By Zeyad Refaat Ahmed

The 96th Oscars, held on March 10, 2024, have certainly been an exciting event for cinema enthusiasts around the world. The anticipation leading up to the announcement of the ultimate victor have reached unprecedented heights this year. Film industry fans eagerly await to see which movies and filmmakers will emerge triumphant in the various categories, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the world of cinema.

This year`s award season has been nothing short of extraordinary, with a plethora of critically acclaimed directors and actors showcasing their talents on the silver screen. Filmmakers like Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, and Wes Anderson all participated this year with what their supporters call the epitome of their career.

Now, in this article we will delve into the top 5 Oscar contenders that have already been released this year, captivating audiences with their engaging narratives, immersive cinematography, and stellar performances.

1.     Oppenheimer

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, the visionary behind cinema`s most influential works in recent decades, starts this era with yet another production centered around the controversial life of Robert J. Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. Both critics and fans alike have taken to social media platforms to express their admiration for the film`s various elements, with particular focus placed upon Nolan`s direction and Cillian Murphy`s remarkable portrayal of this historical figure, both of which are highly anticipated to get an Oscar nomination within their respective categories. Furthermore, the return of Academy Award-winning composer Ludwig Göransson to the academy ranks omce again is anticipated, given his exquisite musical composition for the movie, elevating the overall viewing experience to new heights.

2.     Killers of The Flower Moon

Martin Scorsese, renowned for his classic works such as "Gangs of New York" and "Taxi Driver", has once again paired with both films’ leads Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio in a new historical epic. This captivating film showcases the world of the Native American Osage tribe and the mysterious murders taking place among their people. This historically-rich setting has allowed Scorsese to skillfully depict the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Oklahoma, potentially positioning himself for a well-deserved second Oscar victory. His first Academy Award came in 2007 with "The Departed", a film that also presented the talent of Leonardo DiCaprio. Nevertheless, numerous critics predict that Lilly Gladstone, the female lead in the movie, will emerge as the standout recipient of honors at the Oscars. Despite this being her first lead role, Gladstone delivers a remarkable performance on par with the esteemed giants of the film, DiCaprio and De Niro. Undoubtedly,& .

 3.     Barbie

Recently known for being the record holder for the highest grossing movie directed by a woman, Greta Gerwig has achieved this feat with the pop-culture hit `Barbie`. The film`s marketing campaign got fans eagerly waiting to see how Greta would bring the plastic doll to life, and she succeeded by creating breathtaking sets and locations brilliantly colored to visually present the Barbie world on the big screens. This may reserve a seat for the movie at the Oscars as the best achievement in production design. Moreover, the original song `I`m Just Ken` by the film`s supporting actor, Ryan Gosling, may also be considered for the Academy Award for best original song, given the enormous online buzz it has created and its position on the Billboard Hot 100 for most streamed songs. Taking other factors into consideration, it is safe to say that Greta Gerwig might land herself a fourth Academy Award nomination.

4.     Asteroid City

When considering excellent production and costume design, it is essential for the academy to acknowledge Wes Anderson`s film "Asteroid City" in that category. Anderson`s career has gained extensive praise for its excellence in cinematography, coloring, and production, among various other technical aspects. His previous film "The Grand Budapest Hotel" has already secured three Oscar victories, and his latest project "Asteroid City" is no exception to his impressive body of work. As a result, there are high hopes that the Academy may honor him once again for his remarkable visual accomplishments.

5.     Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

 The sequel to the 2019 winner of the Best Animated Feature, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, has been lauded by critics as a worthy successor, jumping from one universe to another, following the story of Miles Morales, the teenager who found himself stuck in a multiversal battle and had to sacrifice everything in order to save everyone. Critics have insisted on highlighting its ability to surpass the previous installment with an enhanced script and animation. Furthermore, the voice actors demonstrate exceptional talent in bringing their characters to life, while the animation team, known for introducing this unique animation style in the original film, has further built upon its foundations. Considering these factors, it is not impossible for the Spider-Verse franchise to attain two consecutive Oscars.

Regardless of your personal preference or enjoyment of these movies, it is impossible to ignore or disregard the immense amount of effort, talent, and expertise that was dedicated to their creation. The world of filmmaking is a testament to the power of artistic expression and the ability to captivate audiences on a global scale.

Ultimately, the most deserving film will emerge victorious and receive the coveted Oscar statuette. Yet, it is essential to recognize that the true value of a movie lies in its ability to connect with its audience, evoke emotions, provoke thought, and leave a lasting legacy. So, while we eagerly await the Academy’s decision, let us appreciate the diverse array of movies that have been recognized and celebrated throughout the year, and may the Oscars go to whichever film truly captures the magic of cinema and resonates deeply with viewers.