Unveiling the 97th Oscars Shortlists: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Contenders

The announcement of the 97th Oscars shortlists marks a pivotal moment in the film industry, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling awards season. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the contenders across ten categories, including Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Sound, and Visual Effects. This initial selection serves as a precursor to the final nominations, which will be revealed on January 17th. The shortlisted films represent a diverse array of storytelling, showcasing both established talents and emerging voices from around the globe. With each category brimming with potential nominees, the anticipation is palpable as filmmakers, artists, and audiences alike await the ultimate recognition of cinematic excellence.

In the realm of documentary filmmaking, the shortlist for Documentary Feature Film is a testament to the genre’s ability to captivate and inform. Out of 169 eligible films, 15 have been selected to compete for this prestigious accolade. Among the contenders are “The Bibi Files,” “Black Box Diaries,” “Dahomey,” “Daughters,” “Eno,” “Frida,” “Hollywoodgate,” “No Other Land,” “Porcelain War,” “Queendom,” “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin,” “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat,” “Sugarcane,” “Union,” and “Will & Harper.” These documentaries span a wide range of subjects, from personal narratives to global issues, each offering a unique perspective on the world we inhabit. The selection process for this category involves members of the Documentary branch, who are tasked with narrowing down the list to five nominees. As these films vie for the coveted Oscar, they highlight the power of documentary storytelling to inspire change and spark dialogue.

The Documentary Short Film category also boasts an impressive lineup, with 15 films advancing from a pool of 104 qualified entries. The shortlisted films include “Chasing Roo,” “Death by Numbers,” “Eternal Father,” “I Am Ready, Warden,” “Incident,” “Instruments of a Beating Heart,” “Keeper,” “Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World,” “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine,” “The Only Girl in the Orchestra,” “Planetwalker,” “The Quilters,” “Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr,” “A Swim Lesson,” and “Until He’s Back.” Each of these short films presents a compelling narrative, often exploring themes of resilience, identity, and human connection. As members of the Documentary branch deliberate on the final nominees, these films exemplify the art of concise storytelling, proving that impactful stories can be told in a brief format.

The International Feature Film category continues to celebrate global cinema, with 15 films advancing to the next round of voting. This year’s shortlist includes submissions from 85 countries and regions, underscoring the universal appeal of storytelling through film. Notable entries include “I’m Still Here” (Brazil), “Universal Language” (Canada), “Waves” (Czech Republic), “The Girl with the Needle” (Denmark), “Emilia Pérez” (France), “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (Germany), “Touch” (Iceland), “Kneecap” (Ireland), “Vermiglio” (Italy), “Flow” (Latvia), “Armand” (Norway), “From Ground Zero” (Palestine), “Dahomey” (Senegal), “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” (Thailand), and “Santosh” (United Kingdom). The selection process for this category involves academy members from all branches, who must meet a minimum viewing requirement to participate in the preliminary round of voting. This ensures that the shortlisted films are given due consideration, reflecting the diverse cultural landscapes from which they originate.

The Makeup and Hairstyling category showcases the artistry and creativity involved in transforming actors into their characters. Ten films have been shortlisted, including “The Apprentice,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “A Different Man,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Maria,” “Nosferatu,” “The Substance,” “Waltzing with Brando,” and “Wicked.” Members of the Academy’s Makeup Artists and Hairstylists branch will have the opportunity to view excerpts and interviews from each of these films before casting their votes for the final five nominees. This category highlights the integral role that makeup and hairstyling play in bringing stories to life, enhancing the visual storytelling experience for audiences worldwide.

Music remains a vital component of filmmaking, with the Original Score and Original Song categories celebrating the composers and songwriters who craft the soundtracks of our favorite films. The shortlist for Original Score features 20 scores, including “Alien: Romulus,” “Babygirl,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “Blink Twice,” “Blitz,” “The Brutalist,” “Challengers,” “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” “The Fire Inside,” “Gladiator II,” “Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1,” “Inside Out 2,” “Nosferatu,” “The Room Next Door,” “Sing Sing,” “The Six Triple Eight,” “Wicked,” “The Wild Robot,” and “Young Woman and the Sea.” In the Original Song category, notable entries include tracks from “Moana 2,” “Mufasa: The Lion King,” and documentaries about Elton John, Pharrell Williams, and Robbie Williams. The inclusion of songs from diverse genres and backgrounds reflects the academy’s recognition of music’s ability to transcend boundaries and enhance storytelling.

The shortlists also offer a glimpse into the visual and technical achievements in film, with categories such as Visual Effects and Sound highlighting the innovations that push the boundaries of cinematic experience. These categories recognize the teams behind the scenes who work tirelessly to create immersive worlds and soundscapes that captivate audiences. As the academy prepares to announce the final nominees, the shortlisted films serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts of filmmakers, artists, and technicians who bring these stories to life.

Among the standout films leading the shortlist mentions are “Emilia Pérez” and “Wicked,” both of which have garnered attention across multiple categories. “Emilia Pérez,” a film that has already made waves at the Golden Globes, is expected to secure nominations in several categories, including Best International Feature Film. The film’s lead actress, Karla Sofia Gascon, has made history as the first openly transgender woman to be nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Globes, further highlighting the film’s impact and significance. Meanwhile, “Wicked,” an adaptation of the beloved stage show, is in the running for Best Score, showcasing the enduring appeal of its musical compositions.

The shortlists are not without their surprises and snubs, as is often the case in awards season. Notably, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” despite its accolades, did not make the Documentary Feature shortlist. Similarly, “All We Imagine as Light,” a critically acclaimed film from India, was omitted from the International Feature Film shortlist, with “Laapataa Ladies” taking its place as India’s submission. These omissions underscore the competitive nature of the selection process and the subjective elements that influence the final choices. As the industry speculates on potential nominees, the shortlists provide valuable insights into the films gaining momentum as the Oscars approach.

As the awards season progresses, other prestigious ceremonies such as the Golden Globes and BAFTAs will also announce their nominees and winners, providing further context and comparison for the Oscars race. The overlap between these events often serves as an indicator of which films and performances are resonating with critics and audiences alike. However, history has shown that the most nominated films on the shortlist do not always translate to Oscar wins, as evidenced by last year’s results. While “Barbie” received multiple nominations, it secured only one Oscar, whereas “Oppenheimer” emerged as a major winner despite fewer nominations. These outcomes highlight the unpredictable nature of awards season and the myriad factors that contribute to a film’s success.

The anticipation surrounding the final nominations and eventual winners is a testament to the Oscars’ enduring legacy as a celebration of cinematic achievement. The 97th Oscars, set to be held on March 2nd, will be televised live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, allowing audiences worldwide to partake in the festivities. With Conan O’Brien slated to host the ceremony, viewers can expect a night filled with humor, glamour, and heartfelt tributes to the art of filmmaking. As the countdown to the Oscars continues, the shortlists serve as a reminder of the incredible talent and creativity that define the film industry, setting the stage for a memorable awards season.

In conclusion, the release of the 97th Oscars shortlists has set the stage for an exciting and competitive awards season. With a diverse array of films vying for recognition across ten categories, the shortlists reflect the breadth and depth of storytelling in contemporary cinema. From powerful documentaries to innovative international features, the shortlisted films showcase the talent and vision of filmmakers from around the world. As the academy prepares to announce the final nominees, the anticipation and excitement continue to build, culminating in the grand celebration of the Oscars. This year’s shortlists not only highlight the achievements of the past year but also offer a glimpse into the future of filmmaking, where diverse voices and groundbreaking stories continue to shape the cinematic landscape.