Academy Awards 2023 Predictions

The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are the most prestigious awards in the film industry. The event is held annually to recognize and honor outstanding achievements in filmmaking. The Academy Awards 2023 predictions have already started circulating among movie fans and industry experts. In this article, we will discuss some of the top contenders for the major categories at the 95th Academy Awards.

Academy Awards 2023 Nominations: Best Picture

These films have captured the hearts and minds of audiences across the world with their compelling narratives, breathtaking visuals, and brilliant performances. From multiverse jumping action to quiet character studies, these movies showcase some of the widest ranges of genres and styles to all be featured in the same category.

Let’s take a closer look at the 2023 Oscars Best Picture nominees.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

From directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (aka Daniels), comes Everything Everywhere All at Once, a genre-bending look at the choices we make and the vastness of the universe. Michelle Yeoh stars as a middle-aged Chinese immigrant struggling to hold her business and family life together before getting swept up in an adventure through time and space in which she alone can save existence, while connecting with the lives she could have led.

The Fabelmans

Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans is a coming-of-age story that follows a young boy’s journey to becoming a filmmaker, and the complex family history that informs his worldview. A semi-autobiographical story loosely based on Speilberg’s own life and early experiences, the film stars Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle, and Judd Hirsch.

The Banshees of Inisherin

From writer/director Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) comes The Banshees of Inisherin,” a poignant tale of a small Irish village struggling to survive amidst changing times at the tail end of the Irish Civil War. The film reunites McDonagh with stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, who previously worked together on 2008’s In Bruges, in this black comedy about an abruptly ended friendship and the alarming consequences it leads to for both of them.

TÁR

TÁR is an experimental film that challenges traditional storytelling, with Cate Blanchett starring as a renowned conductor, considered to be one of the greatest living composers and the very first female director of a major German orchestra, who is accused of sexual abuse. TÁR is the third feature film from writer/director Todd Field.

All Quiet on the Western Front

Based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarquee, All Quiet on the Western Front is a powerful war drama that explores the horrors of World War I through the eyes of a young German soldier. Directed by Edward Berger, the film is the eighth non-English language film to be nominated for both International Feature Film and Best Picture in the same year. Each of the previous films (Z, 1969; Life Is Beautiful, 1998; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, 2000; Amour, 2012; Roma, 2018; Parasite, 2019; and Drive My Car, 2021) won for International Feature Film. To date, Parasite is the only film to also win Best Picture.

Elvis

Elvis Presley’s life and legacy are brought to the big screen in Elvis, with a stirring lead performance from Austin Butler. The film is the first feature from director Baz Luhrmann since 2013’s The Great Gatsby, and Elvis brings similarly wild, experimental sequences to capture the magic of the musical performances. Elvis is the second-highest-grossing music biopic of all time behind only Bohemian Rhapsody.

Triangle of Sadness

Triangle of Sadness satirizes the world of high fashion, celebrity, and wealth on a cruise that’s destined for disaster. Written and directed by Ruben Östlund in his English-language feature film debut, the movie stars Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, Dolly de Leon, Zlatko Burić, Henrik Dorsin, Vicki Berlin, and Woody Harrelson.

Top Gun: Maverick

A film nearly 40 years in the making, Top Gun: Maverick takes viewers on an adrenaline-fueled ride with Tom Cruise’s iconic character that was nearly lost to the pandemic movie cancellations. Cruise insisted the film be released exclusively in theaters, and since its release has become the highest-grossing film of his career. Stunning visual effects and the use of real fighter jets in filming helped make Maverick a must-see in theaters. The film also stars Miles Teller as Goose’s son “Rooster,” Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Ed Harris, and Val Kilmer returning as “Iceman.”

Women Talking

Written and directed by Sarah Polley, Women Talking tells the inspired by real-life events story of the Manitoba Colony, a remote and isolated Mennonite community in Bolivia, and the women who must reconcile a brutal reality with their faith. Based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Miriam Toews, Women Talking stars Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Judith Ivey, Ben Whishaw, and Frances McDormand.

Avatar: The Way of Water

Avatar: The Way of Water continues the groundbreaking story of James Cameron’s sci-fi epic, thirteen years after the original. The film was praised for its stunning visuals and special effects advancements, and became the third highest-grossing film of all time. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Giovanni Ribisi, Dileep Rao, and Matt Gerald reprise their roles from the original film, with Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Edie Falco, and Jemaine Clement joining as new cast members.

Our Prediction

Everything Everywhere All at Once strikes the perfect balance of big, Marvel-esque blockbuster appeal without sacrificing brilliant star performances and innovative filmmaking, making it our pick to nab Best Picture.

Academy Awards 2023 Nominations: Best Director

The 2023 Oscars’ most favored nominees for the Best Director category include a list of esteemed filmmakers with exceptional skills and talents in bringing stories to life on the big screen.

Daniels

The first on the list are Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who co-directed the critically acclaimed film Everything Everywhere All at Once. The duo demonstrated their prowess in handling complex narrative structures and visual effects, making them a strong contender for the prestigious award.

The nomination for Daniels is the fifth time two credited directors have been nominated for the same film. Past nominations were for Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, who won for West Side Story (1961); Warren Beatty and Buck Henry for Heaven Can Wait (1978); Joel and Ethan Coen, who won for No Country for Old Men (2007), and were also nominated for True Grit (2010).

Steven Spielberg

Next on the list is the legendary Steven Spielberg, who directed The Fabelmans. This is his 12th nomination for Best Picture, a record for an individual producer (since 1951 when producers were first named as nominees). He ties William Wyler, at 13 films each, as the director of the most films nominated for Best Picture. Spielberg’s ninth nomination for Directing ties him with Martin Scorsese for most nominations in the Directing category for a living person (only William Wyler, with 12 Directing nominations, has more).

