December 18, 2024: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released the official shortlists for the 97th Academy Awards in 10 categories. These are critical first steps leading up to the final Oscar nominations, which will be announced in mid-January 2025. Films like Dune: Part Two, Emilia Perez, Wicked, Gladiator II, and Nosferatu are making significant waves across several categories, indicating their potential prominence during the awards season.
1. Documentary Feature Film
Films like The Bibi Files, Black Box Diaries, No Other Land, and Frida are competing for a chance at an Oscar nomination.
2. Documentary Short Film
This category sees films such as Chasing Roo, I Am Ready, Warden, and The Only Girl in the Orchestra vying for a place in the final five.
3. International Feature Film
International contenders are strong with entries like Emilia Perez (France), Dahomey (Senegal), Kneecap (Ireland), and From Ground Zero (Palestine), among others.
4. Makeup and Hairstyling
Dune: Part Two, Nosferatu, Emilia Perez, and Wicked are all represented in this category, with each film bringing distinct artistic challenges to makeup and hairstyling.
5. Music (Original Score)
Films like Gladiator II, Nosferatu, and Wicked are generating buzz with their musical scores. The category also features Inside Out 2 and Sing Sing.
6. Music (Original Song)
Several high-profile films are in contention, with songs like “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late, “Winter Coat” from Blitz, and “El Mal” from Emilia Perez.
7. Animated Short Film
Films like Au Revoir Mon Monde, A Bear Named Wojtek, and The Wild-Tempered Clavier are all strong contenders in the animated short category.
8. Live-Action Short Film
A diverse set of films, including Clodagh, Dovecote, and Paris 70, are being considered in this category, offering a range of dramatic and narrative storytelling.
9. Sound
Big-budget films like Dune: Part Two, Gladiator II, and Wicked are competing with Blitz and Joker: Folie a Deux for a potential nomination in sound.
10. Visual Effects
Dune: Part Two, Gladiator II, and Deadpool & Wolverine are leading the way in this category, alongside Mufasa: The Lion King and Twisters, all aiming to showcase cutting-edge visual effects.
Important Dates:
- First Round of Voting: January 8–12, 2025
- Nominees Announcement: January 17, 2025
- Final Voting: February 11–18, 2025
- Academy Awards Ceremony: March 2, 2025, hosted by Conan O’Brien, live on ABC.
This year’s shortlist features a diverse array of films across genres and countries, hinting at a vibrant and competitive Oscars season ahead. With high-profile films like Dune: Part Two and Gladiator II competing against emerging projects, the final nominations in January will be eagerly anticipated.
