Mid-Year Review of the 98th Annual Oscar Ceremony
As we reach the end of June, it’s time to take stock of the race for the 98th annual Oscar ceremony. Although the ceremony won’t take place until March 15, it’s never too early to start discussing the potential contenders.
A Guaranteed Nomination
Only one film released between New Year’s Day and now has a 100% guaranteed chance of being nominated for Best Picture. This film is Ryan Coogler’s Warner Bros. period film, Sinner, which was released on April 18. The movie has received widespread critical acclaim, with a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 375 reviews, and has also performed well at the box office, grossing $278 million in the USA and Canada and $364 million worldwide.
Trailer and Plot
The trailer for Sinner can be viewed below:
The film tells the story of two twin brothers who return to their small southern hometown from Chicago’s gangland, seeking a new life. The movie combines elements of the gangster and vampire genres, and its unique blend of styles has resonated with both critics and audiences.
Potential Nominations
With its exquisite craftsmanship and excellent spectacle, Sinner is likely to receive multiple nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, and Best Original Screenplay. The film’s cast, including Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and Hailee Steinfeld, may also receive nominations for their performances.
Other Potential Contenders
While Sinner is currently the only film guaranteed to receive a nomination, there are a few other movies that could potentially enter the race. These include Sorry, Baby, which premiered at Sundance and Cannes, and Very, a small film that opened in limited release last weekend. The latter features a devastating performance from Kathleen Chalfant, which could potentially earn her a nomination for Best Actress.
Challenges for Smaller Films
However, it’s worth noting that smaller films often face significant challenges in terms of getting noticed by the Academy. Unless they have a well-funded campaign behind them, they may struggle to get the attention they deserve. This is why films like Black Bag, Chuck’s Life, The Penguin Lessons, and The Friend may be overlooked, despite their excellent quality.
Summer Releases
There are also a few summer releases that could potentially enter the Oscar race. These include Celine Song’s A24 hit Materialist, which could receive a nomination for its original script, and Apple’s F1, which has been a major box office success. However, it’s unclear whether these films will have the same level of awards momentum as Sinner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are a few other films that could potentially enter the Oscar race, Sinner is currently the only film guaranteed to receive a nomination. Its unique blend of styles, excellent craftsmanship, and strong performances make it a standout contender in a year that has been relatively slow for awards-worthy films.
