After the first two major guilds weighed in this morning, one thing is clear – it is a ‘Barbenheimer’ world, and we just live in it. The guild nominations from SAG and DGA have solidified the dominance of Barbie and Oppenheimer in the awards race. Both films received a staggering four nominations each at SAG, including the coveted Outstanding Cast category. Additionally, both films’ directors, Greta Gerwig for Barbie and Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer, have secured spots on the Directors Guild list of finalists. This harmonious alignment between the guilds and eventual Oscar winners in acting and directing signifies the undeniable success of these films.
It comes as no surprise that Martin Scorsese, a beloved figure within the Directors Guild, received a nomination for his work on “Killers Of The Flower Moon.” Joining him are Yorgos Lanthimos for “Poor Things” and Alexander Payne for “The Holdovers,” with the latter benefiting greatly from a strong presence on the Q&A and reception circuit this season. These four nominees are poised to make an impact in the Oscar Best Director category. However, as recent trends suggest, the fifth slot may go to an international film, with “The Zone Of Interest” or “Anatomy Of A Fall” as potential beneficiaries. Despite these impressive names, the absence of Bradley Cooper for his directorial debut on “Maestro” is notable, leaving Gerwig as the sole actor-turned-director to earn the directors’ approval for the second time, following her nomination for “Lady Bird” in 2017.
While some familiar names dominate the nominations, the Guilds have also embraced new talent. Cord Jefferson for “American Fiction” and Celine Song for “Past Lives” secured nominations for First Time Feature Director, providing some consolation despite being long shots for the final Oscar cut. “American Fiction” emerged as a success story in the SAG Film nominations, earning nods for Outstanding Cast and promising performances from Jeffrey Wright and the beloved Sterling K. Brown in the Supporting Actor category. Conversely, “Poor Things” failed to secure a Cast nomination, potentially losing its spot to “The Color Purple.” Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe received individual nominations, with Dafoe prevailing over co-star Mark Ruffalo in the Supporting Actor category.
The absence of international favorites “Anatomy Of A Fall” and “The Zone Of Interest” at SAG is disappointing, particularly for German star Sandra Huller, whose outstanding performances in both films generated Oscar buzz. With the odds stacked against her now, Huller will need to defy expectations and secure dual acting nominations without the support of SAG. The snub of Netflix’s “May December” by both the DGA and SAG, including its notable cast members Julianne Moore and Charles Melton, raises concerns. These guilds share the most voting members with the Academy, making their nominations crucial indicators of the Oscar landscape. However, Netflix can find solace in the nominations received by “Nyad,” including Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan, as well as the recognition of Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, and Colman Domingo for “Rustin.” NEON can also celebrate Penelope Cruz’s Supporting Actress nomination for “Ferrari,” which garnered attention after underperforming in earlier critics’ contests and award shows.
If you find yourself underwhelmed by the SAG nominations, do not despair. While the guild has an impressive track record of aligning with the Academy’s eventual winners, its nomination predictions have been hit-or-miss, especially in the four acting categories shared with the Oscars. In recent years, SAG’s nomination success rates have fluctuated, ranging from 12 out of 20 to 16 out of 20. Therefore, there is still room for surprises and unexpected twists in the upcoming Oscar nominations.
The guild nominations mark just the beginning of the awards season, with the Producers Guild film nominations announcement scheduled for Friday. Subsequently, BAFTA will unveil its nominations on January 18, building anticipation for the Academy Awards nominations on January 23. However, if you are eager to gauge the Writers Guild’s position in all this, you’ll have to wait until February 21 for their nominations. The delay is due to a strike that affected their awards calendar, culminating in the WGA’s awards ceremony on April 14, over a month after the Oscars ceremony.
The guild nominations have reaffirmed the dominance of Barbie and Oppenheimer in the awards race. While familiar names have secured nominations, the emergence of new talent and the absence of international favorites hint at the potential for surprises and upsets in the coming weeks. As the awards season gains momentum, all eyes will be on the Producers Guild and BAFTA nominations, providing further insights into the evolving Oscar landscape. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare for an exciting and unpredictable journey to Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony.
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