The Best Picture category at the Academy Awards is a highly competitive and prestigious honor in the film industry. The nominees for this award typically represent a diverse range of genres, styles, and themes, showcasing the best of contemporary cinema. In recent years, the category has included films from various countries and languages, reflecting the increasingly global nature of the film industry.
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Nominees often include large-scale productions from major studios and smaller independent films that have gained critical acclaim. The selection process for Best Picture nominees involves members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voting on a preferential ballot system, which allows for a broader range of films to be considered and potentially nominated.

Factors often influencing a film’s chances of being nominated for Best Picture include critical reception, box office performance, festival success, and overall impact on the cultural zeitgeist. Additionally, the technical and artistic merits of the film, such as cinematography, acting, directing, and screenplay, are typically considered. The Best Picture winner is often seen as a reflection of the film industry’s current state and can significantly impact the careers of those involved in its production.

Winning this award can increase box office returns, industry recognition, and future opportunities for filmmakers and actors.

Key Takeaways

  • “Nomadland” wins Best Picture at the Oscars 2021
  • Chloé Zhao becomes the second woman and first woman of color to win Best Director for “Nomadland.”
  • Anthony Hopkins wins Best Actor for his role in “The Father”
  • Frances McDormand wins Best Actress for her performance in “Nomadland”
  • Daniel Kaluuya wins Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Judas and the Black Messiah”
  • Youn Yuh-Jung wins Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Minari”
  • “Promising Young Woman” takes home the award for Best Original Screenplay

Best Director

The Best Director category at the Oscars is always a highly anticipated award, as it recognizes the vision and talent of some of the most influential filmmakers in the industry. This year’s nominees represent diverse styles and storytelling techniques, making it a tough competition to predict. Each director has brought their unique vision to the screen, creating unforgettable cinematic experiences for audiences worldwide.

One of the standout nominees is Jane Campion for her work on “The Power of the Dog.” Campion’s haunting and atmospheric direction has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning her widespread acclaim for her masterful storytelling. Another strong contender is Denis Villeneuve for his work on “Dune.” Villeneuve’s epic vision and immersive world-building have wowed audiences, solidifying his status as one of the most visionary directors in the industry. Kenneth Branagh is also a top contender for his work on “Belfast,” with his heartfelt storytelling and nostalgic charm resonating with audiences on a deep emotional level.

Sian Heder’s direction on “CODA” has also made a strong impression, with her authentic portrayal of deaf culture and heartwarming storytelling earning her widespread praise. Finally, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s direction on “Drive My Car” has garnered critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling and compelling characters. With such a diverse range of nominees, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the top honor.

The Best Director category is always difficult to predict, as each nominee has brought something unique and impactful to the screen. From powerful storytelling to immersive world-building, each director has left an indelible mark on the industry, making it a tough competition to predict. As audiences eagerly await the winner’s announcement, the competition will be intense, with each director deserving recognition for their outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.

Best Actor

The Best Actor category at the Oscars is always one of the most highly anticipated awards, as it recognizes the outstanding performances of some of the most talented actors in the industry. This year’s nominees represent diverse roles and characters, making it a tough competition to predict. Each actor has delivered a powerful and memorable performance, bringing their characters to life in unforgettable ways.

One of the standout nominees is Benedict Cumberbatch for his role in “The Power of the Dog.” Cumberbatch’s haunting and complex portrayal of a troubled rancher has captivated audiences and critics, earning him widespread acclaim for his powerful performance. Another strong contender is Will Smith for his role in “King Richard.” Smith’s transformative portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, has wowed audiences with its emotional depth and authenticity, solidifying his status as one of the most talented actors in the industry. Andrew Garfield is also a top contender for his role in “Tick, Tick…

Boom!” His passionate and charismatic portrayal of Jonathan Larson earned him widespread praise. Javier Bardem’s performance in “Being the Ricardos” has also made a strong impression, with his captivating portrayal of Desi Arnaz showcasing his incredible range as an actor. Finally, Denzel Washington’s performance in “The Tragedy of Macbeth” has garnered critical acclaim for its powerful and nuanced portrayal of the iconic character.

With such a diverse range of nominees, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the top honor. The Best Actor category is always tough to predict, as each nominee has delivered a powerful and memorable performance that has resonated with audiences in different ways. Each actor has left an indelible mark on the industry, from haunting portrayals to transformative performances, making it a tough competition to predict.

As audiences eagerly await the winner’s announcement, the competition will be intense, with each actor deserving recognition for their outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.

Best Actress

YearActressMovie
2020Renee ZellwegerJudy
2019Olivia ColmanThe Favourite
2018Frances McDormandThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
2017Emma StoneLa La Land

The Best Actress category at the Oscars is always one of the most highly anticipated awards, as it recognizes the outstanding performances of some of the most talented actresses in the industry. This year’s nominees represent diverse roles and characters, making it a tough competition to predict. Each actress has delivered a powerful and memorable performance, bringing their characters to life in unforgettable ways.

One of the standout nominees is Jessica Chastain for her role in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.” Chastain’s transformative portrayal of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker has captivated audiences and critics, earning her widespread acclaim for her emotional depth and authenticity. Another strong contender is Nicole Kidman for her role in “Being the Ricardos.” Kidman’s captivating portrayal of Lucille Ball has wowed audiences with its charisma and nuance, solidifying her status as one of the most talented actresses in the industry. Olivia Colman is also a top contender for her role in “The Lost Daughter,” with her haunting and complex portrayal earning her widespread praise.

