Best Picture Oscar Candidates 2024: The Frontrunners and Emerging Contenders

The race for Best Picture at the 96th Academy Awards is fiercer than ever, blending cinematic giants with underdog surprises. From historical epics to provocative indies, this year’s lineup celebrates the best of filmmaking. Here’s a breakdown of the films most likely to win—and the dark horses that could steal the spotlight.

The Frontrunners: Top Oscar Contenders

1. Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan’s atomic bomb saga has swept awards season (Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice) and remains the odds-on favorite. With Cillian Murphy’s gripping performance, stunning visuals, and Nolan’s meticulous direction, Oppenheimer blends historical weight with blockbuster appeal.

2. Killers of the Flower Moon

Martin Scorsese’s crime epic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, exposes the brutal Osage Nation murders. Its themes of injustice and powerhouse acting (especially Gladstone’s historic potential win) make it a top contender.

3. Poor Things

Yorgos Lanthimos’ surreal dark comedy, led by Emma Stone’s fearless performance, dazzles with its bold visuals and feminist satire. A likely winner for Best Actress, it could also upset in Best Picture.

4. The Holdovers

Alexander Payne’s nostalgic dramedy, featuring Paul Giamatti’s standout role, resonates with its heartfelt story and ’70s aesthetic. A sleeper hit with broad voter appeal.

Emerging Contenders: Potential Oscar Spoilers

1. American Fiction

Cord Jefferson’s razor-sharp satire on race and publishing, starring Jeffrey Wright, is gaining traction for its witty screenplay and timely relevance.

2. Anatomy of a Fall

Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or-winning legal thriller (led by Sandra Hüller) could follow Parasite’s footsteps as a non-English-language Best Picture winner.

3. The Zone of Interest

Jonathan Glazer’s chilling Holocaust drama, told from a Nazi family’s perspective, is a critical darling with haunting realism.

4. Barbie

Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar phenomenon isn’t just fun—it’s a sharp critique of feminism and capitalism. Could it sway voters with its cultural impact?

Wildcards & Long Shots

• Maestro: Bradley Cooper’s Bernstein biopic shines in technical categories but faces mixed reviews.
• Past Lives: Celine Song’s tender romance is a critics’ favorite but may lack broad support.
• The Color Purple: The musical’s late release could hurt momentum despite powerhouse performances.

Final Oscar Predictions

While Oppenheimer leads the pack, surprises abound. Poor Things or Killers of the Flower Moon could upset, while Anatomy of a Fall might benefit from vote-splitting.

Who’s your pick for Best Picture? Share your predictions below!