62 Films From 2022 That Could Win An Oscar (And Where To Watch Them)

Watch Avatar: The Way of Water, Glass Onion, Babylon, and other films on the hunt for Oscar gold in 2022.

Photo-illustration: Brooke Greenberg/BuzzFeed; Everett Collection: Allyson Riggs /A24, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures, Aidan Monaghan/Focus Features

The Oscars telecast on March 12, 2023, keeps getting closer and closer, nominations drop at the end of the month, and plenty of awards are being handed out as we speak. The awards season for 2022 is in full swing and all of the contenders have been released in theaters (with most now streaming).  

This year, every film with a theatrical release (prior to its streaming release) from January 1 to December 31 is eligible, a return to form after last year's shortened COVID season. And of the new slew of films, plenty of contenders have emerged. From blockbusters on the hunt for technical Oscars to small indie dramas hoping to build hype as the awards season progresses, there are plenty of worthy films out now. And if you are an Oscar lover (or just someone looking for a film to watch on a Friday January night under the covers), you've got plenty to choose from.

Plus, the Oscar shortlists, which narrow down the field into ten categories, were released in December, meaning that the nominations are coming into clearer and clearer focus. 

Here are 62 films from 2022 that have Oscar buzz in some way, shape, or form:

1. Aftersun

A24/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A girl spends a summer vacation with her young father at a resort in Turkey, where they lounge about and sing karaoke amidst his mental crisis. 

Why it has buzz: While it's a small-budget indie, the film has received consistently immaculate reviews coming out of impressive festivals and sits pretty with 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's racking up critics' prizes, top 10 list appearances, and early award nominations. 

Potential nominations: This year's acting categories (with the exception of the full-to-bursting Best Actress race) are sparse and still very much in flux. Paul Mescal is giving a brilliant performance here (bolstered by that of God's Creatures — scroll down for more on that) that rightfully deserves to be in the conversation. While Original Screenplay is crowded, it has a shot there if it can pick up momentum, and could factor into this year's 10-film Best Picture race. It's one of my favorite films of the year, so I'm rooting for it hard. 

2. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

Neon/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A documentary detailing the life of famed photographer Nan Goldin while also profiling her epic battle with the Sackler family, owners of oxycontin's manufacturer, Purdue Pharma, to get their names stripped from museums. 

Why it has buzz: The documentary won the top prize at the Venice International Film Festival, an extremely rare feat for a doc. It's also directed by Laura Poitras, who won Best Documentary Feature in 2015 for Citizenfour. 

Potential nominations: As you'll see time and again on this list, it is extremely difficult for a documentary to sneak into other categories. Best Documentary Feature is this film's surest bet for a nomination, and it made the shortlist so it's likely to make the final cut. Best Picture would be incredible, but unprecedented. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango.

3. All That Breathes

Submarine Deluxe/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A group of brothers in New Delhi, India make a career out of rescuing and rehabilitating black kites, majestic birds of prey struggling against the world's ecological nightmares. 

Why it has buzz: As with All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, it's been making the festival circuit and scooping up rave review after rave review. It's also begun to show up as a nominee/winner for early awards and is one of the 15 films shortlisted in the documentary category. 

Potential nominations: As we'll see again and again, just Best Documentary Feature. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango. 

4. All Quiet on the Western Front

Reiner Bajo/Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Based on the classic novel, the film follows a young German soldier during World War I who excitedly signs up for service only to come face to face with the horrors of war. 

Why it has buzz: In 1930, an adaptation of this book won Best Picture, so the material is Oscar-friendly. It is also Germany's submission for Best International Feature and received strong reviews out of the festivals. Plus it made it onto five of the ten Oscar shortlists, more than any other film. 

Potential nominations: Best International Feature is obviously within its grasp as it's a powerful and gorgeously shot, technical masterpiece. If it manages to be the Parasite/Cold War/Drive My Car international Oscar darling of the year (which seems likely given the number of shortlist appearances it had), however, we could see this pop up in Director, Cinematography, Production Design, Sound, Editing, Original Score, Makeup and Hairstyling, and Visual Effects, all of which would be justly deserved. With the exception of The Woman King (which has a very different vibe), it's the only war film in contention this year, and war films tend to perform well in the craft categories. If it manages to break through, it could be in the hunt for a Best Picture nomination as well. 

5. Argentina, 1985

Lina Etchesuri/Amazon Studios/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: It follows Argentina's "Trial of the Juntas" in which a military dictatorship was tried in court for their crimes by a new government, honing in on the team who prosecuted the regime leaders under grave threats. 

Why it has buzz: It's Argentina's submission for Best International Feature, and has Amazon's backing and money (something many of the international submissions are desperately lacking). 

Potential nominations: Probably just Best International Feature as it's rare that international films break out into other categories, and this one feels a bit more muted than some of its competitors. It did make the shortlist though so it's solidly in the hunt. 

6. Armageddon Time

Anne Joyce/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A young Jewish boy growing up in Queens grapples with his parents and grandparents' expectations while also attempting to understand the changing world he lives in. 

