This year’s Oscars for Best Picture have shaped up to be particularly competitive, presenting a range of strong contenders. The frontrunner, “Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, has garnered significant attention after winning the Palme d’Or. The film tells the story of a stripper who unexpectedly marries the son of a Russian oligarch, intertwining themes of love and power.
Other notable films in the race include “The Brutalist,” an ambitious epic directed by Brady Corbet, and “Conclave,” a gripping papal thriller that recently secured top honors at the BAFTAs, which are often seen as a precursor to the Oscars. With these diverse narratives, viewers can expect a thrilling awards season ahead.
As the Academy Awards ceremony approaches on March 2, the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) on Sunday may provide key insights into the eventual Oscar winner. Historically, the SAGs have correctly predicted the Oscar’s Best Picture winner in four out of the last five years. The SAG Awards celebrate outstanding performances in both film and television, with nominees including the film musical “Wicked” and the FX series “Shogun.”
Viewers can catch the two-hour SAG Awards ceremony starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time (5 p.m. Pacific) at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. For the second consecutive year, the event will be streamed live exclusively on Netflix, requiring a subscription for viewing.
This year’s Oscars could be a turning point, perhaps reflecting an industry eager for fresh narratives and diverse stories. As audiences await the outcomes, it is hopeful to see creativity and storytelling celebrated on such a grand scale.