The buzz around potential Oscar contenders from the first half of 2024 has been quieter than usual. However, stars like Zendaya, Cannes winner Jesse Plemons, and Hollywood’s new “hit man,” Glen Powell, are among those aiming to stay relevant in the awards conversation through the end of the season.
Notable financial successes at the box office are worth celebrating. Warner Bros.’ sci-fi epic sequel, “Dune: Part Two,” could be the seventh film nominated in all seven technical categories, following its 2022 predecessor. Meanwhile, Pixar’s comeback, “Inside Out 2,” might vie for more than just a spot in the best-animated feature category.
This year also features several one-offs—films hoping for one or two nominations in a year likely to be dominated by legacy studios and streaming giants. As we approach the year’s midpoint, Variety is listing possible awards contenders in 20 of the 23 Oscar categories that could be in the running by year’s end.
Spotlight on Films and Performances
Amazon MGM’s “Challengers,” directed by Italian auteur Luca Guadagnino, features an impressive performance from Zendaya in a femme fatale role that could bring the 27-year-old her first Oscar nod. If the film can maintain momentum through the fall, it might also contend for original screenplay or a best picture slot.
Yorgos Lanthimos’s anthology film “Kinds of Kindness” may not appeal to everyone, but that’s typical for the Greek filmmaker’s bold projects (“The Favourite,” “The Killing of a Sacred Deer”). After its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, the black comedy garnered a best actor trophy for Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons (“The Power of the Dog”). Depending on whether he campaigns for lead or supporting actor, Plemons could earn his second nod. However, other nominations for the film might be a stretch.
Netflix is also in the race with the animated adaptation of the Japanese superhero “Ultraman: Rising” and, more notably, Richard Linklater’s dark rom-com “Hit Man.” The streamer acquired the film at TIFF in 2023, scoring another big win for star Glen Powell, who also co-wrote the script adapted from a Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth. Netflix aims to keep it on voters’ minds throughout the year, seeking at least some Golden Globes traction.
Franchise Films and Box Office Hits
Box office receipts fuel awards campaigns, which is why efforts from studios with franchise movies like DreamWorks Animation’s “Kung Fu Panda 4,” 20th Century Studios’ “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” and WB’s “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” are among the top 10 domestic grossers so far.
However, financial success alone isn’t enough. Sony’s “The Garfield Movie,” featuring Chris Pratt as the world-famous Monday-hating cat, has accumulated an impressive $207 million globally. But that won’t be sufficient to overcome the film’s critical panning and mount an Oscar campaign.
Challenges and Strategies
What happens when a movie struggles to attract audiences? Is the 81% Rotten Tomatoes score enough for Universal Pictures to push for recognition for David Leitch’s action-ode to stunt performers, “The Fall Guy”? Or perhaps a Golden Globes push in the comedy categories for stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt? It’s worth considering, especially for sound and editing, and with a stunt Oscar on the horizon.
The first official best picture rankings will be posted on Monday, July 1.