Oscars 2018: From Wonder Woman to Get Out, 34 contenders so far

Oscars: Meet the Contenders

If Oscar ballots went out today, who would the Academy vote for? On the heels of AMPAS taking on its most inclusive class of voting members in history (and with the fall festivals now in the rear-view mirror), EW takes a look at which films that have premiered in 2017 thus far -- either in theaters or on the festival circuit -- have the best shot at landing Oscar nods in the top categories next year.

Dunkirk (dir. Christopher Nolan)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Best Supporting Actor (Mark Rylance), Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: Christopher Nolan's blockbuster World War II movie has some of the year's best reviews and feels like a legitimate front-runner in a race that lacks true front-runners. At the very least, Dunkirk should score a best picture nomination and give Nolan his long-awaited dance in the best director category. -- Christopher Rosen

Call Me By Your Name (dir. Luca Guadagnino)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Luca Guadagnino), Best Actor (Timothée Chalamet), Best Supporting Actor (Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg), Best Adapted Screenplay

Why it's a contender: Upon its historic best picture victory in February, Moonlight shifted the outlook for LGBTQ cinema at the Oscars. Now, in 2018, another LGBTQ romance could follow in its wake. Call Me By Your Name (out Nov. 24) -- about a teenager (Timothée Chalamet) who forms a passionate bond with an older man (Armie Hammer) -- is already one of the year's most acclaimed films and stands poised to grab major nominations for its director (Luca Guadagnino), writer (James Ivory), and cast. Star Timothée Chalamet could muscle his way into the lead actor race -- and, at 21, become the youngest male lead to score a best actor nomination since Jesse Eisenberg for The Social Network --while costars Michael Stuhlbarg (who has a knockout scene in the third act) and Armie Hammer (as Chalamet's onscreen object of affection) should battle it out in the supporting race. Thanks to its impeccable technical craftsmanship, double-digit nominations are not out of the question. -- Christopher Rosen and Joey Nolfi

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (dir. Martin McDonagh)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Martin McDonagh), Best Actress (Frances McDormand), Best Supporting Actor (Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson), Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: The black comedy about anger and forgiveness in middle America won the prestigious audience award at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, a bellwether for best picture success (eight of the last 10 winners have gone on to score a best picture nomination). Out Nov. 10, Martin McDonagh's film stands a good chance of pushing star Frances McDormand to the top of the best actress list and land Sam Rockwell his first-ever nomination. -- Christopher Rosen

The Shape of Water (dir. Guillermo del Toro)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Guillermo del Toro), Best Actress (Sally Hawkins), Best Supporting Actor (Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins), Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: The R-rated fairy tale doesn't arrive in theaters until December, but Fox Searchlight scored early awards season wins for Guillermo del Toro's feature with the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival and a runner-up slot for the audience award at the Toronto International Film Festival. The plaudits are deserved: this is a special movie, a genre mashup that combines old Hollywood with science-fiction and is anchored by Sally Hawkins wonderful performance as a mute custodian who falls in love with a sea creature. As with Call Me By Your Name and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, del Toro's movie also features two standout supporting actor candidates in Michael Shannon (as the film's villain) and Richard Jenkins (as Hawkins' confidant). -- Christopher Rosen

Get Out (dir. Jordan Peele)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Jordan Peele), Best Actor (Daniel Kaluuya), Best Supporting Actress (Allison Williams), Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: After gobsmacking Sundance critics at the top of the year, Get Out raked in $175.5 million at the domestic box office on a modest $4.5 million budget. Sure, most Oscar bait drops between October and December, but if there's anything that can carry an early contender through the year, it's profitability. With only one feature credit to his name, director Jordan Peele has also established a singular voice on timely issues of race in Get Out -- something that already has new Academy members talking. "It’s groundbreaking in so many ways, both in terms of its message and artistically," freshman Academy invitee Colman Domingo told EW of the film. "Jordan Peele invented another genre. He’s onto something, and [his perspective] is something we’ve needed more of." -- Joey Nolfi

Wonder Woman (dir. Patty Jenkins)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Patty Jenkins)