Why it has buzz: It's a semi-autobiographical film from lauded director James Gray, which did well on the festival circuit and has a cast that includes previous Oscar winners Anne Hathaway and Anthony Hopkins. 

Potential nominations: Given its fairly muted box office, it's hard to see Armageddon Time breaking into the big races, although I'd love to see Anne Hathaway in Best Supporting Actress. I think its best bets are Original Screenplay, Costume Design, and Production Design. 

7. Avatar: The Way of Water

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A bunch of blue alien people run around on a gorgeous planet being chased by evil humans-turned-blue people. Also, whales are involved.

Why it has buzz: It's the long-awaited sequel to Avatar, which in addition to scooping up a number of Oscar nominations also became one of the most financially successful films in the history of cinema. With four shortlist slots, it's well on its way to dominating the tech categories. 

Potential nominations: While motion capture performances have never broken into the Oscar acting categories, Avatar 2 seems destined for a slew of below-the-line nominations (and most likely several wins). It will most likely get all the nominations that the original did: Picture, Director, Production Design, Cinematography, Editing, Score, Sound, and Visual Effects. Plus it appeared on the Original Song shortlist. An Adapted Screenplay would be the only other possibility, and even though Original Screenplay is the more competitive category this year, and the script for this film is better than the original, it might be hard to break in. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango.

8. Babylon

Scott Garfield/Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A collection of film-related professionals who are traversing the transition from the silent film era to that of the talkies accompanied by absolutely insane parties involving underground wrestling rings, elephants, and piles (literally) of cocaine. 

Why it has buzz: It's the latest bombastic effort from Oscar heavyweight Damien Chazelle starring multiple Oscar nominees Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. The film cost a LOT of money, the craft teams went all out, and it's a movie about movies, which often resonates with the Academy.  

Potential nominations: Babylon snagged three shortlist spots for Makeup and Hairstyling, Score, and Sound, so those three categories are all on the table. With ten slots, Best Picture is within reach, but the film has been divisive, so I get the sense that the Academy will either go all in on Babylon or will mostly snub it. It's in the bubble in various categories so Original Screenplay, Director, and Best Actress for Margot Robbie could all happen. Cinematography, Production Design, Editing, and Costume Design are also strong possibilities and don't have shortlists. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango.

9. The Bad Guys

Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A group of devious criminal animals pretends to be rehabilitated into upstanding citizens in order to pull off a daring heist. 

Why it has buzz: Dreamworks Animation, the studio behind The Bad Guys, has landed 13 Best Animated Feature nominations since the category's inception and has won the statue twice. Plus, it made over $284 million and is the second highest-grossing animated film of the year (behind Minions: The Rise of Gru, which didn't fare as well with critics and is a sequel). 

Potential nominations: The state of the Best Animated Feature races is pure chaos. While I said earlier in the year that The Bad Guys was a lock for a nomination, it is now fighting up against several more adult-friendly films (Marcel the Shell and Pinocchio) as well as the Disney/Pixar entries. I still think it stands a good chance, but we shall see. 

10. The Banshees of Inisherin

Jonathan Hession/Searchlight Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A pair of friends who live in a small island town during the Irish Civil War fall out over a tiny dispute that unravels in horrifying and unexpected ways. 

Why it has buzz: It's Martin McDonagh's follow-up to Oscar heavy hitter Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and stars the leads of his cult classic, In Bruges. Plus, it has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning all of its current 87 reviewers loved it. 

Potential nominations: Where to even begin. Banshees along with The Fabelmans and Everything Everywhere All at Once make up this year's front runners at the moment. A Best Picture nomination is a lock, and a win isn't out of the question, as is a Best Director nomination for McDonagh, who is respected in the industry but has never been nominated in that category. Colin Farrell is another lock for Best Actor, and IMHO should be taking home the trophy for his impressive performance as a sort of dumb, very confused man trying to win his best friend back. Original Screenplay would also appear to be a lock. Beyond that, both Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon are in the hunt for Supporting nominations. Condon has the entire cast of Women Talking to contend with, but she could easily sneak in, while Gleeson is looking at one of the weakest fields in decades (as seemingly no men acted at all this year). If the Academy love Banshees enough, we could even see Barry Keoghan get in. Cinematography, Editing, and Score are also up for consideration.

11. Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths

Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A semi-autobiographical surrealist epic from Alejandro G. Iñárritu about a Mexican documentarian struggling to reconcile his identities as a middle-aged man. 

Why it has buzz: The film got mostly negative reviews for being long and self-indulgent but the Academy loves Iñárritu, the crafts are strong, and it showed up on the International Film shortlist. 

Potential nominations: Best International Film is its most realistic hope, especially as it failed to make the shortlist for score and sound. Perhaps an Editing or Production Design nomination could be scraped together, but that's a long shot. 

12. The Batman

Jonathan Olley/Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Robert Pattinson's emo, sad boy Batman squares off against the Penguin and the Riddler in the latest iteration of the vigilante superhero. 

Why it has buzz: In the wake of The Dark Knight and Joker, a moody Batman film can't be counted out. It did well at the box office and with critics. Plus, with Doctor Strange and Thor not faring as well with the critics, this could be the superhero contender of the year in technical categories (for which there are at least one most years). 

