Oscar Nominations 2023: Early Predictions & Analysis

Hey movie buffs! It's that time of year again – awards season! And you know what that means: Oscar buzz! Everyone's talking about who's going to get nominated, who's going to win, and who's going to be snubbed. So, let's dive into some early predictions for the 2023 Oscar nominations. Now, remember, it’s still early, and a lot can change between now and nomination day. But hey, that's what makes it fun, right? We'll break down some of the top contenders in the major categories and discuss their chances.

Best Picture Predictions

Let's kick things off with the big one: Best Picture. This year seems to be packed with potential nominees.

• "The Fabelmans": Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film is already generating massive buzz. It's a coming-of-age story about a young filmmaker, and honestly, Spielberg directing a movie about filmmaking? That's Oscar bait right there. The film explores themes of family, ambition, and the magic of cinema, and with Spielberg's personal connection to the material, it's expected to resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike. Expect strong performances and breathtaking cinematography. Its universal themes and Spielberg's undeniable mastery make it a frontrunner.
• "Everything Everywhere All at Once": This one is a wild card, but in the best possible way. It's a mind-bending, genre-defying film that's been getting rave reviews since its release. The film's originality and inventiveness could make it a serious contender. This movie has captured the hearts and minds of viewers with its poignant story, combined with jaw-dropping action sequences. Michelle Yeoh's performance is particularly noteworthy, and the film's exploration of family dynamics and existential themes has struck a chord with many. If the Academy is looking to reward originality and daring filmmaking, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" could be a major player.
• "The Banshees of Inisherin": A dark comedy-drama directed by Martin McDonagh. Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, expect strong performances and sharp writing. McDonagh is known for his unique blend of humor and pathos, and this film appears to be no exception. Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, the film explores themes of friendship, isolation, and the human condition. Farrell and Gleeson's chemistry is expected to be a highlight, and the film's stunning visuals will likely contribute to its appeal. Its unique setting, strong performances, and McDonagh's distinctive voice make it a strong contender.
• "Tár": Starring Cate Blanchett as a renowned composer and conductor, this film is already generating buzz for its complex and nuanced portrayal of power and ambition. Blanchett's performance is being hailed as one of the best of her career. "Tár" delves into the world of classical music and explores the challenges and pressures faced by those at the top of their field. The film's sophisticated themes and Blanchett's magnetic presence make it a must-see for awards season. It will probably be a contender for many awards.
• "Women Talking": Based on Miriam Toews' novel, this drama tackles difficult and timely issues. With a strong ensemble cast and a powerful message, "Women Talking" has the potential to be a major awards contender. The film centers on a group of women in an isolated religious community who grapple with the aftermath of sexual assault. It explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and empowerment. Expect intense performances and thought-provoking dialogue. Its topical themes and strong performances make it a potential frontrunner.

Keep in mind that these are just a few of the films that could be in contention for Best Picture. Other possibilities include "Babylon," "Avatar: The Way of Water," "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," and "She Said." The race is far from over, and there will be plenty of surprises along the way.

Best Director Predictions

The Best Director category is often closely tied to Best Picture, but not always! Here are some directors who might be in the running:

• Steven Spielberg ("The Fabelmans"): Spielberg is a legend, and the Academy loves to reward legends. If "The Fabelmans" is a hit, expect Spielberg to be nominated. His personal connection to the story and his undeniable mastery of the craft make him a strong contender. Directing a film about filmmaking, he brings his expertise to the fore, and this could be his moment.
• Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert ("Everything Everywhere All at Once"): Known collectively as "The Daniels," these guys have created something truly unique. If the Academy embraces "Everything Everywhere All at Once," they'll likely be nominated. Their inventive and imaginative direction has made the film a critical darling and a commercial success. If the Academy wants to reward originality and daring filmmaking, these guys could be a good choice.
• Martin McDonagh ("The Banshees of Inisherin"): McDonagh is a critically acclaimed director with a unique voice. "The Banshees of Inisherin" seems perfectly suited to his sensibilities, and his nomination is very likely. His skill to mix humor and pathos is top-notch. The film's unique setting, strong performances, and McDonagh's distinctive voice make him a strong contender.
• Todd Field ("Tár"): Field is a respected filmmaker, and "Tár" is already generating awards buzz. If the film resonates with the Academy, he could easily find himself in the running. His return to directing after a long hiatus has generated considerable excitement. "Tár" delves into the world of classical music and explores the challenges and pressures faced by those at the top of their field. The film's sophisticated themes and Blanchett's magnetic presence make it a must-see for awards season.
• Sarah Polley ("Women Talking"): Polley is a talented actress and director, and "Women Talking" is her most ambitious project to date. If the film connects with audiences and critics, she could be a strong contender. "Women Talking" is thought-provoking and could strike a chord with Academy members.

