Critics’ Groups and ‘SNL’ Shake Up the Oscar Race

Best Picture

All of Us Strangers

On the heels of winning three prizes at the British Independent Film Awards’ craft ceremony last month, the film claimed best picture, director, screenplay and supporting actor (Paul Mescal) at the Dec. 3 main event, a boost for the Searchlight film after its Gotham Awards shutout.

Barbie

On Dec. 2 in L.A., groups of talent from the summer blockbuster participated in several Q&As. Then, Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Finneas and Mark Ronson gathered at a packed party celebrating the publication of the film’s screenplay.

Killers of the Flower Moon

The team associated with Martin Scorsese’s epic — including Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone — did the rounds Dec. 3, following the New York Film Critics Circle’s Nov. 30 announcement that it had awarded the Apple contender best film and actress (Gladstone).

Best Director

Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer

For his acclaimed drama, Nolan continued to build the case for his first Oscar, claiming the NYFCC’s best director prize and sitting down at the DGA in L.A. on Dec. 5 for a Q&A moderated by last year’s best director Oscar winners, Daniels.

Best Actress

Emma Stone, Poor Things

Following the Nov. 16 announcement that she will be honored at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival, this past Oscar winner became the youngest-ever member of SNL’s five-timers club (she’s 35) when she hosted the show Dec. 2.

Best Supporting Actress

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers

In recognition of her turn as a grieving cafeteria worker in Alexander Payne’s indie, this actress — a Tony nominee most widely known for her roles in Dolemite Is My Name and on The Idol — was NYFCC’s pick for best supporting actress.

This story first appeared in the Dec. 7 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.