Potential nominations: I don't think this has had the stamina or success needed to make a break for the major categories, but Visual Effects and Sound seem like obvious places to honor the film. While divisive, the transformation of Colin Farrell into the Penguin using prosthetic makeup and a fat suit could also earn the film a Makeup and Hairstyling nomination. It was shortlisted in all three categories, so more than likely we will see "Oscar-nominated The Batman" soon enough. 

13. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Marvel/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: In the wake of T'Challa's death, Wakanda struggles to find a new leader as it stands under threat from both international spies intent on stealing their secrets and a new villain leading a nation of underwater people. 

Why it has buzz: The original Black Panther film became the first MCU Best Picture nominee back in 2018, landing an impressive total of seven nominations and three wins at the Oscars. All eyes are on the sequel to see if it can be Marvel's return to the awards hunt. 

Potential nominations: While the sequel has done slightly worse at the box office, offers a much sadder story, and suffers under Marvel fatigue following what seems like 700 MCU shows on Disney+, it is still in the hunt for Best Picture. Angela Bassett's powerful performance as the grieving mother of T'Challa could also see her sneak into the Best Supporting Actress race. We could also see repeat nominations in Costume Design, Production Design, Makeup and Hairstyling, and Sound. Rihanna's "Lift Me Up" could snag a Best Original Song nomination, and Visual Effects and Editing also feel in reach. While I love Ryan Coogler, I don't see him cracking into Best Director this year, sadly. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango or Cinemark. 

14. Causeway

Wilson Webb/Apple TV+/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A US soldier with a traumatic brain injury spends her time recovering while working as a pool treatment servicer, befriending a local auto-mechanic along the way. 

Why it has buzz: While the initial buzz came from four-time Oscar nominee (and once winner) Jennifer Lawrence returning to the world of indie film, the attention has pivoted to Brian Tyree Henry. 

Potential nominations: If this tiny film gets a nomination, it will most likely be for Brian Tyree Henry, who is exquisite in this (as he is in everything) and competing in a Supporting Actor category without many compelling choices. The crafts are also well done, but it's a small lived-in film competing against big-budget artsy fare, so I think that will be an uphill battle. 

15. Close

A24/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Two young boys in Belgium have their pure, innocent friendship thrown into question by school classmates causing a rift. 

Why it has buzz: The emotional Belgium Oscar submission cracked the shortlist for Best International Film and among the more high-profile candidates, it has the most heart-tugging story. 

Potential nominations: Just Best International Film more than likely. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango.

16. Corsage

IFC Films/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Empress Elisabeth of Austria, a sort of weird lady who ruled the country in the 1800s and did all kinds of strange things while buckling under the weight of fame and fortune. 

Why it has buzz: Like Close, it is a well-reviewed shortlist title in Best International Feature. It's a period drama, which the Academy do tend to love. 

Potential nominations: Best International Feature seems to be the main play, but if Academy members love the film, they could give it a Costume Design nomination. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango.

17. Crimes of the Future

Neon/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A futuristic, body horror saga set in a world where people start growing extra organs due to evolution and where plastic surgery is famously "the new sex."

Why it has buzz: It has sort of fallen out of the conversation in most categories, but all the plastic surgery work landed it on the Makeup and Hairstyling shortlist. 

Potential nominations: Just Makeup and Hairstyling, as much as I loved Kristen Stewart in this. 

18. Decision to Leave

MUBI/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A detective who goes to investigate a mysterious death gets entwined with the deceased's widow, who is also a suspect in the case. 

Why it has buzz: It premiered at Cannes earlier this year to raves and won the Best Director prize there before becoming South Korea's eventual Oscar submission. 

Potential nominations: Decision to Leave will most likely be nominated for Best International Feature (it made the shortlist) and certainly has a shot at winning the award. Best Director could also look to Park Chan-wook for its now nearly traditional fifth international slot. Cinematography would be a nice nomination for this film as would Original Screenplay. As we've seen in recent years, acting nominations for international films are still exceptionally rare when the actor isn't a household name in the US. 

19. Descendant

Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: The descendants (get it?) of the slave who was brought to America on the ship Clotilda, the final one to deliver slaves to the US. 

Why it has buzz: It comes from the Obama's production company, Higher Ground, which has an Oscar track record, and made the Documentary shortlist. 

Potential nominations: Just Best Documentary. 

20. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Marvel Studios/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Doctor Strange faces off against the Scarlet Witch in a battle for the fate of the multiverse (as tends to be the case in Marvel films). 

Why it has buzz: It's a Marvel film, and with its massive budget and special effects, you can never count them out (especially in a post-Black Panther world). 

Potential nominations: Visual Effects would be the main plays here as it made the shortlist, but its likely to lose out to fellow Marvel property Black Panther as voters will probably only award one of their films. 

21. Don't Worry Darling

Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: In a 1950s idyllic society with a secret, Florence Pugh begins to feel like something just isn't quite right, much to the chagrin of those around her. 

Why it has buzz: Well it has buzz for about 100 different reasons, many of which have nothing to do with the Oscars. 

