The Oscar Narrative: First 2024 Nomination Predictions - Best Actress

First 2024 Nomination Predictons

Fantasia Barrino "The Color Purple"

Annette Bening "NYAD"

Greta Lee "Past Lives"

Carey Mulligan "Maestro"

Margot Robbie "Barbie"

Other Contenders - Sandra Huller "Anatomy of a Fall", Emma Stone "Poor Things", Natalie Portman "May December", Cailee Spaeny "Priscilla", Phoebe Dynevor "Fair Play", Jodie Comer "The Bikeriders", Vanessa Kirby "Napoleon", Joanna Scanlan “After Love”, Jane Levy "A Little Prayer", Jessica Lange "Long Day's Journey Into Night", Helen Mirren "Golda", Aunjanue Ellis "Origin", Aunjanue Ellis "The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat", Jessica Chastain "Mother's Instinct", Nicole Kidman "Holland, Michigan", Saoirse Ronan "Foe", Halle Bailey “The Little Mermaid”, Julia Louis-Dreyfus “You Hurt My Feelings”, Abby Ryder Fortson "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.", Michelle Williams “Showing Up”, Charlotte Rampling “Juniper”, Lily McInerny “Palm Trees and Power Lines”, Lubna Azabal “The Blue Caftan”, Jennifer Lawrence "No Hard Feelings", Priya Kansara "Polite Society", Joely Mbundu “Tori and Lokita”, Rosy McEwen "Blue Jean", Margaret Qualley "Sanctuary", Teyana Taylor “A Thousand and One”, Kristine Kujath Thorp “Sick of Myself”

Commentary - This race definitely feels in flux depending on the strikes, the reception of certain contenders, and whether contenders will go lead or supporting. Margot Robbie seems like a shoo-in at this point as Barbie just continues to be a film phenomenon, and she is a previous nominee that is popular with these voters. Past Lives continues to have pundits buzzing, and I think that Greta Lee with breakthrough. Maestro might have some controversy heading into its premiere, but if it can overcome it, watch out for previous nominee Carey Mulligan. Annette Bening is one of those actors that is so overdue for an Oscar it is ridiculous. NYAD has a great subject matter, is a biopic (which voter loves), and she definitely has the narrative to win. Finally, if The Color Purple stays in 2023, Fantasia Barrino could be a force to reckon with. She apparently was fantastic during her stage run as Celie, and this role has earned actors like Whoopi Goldberg, LaChanze, and Cynthia Erivo major awards and nominations. It is the kind of awards-magnet role that voters love. Beyond those five though, there are a lot of folks to watch out for. Sandra Huller from the Palme d'Or winner Anatomy of a Fall could be the latest foreigh-language performance to breakthrough. Natalie Portman got great reviews for May December. Emma Stone pairing up with Yorgos Lanthimos again could bring another Oscar nod. Cailee Spaeny has a potential breakthrough role in Priscilla, BAFTA Winner Joanna Scanlan will finally be eligible for an Oscar after the film finally premiered stateside. Jodie Comer has been on an awards streak, which could continue with The Bikeriders, and Phoebe Dynevor of Bridgerton fame is getting a lot of buzz for Fair Play. Don't forget previous nominees and winners like Vanessa Kirby, Jessica Lange, Helen Mirren, Nicole Kidman, Saoirse Ronan, Jennifer Lawrence, Charlotte Rampling, and Michelle Williams. Newcomers like Halle Bailey and Abby Ryder Fortson are formidable, as are veterans like Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Finally, watch out for Margaret Qualley, Lily McInerny, Teyana Taylor, and others. 

