Love stories, play dramas, nan origins of sneakers and an detonation of multiverses are among nan standout movies from nan first half of 2023 that could person nan legs to make it to adjacent year’s Oscar ceremony.
As we participate nan midpoint of nan almanac year, we move our attraction to which films look worthy of Academy recognition, based connected captious acclaim and buzz surrounding contenders. The database considers films that person had theatrical releases and standouts successful 19 of nan 23 Oscar categories.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for nan latest Oscars predictions successful each categories.
Of nan apical 10 highest-grossing films of 2023 truthful far, nan animated spectacle “Spider-Man: Across nan Spider-Verse” from Sony Pictures (currently sitting successful nan 3rd spot pinch $319 million) has nan champion changeable astatine reaching nan coveted champion image lineup. Other monolithic money-earners from nan database could person imaginable successful various artisan categories specified arsenic constitution and hairstyling (“Guardians of nan Galaxy Vol. 3”), sound (“John Wick: Chapter 4”), ocular effects (“The Little Mermaid”) and original opus (“The Super Mario Bros. Movie”).
Not that anyone should beryllium amazed anymore, but nan animated assemblage has been connected occurrence for nan past fewer years pinch innovative techniques and ultimate stories. Aside from “Across nan Spider-Verse” successful each eligible categories (and that includes directing, adapted screenplay, accumulation design, movie editing, sound, ocular effects and score), Netflix has a charmer connected its hands pinch “Nimona,” which seems destined for 1 of nan 5 animated characteristic slots if it tin prolong attraction for nan adjacent respective months.
PIXAR
Pixar’s “Elemental” didn’t rustle distant nan container office, but nan reviews are nevertheless beautiful solid. However, arsenic nan twelvemonth continues pinch much releases, specified arsenic its Walt Disney Animation counterpart “Wish” aliases nan upcoming “How Do You Live” from fable Hayao Miyazaki, it could move down nan charts arsenic much discoveries are made.
Another streaming contender is Ben Affleck’s highly-entertaining “Air” from Amazon Studios, successful which he stars alongside acting pal Matt Damon. A coagulated container agency (across much than 3,000 theaters) and very bully notices from critics should support it successful nan chat for a while and it could beryllium 1 of nan safe and astir straightforward picks among voters.
With nan Academy announcing a attraction connected expanding theatrical releases opening pinch nan 2025 ceremony, each eyes are connected nan indie studios, pinch galore rooting for their successes arsenic they proceed to find nan champion measurement to navigate this difficult clip for theatre chains. A24’s “Past Lives” from debut head Celine Song is nan clear darling of nan indie segment truthful acold aft its Sundance premiere. Now successful theaters, it has nan equipment to beryllium an all-around awards subordinate astatine nan extremity of nan year.
Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City” from Focus Features has had a beardown commencement connected its theatrical run. However, contempt a starry formed (Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, etc.), nan auteur’s foray into a subject fiction-esque taxable seems to beryllium falling successful statement pinch his erstwhile effort “The French Dispatch” (2021), which was unopen retired of nan Oscar race. I’d opportunity “City” will contend for a tech nom aliases two, but not overmuch else, but you tin ne'er really beryllium sure.
We should springiness a motion of acknowledgment to movies that debuted astatine movie festivals but are opening later successful 2023, specified arsenic Cannes standouts for illustration Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of nan Flower Moon,” Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest,” Todd Haynes’ “May December” and nan Palme d’Or winning “Anatomy of a Fall” from Justine Triet — and Sundance players for illustration — Sony Pictures Classics’ “A Little Prayer,” Netflix’s “Fair Play” and Apple’s “Flora and Son.” We’ll apt perceive much astir them successful nan coming months.
Read nan database of probable contenders beneath successful each of nan 19 respective Oscar categories. Please note, to connection an opportunity to sanction much films, a movie is only mentioned erstwhile arsenic a apical highlight, moreover though it could beryllium contending successful respective races.
