Everyone was talking about Jacques Audiard's musical film "Emilia Pérez". But when the lead actress Karla Sofia Gascón's derogatory and racist posts on social media were dug up, the film also partly ended up in the shame corner, despite 13 Oscar nominations.
If one is to judge by the industry press and betting companies, a winner has still crystallized out as the top prize, that for best film.
A nail-biter
Hollywood Reporter and Variety, as well as Forbes and Los Angeles Times, name Sean Baker's "Anora" as the film most likely to receive the prize. Hollywood website Deadline believes instead that it will be a nail-biter between "Anora" and "The Conclave", but that the papal drama with Ralph Fiennes in the lead role will emerge victorious from the struggle.
The director's prize also goes to "Anora" and director Sean Baker, believe film critics who receive support from the odds of betting companies. In that category, it is instead "Brutalisten" and its director Brady Corbet who are seen as the biggest competitors.
Adrien Brody in "Brutalisten" and Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan interpretation in "A complete unknown" are best positioned for an Oscar for best male actor, and Demi Moore is pointed out as the most likely winner in the female equivalent.
Swedish prizes?
Do the Swedes have any chances at the gala being held on Monday night in Los Angeles?
Well, not according to the pre-speculations.
Magnus von Horn's film "The Girl with the Needle", which is competing for Denmark, is not a favorite tip for the prize for best international film. There, it is instead the Brazilian "I'm still here" with Fernanda Torres in the lead role and "Emilia Pérez" that lead the field.
In the documentary film category, where Swedish producer Hanna Aqvilin and Japanese director Shiori Itō's #MeToo film "Black box diaries" are competing, the Ukrainian "Porcelain war" is held as the top favorite.
Swedish-Iranian Ali Abbasi's film "The Apprentice" has a chance to receive prizes in two acting categories. But the pundits do not believe in either Sebastian Stan, who plays Donald Trump, or Jeremy Strong, who plays the role of Trump's mentor Roy Cohn.
When is the gala being held?
March 2 – in Sweden, the broadcast starts at 01:00 on Monday night and is estimated to end at 04:30.
Where can you watch the gala if you're watching from Sweden?
Disney+ is broadcasting the gala live with Jessica Almenäs as the host.
Who is hosting the Oscars gala this year?
TV profile Conan O'Brien. It's his debut in this context.
Is there anything that sets this year's gala apart from previous ones?
Yes, they will be highlighting the devastating fires in Los Angeles earlier this year and paying tribute to those who fought in the firefighting efforts.
Who is performing at the gala?
Among the artists are Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Lisa from Blackpink.
