur Harari in "Maestro." It sets the stage for a courtroom drama that goes beyond expectations.

Best Adapted Screenplay

American Fiction Barbie Oppenheimer Poor Things The Zone of Interest

Greta Gerwig's Barbie though snubbed by the directorial branch might find redemption in the Adapted Screenplay category. The Academy's oversight could rally voters to support the film's ingenious script.

Yet Tony McNamara's adaptation of Poor Things stands out with its sharp dialogue and profound character development making it a strong contender in this fierce race.

Best International Film

Io Capitano Perfect Days Society of the Snow The Teachers’ Lounge The Zone of Interest

In the International Film category The Zone of Interest also a Best Picture nominee is a strong contender. Jonathan Glazer's haunting film not only captivates but also prompts profound self-reflection making it a standout in this category.

Best Animated Feature Film

The Boy and the Heron Elemental Nimona Robot Dreams Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

While Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron is a poignant tribute to his career the Academy might lean towards familiar American sequels. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse with its innovative visual storytelling is a strong contender for its artistic brilliance.

Best Cinematography

El Conde Killers of the Flower Moon Maestro Oppenheimer Poor Things

Hoyte van Hoytema's groundbreaking work in Oppenheimer especially his use of black and white IMAX film sets a new standard in cinematography. His ability to transform scenes into breathtaking landscapes makes this category a clear win for Oppenheimer.

Best Editing

Anatomy of a Fall The Holdovers Killers of the Flower Moon Oppenheimer Poor Things

Jennifer Lame and Christopher Nolan's masterful editing of Oppenheimer turns a complex narrative into a riveting cinematic experience. Their skillful storytelling through non-linear editing is unmatched making it a top contender for Best Editing.

Best Production Design

Barbie Killers of the Flower Moon Napoleon Oppenheimer Poor Things

While Barbie's vibrant world captivates Poor Things' unique steampunk aesthetic offers a visual feast. This category could honor the year's most popular film or celebrate the imaginative design of Poor Things.

Best Costume Design

Barbie Killers of the Flower Moon Napoleon Oppenheimer Poor Things

Barbie's iconic fashion might take center stage but the transformative costumes in Poor Things especially Emma Stone's evolving wardrobe are a testament to the power of costume design in storytelling.

Best Original Score

American Fiction Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Killers of the Flower Moon Oppenheimer Poor Things

Ludwig Göransson's haunting score for Oppenheimer stands out as a memorable and impactful composition setting the tone for the film's intense narrative.

Best Visual Effects

The Creator Godzilla Minus One Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Napoleon

While Oppenheimer's subtle effects set a high bar the category often favors blockbuster CGI spectacles. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Mission: Impossible 7 are strong contenders but The Creator's blend of prosthetics and digital artistry is truly groundbreaking.

And there you have it! Our predictions for the major categories at the 2024 Oscars. Remember these are just projections and the actual winners will be revealed on Oscar night. Stay tuned for the results and let us know if you agree or disagree with our picks.