** Not each listed unit members are official. The Academy yet decides connected credits.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for nan latest Oscar predictions successful each categories.
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Documentary Feature: Little Richard: I Am Everything
Studio: Magnolia Pictures
Artisans: Lisa Cortés (director, producer), Robert Friedman, Liz Yale Marsh, Caryn Capotosto, Mike Powers, Gus Wenner, Jason Fine (producers)
With nan Television Academy now allowing films to taxable for some Emmys and Oscars, we whitethorn spot immoderate hints astatine nan Academy Awards Primetime TV ceremony, specified arsenic Apple’s “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” and Amazon’s “Judy Blume Forever.”
Nonetheless, Lisa Cortés’ “Little Richard: I Am Everything” has already been buzzed astir since nan Sundance premiere. An Emmy-winning shaper for Roger Ross Williams’ “The Apollo” (2019), nan Afro-Latina has been making her marks down nan camera arsenic a compelling head specified arsenic “All In: The Fight for Democracy” (2020), which nan Academy’s Doc Branch shortlisted.
Cortés’ dedication to nan Black musician’s life and bequest is simply a testament to nan belief he near behind. It could beryllium a slam-dunk action if Magnolia tin get it successful beforehand of nan correct members.
Also successful nan discussion: “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” (Apple Original Films); “Wild Life” (National Geographic)
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Original Song: The Super Mario Bros Movie
Image Credit: ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Col
Studio: Illumination
Artisans: “Peaches” by Jack Black, Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Eric Osmond, John Spiker
The eventual powerfulness ballad, nan hilarious and utterly lovable “Peaches” from “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” mightiness bring character Jack Black his first Oscar nom. Also voicing nan villainous Bowser, Black is besides a credited songwriter, and aft snubs for “The School of Rock” (2003) and “Bernie” (2012), who wouldn’t want to spot him pouring his bosom retired connected nan Academy shape successful March?
Also successful nan discussion: “Gonna Be You” by Diane Warren from “80 for Brady” (Paramount Pictures); “The Scuttlebutt” by Lin-Manuel Miranda from “The Little Mermaid” (Walt Disney Pictures); “Fire Inside” by Diane Warren and Becky G from “Flamin’ Hot” (Searchlight Pictures)
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Original Score: Indiana Jones and nan Dial of Destiny
Image Credit: Lucasfilm/Disney
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Artisan: John Williams
Legendary composer John Williams collapsed records again past year, becoming nan oldest nominee ever for a competitory Oscar astatine 91. With 53 nominations and 5 statuettes, you person to salary attraction erstwhile Williams has a people successful nan race. With Harrison Ford’s nostalgia facet successful overdrive this summertime (thank you “1923” and “Shrinking”), his return to nan celebrated archaeologist domiciled is judge to thief support Williams successful nan discussion. He could beryllium a rubberstamp prime among his euphony colleagues and, likely, nan champion changeable for immoderate awards love.
Also successful nan discussion: Kris Bowers, “Chevalier” (Searchlight Pictures); Thomas Newman, “Elemental” (Pixar); Daniel Pemberton, “Spider-Man: Across nan Spider-Verse” (Sony Pictures)
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Visual Effects: Cocaine Bear
Image Credit: Universal Pictures
Studio: Universal Pictures
Artisans: Matt Greig, Robin Hollander (visual effects supervisors)
Could nan VFX branch beryllium cool capable to cheque nan container for Elizabeth Banks’ bonkers horror-comedy flick astir a carnivore that mightiness person an addiction problem?
Listen, if they tin nominate “The Revenant” for clawing astatine Leonardo DiCaprio’s back, they tin admit nan accomplishment of a carnivore jumping into a moving ambulance that besides shows really good nan animals tin climb trees.
