As film goers await the 96th Academy Awards that will take place in March later this year, the wait for the final list of nominations becomes all the nerve-wracking. However, since the announcement of winners at a few major awards ceremonies, there have been favourites set for the top categories at the Oscars this year. 

Barbie, Oppenheimer remain the obvious contenders

The best picture category have a few obvious tentpole contenders, along with a handful of contenders. Barbie and Oppenheimer, which released on the same day of July 21, had both emerged as critics’ favourites as well as commercial blockbusters. Therefore, it hasn’t been surprising that both Greta Gerwig and Christopher Nolan (for Barbie and Oppenheimer) have been nominated at each and every major award ceremony this season so far.  These two films remain the obvious favourites for best picture nomination.

Additionally, Martin Scorsese’s magnum opus about the killing of Osage community in the 1920s and 1930s, Killers of the Flower Moon is almost sure to bag a nomination for Best Picture.

Past Lives is one surprise entry to all major awards this year

While these 3 films remain the top favourites of most of the categories, Bradley Cooper’s poignant biographical drama Maestro too has emerged as another darling among critics this year. 

Another film that received a lot of acclaim this year was Celine Song’s heartwarming romance-drama Past Lives. Set in multiple timelines and locations, Past Lives won over critics and mainstream audience with its sensitivity. 

While the final list of nominations for Oscars will be announced on January 23, the 96th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 11 at 4.30am IST.