The Oscars are just around the corner, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its shortlists, bringing us one step closer to the big night! Prepare for some serious cinematic fireworks! This year's contenders are a stunning mix of musical extravaganzas, thought-provoking documentaries, and pulse-pounding action flicks. From Selena Gomez's heart-wrenching ballad to a Will Ferrell documentary, the competition is fierce!

A Musical Showdown: "Emilia Pérez" and "Wicked" Dominate

Netflix's audacious "Emilia Pérez," a transgender drug-lord drama, has emerged as a major force, landing on the shortlist for International Feature, Original Score, two Original Songs (“Mi Camino” and “El Mal”), Sound, and Hair and Makeup. This ambitious film has certainly made its presence felt. But not to be outdone, the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway sensation, "Wicked," also secured spots in several key categories: Hair and Makeup, Original Score, Sound, and Visual Effects. Though it couldn’t compete in the Original Song category (naturally, it was lacking original songs), its visual impact alone made this a big win.

Notable Original Song Contenders

This year's lineup of potential Oscar-winning songs is stellar. Get ready to hear some of your favorite artists as the Academy looks at hits from industry giants and rising stars: Pharrell Williams (“Piece by Piece”), Lainey Wilson (“Out Of Oklahoma”), Elton John and Brandi Carlile (“Never Too Late”), and Robbie Williams (“Forbidden Road”). And let's not forget Diane Warren, who could be headed for a record-breaking 16th nomination with her song from “The Six Triple Eight”! Nicholas Britell's stunning “Winter Coat,” performed by the captivating Saoirse Ronan in “Blitz,” also adds some dramatic gravitas.

Documentaries: Exploring Worlds and Stories

The documentary category showcases a wealth of captivating tales. Among the fifteen shortlisted films vying for Academy recognition, we find an array of compelling subjects: "The Bibi Files," "Daughters," "Eno," "Frida," "The Remarkable Life of Ibelin," "Dahomey," "Union," "Porcelain War," and "No Other Land." These films promise a rollercoaster of emotions and provide deeper insights into pivotal topics, taking viewers on a remarkable journey around the globe, and the past.

International Features Shortlisted

And in other notable developments, these films, among others, are in the running: “I’m Still Here” (Brazil), “Universal Language” (Canada), “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (Germany), “Kneecap” (Ireland), “Vermiglio” (Italy), “Flow” (Latvia), and “Dahomey” (Senegal). This showcase proves that great cinema flourishes everywhere. We anticipate this category will provide us with a global cinematic experience.

Beyond the Blockbusters: Underappreciated Gems Shine

This year's Oscar shortlist isn't just about the obvious contenders; it's a testament to the brilliance often found in smaller categories. Films like "Deadpool & Wolverine" and "Alien: Romulus," recognized for their exceptional sound and visual effects and musical scores, prove that there's cinematic gold in surprising places! Their nomination speaks volumes about the excellence of crafting within films beyond the marquee names and leading actors and actresses. It highlights that what goes into a great movie is often far more comprehensive than meets the eye.

The Nominations Process: A Closer Look

Many members from their respective categories contribute to these shortlists, making the selection an overall community consensus; however, branch to branch, this process differs. Committees may have various processes for this purpose, which sometimes involve various screening prerequisites. But soon, these many hopeful films will eventually be narrowed to only five nominations.

Take Away Points

This year's Oscar shortlists offer a diverse range of exceptional films, celebrating both critically acclaimed movies and the incredible artistry in every aspect of filmmaking. As the anticipation for the ceremony on March 2nd builds, these films provide a thrilling glimpse into the cinematic masterpieces of 2024. Keep those popcorn buckets and drinks at hand: this is definitely a ride that you won't want to miss!