The recent Thanksgiving weekend marked a significant moment in the film industry, with Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, debuting at the top of the box office. The animated feature raked in an impressive $225 million, shattering numerous records and setting the stage for a competitive awards season. Following closely behind were Universal’s Wicked, which garnered $118 million, and Paramount’s Gladiator II, which earned $45 million. As the dust settled from this blockbuster weekend, various awards groups began to announce their nominations and winners, signaling the start of the awards race.
On December 2, the Gotham Awards took place in New York, where A24’s A Different Man, featuring Sebastian Stan in a poignant role as a man with facial disfigurement, took home the coveted Best Feature award. The ceremony recognized several films, with Amazon/MGM’s Nickel Boys winning two awards: Best Director for RaMell Ross and Best Breakthrough Performer for Brandon Wilson. A24’s Sing Sing also shone brightly, with Colman Domingo winning Best Leading Performance and Clarence Maclin taking home Best Supporting Performance. Other notable winners included Janus/Sideshow’s All We Imagine As Light for Best International Feature, the documentary No Other Land for Best Documentary Feature, and Netflix’s His Three Daughters for Best Screenplay. Interestingly, Neon’s Anora, which entered the evening with the most nominations, left empty-handed.
The following day, December 3, the New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) convened to announce their winners. A24’s The Brutalist was crowned Best Film, with Adrien Brody receiving the Best Actor award for his performance in the same film. Nickel Boys continued its winning streak, securing Best Director for Ross and Best Cinematography for Jomo Fray. Other winners included Anora for Best Screenplay, All We Imagine As Light for Best International Film, and No Other Land for Best Nonfiction Film. The animated category saw Sideshow/Janus’s Flow take the award, while Marianne Jean-Baptiste won Best Actress for Bleecker Street’s Hard Truths. Kieran Culkin and Carol Kane also received accolades for their supporting roles, with Kane’s win being particularly notable as she had previously been nominated for an Oscar nearly five decades ago.
December 4 proved to be a bustling day in the awards circuit. Film Independent announced its nominees for the Spirit Awards, with Anora and A24’s I Saw the TV Glow leading the pack with six nominations each, including Best Feature. The National Board of Review (NBR) also revealed its winners that day, with Wicked taking home the top honors for Best Film and Best Director for Jon M. Chu. Other significant wins included Daniel Craig for Best Actor in A24’s Queer, Nicole Kidman for Best Actress in A24’s Babygirl, and Kieran Culkin for Best Supporting Actor in A Real Pain. The NBR also recognized breakthrough performances and original screenplays, showcasing a diverse array of talent and storytelling.
In the midst of these announcements, The Hollywood Reporter hosted its annual Women in Entertainment breakfast, celebrating influential women in the industry. Nicole Kidman received the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, while Selena Gomez was honored with the Equity in Entertainment Award. The event highlighted the importance of mentorship and support for young women in the film industry, with several scholarships awarded to participants in the WIE Mentorship Program.
As the awards season heats up, it’s essential to note that the individuals determining the outcomes of these early awards are primarily critics and enthusiasts rather than industry professionals. While early recognition can boost a film’s visibility and Oscar prospects, it does not guarantee success at the Academy Awards. Historical precedents, such as The Shape of Water, which received little attention from early awards groups yet ultimately won Best Picture, remind us that the landscape can shift dramatically as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, several films are set for their first official screenings for Academy members, including The Brutalist and September 5 on December 7, and A Complete Unknown and Nosferatu on December 8. These screenings, accompanied by their principal creative talent, will further shape the conversation around potential contenders.
For those following the awards race closely, updates and predictions will be provided regularly, akin to a meteorologist forecasting the weather. The aim is to analyze films, consult with voters, and study past seasons to provide an informed perspective on the evolving landscape of the awards season. As the competition intensifies, the excitement surrounding this year’s films and performances continues to build, promising a thrilling journey toward the Oscars.