Again, this is just a preliminary list. Other directors who could be in the mix include James Cameron ("Avatar: The Way of Water"), Damien Chazelle ("Babylon"), and Gina Prince-Bythewood ("The Woman King").

Best Actor Predictions

Alright, let's move on to the acting categories, starting with Best Actor.

• Brendan Fraser ("The Whale"): Fraser's performance in "The Whale" is already generating Oscar buzz. He's playing a very different kind of role than what we're used to seeing from him. He has garnered recognition for his committed acting in the film. His emotional depth and transformation could make him a winner.
• Austin Butler ("Elvis"): Butler's transformation into Elvis Presley has been widely praised. He completely embodies the King of Rock and Roll. The role of Elvis is iconic, and Butler's performance is a tour de force.
• Colin Farrell ("The Banshees of Inisherin"): Farrell is one of the most versatile actors working today, and his performance in "The Banshees of Inisherin" is said to be among his best. His chemistry with Gleeson is a highlight.
• Bill Nighy ("Living"): Nighy is a veteran actor with a long and distinguished career. His performance in "Living" is generating buzz for its subtlety and emotional depth. The movie is a remake of Akira Kurosawa's "Ikiru".
• Hugh Jackman ("The Son"): Jackman's performance in "The Son" is earning him rave reviews for its raw emotion and vulnerability. He is another well-regarded actor. The Son explores family dynamics and the challenges of parenthood.

Other potential nominees include Jeremy Pope ("The Inspection") and Daniel Giménez Cacho ("Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths").

Best Actress Predictions

Now, let's take a look at the Best Actress category.

• Cate Blanchett ("Tár"): Blanchett is a two-time Oscar winner. Her performance in "Tár" is already being hailed as one of the best of her career. The actress is very versatile and skilled.
• Michelle Yeoh ("Everything Everywhere All at Once"): Yeoh is getting massive praise for her performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once." She showcases her acting prowess. The actress has proven that she can do everything.
• Danielle Deadwyler ("Till"): Deadwyler's performance in "Till" is generating a lot of buzz. She plays Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, who was brutally murdered in 1955. It is an important and timely film.
• Olivia Colman ("Empire of Light"): Colman is an Oscar winner and one of the most respected actresses working today. Her performance in "Empire of Light" is generating strong reviews. The film is directed by Sam Mendes.
• Viola Davis ("The Woman King"): Davis is an Oscar winner and a powerhouse performer. Her performance in "The Woman King" is generating buzz for its strength and intensity. She plays Nanisca, the leader of an all-female warrior unit in the Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1820s.

Other actresses who could be in the running include Margot Robbie ("Babylon") and Ana de Armas ("Blonde").

Other Key Categories

Of course, there are plenty of other categories to consider! Here are a few quick thoughts on some of them:

• Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan ("Everything Everywhere All at Once") seems like a lock. Ben Whishaw ("Women Talking") and Brendan Gleeson ("The Banshees of Inisherin") are also strong contenders.
• Best Supporting Actress: Kerry Condon ("The Banshees of Inisherin") is getting a lot of buzz. Jamie Lee Curtis ("Everything Everywhere All at Once") and Hong Chau ("The Whale") could also be in the mix.
• Best Original Screenplay: "The Fabelmans," "Everything Everywhere All at Once," and "The Banshees of Inisherin" are all likely contenders.
• Best Adapted Screenplay: "Women Talking," "The Whale," and "She Said" could be in the running.
• Best Animated Feature: This is always a competitive category. "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio," "Turning Red," and "Strange World" are some of the potential nominees.

Final Thoughts

Okay, guys, that's a wrap on my early Oscar nominations predictions! Remember, a lot can change between now and the actual nominations. But hopefully, this gives you a good overview of some of the top contenders and the key races to watch. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for another exciting awards season! What are your predictions? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: These are just predictions, and the actual nominations may vary.