The anticipation is at its peak for the 97th Academy Awards, where Anora and Conclave emerge as frontrunners for Best Picture. In a season overshadowed by controversies, the competition is shaping up as a clash between two vastly different cinematic styles.
As the Oscars revelations are unfolding very soon, the battle is intense between Sean Baker’s tragicomedy Anora and Edward Berger’s Vatican thriller Conclave. Once considered a strong contender, Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez saw its Oscar hopes crumble following controversies surrounding its lead actress. Meanwhile, Ralph Fiennes’ compelling performance in Conclave has won over Hollywood’s actors' guild, a crucial factor in determining the Best Picture winner.
Anora, the story of a New York stripper who marries the son of a Russian oligarch only to face a brutal class divide, has dominated awards season, securing the Palme d’Or at Cannes and multiple industry accolades. However, Conclave, which delves into the high-stakes intrigue of a papal election, has garnered significant support among Academy voters, highlighting a choice between bold independent cinema and a more traditional dramatic spectacle.
In the acting categories, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) and Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) are neck and neck for Best Actor. Brody, who won an Oscar for The Pianist, portrays a Holocaust survivor turned architect, while Chalamet impresses as Bob Dylan in his biopic. While Brody is the safer bet, Chalamet could pull off an upset and become the youngest actor ever to win in this category.
On the Best Actress front, it’s a showdown between Mikey Madison (Anora) and Demi Moore (The Substance). Moore, making a striking comeback in an audacious psychological thriller, has been a standout in this race. Meanwhile, Zoe Saldana seems poised to claim Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, while Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) leads the charge for Best Supporting Actor.
Despite Emilia Pérez earning 13 nominations, its chances of winning big remain uncertain, even in the Best International Feature category, where it faces stiff competition from Brazil’s I’m Still Here. The film’s momentum has been hindered by controversy, particularly past remarks made by its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón.
Beyond the awards, the ceremony—hosted by Conan O’Brien—will pay tribute to the firefighters and victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. A standout moment will feature pop star Ariana Grande, the lead in Wicked, performing one of the film’s signature songs.
The Key Nominees for the Oscars
Best Picture: Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, Wicked.
Best Director: Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Sean Baker (Anora), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), James Mangold (A Complete Unknown), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance).
Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance), Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here).
Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice).
The night is expected to deliver thrilling surprises, decisive wins, and unforgettable moments in Hollywood history.
With AFP
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