Why it's a contender: It only took 76 years, but Wonder Woman finally got her own movie, which lassoed worldwide attention with Patty Jenkins (Monster) at the helm. Having crossed the $820 million mark at the global box office, Wonder Woman stands as the year's biggest hit. Its timely status as a tale of feminine badassery -- coupled with some of the best reviews of the year and the fact that it's the highest-grossing female-directed movie ever, released at a time when industry figures are calling for more women in front of and behind the camera -- could be enough to put it on the Academy's radar beyond the tech categories. "When I look at Wonder Woman, I’ve never seen anything like it," new Oscar voter Terry Crews told EW. "It sent goosebumps down my spine. I got choked up in the theater because I felt like, 'This is possible now,' whereas before, it actually was not possible; Wonder Woman broke a paradigm." -- Joey Nolfi

The Big Sick (dir. Michael Showalter)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ray Romano), Best Supporting Actress (Holly Hunter), Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: Hailed as one of the most personal films of the year, The Big Sick seemingly marks an even bigger step for the relationship of its co-writers: real-life couple Kumail Nanjiani (who also stars) and Emily V. Gordon, who turned a particularly trying experience into a heartfelt romantic comedy about traversing cultural borders. Praised for its writing and performances, The Big Sick (from producer Judd Apatow) is the kind of movie that, with its big heart and even wittier comedic flair, has already inspired passionate support that has the power to sustain through the season. -- Joey Nolfi

The Florida Project (dir. Sean Baker)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), Best Supporting Actor (Willem Dafoe), Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: The little movie that could? Sean Baker's Tangerine follow-up is a micro-budgeted coming-of-age drama that focuses on the life of a 6-year-old girl (breakout Brooklynn Prince) living in a Florida hotel with her struggling single mother (Bria Vinaite). Baker's film is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, and his work with the film's cast of non-actors and newcomers is exemplary. But it's the film's only true star, Willem Dafoe, who could land an Oscar nomination for his humane supporting turn. -- Christopher Rosen

Lady Bird (dir. Greta Gerwig)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Greta Gerwig), Best Actress (Saoirse Ronan), Best Supporting Actress (Laurie Metcalf), Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: The winning Lady Bird scored rave reviews during the September festivals and is just so darn likable -- and so exquisitely directed and performed -- that it could be a dark horse best picture option for A24. Also not to be counted out: Greta Gerwig, who could land in the best director category for her debut feature (and become the first woman filmmaker nominated since Kathryn Bigelow at the 2010 ceremony). At the very least, expect actresses Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf to factor heavily in next year's Academy Awards. -- Christopher Rosen

Battle of the Sexes (dirs. Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (Emma Stone), Best Supporting Actor (Steve Carell), Best Supporting Actress (Andrea Riseborough), Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: Timely and well-liked, Battle of the Sexes is the type of crowd-pleasing film that could go far during awards season. That's it's fronted by two lovable actors doing great work helps its cause as well. Stone, fresh off a best actress win for La La Land, is arguably as good here in a much different role; Carell continues his streak of big-screen excellence, taking male chauvinist Bobby Riggs and finding surprising layers. A contender. -- Christopher Rosen

Darkest Hour (dir. Joe Wright)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Gary Oldman), Best Director (Joe Wright), Best Supporting Actress (Kristin Scott Thomas)

Why it's a contender: The other side of the Dunkirk coin -- Joe Wright's drama tells the story from Winston Churchill's vantage point -- Darkest Hour contains the performance of the year in Gary Oldman. As Churchill, Oldman disappears into the role -- literally. He's unrecognizable under makeup and vocal inflections and the longtime actor could win his first Oscar for the performance. -- Christopher Rosen

I, Tonya (dir. Craig Gillespie)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (Margot Robbie), Best Supporting Actress (Allison Janney), Best Original Screenpla

Why it's a contender: The brash and bold I, Tonya -- a mix of Goodfellas and the work of David O. Russell -- features two of the year's best performances from actresses: Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding and Allison Janey as her domineering mother. It's Janney who could run away with best supporting actress; her performance recalls Melissa Leo in The Fighter and Monique in Precious, two actresses who steamrolled the competition in the category in years past. -- Christopher Rosen

Mudbound (dir. Dee Rees)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Dee Rees), Best Actress (Carey Mulligan), Best Supporting Actor (Garrett Hedlund, Jason Mitchell), Best Supporting Actress (Mary J. Blige)