Potential nominations: While the film's myriad controversies certainly bumped it to the top of many people's minds, the bad reviews tanked most of its Academy Awards dreams. Florence Pugh's always-superb acting isn't enough to break through in Best Actress this year, so the film's hopes rest on its beautiful Production Design and Costume Design. The costume branch especially doesn't mind giving awards to movies that are otherwise horrible, so don't count this out. In a bit of a surprise, it also made the Best Score shortlist. 

22. Elvis

Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Elvis. Duh. 

Why it has buzz: Musical biopics tend to do well at the Academy. This one's got decent reviews, a massive budget, and Tom Hanks. Plus, the last four films from its director, Baz Luhrmann, have received at least one Oscar nomination, so there's a precedent. 

Potential nominations: Early in the year I thought Elvis's early release date had doomed it, but the big awards movies of the fall doing poorly at the box office has bolstered this movie, which actually made money. Elvis certainly could make a Bohemian Rhapsody-style sweep (the film was nominated for five Oscars and won four). As sprawling, chaotic, and uneven a film as it is, with such a weak Best Actor field, Austin Butler is certainly in the mix, which also means Best Picture is on the table. Production Design, Costume Design, Sound, and Makeup and Hairstyling also all seem like easy gets as the long sumptuous movie is well endowed with all three. There is also an original song from Doja Cat, but it sadly did not make the shortlist. 

23. Emancipation

Quantrall Colbert/Apple TV+/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A slave desperate to reunite with his family flees across a swamp in order to join up with the Union army. He is hunted by a slave catcher, the Confederate army, and alligators. 

Why it has buzz: It initially had buzz because of the full-bodied performance from Will Smith, but he seems unlikely to get a nomination given what happened at last year's Oscar ceremony. It did make the Makeup and Hairstyling shortlist though. 

Potential nominations: Most likely just Makeup and Hairstyling although Cinematography could also be an option. 

24. Emergency

Quantrell Colbert/Amazon Studios/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Three POC college students have their nights ruined when they find a white girl passed out in their house and don't know how she got there. 

Why it has buzz: The film received glowing reviews coming out of Sundance, where it won a screenplay prize. 

Potential nominations: The screenplay here is so damn clever and well-executed. It's a get-to-the-party-style movie that confronts racism in its many forms head-on but never becomes overly violent or depressing. The line they are walking is so fine and deserves to be celebrated. Because this is based on a previous short film from filmmakers Carey Williams and KD Davila, I believe this would be in the Best Adapted Screenplay category, which is the weaker of the two this year, helping its chances. 

25. Empire of Light

Searchlight Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A lonely middle-aged woman who works at a failing movie theater on the southern coast of England strikes up a friendship with a new, much younger coworker. 

Why it has buzz: Oscar winner Olivia Colman gives a tremendous performance in a film directed by Oscar winner Sam Mendes and shot by Oscar winner Roger Deakins. 

Potential nominations: After mixed reviews, the film has failed to fully solidify in the Oscar race and missed the shortlist for Score a bit unexpectedly. Olivia Colman in Best Actress and Deakins in Cinematography seems like the most obvious choices left on the table. It could also land Production Design, Editing, and Best Picture if the Academy members decide they like it more than the critics. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango.

26. Everything Everywhere All at Once

Allyson Riggs/A24/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A Chinese American immigrant woman who owns a struggling laundromat is fighting with her daughter, is in a failing marriage, and taking care of an ailing father, must fight through multiple dimensions to save the world while at the IRS. 

Why it has buzz: Of all the films to premiere so far in 2022, this is the one with the most Oscar potential. It got RAVE reviews coming out of its SXSW premiere and has been chugging along ever since, becoming a massive word-of-mouth hit for A24. It is the studio's highest-grossing film domestically, and A24 certainly knows how to campaign when it's got a winner, so expect them to throw their entire weight behind this one. 

Potential nominations: Where do I even begin? I suppose with Michelle Yeoh's leading performance, which is sure to take home a slew of critics' prizes on its march to a nomination and possible win in Best Actress. I also think that a Best Picture nomination is extremely likely given the film's singularity and unexpected success. Best Original Screenplay also seems very likely, as the story here is unlike anything we've seen in recent years, and daring storytelling is often acknowledged in that category. Ke Huy Quan is doing A LOT as Yeoh's husband and is the current front-runner in a weak Best Supporting Actor field. Stephanie Hsu and Jamie Lee Curtis (who has never been nominated for an Oscar) also deserve dual Best Supporting Actress nominations. Cinematography, Director, Production Design (for the butt plug trophy), Sound, Film Editing, Score, and Costume Design could also be potential nominations. Lastly, there is a Mitski/David Byrne Original Song at play. By my count, that means we should be seeing...14 nominations come 2023? 

27. The Fabelmans

Merie Weismiller Wallace/Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Steven Spielberg growing up, hanging out with his parents, and making movies, although the names have been changed of course. 

Why it has buzz: It's America's most beloved director creating a big-budget tribute to the film industry while sharing his life story. It's got incredible reviews and show-stopping production value. 