Martin McDonagh

Martin McDonagh, the mastermind behind The Banshees of Inisherin, has also been nominated for the award. His unique approach to storytelling and character development has garnered him a loyal following in the film industry.

Todd Field

Todd Field, the director of TÁR, has also caught the attention of the Oscars committee. Field’s film is a thought-provoking drama that tackles pertinent social issues and has been praised for its outstanding performances and direction. Field is three for three as a director, with In the Bedroom (2001) and Little Children (2006) also garnering wide critical acclaim and awards attention at the time of their release.

Ruben Östlund

Lastly, Ruben Östlund’s Triangle of Sadness rounds up the list of nominees. Östlund’s clever use of humor and satire to address societal issues has made him a favorite among critics and audiences alike. Triangle of Sadness is the filmmaker’s English-language feature film debut.

Our Prediction

Todd Field has directed multiple Academy Award-winning performances in his two previous films, and his poised to possibly add another to the list with Cate Blanchett’s performance in TÁR. Despite the wave of newcomer-nominees in the Daniels and Östlund, plus the legacy of Spielberg, this could be the year Field truly cements his legacy as a filmmaker.

Academy Awards 2023 Nominations: Best Actor

The upcoming 2023 Oscars have generated excitement among movie enthusiasts as the competition for the best actor category appears to be particularly intense. Several actors are considered frontrunners for the coveted award.

In the acting categories, 16 individuals are first-time nominees (Austin Butler, Hong Chau, Kerry Condon, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ana de Armas, Colin Farrell, Brendan Fraser, Brendan Gleeson, Brian Tyree Henry, Stephanie Hsu, Barry Keoghan, Paul Mescal, Bill Nighy, Ke Huy Quan, Andrea Riseborough, Michelle Yeoh). Cate Blanchett is a previous acting winner.

Austin Butler

For his portrayal of Elvis in a biographical drama of the same name, Butler has quickly risen as a favorite to win the Oscar. Butler brought an uncanny impersonation in the voice, presence, and musical performances of the legendary singer, garnering universal praise for his role.

Brendan Fraser

Another contender is Brendan Fraser, who has gained critical acclaim for his role in The Whale. The film tells the story of a man who is battling with obesity and is desperate to reconnect with his estranged daughter. Fraser’s nuanced performance has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity.

Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell has also received recognition for his work in The Banshees of Inisherin. The film is a character study that explores the complicated relationships within a small community in Ireland. Farrell’s portrayal of a conflicted and tormented man has been lauded for its raw and captivating quality.

Bill Nighy

Bill Nighy is another actor who has captured the attention of critics for his performance in Living. The film follows a retired man who must confront his past mistakes and make amends with those he has wronged. Nighy’s understated and subtle acting style has resonated with audiences and earned him praise for his ability to convey complex emotions through his performance.

Paul Mescal

Finally, Paul Mescal has made a strong impression with his role in Aftersun. The film is a coming-of-age story that follows a young man as he navigates love, loss, and self-discovery. Mescal’s naturalistic and nuanced performance has been commended for its emotional depth and authenticity.

Our Prediction

Overall, the competition for the best actor category at the 2023 Oscars is shaping up to be a thrilling and closely watched event. Each of these talented actors has given a standout performance that has captured the attention of both audiences and critics alike, making it difficult to predict who will ultimately take home the coveted award.

A win for Fraser or Farrell would be a truly full-circle Hollywood moment for two veteran actors, but if they split Academy voters it may be enough for Austin Butler to breakthrough as the big winner.

Academy Awards 2023 Nominations: Best Actress

As the countdown to the 2023 Oscars gains momentum, discussions on who will emerge victorious in the Best Actress category are heating up. Several actresses have been identified as favorites to clinch the coveted award. These actresses have given stunning performances in their respective films, cementing their positions as frontrunners for the prize.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett, a veteran actress with a wealth of experience, has earned rave reviews for her performance in her latest film, TÁR. The movie, which explores the theme of family and relationships, features Blanchett in a nuanced and captivating role that has endeared her to critics and fans alike.

Michelle Yeoh

Another actress who has caught the attention of awards pundits is Michelle Yeoh, who stars in the critically acclaimed film Everything Everywhere All at Once. Yeoh, a versatile actress known for her commanding presence on screen, has delivered a tour-de-force performance in the movie, which tells the story of a woman who discovers she has the power to travel through parallel universes.

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas, who shot to fame with her role in the hit film Knives Out, is also in the running for the Best Actress award for her performance in the film Blonde. The movie, which chronicles the life of iconic actress Marilyn Monroe, features de Armas in a transformative role that showcases her range and talent.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams, an actress who has earned critical acclaim for her work in independent films, is also being touted as a contender for the prize. Williams delivers a captivating performance in The Fabelmans, a coming-of-age drama set in the 1970s.

Andrea Riseborough

Finally, Andrea Riseborough, who has been gaining traction in recent years for her standout performances in films such as The Death of Stalin and Mandy, is being recognized for her work in To Leslie. The movie, which tells the story of a woman grappling with her identity, features Riseborough in a raw and emotional role that has impressed audiences.

Our Prediction

As the Oscars draw near, it remains to be seen which of these talented actresses will walk away with the Best Actress award. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: the competition will be fierce, and audiences can expect to see some truly remarkable performances on display.

Cate Blanchett appears to be a shoe-in on the surface to nab her second Best Actress Oscar. But don’t sleep on Michelle Yeoh, who could pull off a repeat after receiving the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress this year.