Predicting the 2020 Academy Awards: Best Picture Contenders and the Dark Horses

The anticipation is building as we edge closer to the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony, set to take place on February 9, 2020, in the historic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. This year's announcement of nominations has left the film community buzzing with excitement and speculation about which pictures will emerge victorious. Let's delve into the notable contenders and the possible front-runners for the Best Picture category.

The European Selections: A Fond Remembrance

While the conversation around the Oscars typically centers around American cinema, it's essential to acknowledge the strong contributions from European film festivals. Over the past few years, we've seen several European films gain prominence and recognition, showcasing the rich diversity and technical excellence of cinema from across the continent.

Events such as the Berlinale, Cannes, and Venice Film Festival continue to be significant milestones for filmmakers. Among the standout entries from these film festivals, we see:

The Irishman: A sprawling epic by Martin Scorsese, focusing on legendary mobster Frank Sheeran, played expertly by Robert De Niro. 1917: Directed by Sam Mendes, 1917 is a powerful war film that tells the story of two British soldiers who must deliver a vital message while navigating different landscapes under enemy fire. The Lighthouse: A tense and psychological thriller that explores the struggle between two lightkeepers during a storm. Joker: Todd Phillips directed this origin story for the iconic Batman villain, starring Joaquin Phoenix in a critically acclaimed performance. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: Quentin Tarantino's homage to the golden age of classic Hollywood, featuring a star-studded cast. A Hidden Life: Wolfgang Petersen's period drama, based on the true story of Lutheran farmer Franz J?gerst?tter, who refused to sign an oath of loyalty to Hitler.

In addition, we've seen notable international entries:

The Lovers on the Bridge: A haunting and captivating film about love and sacrifice set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. The Painted Bird: A powerful and emotional adaptation of Jerzy Kosinski's book, following a young Jewish boy during World War II. Light Between Oceans: A drama that explores the consequences of a tragic decision made at the Australian golden beach. Mid90s: A coming-of-age story set in 1990s Los Angeles, starring advocate for youth rights and activist from the 1990s gang riots.

The Academy Awards Experience

The 92nd Academy Awards, scheduled to take place on February 9, 2020, at 2:30 AM GMT3, is a significant event in the film calendar. This year, the ceremony will be broadcast live in the United States on ABC, promising a thrilling night of celebration, drama, and, of course, intense competition for the coveted Best Picture award.

The Dolby Theatre has become a historic venue for the Oscars, hosting memorable moments and iconic speeches. The atmosphere is tense as the audience awaits the announcement of the final nominees and the eventual winner. This year's event promises to be just as exciting, with a culmination of stunning visual storytelling and incredible performances.

Contenders and Analysis

Among the early favorites for the Best Picture category, several films stand out:

1917 The Irishman Joker A Hidden Life The Lighthouse

1917: Directed by Sam Mendes, 1917 is a visceral and powerful war film, often lauded for its seamless editing and realistic portrayal of trench warfare. Telling the story of two British soldiers who race against time to deliver a message before a devastating attack, it offers a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.

The Irishman: Martin Scorsese's The Irishman is a mammoth endeavor, spanning decades and covering the shadowy world of organized crime. Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and the entire ensemble cast have been praised for their performances and the film's intricate narrative structure.

Joker: Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Arthur Fleck, a troubled man trying to make it as a stand-up comedian, has been widely acclaimed. The film's exploration of mental illness and social struggles has resonated with audiences and critics alike, making it a strong contender among the Best Picture nominees.

A Hidden Life: Wolfgang Petersen's A Hidden Life is a powerful and deeply moving biographical drama based on the true story of an Austrian farmer who defied Hitler. The film's subtle, nuanced approach has garnered critical acclaim, especially for the lead performance by August Diehl.

The Lighthouse: Directed by Robert Eggers, The Lighthouse is a psychological horror masterpiece. The film delves into the claustrophobic and intense relationship between two lightkeepers during a storm, offering a challenging and disturbing viewing experience.

Dark Horses and Upsets

While the five frontrunners mentioned above have strong chances, the Academy Awards past is replete with surprises. Films like Crazy Rich Asians, La La Land, and Beyond the Lights

With critically acclaimed films like The Lovers on the Bridge, The Painted Bird, and Mid90s, it's entirely possible that the race for Best Picture could see an unexpected backlash from international filmmakers or films with unique storytelling techniques. These films have garnered significant critical praise, and any one of them could challenge the frontrunners and create an exciting upset at the Oscars.

Conclusion

The 92nd Academy Awards mark an exciting moment in the film industry, where the best in cinema will be celebrated. With a diverse array of contenders and the potential for upsets, the outcome could be anything but predictable. As we wait with bated breath for the nominations and the final awards, one thing is certain: the 2020 Oscars are set to be a night filled with suspense, drama, and the unforgettable moments that only the Academy Awards can offer.