Why it's a contender: This Sundance gem -- directed by Pariah filmmaker Dee Rees -- garnered enthusiastic reception in Park City, Utah, earlier this year, particularly for the performances of its cast, including Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Mitchell, and singer Mary J. Blige. Before Mudbound (out Nov. 17) heads anywhere near an Oscar ballot, however, it must first overcome the industry's anti-Netflix bias. The Oscars have yet to embrace a major narrative title from Netflix, as the Academy ignored Beasts of No Nation two years ago. (Netflix has performed well in the documentary categories, however.) With the industry landscape evolving alongside the Academy's diversifying voter base, a movie like Mudbound -- a period film about two families divided by race but brought together after respective members bond over WWII military service -- could be the perfect transition title to bridge the gap between theatrical tradition and streaming innovation. -- Joey Nolfi

Wonderstruck (dir. Todd Haynes)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Millicent Simmonds), Best Adapted Screenplay

Why it's a contender: Todd Haynes has long struggled to receive proper recognition from the Academy. Of the multiple iconic works he's helmed over the years, his only Oscar nod to date is for writing the screenplay for 2002's Far From Heaven. Given Wonderstruck's solid (yet comparatively tame next to his previous efforts) response at Cannes earlier this year, the film might not change Haynes' standing with the Academy, but it could score several nominations on its aesthetic merits alone -- including Carter Burwell's original score and Ed Lachman's cinematography; both previously scored nods for working on Haynes' 2015 picture Carol. -- Joey Nolfi

Blade Runner 2049 (dir. Denis Villeneuve)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Denis Villeneuve), Best Supporting Actor (Harrison Ford)

Why it's a contender: The thoughtful science-fiction sequel stumbled at the box office but its artistic merit is undeniable. Put cinematographer Roger Deakins atop any predictions list -- after 13 nominations and zero wins, Blade Runner 2049 could be the electric sheep of his dreams. Villeneuve, too, shouldn't be discounted in the best director race -- but if Blade Runner fans are looking for a dark horse to get behind, try Harrison Ford. Reprising his role of maybe-replicant-maybe-human Rick Deckard, Ford is a stunner -- and his emotional moments at the film's conclusion leave a lasting mark. -- Christopher Rosen

Molly's Game (dir. Aaron Sorkin)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (Jessica Chastain), Best Supporting Actor (Idris Elba), Best Adapted Screenplay

Why it's a contender: Jessica Chastain has never been better in Molly's Game, which plays like the caffeine-addled child of Goodfellas and The Social Network. Even in a stacked category, discount Chastain at your own risk. -- Christopher Rosen

The Disaster Artist (dir. James Franco)

Possible nominations: Best Actor (James Franco), Best Adapted Screenplay (Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber)

Why it's a contender: From "Hi, doggy" to Academy Award nominee? After a rapturous debut at this year's South by Southwest Film Festival in March, Franco's latest directorial effort scored a new studio partner (awards season magnate A24 will join New Line Cinema for the release) and Oscars-appropriate calendar position (Dec. 1). The hype here is real: As Tommy Wiseau, the mysterious director behind cult classic The Room, Franco has never been better and should find himself listed as a dark horse contender throughout awards season. The film's script, based on the book by Greg Sestero and adapted by The Spectacular Now twosome Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, might garner some heat as well. -- Christopher Rosen

mother! (dir. Darren Aronofsky)

Possible nominations: Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence), Best Director (Darren Aronofsky)

Why it's a contender: The most polarizing movie of the year left many audiences enraged and irate -- but the work done by Jennifer Lawrence and her offscreen beau, Darren Aronofsky, is worth a second, third, and fourth look. This is the definition of a longshot, but both star and filmmaker have arguably never been better. -- Christopher Rosen

Stronger (dir. David Gordon Green)

Possible nominations: Best Actor (Jake Gyllenhaal), Best Supporting Actress (Tatiana Maslany)

Why it's a contender: As real-life Boston marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman, Jake Gyllenhaal continues his streak of excellence (and provides Oscar voters with a more traditional option for a nomination than his supporting turn in Okja). Pay attention to Orphan Black star Tatiana Maslany as well -- in a weak category and with some renewed support when awards season hits overdrive, she could be an underdog contender. -- Christopher Rosen