Potential nominations: While its lackluster box office number may have slowed it a bit, The Fabelmans is still certainly an Oscar favorite, if not the front-runner. Best Picture, Director, and Original Screenplay all seem highly likely. Best Actress for Michelle Williams seems probable (although her move from the weaker Supporting category made her road much tougher). Paul Dano and Judd Hirsch are both in the Supporting Actor category, and at least one will probably make the cut. Cinematography, Production Design, Editing, Score, and Costume Design are all likely as well, meaning it could have a double-digit haul on nomination morning. 

28. Fire of Love

Sandbox Films / Alamy

What it's about: A documentary about a pair of married volcanologists who died in a volcano in 1991. 

Why it has buzz: One of the buzziest, most highly praised documentaries to come out of Sundance, it's being released widely in theaters from Neon.

Potential nominations: As with most documentaries, breaking out of the Best Documentary Feature category is near impossible. Also, this branch is notoriously hard to predict, so you never know. 

29. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

John Wilson/Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: In a sequel to Knives Out, Daniel Craig's detective solves another murder on the island of an Elon Musk-type billionaire. 

Why it has buzz: Knives Out was an Oscar nominee in Original Screenplay and Rian Johnson's whodunit is one of the most successful films from the Christmas release corrider. 

Potential nominations: Its shortlisting for Score is a good sign, and a nomination in Adapted Screenplay seems highly likely. Beyond that, Best Picture is within reach as is Best Supporting Actress for Janelle Monae. Production Design could also be an option. 

30. God's Creatures

Enda Bowe/A24/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Paul Mescal returns home to a small Irish fishing village to be with his family. While his mother initially defends him and his actions to the suspicious community, she begins to wonder if she's made a mistake. 

Why it has buzz: Emily Watson is a highly lauded former Best Actress nominee turning in some incredible work, while Paul Mescal is riding high on a great year of performances. 

Potential nominations: Emily Watson is sure to take home some critics prizes (and perhaps a British Independent Film Award) for her tremendous work here, but I'm not sure that will be enough to land her a Best Actress nomination. For Paul Mescal, a Best Supporting nomination could be an easier grab, especially if voters are combining this with his great work in Aftersun. 

31. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

Searchlight Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A middle-aged widow hires a sex worker to teach her how to enjoy her body in search of an orgasm, something she never had during her marriage. 

Why it has buzz: Emma Thompson, a two-time Oscar winner, is giving one of the best performances of her career. Plus, all the fuss about whether or not it was eligible makes me think that Searchlight is gearing up to push it hard. 

Potential nominations: Thompson is certainly on the cusp of a Best Actress nomination and definitely deserves one in my book. I'd love to see Daryl McCormack in for either Actor or Supporting Actor (since the field is dismal), but he might be too fresh a face in too small a movie. Beyond that, perhaps an Original Screenplay nomination, but as I've said, that category is tough. 

32. Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio

Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: It's Pinocchio. If you don't know the plot by now, I can't help you. 

Why it has buzz: It's a highly lauded animated film from Oscar darling Guillermo del Toro, which was shortlisted in Score, Song, and Sound signifying plenty of strength to move beyond the Animated Feature category. 

Potential nominations: It's currently the frontrunner to win Best Animated Feature, and seems a likely Best Picture nominee. As an animated film, its other nominations are a bit limited, but Score, Original Song, Sound, and Adapted Screenplay would be options. 

33. Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.

Steve Swisher/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A megachurch pastor and his wife try to reestablish themselves as spiritual leaders after some missteps in their past sent them tumbling from grace. 

Why it has buzz: Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown are both well-regarded, extremely talented actors who have won other awards in the past, and seem due for Oscar nominations. 

Potential nominations: While Regina Hall steals the show here, I think Best Actress would be an uphill battle. Sterling K. Brown, however, is staring down a fairly wide open field, which I think could land him in the Best Actor race if they campaign him well. 

34. The Inspection

A24/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A gay man joins the military and goes through a tough boot camp process, made tougher by the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. 

Why it has buzz: It's got big performances from Gabrielle Union and Jeremy Pope, performed well on the festival circuit, and got strong reviews. 

Potential nominations: Realistically, I think the only chances for this film, which is a small character-driven piece, would be the pair of acting nominations, Actor for Pope and Supporting Actress for Union. Both are on the bubble now but could climb the ranks as more people catch up with this on streaming. 

35. The Janes

HBO

What it's about: A group of women in '60s/'70s Chicago who built an Underground Railroad-esque operation to help women get safe, but illegal abortions. 

Why it has buzz: It's a high-profile and well-made documentary about abortion, THE hot-button issue of this election cycle, and one sure to be on Academy members' minds.

Potential nominations: Just Best Documentary Feature, for which it was shortlisted. 

36. Jurassic World Dominion

Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: The third Jurassic World film follows the cast of both this franchise and its Park predecessors as they try to infiltrate the headquarters of an evil corporation. 

Why it has buzz: It made a crap ton of money and has a lot of really cool CGI dinosaurs in it. 

Potential nominations: Just Visual Effects, since it missed the Sound shortlist. 