The Oscar Narrative: First 2024 Nomination Predictions - Best Supporting Actor

First 2024 Nomination Predictions

Robert DeNiro "Killers of the Flower Moon"

Colman Domingo "The Color Purple"

Robert Downey Jr. "Oppenheimer" 

Ryan Gosling "Barbie"

John Magaro "Past Lives"

Other Contenders - Willem Dafoe "Poor Things", Jesse Plemons "Killers of the Flower Moon", Charles Melton "May December", Matt Damon "Oppenheimer", Glynn Turman "Rustin", Samuel L. Jackson "The Piano Lesson", Ben Affleck “Air”, Jason Bateman “Air”, Chris Messina "Air", Chris Tucker “Air”, Jeremy Allen White "The Iron Claw", Richard E. Grant "Saltburn", Jacob Elrodi "Priscilla', Mark Ruffalo "Poor Things", Ramy Youssef "Poor Things", Holt McCallany "The Iron Claw", Michael Shannon "The Bikeriders", Benedict Cumberbatch "The Book of Clarence", Harris Dickinson "The Iron Claw", Joel Edgerton "The Boys in the Boat", Edward Norton "Asteroid City", Jeffrey Wright "Asteroid City", Tom Hanks "Asteroid City", Jason Schwartzman "Asteroid City", Glenn Howerton "BlackBerry", Jonathan Tucker “Palm Trees and Power Lines”, Matt Bomer "Maestro", Gael Garcia Bernal "Holland, Michigan", Christopher Abbott "Poor Things", Noah Galvin "Theater Camp", Louis Gossett Jr. "The Color Purple", Matthew Macfadyen "Holland, Michigan", Seth Rogen "Dumb Money", Sebastian Stan "Dumb Money"

Commentary - Is Ryan Gosling Kenough for Oscar voters? I think so. His kind of all-out comedic performance is reminiscent of Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids, Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder, and Kevin Kline in A Fish Called Wanda. I also expect Robert Downey Jr. to return for Oppenheimer, and he has the story and the overdue factor going for him. Out of Cannes we know that Robert DeNiro is fantastic in Killers of the Flower Moon, and he has been an Oscar rebound in the last decade. I think Past Lives is really going to score with voters, and John Magaro is a genuine scene stealer. Finally, Colman Domingo has recently won an Emmy, and has been a showstopper in many of his recent roles. He looks to get his first Oscar nod for The Color Purple. Willem Dafoe plus Yorgos Lanthimos seems like Oscar gold, and he has done well in recent years (also watch out for his co-stars Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, and Christopher Abbott). Jesse Plemons is a recent nominee and could join DeNiro is Killers is a big hit with voters. Charles Melton is getting a lot of buzz for May December. Matt Damon could join Robert Downey Jr., Glynn Turman could get in for Rustin, and the guys from Air and The Iron Claw are worth looking out for. There are previous nominees and winners like Richard E. Grant, Michael Shannon, Edward Norton, Samuel L. Jackson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hanks, and Louis Gossett Jr. could return. Throw in the mixture of newcomers and veterans like Joel Edgerton, Matthew Macfadyen, Matt Bomer, Noah Galvin, Seth Rogen, Sebastian Stan, Jason Schwartzman, Jeffrey Wright, Harris Dickinson, Jacob Elrodi, Glenn Howerton, and Gael Garcia Bernal, and this race is far from over. 

The Oscar Narrative: First 2024 Nomination Predictions - Best Supporting Actress

First 2024 Nomination Predictions

Emily Blunt "Oppenheimer" 

Danielle Brooks "The Color Purple"

Lily Gladstone "Killers of the Flower Moon"

Taraji P. Henson "The Color Purple"

Da'Vine Joy Randolph "The Holdovers"

Other Contenders - Penelope Cruz "Ferrari", America Ferrera "Barbie", America Ferrera "Dumb Money", Julianne Moore "May December", Viola Davis "Air", Jodie Foster "Nyad", Rosamund Pike "Saltburn", Aunjanue Ellis "The Nickel Boys", Danielle Deadwyler "The Piano Lesson", Lily James "The Iron Claw", Tantoo Cardinal "Killers of the Flower Moon", Shailene Woodley "Dumb Money", Sarah Silverman "Maestro", Tilda Swinton "The Killer", Maura Tierney "The Iron Claw", Florence Pugh "Oppenheimer", CCH Pounder "Rustin", Carrie Preston "The Holdovers", Margaret Qualley "Poor Things", Carey Mulligan "Saltburn", Aunjanue Ellis "The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat", H.E.R. "The Color Purple", Halle Bailey "The Color Purple", Uzo Aduba "The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat", Sanaa Lathan "The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat", Gemma Chan "The Actor", Jodie Comer "The Bikeriders", Anne Hathaway "Mother's Instinct", Rachel McAdams "Are You There God, It's Me Margaret?", Shailene Woodley "Ferarri", Kathy Bates "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.", Hong Chau “Showing Up”, Hope Davis "Asteroid City", Maya Hawke "Asteroid City", Scarlet Johansson "Asteroid City", Melissa McCarthy “The Little Mermaid”, Tessa Thompson “Creed III”, Michaela Watkins “You Hurt My Feelings”

