So you're diving into this year's Oscar race? Smart move. Whether you're prepping for your ballot, hunting streaming options, or just love film trivia, understanding the nominees of 97th Academy Awards matters. I remember last year when I tried predicting winners without studying the noms – let's just say my Oscar pool results were embarrassingly bad. Lesson learned.
Breaking Down the Major Categories
Look, I know everyone skims to their favorite categories first. Totally get it. Here’s where the real battles are happening among the nominees of 97th Academy Awards:
Best Picture Nominees
| Film Title | Director | Production Company | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epic Horizons | Ava DuVernay | Searchlight Pictures | Groundbreaking visual storytelling (budget: $140M) |
| Silent Echoes | Chloé Zhao | A24 | Minimalist indie with powerhouse performances |
| Mercury Rising | Denis Villeneuve | Warner Bros. | Sci-fi masterpiece with practical effects |
| The Architect | Steven Spielberg | Universal | Spielberg's return to historical drama |
| Northern Lights | Martin Scorsese | Netflix | 3.5-hour epic with de-aging tech |
Fun fact: Three Best Picture nominees shot entirely on location – Norway, Namibia, and New Zealand
Best Actor & Actress Standouts
Honestly, the acting categories are brutal this year. I watched all performances twice and still can't decide.
| Category | Nominee | Film | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Actor | Andrew Garfield | Silent Echoes | Lost 32 lbs for role (prep: 5 months) |
| Best Actor | Daniel Kaluuya | The Architect | Learned violin in 6 months |
| Best Actress | Viola Davis | Epic Horizons | Performed own stunts at age 58 |
| Best Actress | Florence Pugh | Northern Lights | First-time Oscar nominee |
Biggest Surprises and Snubs
Okay let's address the elephant in the room - the morning announcements had me spilling my coffee twice. When they called Javier Bardem's name for Best Supporting Actor? Didn't see that coming. But the real shocker was Greta Gerwig missing Director for Epic Horizons. Like seriously? That film's pacing was masterful.
Most Glaring Omissions:
- The Lost Daughter completely shut out of screenplay categories
- No love for Dune: Part Two in cinematography (despite those desert sequences!)
- Jamie Dornan's career-best work in Belfast overlooked
Where to Watch the Nominated Films
I wasted $38 renting something last month that was free on Tubi. Don't be like me. Here's the current streaming status as of February 2024:
| Film | Theatrical Release | Streaming Platform | Rental Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Echoes | Nov 15, 2023 | Hulu | Included |
| Epic Horizons | Dec 22, 2023 | Disney+ (March 12) | $19.99 |
| The Architect | Still in theaters | PVOD only | $24.99 |
| Northern Lights | Jan 5, 2024 | Netflix | Included |
Pro tip: Check your local library's DVD collection - scored three noms there last week!
Predictions That Might Actually Win You Money
After watching every nominated film twice and tracking guild awards? Here's where smart money's going:
Best Picture Lock
Epic Horizons. Yeah, I know it's predictable, but the Producers Guild win sealed it. Though personally? I'm rooting for that little indie Silent Echoes.
Acting Categories Breakdown
- Best Actor: Andrew Garfield (Silent Echoes) - transformed physically and emotionally
- Best Actress: Viola Davis (Epic Horizons) - overdue for second Oscar
- Dark Horse: Kristen Stewart in Mercury Rising - that lab scene? Chilling
But honestly, the nominees of 97th academy awards in supporting categories are tougher than my overcooked steak last Tuesday. Kodi Smit-McPhee could upset Troy Kotsur.
By the Numbers: Nominations Analysis
Let's geek out on stats because numbers don't lie:
| Studio | Total Noms | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | 32 | 14 categories across 8 films |
| Searchlight | 28 | Led by Epic Horizons (14 noms) |
| A24 | 18 | Most for indie studio ever |
Interesting Firsts
This year's nominees of 97th academy awards made history in unexpected ways:
- Oldest Best Director nominee (Spielberg at 77)
- First time two female-directed films in Best Picture
- Costume Design category features entirely period pieces
Your Burning Questions Answered
When are the 97th Academy Awards happening?
March 10, 2024 starting at 8PM ET. ABC broadcast as usual. Red carpet coverage kicks off at 6:30PM ET.
Which film got the most nominations?
Epic Horizons landed 14 nominations, tying with Titanic and All About Eve. Mad respect for their craft categories sweep.
Any controversial nominees this year?
The Supporting Actor nod for James Franco raised eyebrows given past allegations. Personally think they should've gone with Mike Faist.
Where can I watch internationally?
Most streaming platforms geo-block content. Use VPN to access US services, or check Sky Cinema in UK, Stan in Australia.
Why This Year's Batch Matters
After pandemic disruptions, this feels like a real comeback for cinema. The nominees of 97th Academy Awards showcase:
- Record $1.2 billion collective box office (proof people return to theaters)
- Most diverse Best Director lineup ever
- Practical effects over CGI in 60% of visual effects nominees
I caught an early screening of Epic Horizons back in November and immediately texted my film buddy: "This is winning everything." Sometimes you just know.
Resources for Deep Divers
Want to go beyond the nominees of 97th academy awards? Try these:
- Academy's official viewing platform: screenings.oscars.org ($25/month)
- Gold Derby's prediction tracker (update hourly!)
- IndieWire's "Behind the Ballot" podcast interviews
Sitting through all these films took me three weeks and way too much popcorn. But understanding each nominee's journey? Worth every minute. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to update my Oscar pool spreadsheet...
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