It’s the season of suspense and glamour in Hollywood as the Oscar shortlists are finally out, and some of the frontrunners have taken the industry by storm. Notably, “Wicked,” “Emilia Pérez,” and “Dune: Part 2” are leading the pack with numerous nominations across various categories.
The Oscar shortlists revealed on December 17 have stirred excitement with their focus on makeup and hairstyling, original scores, sound, and visual effects. Leading the charge is “Wicked,” making an appearance in all four lists. Close behind are “Emilia Pérez” and “Dune: Part Two,” both gathering three nominations along with “Gladiator II” and “Alien: Romulus.”
“Wicked,” directed by Jon M. Chu, is already a favorite for its dazzling portrayal of Elphaba, brought to life through the masterful makeup and hairstyling of Oscar winners Frances Hannon and Mark Coulier. “Emilia Pérez,” a genre-defying musical, stands out with a unique soundscape crafted by supervising sound editor Aymeric Devoldère, and a striking score by Clément Ducol and Camille. Meanwhile, “Dune: Part Two” continues its legacy with intricate sound design by Oscar-winning supervising sound editor Richard King.
The original score category is especially competitive this year. Hans Zimmer’s haunting compositions for “Blitz” and John Debney’s orchestral throwback in “Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1” are among the highlights. Additionally, there’s notable mention for Benjamin Wallfisch’s eerie tribute in “Alien: Romulus” and Volker Bertelmann’s sacral yet thrilling tones for “Conclave.”
In the realm of sound, musicals seem to have the upper hand. “Wicked” and “Emilia Pérez” once again shine with their elaborate sound editing and musical performances, while “Gladiator II” impresses with its powerful depiction of ancient battles through expertly crafted soundscapes.
Visual effects continue to be a battleground of primate-inspired themes, as seen in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and “Better Man.” Nevertheless, “Alien: Romulus” captures attention with a blend of animatronics and CGI, recalling the cinematic essence of the original films.
Despite the stiff competition, some notable exclusions were Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” and Osgood Perkins’ “Longlegs,” which were conspicuously absent from the shortlists.
As we inch closer to the Oscars, the anticipation only builds for these films vying for top honors. With enchanting musical numbers, visually stunning effects, and scores that resonate deeply, this year’s contenders promise an exciting and rewarding journey to the awards night.
Source: Yahoo