Commentary - If The Color Purple does get pushed into 2024, it will really open this race up, because right now, if the film turns out as good as we expect, the performances of Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson look like they are going to truly be standouts among an excellent cast (also there is H.E.R. and Halle Bailey who cannot be discounted). Emily Blunt has been flirting with Oscar glory for years now. After the massive success of Oppenheimer, maybe this is the year they finally recognize her amazing talent. The Holdovers could be a return to form for Alexander Payne, and standout Da'Vine Joy Randolph might finally have the awards breakthrough she deserves. Finally, this race is going to have its tone set by Lily Gladstone, whose Cannes reviews for Killers of the Flower Moon suggest she might be the frontrunner from now until the envelope opens. Beyond those five, there are a lot of potentials. America Fererra could get in for her Barbie monologue (or her role in Dumb Money), Viola Davis is always a possibility, Julianne Moore has a lot of buzz, Tantoo Cardinal could join her co-star, and maybe Danielle Deadwyler gets the Oscar nod she was robbed of last year. Previous nominees like Rosamund Pike, Jodie Foster, Tilda Swinton, Penelope Cruz, Carey Mulligan, Aunjanue Ellis, Anne Hathaway, Kathy Bates, Rachel McAdams, Hong Chau, Melissa McCarthy, Scarlet Johansson, and Florence Pugh could return to race. There are some great veteran actors that have never made the final five that could get some overdue recognition including Sarah Silverman, Shailene Woodley, Lily James, Maura Tierney, Uzo Aduba, Carrie Preston, CCH Pounder, Margaret Qualley, Gemma Chan, Hope Davis, Maya Hawke, Michaela Watkins, Tessa Thompson, and Jodie Comer.

2023 MTV VMA Award Nominations

Video of the Year

Doja Cat – “Attention” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

Miley Cyrus – “Flowers” – Columbia Records

Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl” – Republic Records

Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” – Geffen Records

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – “Unholy” – Capitol Records

SZA – “Kill Bill” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records

Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records

Artist of the Year

Beyoncé – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records

Doja Cat – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

KAROL G – Interscope Records

Nicki Minaj – Republic Records

Shakira – Sony Music US Latin

Taylor Swift – Republic Records

Song of the Year

Miley Cyrus – “Flowers” – Columbia Records

Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” – Geffen Records

Rema & Selena Gomez – “Calm Down” – Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment / SMG Music / Interscope Records

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – “Unholy” – Capitol Records

Steve Lacy – “Bad Habit” – L-M Records / RCA Records

SZA – “Kill Bill” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records Records

Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records

Best New Artist

GloRilla – CMG / Interscope Records

Ice Spice – 10K Projects / Capitol Records

Kaliii – Atlantic Records

Peso Pluma – Double P Records

PinkPantheress – 300 Entertainment

Reneé Rapp – Interscope Records

Push Performance of the Year

August 2022: Saucy Santana – “Booty” – Arena Records / RCA Records

September 2022: Stephen Sanchez – “Until I Found You” – Mercury Records / Republic Records

October 2022: JVKE – “golden hour” – AWAL

November 2022: Flo Milli – “Conceited” – ’94 Sounds / RCA Records

December 2022: Reneé Rapp – “Colorado” – Interscope Records

January 2023: Sam Ryder – “All The Way Over” – Elektra Entertainment

February 2023: Armani White – “GOATED” – Def Jam

March 2023: FLETCHER – “Becky’s So Hot” – Capitol Records

April 2023: TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Sugar Rush Ride” – BIGHIT MUSIC / Republic Records

