Cover ‘Die, My Love’, which is showing at Cannes Film Festival, could pick up top prizes at Oscars. Here are our other predictions for Oscar-hopefuls, based on Cannes feedback
‘Die, My Love’, which is showing at Cannes Film Festival, could pick up top prizes at Oscars. Here are our other predictions for Oscar-hopefuls, based on Cannes feedback
1 / 1
Watch out for these films, which are now showing at the Cannes Film Festival, that might make a splash across the pond at the Oscars
The glittering Côte d’Azur has become more than just a glamorous backdrop for the world’s most prestigious film festival—it’s increasingly serving as the launchpad for Oscars glory. While the Cannes Film Festival has always been revered as the pinnacle of artistic cinema, recent years have witnessed a remarkable transformation in its relationship with Hollywood’s most coveted awards.
Before 2019, only two films had managed to win both the Palme d’Or, the top prize at Cannes, and Best Picture at the Oscars—The Lost Weekend (1946) and Marty (1955).
But in Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite broke the mould in 2019, going from Palme d’Or triumph to making history as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. It also signalled a new era where Cannes selections increasingly dominate the awards conversation.
The 2024 Cannes Film Festival followed this trend, with Anora, Emilia Perez and The Substance defining last year’s Oscar race. Sean Baker’s Anora joined the elite club of films winning both the Palme d'Or and Best Picture.
So as the film world continues to descend on the Croisette, we examine the films most likely to go from Cannes triumph to Oscars glory.
In case you missed it: Beyond K-pop: Meet the artists representing South Korean culture on the global stage
Alpha (directed by Julia Ducournau)
Above A still from ‘Alpha’, directed by Julia Ducournau
A still from ‘Alpha’, directed by Julia Ducournau
1 / 1
The anticipation surrounding Julia Ducournau’s latest offering is palpable. As a previous Palme d’Or winner for Titane, Ducournau has established herself as a visionary filmmaker unafraid to push boundaries. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s New York City, Alpha promises to blend genre elements with incisive social commentary—a combination that could resonate deeply with Academy voters.
Die, My Love (directed by Lynne Ramsay)
Above ‘Die, My Love’ stars Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson at Cannes Film Festival
‘Die, My Love’ stars Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson at Cannes Film Festival
1 / 1
Lynne Ramsay’s reputation for crafting visually arresting, emotionally complex narratives makes her latest project a serious contender. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, early buzz has centred particularly on Lawrence’s performance, which critics are already touting as Oscar-worthy. While Ramsay’s previous works haven't broken through to Oscar nominations, Die, My Love could mark a turning point in her career.
Eddington (directed by Ari Aster)
Above A still from the film ‘Eddington’ in which a small-town sheriff and a mayor face off in 2020
Above ‘Eddington’ cast members, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone and Austin Butler, on the red carpet at Cannes
A still from the film ‘Eddington’ in which a small-town sheriff and a mayor face off in 2020
1 / 2
Ari Aster’s unique ability to unsettle and provoke thought has earned him cult status among cinephiles. With an enviable ensemble cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone and Austin Butler, Eddington explores complex themes against the backdrop of the pandemic. While initial reviews have been mixed, the calibre of performances by all the stars in question could still secure nominations in the acting department at the Oscars.
Father, Mother, Sister, Brother (directed by Jim Jarmusch)
Above Cate Blanchett brings her star power and acting chops to ‘Father, Mother, Sister, Brother’
Cate Blanchett brings her star power and acting chops to ‘Father, Mother, Sister, Brother’
1 / 1
Jim Jarmusch, who is a bit of a legend in the indie film world, brings his distinctive voice to this anthology film featuring stars Cate Blanchett and Adam Driver. Though not typically considered an “Oscar filmmaker”, Jarmusch’s unique sensibilities combined with the film’s powerful vignettes and stellar cast could break through in screenplay or acting categories at the Oscars.
The History of Sound (directed by Oliver Hermanus)
Above A still from ‘The History of Sound’, directed by Oliver Hermanus
A still from ‘The History of Sound’, directed by Oliver Hermanus
1 / 1
Oliver Hermanus, who directed Living, the 2022 film that got Bill Nighy an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, returns with this romantic drama set against the First World War. Starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, the film possesses the kind of historical premise and cast that often find favour with the Academy. Strong performances and a compelling historical narrative could position it as a significant contender across major categories.
Nouvelle Vague (directed by Richard Linklater)
Above ‘Nouvelle Vague’ pays ode to a defining moment in French New Wave cinema
‘Nouvelle Vague’ pays ode to a defining moment in French New Wave cinema
1 / 1
Richard Linklater’s exploration of the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless (a defining movie in the French New Wave movement) is tailor-made to appeal to cinephiles both at Cannes and at Oscars. Its focus on film history, coupled with Linklater’s deft touch and performances by Zoey Deutch and Guillaume Marbeck, could earn recognition for its technical achievements. The black-and-white cinematography and 4:3 aspect ratio also position it well for craft category recognition.
The Phoenician Scheme (directed by Wes Anderson)
Above ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ is a black comedy with a big heart
Above A still from ‘The Phoenician Scheme’, which is steeped in Wes Anderson’s signature aesthetics
‘The Phoenician Scheme’ is a black comedy with a big heart
1 / 2
Wes Anderson’s meticulously crafted worlds have frequently found favour with the Academy, particularly in technical and design categories. His latest offering features another impressive ensemble cast and his signature aesthetic. Although early reviews suggest a more mixed reception than some of his previous work, the film still received a seven-and-a-half-minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere. As with other Anderson movies, it could impress the jury in the Production Design and Costume Design departments. Also let’s not forget its star power—Benicio Del Toro, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch—all of whom could be suited for top prizes in the acting department.
Suchetana Mukhopadhyay is the Digital Content Manager for Tatler Hong Kong. In this role, she leads all digital editorial and branded content on Tatler Hong Kong’s website, from brainstorming story ideas with the writers to editing and publishing the articles, and from managing the overall content flow to driving search engine optimisation. She also leads the beauty content at Tatler Hong Kong and across the region, and is always looking to champion diversity through her articles. She was previously with Cedar Hong Kong and Gafencu, and freelanced for the South China Morning Post, Campaign Asia-Pacific, CNN and more. Contact her here.
