In the final days before the Academy Awards, the race for best picture has tightened. Initially, Hamnet and One Battle After Another were frontrunners after winning Golden Globes for drama and musical/comedy respectively. However, Hamnet has since dropped back, while Sinners, Ryan Coogler's vampire chiller, has surged after winning major prizes at the Baftas and Actor Awards. One Battle After Another remains the favourite, but controversy over its depiction of black women may hinder its chances.
Paul Thomas Anderson, despite 14 nominations, has never won an Oscar. His film One Battle After Another is politically topical and critically acclaimed, blending action, comedy, and a father-daughter story. He has won every precursor award, including Bafta and Directors Guild, making him the likely winner for best director. Ryan Coogler is a strong contender, but Anderson's career-best work and overdue narrative give him the edge.
Best actress is a foregone conclusion: Jessie Buckley is expected to win for her role in Hamnet. Since the film's premiere, she has dominated the category with no serious challengers. While some critics found the film overly sentimental, Buckley's performance is widely praised, though nominees Rose Byrne, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone are considered to have given more nuanced performances.
Best actor has become a two-horse race. Timothée Chalamet was initially favoured for Marty Supreme, but Michael B Jordan has overtaken him after winning the Actor award for Sinners, where he plays identical twins. Chalamet lost the Bafta to Robert Aramayo, and Sinners' momentum has eclipsed Marty Supreme's awards season performance.