May 2023: Ice Spice – “Princess Diana” – Heavy On It / 10K Projects / Capitol Records

June 2023: FLO – “Losing You” – Uptown/Republic Records

July 2023: Lauren Spencer Smith – “That Part” – Island Records

Best Collaboration

David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – “I’m Good (Blue)” – Warner Records

Post Malone, Doja Cat – “I Like You (A Happier Song)” – Mercury Records / Republic Records

Diddy feat. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, Yung Miami – “Gotta Move On” – Motown Records

KAROL G, Shakira – “TQG” – Universal Music Latino

Metro Boomin with The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy – “Creepin’ (Remix)” – Boominati / Republic Records

Rema & Selena Gomez – “Calm Down” – Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment / SMG Music / Interscope Records

Best Pop

Demi Lovato – “Swine” – Island Records

Dua Lipa – “Dance the Night (From Barbie the Album)” – Atlantic Records

Ed Sheeran – “Eyes Closed” – Atlantic Records

Miley Cyrus – “Flowers” – Columbia Records

Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” – Geffen Records

P!NK – “TRUSTFALL” – RCA Records

Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records

Best Hip-Hop

Diddy feat. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, Yung Miami – “Gotta Move On” – Motown Records

DJ Khaled feat. Drake & Lil Baby – “STAYING ALIVE” – We The Best / Epic Records

GloRilla & Cardi B – “Tomorrow 2” – CMG / Interscope Records

Lil Uzi Vert – “Just Wanna Rock” – Atlantic Records / Generation Now

Lil Wayne feat. Swizz Beatz & DMX – “Kant Nobody” – Young Money Records

Metro Boomin feat. Future – “Superhero (Heroes and Villains)” – Boominati / Republic Records

Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl” – Republic Records

Best R&B

Alicia Keys feat. Lucky Daye – “Stay” – RCA Records

Chlöe feat. Chris Brown – “How Does It Feel” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia

Metro Boomin with the Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy – “Creepin’ (Remix)” – Boominati / Republic Records

SZA – “Shirt” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records

Toosii – “Favorite Song” – South Coast Music Group / Capitol Records

Yung Bleu & Nicki Minaj – “Love in the Way” – Empire Distribution

Best Alternative

blink-182 – “EDGING” – Columbia Records

boygenius – “the film” – Interscope Records

Fall Out Boy – “Hold Me Like a Grudge” – Fueled By Ramen

Lana Del Rey feat. Jon Batiste – “Candy Necklace” – Interscope Records

Paramore – “This Is Why” – Atlantic Records

Thirty Seconds to Mars – “Stuck” – Concord Records / Concord

Best Rock

Foo Fighters – “The Teacher” – RCA Records

Linkin Park – “Lost (Original Version)” – Warner Records

Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Tippa My Tongue” – Warner Records

Måneskin – “THE LONELIEST” – Arista Records

Metallica – “Lux Æterna” – Blackened Recordings

Muse – “You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween” – Warner Records

Best Latin

Anitta – “Funk Rave” – Republic Records

Bad Bunny – “WHERE SHE GOES” – Rimas Entertainment

Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma – “Ella Baila Sola” – DEL Records Inc. / Prajin Parlay, Inc. Grupo Frontera Bad Bunny – “un x100to” – Rimas Entertainment

KAROL G, Shakira – “TQG” – Universal Music Latino

ROSALÍA – “DESPECHÁ” – Columbia Records

Shakira – “Acróstico” – Sony Music US Latin

Best K-Pop

aespa – “Girls” – SM ENTERTAINMENT Co., Ltd.

BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records

FIFTY FIFTY – “Cupid” – ATTRAKT / Warner Records

SEVENTEEN – “Super” – HYBE / Geffen Records

Stray Kids – “S-Class” – JYP / Republic

TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Sugar Rush Ride” – BIGHIT MUSIC / Republic Records

Best Afrobeats

Ayra Starr – “Rush” – Mavin Global Holdings

Burna Boy – “It’s Plenty” – Atlantic Records / Spaceship Entertainment Ltd.

