The 35th Gotham Awards have officially kicked off the Oscar season, maintaining tradition as the first award show of the cycle. This year’s nominations spotlighted 40 feature films and 25 performances across ten categories, with “One Battle After Another” emerging as a prominent contender, garnering six nominations—a robust beginning for the film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
However, the nominations have sparked conversation regarding notable omissions. Noteworthy films such as Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” featuring Timothée Chalamet, and Bradley Cooper’s “Is This Thing On?” with Will Arnett and Laura Dern, were absent from the list. According to insiders, these films were ineligible for consideration as they were not ready by the Gotham nominating deadline despite generating positive buzz during their premieres at the New York Film Festival.
The Gothams might not directly predict Oscar victories, but they play a crucial role in elevating indie and international films in the marketplace. Notable past winners such as “Moonlight” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once” illustrate how early recognition can provide momentum throughout the awards race.
The Best Feature category this year features contenders such as “Bugonia,” “East of Wall,” and “Familiar Touch,” although films like “Sinners” and “Sentimental Value,” which are strong Oscar contenders, were conspicuously left out. “Bugonia,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and featuring stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, may leverage this nomination to gain momentum, as it has recently slipped in the odds.
In the Best Director category, the Gothams showcased a significant international influence, recognizing directors such as Jafar Panahi and Kelly Reichardt, but the absence of Chloé Zhao for “Hamnet” has raised eyebrows, given her strong standing in Oscar projections.
The Leading Performance category delivered surprises as well, with established names like Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael B. Jordan missing from the nominations. Instead, Ethan Hawke and Lee Byung-hun received nods, suggesting a shift in focus within the category. A nomination could propel Moura’s chances in the awards race, already seeing a rise in his odds following recent performances.
Margaret Buckley’s continued recognition for “Hamnet” keeps her at the top of the Best Actress race, while nominations for lesser-known actors like Rose Byrne and Amanda Seyfried could lead to unexpected shifts in Oscar contention. The Best Supporting category highlighted the performances of Teyana Taylor and Benicio Del Toro, alongside a unique inclusion of both Alexander and Stellan Skarsgård, who received nominations for different films.
The Gotham Awards may not solely define an Oscar hopeful’s journey, but they certainly provide a platform that can amplify a quieter film’s presence, fueling excitement as we move closer to the Academy Awards.