Also successful nan discussion: “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (Paramount); “Guardians of nan Galaxy Vol. 3” (Marvel Studios); “Transformers: Rise of nan Beasts” (Paramount Pictures)
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Sound: John Wick: Chapter 4
Image Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
Studio: Lionsgate
Artisans: Casey Genton, Andy Koyama, Chris Whiteside (re-recording mixers), Luke Gibleon Nick Interlandi (sound effects editor)
The Oscars person yet to clasp immoderate of nan “John Wick” outings and “Chapter 4” has nan champion changeable of immoderate of them pinch its aural designs of gunfire, screeching cars, and each different inanimate entity that kills a bad feline aliases non-fatally injures Keanu Reeves.
Also successful nan discussion: “Indiana Jones and nan Dial of Destiny” (Walt Disney Pictures); “M3gan” (Universal Pictures); “Spider-Man: Across nan Spider-Verse” (Sony Pictures)
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Makeup and Hairstyling: Guardians of nan Galaxy Vol. 3
Image Credit: ©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection
Studio: Marvel Studios
Artisans: Alexei Dmitriew (makeup section head), Cassie Russek (hair section head)
The first 2 installments of nan “Guardians” entries landed 1 Oscar nom each — constitution and hairstyling for nan first and ocular effects for nan second. With this 3rd having a decent container agency (not precisely a fixed for Marvel nowadays), nan last outing showcasing Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff’s standout transformations into Drax and Mantis and nan related symmetry of Zoe Saldaña and Karen Gillam arsenic Gamora and Nebula, mightiness person nan clearest pathway for recognition.
Also successful nan discussion: “Ant-Man and nan Wasp: Quantumania” (Marvel Studios); “Asteroid City” (Focus Features); “Infinity Pool” (Neon)
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Film Editing: Creed III
Image Credit: MGM
Studio: MGM
Artisan: Tyler Nelson and Jessica Baclesse (film editors)
Michael B. Jordan directs himself arsenic Adonis Creed pinch his awesome debut down nan camera. Much of it useful acknowledgment to nan film’s pacing provided by editors Tyler Nelson (“The Batman”) and Jessica Bacleese successful her characteristic debut. The existent contention surrounding Jonathan Majors will beryllium a hurdle to overcome, but we’ll spot really it affects nan film’s wide chances.
Also successful nan discussion: “Air” (Amazon Studios); “Past Lives” (A24); “Spider-Man: Across nan Spider-Verse” (Sony Pictures)
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Costume Design: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Image Credit: Dana Hawley/Lionsgate
Studio: Lionsgate
Artisan: Ann Roth (costume designer)
Costume designing fable Ann Roth has had 2 trips to nan Oscar podium pinch “The English Patient” (1997) and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2021). Writer and head Kelly Fremon Craig’s adjustment of Judy Blume’s celebrated coming-of-age communicative return spot successful nan 1970s pinch luscious threads. If a Rachel McAdams aliases an adapted screenplay nom is excessively ambitious, this could beryllium nan spot to debar a shutout.
Also successful nan discussion: “Air” (Amazon Studios); “Asteroid City” (Focus Features); “Chevalier” (Searchlight Pictures)
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Cinematography: Polite Society
Image Credit: Parisa Taghizadeh/Focus Features
Studio: Focus Features
Artisan: Ashley Connor
We came incredibly adjacent to seeing nan first female triumph nan cinematography class past twelvemonth pinch Mandy Walker (“Elvis”). With only 2 different women nominated successful history — Ari Wegner (“The Power of nan Dog”) and Rachel Morrison (“Mudbound”) — Ashley Connor’s camera activity connected nan action-comedy astir a Pakistani teen dreaming of being a stuntwoman packs a punch.
Best known for her predominant collaborations pinch Josephine Decker (“Madeline’s Madeline”), she makes adjacent magic pinch head Nida Manzoor that nan Academy could beryllium inspired to get down (if nan critics awards travel through).
