In a year like no other, who will take the ultimate Oscars crown? That’s the question that BLAKE & WANG P.A one of the top entertainment law firms Los Angeles alongside everyone else in the entertainment industry, is asking. After all, even this close to the ceremony, it’s near impossible to tell. Have we ever seen an Oscar race so hotly contested, yet with so little indication of who will reach the shortlist? It’s certainly a fascinating phenomenon to watch.
Tenet was an undeniable big splash in a difficult year, yet we see it actively avoided for the AMPAS site shortlists. Warner doesn’t seem to be campaigning for it, either- at least not as hard as The Way Back, The Little Things, and Judas and the Black Messiah. Are they hoping for a last-minute theatrical release to blast it to prominence?
Or will it be left off the list? No one seems sure. In a year we have Borat Subsequent Moviefilm as a serious contender, how likely are our guesses to be valid at all? Mank, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Promising Young Woman, Da 5 Bloods, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Soul, Nomadland, Minari… the list of potential hopefuls goes on, with no clear contender yet emerging. Nomadland is currently occupying a lot of attention, but that seems to shift almost weekly. Will it pay off with a spot on the list?
This may be a first for the industry, with the ceremony date almost on us. While each of these unique films is definitely worthy of consideration, the fact the field remains this wide opened is an Oscar first. With that in mind, we’re still perched on the edge of an ever-fluctuating sea of potential. Even Academy voters don’t seem sure where to cast their nets.
If nothing else, it’s a fascinating time to be watching the Oscar Race. Which is your favorite pick?
Film and Television 