37. Lightyear

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: In a slightly confusing meta setup, Lightyear is supposedly the film that Toy Story's Andy watched and the toy that inspired the Buzz Lightyear action figure. 

Why it has buzz: Pixar has 11 Best Animated Feature Oscars, so it's foolish to count out a Pixar film, although this is a spinoff, and when Pixar has missed the Oscars, it has typically been with sequels and spinoffs. 

Potential nominations: Best Animated Feature is really the only play here. 

38. Marcel the Shell With Shoes On

A24/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A talking shell and his grandmother, who really love watching 60 Minutes. 

Why it has buzz: This is a charming word-of-mouth hit that did incredibly with the critics and is bound to make every single viewer cry. 

Potential nominations: Since the Academy has ruled the film eligible for Best Animated Feature, it will almost certainly be nominated as a charming box office hit and one of the category's few adult-focused entries. 

39. The Menu

Eric Zachanowich/Searchlight Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A homicidal chef invites a bunch of bougie diners to his island restaurant in order to kill them. 

Why it has buzz: In a fall where critical darling after critical darling has crashed and burned at the box office, The Menu is actually making money and getting incredible reviews. Especially in this "back to the theater" year, that could matter a lot. 

Potential nominations: Ralph Fiennes should definitely be in the conversation for Supporting Actor for his menacing performance. Best Original Screenplay would also be a fun way to honor this film. I believe food also comes under the purview of production design so Best Production Design for the restaurant and dishes would be well earned. 

40. Moonage Daydream

Neon/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: The life and work of David Bowie. 

Why it has buzz: It's been receiving strong reviews all year long, has had a healthy theatrical run, and landed on two shortlists. 

Potential nominations: Best Documentary Feature and Sound are the two nominations within reach. 

41. Navalny

Fathom Events / Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: It's a documentary about Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned and blamed Vladimir Putin and his regime for the attack.

Why it has buzz: The documentary won a top prize at Sundance and has received rave reviews. Like The Janes, it also feels incredibly timely given the attacks on Ukraine. 

Potential nominations: Best Documentary Feature is its main play. 

42. Nope

Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A family of animal trainers begins to witness strange occurrences on their ranch and begins to investigate the sinister source. 

Why it has buzz: It's the third feature film from highly lauded auteur Jordan Peele, who won an Oscar for Get Out, and stars several former Oscar winners and nominees. 

Potential nominations: Nope is more similar to big-budget monster movies like Jurassic Park and Jaws than Peele's previous social commentary horror films, so it's hard to say how it will fare. Its grand scope, however, makes Visual Effects, Editing, and Score potential nominations. I think Picture, Director, and Actor might be a bit of a reach, but everyone LOVES Keke Palmer, and a Supporting Actress run for her could lead to a lot of viral moments and perhaps a nomination.

43. The Northman

Aidan Monaghan/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Basically, Hamlet but with Vikings. Uncle kills dad. Uncle marries mom. Son heads out to avenge dad, save mom, and kill uncle. 

Why it has buzz: It's the EXPENSIVE follow-up from Robert Eggers of The Lighthouse, which, despite being wildly polarizing, still managed a surprise Cinematography nomination. This one is from Focus Features (not A24) and so was given a much bigger budget in the craft categories, and it shows. 

Potential nominations: I don't think that this kind of straightforward revenge narrative will be breaking into Screenplay or Picture conversations, and the performances here are just a bit too weird to appeal to Oscar voters. But Cinematography feels like a nice repeat, and Production Design or Costume Design could be in play although its snubbing on the shortlists signals that Academy members may not have loved the film. 

44. Official Competition

IFC Films/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: An eccentric director (Cruz) takes two very different actors through a series of exercises before they start shooting a new film. 

Why it has buzz: Three powerhouse actors, Antonio Banderas, Penélope Cruz, and Oscar Martínez, are all beloved and given plenty of room to perform here. With the continued expansion of international Academy members, films from outside the US are being honored in other categories more and more. 

Potential nominations: I'm not sure how they would choose to run the trio between lead and supporting, but all three are doing magnificent work here, and I could definitely see Banderas snagging his second nomination, especially if they put him in Supporting Actor. 

45. RRR

Raftar Creations/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A frenetic, highly stylized Indian musical action film about two revolutionaries who fought against British Imperialism (using tigers, according to this). Think Moulin Rouge! meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon meets The Matrix meets The Patriot. 

Why it has buzz: RRR is the most expensive Indian film ever made, the third highest-grossing Indian film of all time, and has received top-notch reviews from critics the world over. Now it's readily accessible on Netflix and continuing to build a fandom in the US. 

Potential nominations: In so many ways, this is NOT an awards movie. It's a three-hour-plus gory action film with extended musical numbers (including a rather upbeat public torture song). In Oscar history, India has only been nominated three times for Best International Feature as well, meaning Bollywood and Tollywood films are not what the Academy often gravitates to. 

That all being said, this is set up to be the exception to the rule. Its universal success demands attention, and it is sure to be memorable in a crop of typically dour competitors. India, unfortunately, did not select it for the International Feature race, BUT this seems to almost be helping it as more and more fans are rallying around the musical's music in hopes of an Original Song nomination. 

