As the red carpet is rolled out and the champagne chills, Hollywood is gearing up to crown the best film of the year at this Sunday’s Oscars, with “Anora” and “Cónclave” emerging as front-runners. The unusual awards season, marked by the devastating Los Angeles fires and a scandal over racist social media posts, is set to culminate in the 97th Academy Awards, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien starting at 4:00 pm local time (12:00 am GMT on Monday).
The Favorites
As stars make last-minute adjustments to their outfits, the air is thick with uncertainty about the top prize. “There will be real tension,” predicted Jacqueline Coley, awards editor at Rotten Tomatoes. “I’d say that if ‘Cónclave’ doesn’t win, it’ll definitely go to ‘Anora’.” Directed by Sean Baker, “Anora” is the most awarded film so far, telling the story of a dancer and sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, only to discover that her dream marriage is actually a nightmare. This low-budget independent production won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and received accolades from critics and Hollywood guilds. However, it has also sparked controversy due to its depiction of sex work, according to Coley.
On the other hand, “Cónclave,” which revolves around the secretive process of electing a new Catholic Church leader, seems to have gained momentum, particularly with the current health issues faced by Pope Francis. Released by Focus Features, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, and starring Ralph Fiennes, the film won the best picture award at the British BAFTAs and best ensemble at the Hollywood actors’ union ceremony. “It’s an old-school suspense thriller with an all-star cast,” said Coley. An anonymous voter told AFP that they voted for the film because it’s “more traditional and classic for the best picture category.”
A Close Race
Experts are hesitant to make definitive predictions, with Scott Feinberg, an awards expert at The Hollywood Reporter, noting that “nobody can really give the final word” on the outcome. “Both sides are more nervous than confident… that should be a sign that this is a really tight race,” he told AFP. With the competition heating up, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the coveted award.
A Historic First
Brazil, which has never won an Oscar, is crossing its fingers that “Aún estoy aquí” (I’m Still Here), a film about the disappearance of former congressman Rubens Paiva and the resistance of his wife Eunice during the country’s last dictatorship (1964-1985), will bring home its first golden statuette. Directed by Walter Salles, the film is nominated for best picture and best international feature, and its star, Fernanda Torres, is also in the running for best actress after surprising everyone by winning a Golden Globe.
Records and Rivalries
Adrien Brody, who plays a talented architect and Holocaust survivor in “The Brutalist,” is the favorite to win the best actor Oscar. However, Timothée Chalamet, who received widespread critical acclaim for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” could still upset the odds. At 29, Chalamet could break Brody’s record as the youngest actor to win in the category, set in 2003 for his performance in “The Pianist.” Brody is “the safest bet” this year, according to Feinberg.
A Triumphal Return
There could be an even younger winner among the actresses if the wave of support for “Anora” also lifts its star, Mikey Madison, 25. However, this would mean beating out Demi Moore, a megastar of the 1990s experiencing a professional resurgence thanks to the horror film “The Substance,” and Brazilian actress Torres, who has gained momentum in the final stretch. “Hollywood loves comeback stories,” noted the anonymous voter who spoke to AFP. On the other hand, the odds seem to be against Karla Sofía Gascón, embroiled in a scandal over old racist tweets, although her co-star Zoe Saldaña is a favorite to win the best supporting actress Oscar.
Kieran Culkin, meanwhile, is a strong contender for the best supporting actor Oscar for his role in “A Real Pain,” a charismatic but troubled cousin who travels to Poland in search of his family roots. As the ceremony approaches, anticipation is building for a night of glamour, excitement, and memorable moments.
Moments to Remember
The ceremony, hosted for the first time by Conan O’Brien, promises to be an emotional and unforgettable experience. There will be a tribute to the firefighters who battled the devastating Los Angeles fires that killed at least 29 people in January. The stars of “Wicked,” Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, will deliver a musical performance that promises to be unforgettable. For the first time, the ceremony will be broadcast on the Hulu platform, in addition to the ABC television network.
Sources: AFP