The Academy Awards race has officially begun, and the buzz around the contenders is already heating up. On August 9, 2024, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences launched its official screening room, making the first batch of films available for its members. Among the early entries are "Thelma" from Magnolia Pictures, "Shirley," "Hit Man," and the animated feature "Ultraman: Rising," all from Netflix. Additionally, Oscilloscope Laboratories has put forward "Wildcat." This initial list is expected to expand as more films are released and considered for the prestigious awards.
For the upcoming 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025, the stakes are already high. The Academy has set the bar for studio films at $20,000 and $8,000 for independent movies for submission costs, reflecting the competitive nature of the race.
"Thelma" is generating significant interest, especially for its leading actress, June Squibb. At 94 years old, Squibb stars as a grandmother who takes a stand against an online scam targeting the elderly. Magnolia Pictures is positioning this film to draw Oscar voters' attention, not just for Squibb’s performance but also for potential Golden Globe nominations in the Comedy/Musical category.
Netflix is making waves with "Hit Man," a comedy directed by Richard Linklater. The film features Glen Powell in a standout role, donning various disguises based on real-life events. Having premiered last September at the Venice Film Festival, "Hit Man" is aiming for strong awards traction.
Another Netflix entry, "Shirley," features Regina King in a compelling role as Shirley Chisholm, who in 1972 became the first Black woman to seek the Democratic presidential nomination. This film is not only timely given recent political developments but also stands out due to its powerful portrayal of Chisholm’s historic campaign. John Ridley, the film’s writer and director, recently discussed its relevance on MSNBC, which could further boost its campaign.
"Wildcat," which premiered at Telluride last year, has received accolades for director Ethan Hawke and his daughter, Maya, who stars as the celebrated American novelist Flannery O'Connor. The film’s critical reception is likely to keep it in the conversation as the awards season progresses.
"Ultraman: Rising," from Netflix’s animated lineup, is also in the mix. Following the success of Guillermo del Toro’s "Pinocchio," Netflix continues to push its animated features for Oscar consideration.
The Academy’s screening room provides members with various viewing options, including through Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, and soon, Amazon Fire TV. This platform not only facilitates access to the films but also includes additional content such as Academy Museum programming and sessions on unconscious bias.
With fall festivals like Venice, Telluride, and Toronto approaching, the Oscar race is about to gain even more momentum. As the season unfolds, the contenders will continue to vie for attention, and the race for the 2025 Oscars promises to be as dynamic and competitive as ever. Buckle up, because it’s going to be an exciting ride!
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