What Surprises Are Coming?
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Oscar nomination voting has closed, revealing a more unpredictable race than expected, with some categories locked and others poised for significant surprises reminiscent of the 2003 Oscars.
- Joseph Kosinski’s “F1” is gaining strong support, especially among older Academy voters, and could secure a best picture nomination alongside tech nods, leveraging nostalgia and industry respect.
- The international film category faces vote splitting due to multiple strong non-English films competing for attention, with Norway’s “Sentimental Value” leading but others like France’s “It Was Just an Accident” at risk of being snubbed.
- The director category may hinge on the Academy’s surplus vote redistribution system, potentially benefiting secondary contenders and making this one of the tightest races in years.
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