46. Return to Seoul

Sony Pictures Classics/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A Korean girl who was adopted by a French family returns to South Korea to get in contact with her biological parents. 

Why it has buzz: Through a set of complications this is actually Cambodia's Oscar submission for Best International Film despite being set in South Korea and about a French woman. It made the shortlist nonetheless. 

Potential nominations: Best International Feature. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango.

47. Saint Omer

Super/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A pregnant writer attends the trial of a woman who is accused of abandoning her infant on a beach to die. 

Why it has buzz: It received incredibly strong reviews, became the French Oscar submission, and has been shortlisted. 

Potential nominations: Best International Feature as well. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango.

48. She Said

Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: The pair of New York Times journalists who broke the story of Harvey Weinstein's sexual misconduct and their tireless investigation to get the story. 

Why it has buzz: Former Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan is back with a big juicy role in a Spotlight-esque movie focused on the film industry (something the Oscars love). 

Potential nominations: Like many of these films, its weak box office performance has left its odds a bit uncertain, but a Supporting Actress nomination for Mulligan seems like the safest bet. Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay both have potential as well. Otherwise, the film isn't super flashy, so Original Score would be the only other category it's challenging in. 

49. Strange World

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A grandfather, father, and son (along with a mother, a three-legged dog, and a blob) go on an expedition into a strange world to figure out what's cutting off their kingdom's energy supply.

Why it has buzz: It's Disney's holiday animated family film, and it got positive reviews. 

Potential nominations: Just Best Animated Feature as this isn't a musical.

50. Tár

Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Cate Blanchett is a famed orchestra conductor, who on the brink of completing her magnum opus, begins to spiral as her past catches up to her. 

Why it has buzz: Cate Blanchett is a two-time Oscar winner in a meaty role in a film from Oscar-nominated director Todd Field, who hasn't made a film in over a decade. It has received rapturous reviews, especially for Blanchett's performance. 

Potential nominations: Tár is undeniable and seems to be the Drive My Car-esque cerebral darling in this year's race. Best Picture, Director, Actress, and Original Screenplay are all locks for nominations (if not wins). Cinematography and Editing are also possibilities. One outlier is a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Nina Hoss, who plays Blanchett's long-suffering wife. While she's certainly overshadowed, she's integral to the plot, and if Academy voters love Tar, they could boost her up through a cluttered field. 

51. Tell It Like a Woman

Samuel Goldwyn FIlms

What it's about: An anthology film about women directed by women. 

Why it has buzz: I had not even heard of this film until the Oscar shortlist for Best Original Song came out, but it's got a track from Dianne Warren and she is a perennial Oscar nominee in this category, even when the movie has not been seen by a soul.

Potential nominations: Best Original Song is the only play. 

52. Thirteen Lives

Vince Valitutti/MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: The Thailand cave rescue in which thirteen members of a soccer team were rescued by cave divers. 

Why it has buzz: This film should have been extremely buzzy with the highest pedigree of talent. However a documentary about the same subject was released last year, and I think that took the wind out of its sales. It's received very little attention but did land on the Best Visual Effects shortlist. 

Potential nominations: Most likely just Best Visual Effects. 

53. Till

Lynsey Weatherspoon/United Artists Releasing/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Danielle Deadwyler is Mamie Till, the mother of Emmett Till, who demands justice following the lynching of her young son, pushing forward the civil rights movement. 

Why it has buzz: Deadwyler's tremendous performance has gotten consistently rave reviews, and the Academy loves a biopic. 

Potential nominations: While the film is well done as a whole, it certainly feels like it's mostly a vehicle for Deadwyler. She's definitely in the thick of the Best Actress race. Beyond that, perhaps a screenplay nomination is attainable. I don't think the budget here is big enough to make a run in the craft categories though. 

54. Top Gun: Maverick

Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: Tom Cruise flying planes a long time after he flew planes before. 

Why it has buzz: It is the biggest hit of the year so far, raking in the cash and receiving nearly universally positive reviews. 

Potential nominations: The early chatter about a potential Best Picture/Best Actor nomination has stuck around for long enough that I'm beginning to think those are possibilities. The Academy RARELY gives nominations to things that are this lowbrow and populist, but this is certainly the blockbuster of the summer, so they'll want to reward it somehow. Sound feels like the most obvious nomination and could be paired nicely with Best Original Song for Lady Gaga's new anthem, "Hold My Hand," which they use within the film's score as well as the credits. The original also got a Best Editing nomination. The number of practical effects here makes a Visual Effects nomination a bit unlikely. If only they had a stunts category. 

55. Triangle of Sadness

Neon/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A model and his influencer girlfriend end up on an ill-fated mega yacht cruise with the über wealthy. 

Why it has buzz: It won Cannes's top prize, the Palme d'Or, and has received mostly strong reviews out of the festivals. It's also Ruben Östlund's follow-up to The Square, which was an Oscar nominee. 

