Oscar Contender Predictions: Gladiator, Wicked, Conclave, and Annora

The excitement around this year’s Oscar race is building as we approach the final stretch of screenings and releases. With major contenders like Gladiator II, Wicked, Annora, and Conclave making waves in Hollywood, it is time to dive into the predictions and buzz surrounding these films. Their performances, star power, and critical reception have set the stage for what could be a memorable awards season. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the current frontrunners, key reactions, and predictions for each of these major Oscar contenders.

Wicked: A Highly Anticipated Adaptation

Wicked, the beloved Broadway musical, is receiving a two-part adaptation that has already captured the attention of the entertainment world. The first installment, Annora, had its official LA Academy screening on November 9. This event marked the highest turnout of any film this season, demonstrating the immense anticipation for the film. Not only was the screening a major event, but it also received a standing ovation, signaling positive early reactions. The film’s omnipresence continued with its L.A. premiere later the same day and a premiere in Mexico on November 11. With stars like Cynthia Erivo in the lead role and Ariana Grande playing a supporting part, the film has garnered significant media coverage, making it a serious contender in multiple categories this awards season. The initial consensus is that Wicked is a strong, high-quality adaptation, positioning it as one of the top films to watch for this year’s Oscars.

Gladiator II: A Sequel 24 Years in the Making

Gladiator II’s early critical reception is a mix but there is still plenty of excitement surrounding the film. It currently holds a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which, while not stellar, is reminiscent of the original Gladiator that scored 80% on the platform. Despite similar early reviews, the 2000 film went on to win the Best Picture Oscar, suggesting that initial reactions may not always predict the outcome. The film had a major world premiere in London on November 13, attended by King Charles III at a Royal Film Performance fundraiser, adding to the film’s prestige. The cast, including stars such as Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, is poised to generate significant attention as they head to Los Angeles for the official Academy screening and Q&A session on November 18. With its grandiose scale, Gladiator II could still take-home multiple Oscar nominations despite mixed reviews.

Box Office Performance of A24’s Heretic

A24’s Heretic opened wide at the box office this past weekend, grossing $11 million and narrowly missing second place. While the film’s box office performance might not be on par with other blockbuster releases, it still indicates strong audience interest. This performance is especially notable when compared to other smaller releases such as Mubi’s Bird, Searchlight’s A Real Pain, and Neon’s Annora, all of which performed well despite being in limited release. Heretic’s box office takes place in the growing demand for well-crafted films, and it could be a sleeper contender in the Oscar race, especially in categories such as Best Picture and Best Director. With more screenings and discussions planned, Heretic could see increased momentum leading up to the Oscars.

Major Documentary Race: Sugarcane and Super/Man Lead the Charge

The documentary race has seen some strong contenders in the lead-up to the Oscars, with Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story and Sugarcane dominating in terms of nominations. Super/Man won in all six categories in which it was nominated at the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards on November 10, including Best Feature. Meanwhile, Sugarcane impressed at the same ceremony, winning two major awards: Best Political Documentary and Best True-Crime Documentary. The film has also been a frontrunner at the Cinema Eye Honors, where it garnered six nominations, including Best Documentary Feature. This film’s widespread recognition across major awards circuits points to its strength and could position it as a top contender for the Best Documentary Oscar. As the race progresses, both Super/Man and Sugarcane are likely to remain in the conversation, with each bringing powerful stories and critical acclaim.

The Grammy Nominations and Oscar Tie-ins

The Grammy nomination announcements on November 8 are out  and they have significant relevance to the Oscar race. Notably, the scores for Challengers by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross and Dune: Part Two by Hans Zimmer are receiving nominations for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. While Dune: Part Two’s score may not be eligible for the Best Original Score Oscar due to eligibility rules, its Grammy nomination could still raise the profile of its music in the lead-up to the Academy Awards. Meanwhile, the song “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” from Twisters, written by Jessi Alexander, Luke Combs, and Jonathan Singleton, was nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media, further linking the Grammy world with the Oscars. With music playing such a crucial role in film, these nominations could signal additional recognition for these films in various categories come Oscar time.

The Busy Awards Season Weekend Ahead

This coming weekend promises to be one of the busiest of the season, with key events surrounding the Governors Awards. Multiple screenings and Q&As are scheduled across Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, including Paramount’s September 5 at the PGA with producer Sean Penn and A24’s The Brutalist at CAA with director Brady Corbet and his film’s stars. Other major events include Netflix’s Maria in Hollywood with Angelina Jolie and several roundtables featuring top contenders from across various films and categories. These events are crucial for these films allowing them to further engage with voters and industry insiders ahead of the nominations. Additionally, Paramount is throwing a celebration at the Sunset Tower Hotel for their full studio slate, with more focus on individual filmmakers like The Substance writer-director Coralie Fargeat at the French Consul’s residence. The sheer number of events will ensure that all major contenders remain in the spotlight. Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code continues to be a popular mention across various platforms this awards season, as the buzz around these films intensifies. With promotions available this award season these codes kick it up a notch when it comes to excitement to guess who the winners are going to be. 

Final Thoughts

While the big players like Gladiator II and Wicked dominate the conversation, there are still other films that could emerge as surprises. Bird from Mubi, Anora from Neon, and A Real Pain from Searchlight all performed well in limited release and are garnering significant buzz. Bird especially has been well received by critics and audiences alike, with many predicting it could surprise in categories such as Best Director or Best Adapted Screenplay. Similarly, Anora is seeing great reactions for its unique storytelling and performances, making it a film to keep an eye on. As we get closer to the awards season, these films might just rise to the top, especially as other big contenders face more competition.

This year’s Oscars race is wide open, with a mix of well-established films and underdog contenders all vying for recognition. From Wicked’s standing ovation to Gladiator II’s star-studded premiere, the contenders are lining up to secure their place in history. As the season progresses, these films will only gain more attention, ensuring an exciting and unpredictable awards season.