Detroit (dir. Kathryn Bigelow)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Kathryn Bigelow), Best Supporting Actor (John Boyega, Will Poulter)

Why it's a contender: Bigelow's searing drama debuted in August during the anniversary of the 1967 Detroit riots and struggled to find an audience at the box office. Expect the film to find new life this fall, however, as it screens for voters and awards watchers. If Detroit does generate some renewed momentum, look for Kathryn Bigelow (the only woman to ever win best director) and costars John Boyega and Will Poulter to find themselves in contention. -- Christopher Rosen

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (dir. Yorgos Lanthimos)

Possible nominations: Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: With films like Dogtooth and The Lobster, Yorgos Lanthimos has comfortably nestled himself among the leading voices of the future of cinema, pushing boundaries in terms of narrative and style. While Dogtooth earned him international credibility, The Lobster put him on the Academy's map; he received a Best Original Screenplay nomination just last year. His next project, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, features an inherently alluring (and disturbing) script -- a surgeon (Colin Farrell) and his wife (Nicole Kidman) struggle in the mysterious grasp of a nefarious teen (Barry Keoghan) -- paving the way for his distinctive talents to latch on to Oscar success yet again. -- Joey Nolfi

Breathe (dir. Andy Serkis)

Possible nominations: Best Actor (Andrew Garfield), Best Supporting Actress (Claire Foy)

Why it's a contender: Andy Serkis' directorial debut could keep Andy Serkis, the actor, from landing a nomination himself for War for the Planet of the Apes (more on that one ahead). That's because Andrew Garfield is once again in contention for an Oscar nod, one year after the twosome of Hacksaw Ridge (for which he was nominated) and Silence landed him in the horse race. Also a contender: The Crown star Claire Foy, who could push into the crowded supporting-actress category if enough people warm to Serkis' heartfelt drama.

Victoria and Abdul (dir. Stephen Frears)

Possible nominations: Best Actress (Judi Dench)

Why it's a contender: The last time Judi Dench teamed with Stephen Frears, the result was an Oscar nomination for Philomena in 2014. Similar results could follow for Victoria and Abdul, which came and mostly went with little fuss during the September festival gauntlet but left most with warm feelings for Dench's work. -- Christopher Rosen

Last Flag Flying (dir. Richard Linklater)

Possible nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Richard Linklater), Best Actor (Steve Carell), Best Supporting Actor (Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne), Best Supporting Actress (Cecily Tyson)

Why it's a contender: Richard Linklater talky sort of sequel to The Last Detail premiered to mixed reviews at the New York Film Festival in September -- but its actor-friendly cast (Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston, and Laurence Fishburne along with Cecily Tyson in a small role) and baby boomer-friendly subject (Vietnam vets explore life in 2003) could vault it into the best picture conservation. Of the cast, Carell has the most dramatic moments and could be a legitimate best-actor force. Don't sleep on Bryan Cranston either. -- Christopher Rosen

Roman J. Israel, Esq. (dir. Dan Gilroy)

Possible nominations: Best Actor (Denzel Washington)

Why it's a contender: Washington, fresh off a nomination this year for Fences, could land another best actor nod for this strange genre hybrid that affords the two-time Oscar winner with the oddest role of his career. -- Christopher Rosen

Wonder Wheel (dir. Woody Allen)

Possible nominations: Best Actress (Kate Winslet)

Why it's a contender: The controversial Allen's latest film landed with a "meh" at the New York Film Festival in October, but the December release could lead to another Oscar nomination for Kate Winslet. Not that it won't be tough: this year's roster of best actress contenders is one of the strongest in recent memory. -- Christopher Rosen

Downsizing (dir. Alexander Payne)

Possible nominations: Best Supporting Actress (Hong Chau)

Why it's a contender: Alexander Payne's complicated science-fiction drama was met with mixed reviews after its festival debut, but actress Hong Chau has remained a strong contender for supporting actress even amid the more negative notices. -- Christopher Rosen

Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool (dir. Paul McGuigan)

Possible nominations: Best Actress (Annette Bening), Best Actor (Jamie Bell), Best Supporting Actor (Jamie Bell)