Kristen Stewart’s performance in “Spencer” has also made a strong impression, with her mesmerizing portrayal of Princess Diana showcasing her incredible range as an actress. Finally, Penélope Cruz’s performance in “Parallel Mothers” has garnered critical acclaim for its powerful and nuanced portrayal of a mother grappling with difficult decisions. With such a diverse range of nominees, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the top honor.

The Best Actress category is always tough to predict, as each nominee has delivered a powerful and memorable performance that has resonated with audiences in different ways. From transformative portrayals to captivating performances, each actress has left an indelible mark on the industry, making it a tough competition to predict. As audiences eagerly await the winner’s announcement, the competition will be intense, with each actress deserving recognition for their outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.

Best Supporting Actor

The Best Supporting Actor category at the Oscars is always one of the most highly anticipated awards, as it recognizes the outstanding performances of some of the most talented actors in supporting roles. This year’s nominees represent diverse characters and performances, making it a tough competition to predict. Each actor has delivered a powerful and memorable performance, bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles.

One of the standout nominees is Troy Kotsur for his role in “CODA.” Kotsur’s authentic portrayal of a deaf father has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning him widespread acclaim for his emotional depth and authenticity. Another strong contender is Kodi Smit-McPhee for his role in “The Power of the Dog.” Smit-McPhee’s haunting portrayal of a troubled young man has wowed audiences with its complexity and nuance, solidifying his status as one of the most talented actors in supporting roles. Jesse Plemons is also a top contender for his role in “The Power of the Dog,” with his powerful and nuanced performance earning him widespread praise.

Ciaran Hinds’ performance in “Belfast” has also made a strong impression, with his heartfelt portrayal showcasing his incredible range as an actor. Finally, J.K. Simmons’ performance in “Being the Ricardos” has garnered critical acclaim for its powerful and nuanced portrayal of William Frawley.

With such a diverse range of nominees, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the top honor. The Best Supporting Actor category is always tough to predict, as each nominee has delivered a powerful and memorable performance that has resonated with audiences in different ways. From authentic portrayals to haunting performances, each actor has left an indelible mark on the industry, making it a tough competition to predict.

As audiences eagerly await the winner’s announcement, the competition will be intense, with each actor deserving recognition for their outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.

Best Supporting Actress

The Best Supporting Actress category at the Oscars is always one of the most highly anticipated awards, as it recognizes the outstanding performances of some of the most talented actresses in supporting roles. This year’s nominees represent diverse characters and performances, making it a tough competition to predict. Each actress has delivered a powerful and memorable performance, bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles.

One of the standout nominees is Ariana DeBose for her role in “West Side Story.” DeBose’s captivating portrayal of Anita has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning her widespread acclaim for her charisma and talent. Another strong contender is Kirsten Dunst for her role in “The Power of the Dog.” Dunst’s haunting portrayal of a troubled woman has wowed audiences with its emotional depth and authenticity, solidifying her status as one of the most talented actresses in supporting roles. Aunjanue Ellis is also a top contender for her role in “King Richard,” with her powerful and nuanced performance earning her widespread praise.

Judi Dench’s performance in “Belfast” has also made a strong impression, with her heartfelt portrayal showcasing her incredible range as an actress. Finally, Jessie Buckley’s performance in “The Lost Daughter” has garnered critical acclaim for its powerful and nuanced portrayal of a young mother grappling with difficult decisions. With such a diverse range of nominees, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the top honor.

The Best Supporting Actress category is always tough to predict, as each nominee has delivered a powerful and memorable performance that has resonated with audiences in different ways. From captivating portrayals to haunting performances, each actress has left an indelible mark on the industry, making it a tough competition to predict. As audiences eagerly await the winner’s announcement, the competition will be intense, with each actress deserving recognition for their outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.

Best Original Screenplay

The Best Original Screenplay category at the Oscars is always among the most highly anticipated awards, as it recognizes the outstanding storytelling and creativity behind some of the most compelling films in recent years. This year’s nominees represent diverse genres and storytelling techniques, making it a tough competition to predict. Each screenplay has brought something unique and impactful to the screen, creating unforgettable cinematic experiences for audiences worldwide.

One of the standout nominees is “Licorice Pizza,” written by Paul Thomas Anderson. Anderson’s nostalgic and heartfelt storytelling has captivated audiences and critics, earning him widespread acclaim for his masterful screenplay. Another strong contender is “Belfast,” written by Kenneth Branagh.

Branagh’s heartfelt storytelling and nostalgic charm have resonated with audiences on a deep emotional level, solidifying his status as one of the most talented screenwriters in the industry. “Don’t Look Up,” written by Adam McKay, is also a top contender, with its satirical take on contemporary issues earning widespread praise for its sharp wit and social commentary. “King Richard,” written by Zach Baylin, has also made a strong impression with its inspiring story and authentic portrayal of family dynamics.

Finally, “The Worst Person in The World,” written by Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier, has garnered critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling and compelling characters. With such a diverse range of nominees, it’s anyone’s guess which screenplay will take home the top honor. The Best Original Screenplay category is always tough to predict, as each screenplay brings something unique and impactful to the table.

From heartfelt storytelling to sharp social commentary, each nominee has its strengths that make it a worthy contender for the top honor. As audiences eagerly await the winner’s announcement, the competition will be intense, with each screenplay deserving recognition for its outstanding contributions to cinema.