The awards merry-go-round has been spinning full speed but will pause briefly 2/8 for Oscar noms.
The traditional bellwethers are ringing — PGA, DGA & SAG, but not HFPA with its Golden Globes still on ice. Films with PGA + DGA nods are heading for the Oscar race: BELFAST (Focus), DUNE (WB), LICORICE PIZZA (MGM/UAR), THE POWER OF THE DOG (Netflix) & WEST SIDE STORY (Disney/20th Century).
Those with only PGA nods are vulnerable, but good possibilities: BEING THE RICARDOS (Amazon), CODA (Apple TV+), DON’T LOOK UP (Netflix), KING RICHARD (WB) & TICK, TICK…BOOM! (Netflix).
Actors are Oscar’s biggest voting branch, so SAG’s Outstanding Cast noms can be helpful: BELFAST, CODA, DON’T, HOUSE OF GUCCI (MGM/UAR) & RICHARD (pictured – Will Smith).
WGA’s not a good barometer since to qualify films must have been made under its minimum basic agreement. BELFAST & DOG’s screenplays aren’t on WGA’s list, but will likely get Academy noms.
Oscar best picture winners tend to have film editing noms. The editors’ ACE noms often preview how Oscar’s editing branch will vote. ACE’s top Dramatic Feature Films: BELFAST, DUNE, RICHARD, NO TIME TO DIE (MGM/Universal/Eon) & DOG.