MANILA, Philippines — There are four seasons in some parts of the world. In the world of cinema lovers, there’s an unofficial fifth season and it is known to every cinephile as the Oscar season.
The season starts in early September when the fall festival trifecta of Venice, Toronto, and Telluride launch prestige titles competing for Oscar attention. In the US, there are more than 600 film festivals across the country during the year.
This season, the front runners have already been anointed. Here are the buzziest films and performances jockeying for position for the biggest prize in all of showbiz.
Leading the pack is “Anora,” the surprise film that bowed much earlier in the year and won the coveted Palme d’Or at Cannes last May.
“Anora” is a modern-day Cinderella story. It tells the story of Ani, a young sex worker from Brooklyn whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets and impulsively marries Vanya, the impetuous son of a Russian billionaire.
The film is the most satisfying movie of the year. It is this writer’s top favorite. It features strong performances from Mikey Madison, who plays the titular character, and from Yura Borisov, a Russian actor who plays a stereotypical henchman (or so it seems, wink, wink!).
Indie stalwart Sean Baker, the director, is the top favorite for an Oscar. He previously directed the acclaimed films “The Florida Project” and “Red Rocket.”
Jockeying at the top with “Anora” is a film from another independent filmmaker Brady Corbet, who won the Silver Lion for Best Director in Venice for “The Brutalist.”
The movie tells the epic biographical story of visionary Hungarian architect László Toth who moves to America to rebuild his life, his work, and his marriage to his wife Erzsébet after being forced apart during World War 2.
The story is fictional, not unlike the movie about the legendary conductor Lydia Tár from the movie “Tár” two years ago. The movie is being compared to “Citizen Kane” by many critics. Oscar-winner Adrien Brody plays László, and he is again in the running for Best Actor for his tour de force performance.
The third movie in the race is the Vatican suspense-drama “Conclave.” The film premiered at Telluride. The festival does not give prizes, but its carefully curated selection always ends up in the Oscar race.
From German director Edward Berger (“All Quiet on the Western Front”), “Conclave” follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient rituals — selecting a new Pope.
Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. This is this writer’s second favorite film of the year. Fiennes is the frontrunner for Best Actor. Isabella Rossellini, who plays the pivotal part of Sister Agnes, is a strong contender for Best Supporting Actress.
In the fourth spot is an unlikely title from a month ago. “Wicked” has yet to open in theaters, but it has generated strong buzz from early screenings that many Oscar prognosticators have put this movie in the Top 5.
“Wicked” is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Directed by Jon Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians”), the movie stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart.
The movie is divided into two parts, the first part will be released in theaters this week and the conclusion next year. The movie is tipped to be nominated for Best Picture, Supporting Actress for Grande, and Best Director for Chu.
In fifth is a sequel to the 2000 Oscar Best Picture winner “Gladiator.”
From legendary director Ridley Scott, “Gladiator II” continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome.
Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist.
Similar to “Wicked”, “Gladiator II” is only set to open in theaters this week, but it has already received advance buzz elevating it to the top of the Oscar race. The movie is tipped for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington, who plays the villainous emperor.
Other titles in the race for Best Picture are:
“Emilia Pérez.” It is a French musical crime comedy film about a feared cartel leader who enlists a lawyer to help her disappear and achieve her dream of transitioning into a woman.
The film won Best Actress honors at Cannes for its lead stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez.
“Dune: Part Two.” In the sequel to the 2021 Oscar-winning film adaptation of the Frank Herbert sci-fi classic, Canadian filmmaker Denis Villenueve is again expected to receive a nomination for Best Director. The film is the leading contender in the technical categories.
“Sing Sing.” The film originally launched in Toronto in 2023 but did not receive distribution until this year. It is an independent American drama based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison. The film’s lead star, Colman Domingo, is a strong contender for Best Actor.
“The Substance.” The satirical body horror film features a sensational comeback performance from Demi Moore. It follows a fading celebrity who uses an illicit serum that creates a much younger version of herself with unexpected side effects. Winner for Best Screenplay at Cannes this year.
Contesting the 10th spot are two highly emotional films: “A Real Pain,” a comedy drama written, directed, and produced by actor Jesse Eisenberg, about two mismatched cousins on a trip to retrace their ancestry in Europe; and “The Nickel Boys,” a historical drama inspired by the notorious reform school called the Dozier School for Boys in Florida, known for its abusive treatment of students.
Three films from Hollywood superstars Angelina Jolie (“Maria”), Julianne Moore (“The Room Next Door”), and Nicole Kidman (“Babygirl”) are also getting some buzz but will likely end up with just nominations for their performances.