Potential nominations: Even though the film is from a Swedish filmmaker, because it is predominantly in English, it won't qualify for Best International Feature, which makes its Oscar chances slightly more difficult. The director branch, however, has been increasingly supportive of international filmmakers, so I think a Best Director nomination is well within reach, especially without an International juggernaut in the mix this year. Best Picture and Original Screenplay also seem like categories this could be rewarded in. While Woody Harrelson is the most well-known member of the cast, I think that Dolly de Leon, the Filipina actor who plays a member of the yacht's crew, is the most likely acting nominee. She steals the film's third act, and, as I've said, the Best Supporting Actress race is very topsy-turvy at the moment. Cinematography and Editing are also viable options. 

56. Turning Red

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A girl starts turning into a giant red panda in a metaphor for puberty. 

Why it has buzz: It is Pixar's other play of the year, and received much better reviews than Lightyear even if its release was much quieter. 

Potential nominations: I expect this to take one of the Best Animated Feature slots, as the category has become more discerning in recent years about actually going for the good film over the, cough, buzzy one. 

57. Wendell & Wild

Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A pair of demons arrive on Earth with the ability to raise people from the dead, wreaking havoc on a dilapidated small town and the Catholic school that is run there. 

Why it has buzz: It's a stop-motion animated film from famed animation director Henry Selick (Coraline), and Jordan Peele, one of the hottest names in Hollywood. 

Potential nominations: While the plot is a bit convoluted, the animation style here is stunning and will stand out from the traditional Disney/Pixar style we tend to see. The darker storyline is also likely to appeal to Academy voters, and without a real front-runner in this category at the moment (we're still waiting on Strange World), it seems like a lock for a nomination at least. 

58. The Whale

A24/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: An immobile, reclusive 500+ pound man grapples with the meaning of life after being informed he only has a few days left to live. 

Why it has buzz: Brendan Fraser's transformation using a fast suit and prosthetics has garnered plenty of attention on the film from Darren Aronofsky, whose previous films have done well with the Academy. 

Potential nominations: The prosthetic makeup landed it a slot on the Makeup and Hairstyling shortlist, and a nomination for Brendan Fraser in Best Actor also is a lock. Outside of that, the divisive film is on the bubble, but Supporting Actress for Hong Chau and Adapted Screenplay would be the best bets. Perhaps it could squeak into Best Picture, but it seems unlikely. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango.

59. White Noise

Wilson Webb/Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A family focused on consumerism who lives through an apocalyptic airborne toxic event and spends a lot of time at a grocery store. 

Why it has buzz: It's a big-budget film from Noah Baumbach, whose previous film Marriage Story did incredibly well at the Oscars, based on a classic novel by Don DeLillo and starring Oscar favorite Adam Driver. 

Potential nominations: While I think the buzz on this one has subsided enough to move it out of the major categories, it should 100% get a Production Design nomination for its impeccable props and set. Costume Design, Editing, and Cinematography could all also happen. The film ends with one of the most impressive credits sequences I've ever witnessed, set to a new LCD Soundsystem song, "New Body Rhumba," which I think deserves a place in the Best Original Song race. 

60. The Woman King

TriStar Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A group of female warriors in Africa, led by Viola Davis, attempt to defend their tribe from warring clans and the white foreigners looking for more slaves to sell. 

Why it has buzz: Viola Davis is in it, and usually, that's enough. 

Potential nominations: Viola Davis is certainly on the hunt for Best Actress. She is always incredible, but this is an extremely physical role that we haven't seen her in to date. Its success at the box office and with critics also puts it in the thick of the Best Picture race (especially if the other blockbuster titles coming later, such as Black Panther 2 and Avatar 2, falter). The optics of a screenplay nomination for a white screenwriter seem a bit iffy, but the script is very tight. More likely are nominations for Costume Design and Production Design. Score, Editing, and Cinematography are a bit less likely but not off the table. The Best Director race this year is currently dominated by mostly straight white men, so Gina Prince-Bythewood, who has turned out consistently solid work for decades, would be a welcome addition to that roster as well. 

61. Women Talking

Michael GIbson/Orion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A group of Mennonite women who have been sexually abused by the men of their colony must decide whether to stay and fight for their rights or flee to a new life. 

Why it has buzz: The absolutely stacked cast all deliver nomination-worthy performances in a beautifully shot and well-reviewed film. 

Potential nominations: Women Talking is another of this year's strong contenders. Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay all feel like strong possibilities. Score, Cinematography, and Editing could also happen. The farm setting and simple dresses make the other craft categories an uphill battle, but the film's major wealth is in the actors. Ben Whishaw is likely to get nominated as the sole man in the film for Supporting Actor. Supporting Actress is an embarrassment of riches, but it appears to be Claire Foy and Jessie Buckley in the hunt, although they may end up fighting over one spot. 

Currently in theaters. Buy tickets at Fandango.

62. The Wonder

Aidan Monaghan/Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

What it's about: A nurse who goes to a rural town in Ireland to observe a girl who claims to not have eaten in months because she's being fed by God. 

Why it has buzz: It's Florence Pugh, one of the greatest actors of the new generation, delivering an exceptional performance. 

Potential nominations: Pugh for Best Actress might be a long shot, but she's certainly worthy of it. Otherwise, Costume Design and Cinematography could happen if enough voters take a liking to this quiet film. 

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