Why it's a contender: Another festival casualty, Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool wasn't as well-received as Sony Picture Classics might have hoped upon its debut. But there's love for the film's performances, especially Jamie Bell -- who could slot into the lead or supporting categories, depending on where it's decided he'll run. Either way, keep him on Oscar lists. -- Christopher Rosen

The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (dir. Noah Baumbach)

Possible nominations: Best Actor (Adam Sandler), Best Supporting Actor (Dustin Hoffman), Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: Don't laugh. Adam Sandler has never been better -- not even in Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch-Drunk Love -- and his performance in the Netflix release The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) could give the perennial punchline a smidge of Oscar buzz. Dustin Hoffman, too, is a possibility in the supporting category. -- Christopher Rosen

Logan (dir. James Mangold)

Possible nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Patrick Stewart)

Why it's a contender: Fanboys found themselves wiping away tears after James Mangold kissed the beloved Wolverine character goodbye with his emotionally charged comic book drama Logan, which marked Hugh Jackman's final appearance as the beloved X-Men character he's played for 17 years on the big screen. While Jackman's performance earned strong notices from critics, supporting actor Patrick Stewart garnered Oscar buzz for reprising his role as Professor X. Fox has gotten behind major performances from notable actors in the past, pushing the likes of Jennifer Lawrence (Joy), Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant), Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins), and Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures) into the acting races in recent years. The weight of Stewart's legacy in the role could be enough to bag his first major notice from the Academy in his 53-year career. -- Joey Nolfi

War for the Planet of the Apes (dir. Matt Reeves)

Possible nominations: Best Actor (Andy Serkis)

Why it's a contender: Another Apes movie, another chance for awards watchers to stump for Andy Serkis scoring an unprecedented nomination as a performance-capture actor. Serkis' Caesar is the star of this latest Apes movie, and his nuanced, empathetic work is incredible. (It doesn't even register that watching a computer-generated ape emote for two hours is an oddity.) A nomination for Serkis would be an industry-changing event — so the odds are long — but even if the movie falters at times, Serkis never does. At the very least, a nomination for Best Visual Effects (where both previous Apes films received Oscar recognition) seems assured. -- Christopher Rosen

The Beguiled (dir. Sofia Coppola)

Possible nominations: Best Director (Sofia Coppola), Best Adapted Screenplay

Why it's a contender: Dust off your anatomy books -- and history books, while you're at it -- because Sofia Coppola's sixth theatrical feature is rewriting the rules for female directors. The Beguiled has already cemented its place among the most memorable films of the year, earning the Lost in Translation filmmaker Cannes' esteemed Best Director prize in May, making her only the second woman in the festival's history to have won the award — and that's momentum industry voters haven't taken lightly. Distributor Focus Features has additionally bagged multiple acting nominations in recent years, meaning both Nicole Kidman and Kirsten Dunst could be looking at nominations if their campaigns are handled right. -- Joey Nolfi

Okja (dir. Bong Joon-ho)

Possible nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Jake Gyllenhaal), Best Original Screenplay

Why it's a contender: Joon-ho's fable, about a genetically engineered superpig and the young woman who goes around the world to save her friend, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival amid controversy over its Netflix home but won critics over all the same. The film is a technical wonder — the title character, a superpig, is especially marvelous — and could contend for some below-the-line spots. But its best, wildest chance could be Jake Gyllenhaal playing an unhinged television personality and turning every knob up to 11 in the process. It's the wackiest Gyllenhaal has been in ages, and after flying just near Academy success for Prisoners and Nightcrawler, maybe his time has come. -- Christopher Rosen

Colossal (dir. Nacho Vigalondo)

Possible nominations: Best Actress (Anne Hathaway)

Why it's a contender: We get it; this one's a long shot. But that doesn't mean Colossal is any less deserving of awards attention than the other films that appear on this list. It's the most gloriously absurd, original mainstream creation of the year, following a struggling alcoholic who battles personal demons and the monolithic, Godzilla-sized creature she's mysteriously (and, at first, unknowingly) controlling with her body as it levels cities halfway around the globe. Hathaway's performance is unlike anything she's ever done, and, if justice existed in this cruel world, her road toward an Oscar nod would start with an appropriately bestowed nomination in the comedy category at the Golden Globes, though Colossal's refreshing tone defies genre -- and expectations -- in the best way possible. -- Joey Nolfi