Oscar Predictions for This Weekend: A Look at the Contenders

This weekend marks the biggest night in film, with Hollywood's brightest stars gathering at the Dolby Theatre for the 97th Academy Awards.

Comedian Conan O'Brien will host the Oscars for the first time, taking over from Jimmy Kimmel, who held the role for four years.

Anticipation is high following Mikey Madison's surprising win over Demi Moore at the BAFTAs, leading to speculation about whether the 62-year-old actress will finally claim her Oscar.

Films like Anora and The Brutalist are expected to feature prominently at this year's Oscars, with both films heavily favored in multiple categories according to BetMGM.

PR expert Lynn Carratt has suggested that this year's winners are somewhat predictable based on BAFTA results, saying, 'Following on from the BAFTAs, we can probably predict who is likely to be the big winners on the night for this year's Academy Awards. Last year, with visual effects being the exception, every BAFTA winner went on to then win the Oscar.'

As the excitement builds, let's dive into the leading contenders and assess who might take home the coveted awards.

Best Picture

This year's Best Picture race includes Wicked, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Perez, Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, and The Substance.

Anora is currently the favorite at 1/2 to win the award, while The Brutalist stands at odds of 6/1. According to Simon Kew from Grosvenor Sport, Conclave also remains a strong competitor with odds of 11/4, while The Brutalist could prove to be a dark horse.

For those betting on underdogs, A Complete Unknown has odds of 50/1, and both Emilia Perez and Wicked sit at 66/1. On the other hand, Dune: Part Two, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, and The Substance are viewed as longshots at 100/1.

Despite the clear favorites, Lynn warned, 'Nothing is guaranteed, though. Anora's grip on the Best Film award is beginning to look slightly shaky.' She's noted that Conclave's success at the BAFTAs has raised its profile considerably.

Best Actor

In the Best Actor category, Adrien Brody is favored to win, with odds of 2/5. Brody previously won this award in 2003 for The Pianist, making him the youngest recipient at that time.

However, Timothée Chalamet presents a strong challenge with odds of 8/5 for his role in A Complete Unknown, especially after his recent BAFTA win.

Ralph Fiennes also contends for the award after a compelling performance as Cardinal Lomeli in Conclave, with odds at 16/1, presenting a respectable underdog position. Other nominees include Colman Domingo for Sing Sing and Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice.

Best Actress

Demi Moore leads the Best Actress race with odds standing at 2/5 for her role in The Substance, a performance that could mark a significant moment in her career.

Moore has enjoyed a successful awards season so far, taking home Best Actress awards at both the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards. She expressed feeling triumphant after overcoming past criticisms from a director who once dismissed her as a 'popcorn actress.'

In a surprising twist, Mikey Madison, who won at the BAFTAs for her performance in Anora, is a strong contender, sitting at odds of 15/8.

Lynn mentioned that if Anora wins Best Film, it could favorably position Madison for the Oscar. However, she noted, "Many would think Mikey Madison has the most to gain from a win, as a young actress, but at this point in her career, just a nomination is already a victory. On the other hand, a win would have significant boosts for Demi's career."08;

Best Director

The Best Director competition is led by Sean Baker for Anora, who has odds of 8/15. Brady Corbet, who won Best Director at the BAFTAs for The Brutalist, is also in the mix.

In addition to Baker and Corbet, nominees include James Mangold for A Complete Unknown, Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez, and Coralie Fargeat for The Substance.

Best Supporting Actor

Kieran Culkin appears to be a shoo-in for Best Supporting Actor after winning at the SAGs for his role in A Real Pain with remarkable odds of 1/100.

His competition includes Guy Pearce from The Brutalist, Edward Norton from A Complete Unknown, and Jeremy Strong from The Apprentice.

Best Supporting Actress

Zoe Saldana has dominated the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in Emilia Pérez, holding odds of 1/25.

Despite the controversy surrounding co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, who faced backlash for past tweets, Saldana is well-positioned to win. Competing against her are Felicity Jones from The Brutalist, along with Ariana Grande, Monica Barbaro, and Isabella Rossellini from Wicked, A Complete Unknown, and Conclave respectively.

Lynn stated, "Having won the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and BAFTAs already, it is tough to imagine the Academy will go in a different direction."

As we prepare for the Oscars, excitement builds around who will take home the highest honors in film.

Oscars, Predictions, Awards