First October Read of 2027 Race

Key Points:

• Scott has recently reviewed most high-profile awards hopeful films, with a few notable exceptions like Dune: Part Three and Madden still pending.
• He attended major film festivals including Toronto, Zurich, and Newport Beach, gaining insights into how awards contenders resonate with international Academy members amid a growing global voter base.
• The Elizabeth Holmes documentary by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim received rave reviews, record-breaking box office for a documentary, and strong support from Academy members, signaling potential for multiple Oscar nominations beyond documentary categories.
• Netflix's Spanish-language film La Bola Negra launched during company layoffs but is securing a strong theatrical run with an unprecedented 47-day exclusive window and impressive per-screen averages, marking it as a leading contender.
• Numerous events and screenings have facilitated interactions between Oscar hopefuls and voters, including moderated conversations with notable actors and filmmakers, Academy receptions, and the high-profile Academy Museum Gala, which raised $14 million and featured honorees like Charlize Theron and performance by Taylor Swift.