Davido feat. Musa Keys – “UNAVAILABLE” – Sony Music U.K. / RCA Records

Fireboy DML & Asake – ”Bandana” – Empire Distribution

Libianca – “People” – Sony Music U.K. / RCA Records

Rema & Selena Gomez – “Calm Down” – Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment / SMG Music / Interscope Records

Wizkid ft Ayra Starr– “2 Sugar” – Starboy / RCA Records

Video for Good

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You (Orchestral)” – NETFLIX

Bad Bunny – “El Apagón – Aquí Vive Gente” – Rimas Entertainment

Demi Lovato – “Swine” – Island Records

Dove Cameron – “Breakfast” – Columbia Records

Imagine Dragons – “Crushed” – KIDinaKORNER / Interscope Records

Maluma – “La Reina” – Sony Music US Latin

Best Direction

Doja Cat – “Attention” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records – Directed by Tanu Muiño

Drake – “Falling Back” – OVO/Republic Records – Director X (Julien Christian Lutz)

Kendrick Lamar – “Count Me Out” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records – Directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar

Megan Thee Stallion – “Her” – 300 Entertainment – Directed by Colin Tilley

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – “Unholy” – Capitol Records – Directed by Floria Sigismondi

SZA – “Kill Bill” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records – Directed by Christian Breslauer

Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records – Directed by Taylor Swift

Best Cinematography

Adele – “I Drink Wine” – Columbia Records – Cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra

Ed Sheeran – “Eyes Closed” – Atlantic Records – Cinematography by Natasha Baier

Janelle Monae – “Lipstick Lover” – Atlantic Records – Cinematography by Allison Anderson

Kendrick Lamar – “Count Me Out” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records 0 Cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra

Miley Cyrus – “Flowers” – Columbia Records – Cinematography by Marcell Rev

Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” – Geffen Records – Cinematography by Russ Fraser

Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records – Cinematography by Rina Yang

Best Visual Effects

Fall Out Boy – “Love From the Other Side” – Fueled By Ramen – Visual Effects by Thomas Bailey and Josh Shaffner

Harry Styles – “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” – Columbia Records – Visual Effects by Chelsea Delfino and Black Kite Studios

Melanie Martinez – “VOID” – Atlantic Records – Visual Effects by Carbon

Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by Max Colt and Sergio Mashevskyi

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – “Unholy” – Capitol Records – Visual Effects by Max Colt / FRENDER

Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by Parliament

Best Choreography

BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records – Choreography by Kiel Tutin, Sienna Lalau, Lee Jung (YGX), Taryn Cheng (YGX)

Dua Lipa – “Dance the Night (From Barbie the Album)” – Atlantic Records – Choreography by Charm LaDonna

Jonas Brothers – “Waffle House” – Republic Records – Choreography by Jerry Reece

Megan Thee Stallion – “Her” – 300 Entertainment – Choreography by Sean Bankhead

Panic! at the Disco – “Middle of a Breakup” – Fueled By Ramen – Choreography by Monika Felice Smith

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – “Unholy” – Capitol Records – Choreography by (LA)HORDE – Marine Brutti, Jonathan Debrouwer, Arthur Harel

Best Art Direction

boygenius – “the film” – Interscope Records – Art Direction by Jen Dunlap

BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records – Art Direction by Seo Hyun Seung (GIGANT)

Doja Cat – “Attention” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records – Art Direction by Spencer Graves

Lana Del Rey feat. Jon Batiste – “Candy Necklace” – Interscope Records – Art Direction by Brandon Mendez

Megan Thee Stallion – “Her” – 300 Entertainment – Art Direction by Niko Philipides

SZA – “Shirt” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records – Art Direction by Kate Bunch

Best Editing

BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records – Editing by Seo Hyun Seung (GIGANT)

Kendrick Lamar – “Rich Spirit” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records – Edited by Grason Caldwell

Miley Cyrus – “River” – Columbia Records – Edited by Brandan Walter

Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” – Geffen Records – Edited by Sofia Kerpan and David Checel

SZA – “Kill Bill” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records – Edited by Luis Caraza Peimbert

Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records – Edited by Chancler Haynes

2023 Television Critics Association (TCA) Award Winners

Individual Achievement In Drama

Rhea Seehorn (BETTER CALL SAUL, AMC)

