Barbenheimer Awaits Oscar Nominations in High Spirits

This Tuesday will see the unveiling of the Oscar nominations, with all eyes on the potential domination of the blockbuster hits “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” These two films, which have raked in a staggering $2.4 billion worldwide since their simultaneous release in July, are anticipated to receive multiple nominations for the 96th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 10.

Pete Hammond, a columnist for Deadline, predicts a strong showing for these films, especially Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” a critically acclaimed depiction of the father of the atomic bomb. The movie has already clinched five Golden Globes and is a frontrunner for Best Picture.

Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” although initially met with enthusiastic awards buzz, has somewhat lagged, winning only two Golden Globes despite its nine nominations. The film’s comedic tone might put it at a disadvantage against the more serious “Oppenheimer.”

Other potential Best Picture contenders include Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Venice Film Festival’s winner “Poor Things,” the heartwarming “The Holdovers,” Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” and the French hit “Anatomy of a Fall.”

This year could mark a milestone for female directors, with Justine Triet’s “Anatomy,” Gerwig’s “Barbie,” and Celine Song’s “Past Lives” all potentially nominated in the Best Picture category.

In acting nominations, Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”) and Margot Robbie (“Barbie”) are strong contenders. Supporting roles in these films, such as Robert Downey Jr and Ryan Gosling, are also expected to garner attention. Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”), Emma Stone (“Poor Things”), Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), and possibly Leonardo DiCaprio are also likely to feature in the acting nominations.

The Oscar nominations announcement, eagerly awaited by the film industry and enthusiasts alike, will start at 5:30 am (1330 GMT) on Tuesday.