The 98th Academy Awards are almost here, and the anticipation is building as film enthusiasts finalize their predictions. This year’s ceremony promises a particularly competitive night, with several nominees poised to win their first Oscar. From Paul Thomas Anderson’s potential breakthrough to Timothée Chalamet’s continued pursuit of the golden statuette, and the possible historic win for K-pop, the questions are numerous and the stakes are high.
For those eager to participate in the excitement, having a ballot in hand is essential. But beyond simply picking winners, the awards season often sparks debate about the merits of each film and performance. Will critical darling “One Battle After Another” finally bring Paul Thomas Anderson an Academy Award after 14 previous nominations? Could “Sinners”’ record-breaking 16 nominations translate into a Best Picture victory? These are the questions that are dominating conversations among Oscar watchers.
If you’re looking to build your own predictions, Gold Derby has made it easy. You can access a printable PDF of their official Oscar ballot here. And to stay up-to-date on the latest odds and expert analysis, be sure to visit their Prediction Center.
Paul Thomas Anderson, a veteran of the awards circuit with 14 previous nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture, is a strong contender this year for “One Battle After Another,” earning nominations for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture. Having already secured wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Actor Awards, many believe Anderson is finally poised to take home an Oscar, according to reports from WXII12 and WCVB.
Another familiar face in the Best Actor category is Timothée Chalamet, nominated for his role in “Marty Supreme.” This marks his fourth nomination in the lead actor race, and after three previous losses, speculation is mounting that this could be the year he finally wins.
Jessie Buckley is also generating significant buzz as a potential first-time winner for her performance in “Hamlet,” earning nominations for Best Lead Actress. Reports indicate she’s the frontrunner, having already won at numerous festivals and precursor awards.
Adding a unique element to this year’s ceremony is the nomination of K-pop Demon Hunters for Best Animated Feature, with its song “Golden” also vying for Best Original Song. The film’s success at the Grammys and Golden Globes suggests K-pop could join the ranks of Oscar winners, as noted by WXII12.
Beyond these frontrunners, Michael B. Jordan and Teyana Taylor are also in contention for their first Academy Awards, adding to the potential for a year filled with first-time winners. The race is particularly tight in the Best Actor category, with some suggesting a recent controversy involving Chalamet may impact his chances, according to The Independent.
As the 98th Academy Awards approach, the excitement is palpable. Whether it’s a celebration of established talent finally receiving recognition or the emergence of new voices, this year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable one.
The awards ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien and will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern. The official red carpet preshow begins on ABC and Hulu at 6:30 p.m. EDT, even as E! will kick off its red-carpet broadcast at 4 p.m.
As the night unfolds, one thing is certain: the 98th Academy Awards will be a celebration of cinematic achievement and a testament to the power of storytelling. Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below!