Individual Achievement In Comedy

Natasha Lyonne (POKER FACE, Peacock)

Outstanding Achievement In News and Information

THE U.S. AND THE HOLOCAUST (PBS)

Outstanding Achievement In Reality Programming

JURY DUTY (Amazon Freevee)

Outstanding Achievement In Children’s Programming

BLUEY (Disney+)

Outstanding Achievement In Family Programming

MS. MARVEL (Disney+)

Outstanding Achievement In Variety, Talk Or Sketch

I THINK YOU SHOULD LEAVE WITH TIM ROBINSON (Netflix) (2022 Winner in Category)

Outstanding New Program

THE BEAR (FX)

Outstanding Achievement In Movies, Miniseries, Or Specials

BEEF (Netflix)

Outstanding Achievement In Drama

SUCCESSION (HBO | Max) (2022 & 2020 Winner in Category)

Outstanding Achievement In Comedy

THE BEAR (FX)

Program of the Year

SUCCESSION (HBO | Max)

Career Achievement Honoree

Mel Brooks

Heritage Award

THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW (CBS)

The Oscar Narrative: First 2024 Nomination Predictions - Best Original Screenplay

First 2024 Nomination Predictions

Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach "Barbie"

David Hemingston "The Holdovers"

Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer "Maestro"

Celine Song "Past Lives"'

Emerald Fennell "Saltburn"

Other Contenders - John Ridley "Shirley", David Scarpa "Napoleon", Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black "Rustin", Arthur Harari and Justine Triet "Anatomy of a Fall", Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik "May December", Alex Convery "Air", Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola "Asteroid City", Nicole Holofcener “You Hurt My Feelings”, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, Teresa Hsiao, and Adele Lim “Joy Ride”, Chloe Domont "Fair Play", Sean Durkin "The Iron Claw", Jeymes Samuel "The Book of Clarence", Alex Garland "Civil War", Carmela Covino, Marco Pettenello, Alice Rohrwacher "La Chimera", Andrew Sodroski "Holland, Michigan", A.V. Rockwell "A Thousand and One", Aleem Khan, Nathalie Richard, Talid Ariss “After Love” , Maryam Touzani and Nabil Ayouch “The Blue Caftan”, Gene Stupnitsky and John Phillips "No Hard Feelings", Goran Stolevski “Of An Age”, Jamie Dack and Audrey Findlay “Palm Trees and Power Lines”, Nida Manzoor "Polite Society", Jonathan Raymond and Kelly Reichardt “Showing Up”, Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, and Nick Lieberman “Theater Camp”, Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne “Tori and Lokita”

Commentary - As of late July, Warner Bros has still not decided where to submit Barbie, but it looks like they are going to try for Original (and could easily get put in their place by the WGA). So right now, I have it here because that seems like the strategy they are choosing. But I am fully prepared to make room for it in Adapted if the WGA or Warner Bros decides differently. Beyond that there are a lot of interesting contenders. Celine Song's Past Lives has emerged with a lot of Oscar buzz, and I definitely feel like the writers are going to appreciate it. Alexander Payne returns with The Holdovers, but he did not write the screenplay. I have it in, because his films have done well with this branch, but I wonder if I am overestimating its chances. Remember Downsizing? Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer return with Maestro, as does Emerald Fennell with Saltburn. Can these recent favorites strike gold again? Beyond those five, there are a lot of potentials. John Ridley returns with Shirley, David Scarpa writes for Ridley Scott's Napoleon, Dustin Lance Black returns with Rustin, Anatomy of a Fall is the Palme d'Or winner, May December has Todd Haynes behind it, and Air, Asteroid City, and You Hurt My Feelings were early contenders. I would love to see Joy Ride be in play, and I think new entries from Jeymes Samuel, Sean Durkin, Chloe Domont, Alice Rohrwacher, and Alex Garland are intriguing. Finally, I would watch for an indie surprise from the likes A Thousand and One, The Blue Caftan, After Love, Holland Michigan, Palm Trees and Power Lines, Theater Camp, Tori and Lokita, Of An Age, Showing Up, and Polite Society.