Also successful nan discussion: “Air” (Amazon Studios); “Creed III” (MGM); “Past Lives” (A24)
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Production Design: Asteroid City
Image Credit: Focus Features
Studio: Focus Features
Artisans: Adam Stockhausen (production designer), Kris Moran (set decorator)
Wes Anderson has ever been an acquired taste. You’re either down pinch what he’s doing aliases not. One facet astir cinephiles tin work together connected are nan sets and designs of nan 1950s created by Oscar victor Stockhausen (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”) and BAFTA-nominated Moran (“Joker”). That spot could beryllium wherever Focus Features tin find a spot of traction.
Also successful nan discussion: “Air” (Amazon Studios); “Chevalier” (Searchlight Pictures); “Spider-Man: Across nan Spider-Verse” (Sony Pictures)
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Animated Feature: Nimona
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
Studio: Netflix
Artisans: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (directors), Roy Lee, Karen Ann Ryan, Julie Zackary (producers)
Netflix is caller disconnected taking location its first animated characteristic statuette pinch “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.” The streamer will apt beryllium hoping for a back-to-back play pinch Nick Bruno and Troy Quane’s adjustment of nan ND Stevenson schematic novel, which debuted astatine nan Annecy International Film Festival. With inclusive themes, delightful joke and terrific sound performances from Chloë Grace Moretz and Oscar victor Riz Ahmed, it’s a safe stake to popular up connected nan circuit.
Also successful nan discussion: “Elemental” (Pixar); “Spider-Man: Across nan Spider-Verse” (Sony Pictures); “Suzume” (Crunchyroll)
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Adapted Screenplay: BlackBerry
Image Credit: Courtesy of IFC Films
Studio: IFC Films
Written by: Matt Johnson, Matthew Miller (based connected “Losing nan Signal: The Untold Story Behind nan Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry” by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff)
Aside from nan amazingly effective turns from actors Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton, nan smartly humorous and entertaining look into creating a smarter compartment telephone is nan cool relative of “The Social Network” (2010) that’s still bubbling months aft its release. IFC hasn’t had a awesome Oscar subordinate since “Boyhood” (2014), but pinch nan correct push, possibly it tin spell nan measurement of sole screenplay players for illustration “Margin Call” (2011) aliases “The Ides of March” (2011) — possibly more?
Also successful nan discussion: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” (Lionsgate) – Kelly Fremon Craig (based connected nan caller by Judy Blume); “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (Neon) — Ariela Barer, Jordan Sjol, Daniel Goldhaber (based connected nan caller by Andreas Maim); “Spider-Man: Across nan Spider-Verse” (Sony Pictures) – Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Dave Callaham (based connected characters created by Marvel Comics)
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Original Screenplay: You Hurt My Feelings
Image Credit: Jeong Park
Studio: A24
Written by: Nicole Holofcener
Holofcener has been invited to nan Oscar statement earlier pinch her darkly witty “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (2018). She could beryllium successful nan operation again pinch her latest pinch Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who she worked pinch antecedently connected nan awesome “Enough Said” (2013). The tender dramedy has put her and nan prima successful nan awards discussion, pinch a beardown 95% connected Rotten Tomatoes. Indie Spirits could travel calling, but possibly more?
Also successful nan discussion: “Air” (Amazon Studios) – Alex Convery; “Past Lives” (A24) – Celine Song; “Somewhere successful Queens” (Roadside Attractions) – Ray Romano, Mark Stegemann
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Supporting Actress: Annie Gonzalez
Film: “Flamin’ Hot” (Searchlight Pictures)
The Oscar trope of nan supportive woman has been done dozens of times. However, Annie Gonzalez arsenic Judy Montañez, nan woman of Richard who useful relentlessly to execute nan American dream, is caller and spirited nether nan assured manus of debut characteristic head Eva Longoria. She’s a find successful nan movie that should lead her to much opportunities onscreen. Please don’t hide her.
Also successful nan discussion: Viola Davis (“Air”); Rachel McAdams, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” (Lionsgate); Melissa McCarthy, “The Little Mermaid” (Walt Disney Pictures)
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Supporting Actor: Chris Messina
Image Credit: Amazon Studios
Film: “Air” (Amazon Studios)
We’re not judge erstwhile Chris Messina’s Oscar infinitesimal will yet come, but nan man comes live arsenic sports supplier David Falk successful Ben Affleck’s sports drama. Delivering his Long Island type of Tom Cruise’s Jerry Maguire, he’s a memorable characteristic worthy of attention.
Also successful nan discussion: Glenn Howerton, “BlackBerry” (IFC Films); John Magaro, “Past Lives” (A24); Ray Romano, “Somewhere successful Queens” (Roadside Attractions);
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Best Actress: Teyana Taylor
Image Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features, Sundance Institute
Film: “A Thousand and One” (Focus Features)
Each twelvemonth there’s an indie darling that presents an acting showcase that will person admirers beating nan drum arsenic loudly arsenic possible. That’s what we person pinch Teyana Taylor’s heart-wrenching image of Inez, a female who kidnaps her boy from nan foster attraction strategy successful New York City. She’s relentless successful her pursuit of truth, and nan movie is expertly crafted acknowledgment to debut writer and head A.V. Rockwell.
Also successful nan discussion: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “You Hurt My Feelings” (A24); Greta Lee, “Past Lives” (A24); Trace Lysette “Monica” (IFC Films)
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Best Actor: Kelvin Harrison Jr
Image Credit: ©Searchlight Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
Film: “Chevalier” (Searchlight Pictures)
I’m not judge what much Kelvin Harrison Jr has to do to beryllium that he’s 1 of nan astir committed and breathtaking actors moving correct now, pinch a resume that includes “Luce,” “Waves” and now nan play play “Chevalier.” In nan tenderly executed film, he knows nan correct chords to deed and convey nan soul feelings of a tormented artist.
Also successful nan discussion: Matt Damon, “Air” (Amazon Studios); Jesse Garcia; “Flamin’ Hot” (Searchlight Pictures); Joaquin Phoenix, “Beau is Afraid” (A24)
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Director: Celine Song
Image Credit: A24
Film: “Past Lives” (A24)
Seven women person been nominated for champion head successful history, and an eighth campaigner is brewing. After nan Oscars grounded to nominate immoderate women for directing past year, pursuing 2 consecutive years of women winning nan category, debut filmmaker Celine Song looks to put them backmost connected way pinch her masterful “Past Lives.”
The movie is simply a tear-jerker that has nan powerfulness to alteration your cinematic DNA, fixed its powerhouse ensemble of actors (Greta Lee and John Magaro, who will beryllium successful nan hunt themselves). Watch retired for this movie to beryllium nan captious darling of nan season, thing A24 saw past twelvemonth pinch its large winner, “Everything Everywhere All astatine Once.”
Also successful nan discussion: Ben Affleck, “Air” (Amazon Studios); Michael B. Jordan, “Creed III” (MGM); Eva Longoria, “Flamin’ Hot” (Searchlight Pictures)
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Best Picture - Spider-Man: Across nan Spider-Verse
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Animation
Studio: Sony Pictures
Producers: Avi Arad, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Amy Pascal, Christina Steinberg
What much tin we opportunity regarding really freaking awesome this Sony Pictures sequel is? With groundbreaking imagery and an inclusive style, producers and co-writers Phil Lord and Chris Miller show why they’re among nan champion successful nan game. The container agency returns are helping arsenic well.
Three animated movies person been nominated for champion image successful Oscars history — “Beauty and nan Beast” (1991), “Up” (2009) and “Toy Story 3” (2010) — each nether nan Walt Disney banner. “Across nan Spider-Verse” is much than worthy to go nan fourth.
Also successful nan discussion: “Air” (Amazon Studios); “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (Lionsgate); “Past Lives” (A24)