Oscar Nominated Films Just Got a Whole Lot Wicked: The Wild Robot & More Join The Contenders
The wait is finally over! The nominations for Deadline’s Contenders Film: The Nominees have been announced, and the excitement is palpable! This year’s lineup is packed with some of the most anticipated and critically-acclaimed films of the season, and we can’t wait to dive in and explore them with you.
For the uninitiated, Deadline’s Contenders Film is an annual event that brings together some of the industry’s most esteemed critics, journalists, and experts to discuss the most talked-about films of the year. And this year, the list of nominees is a true reflection of the diversity and creativity that defines the world of cinema.
So, what’s on the menu for this year’s Contenders Film? Well, you might be surprised to know that the list includes not one, but two highly-anticipated adaptations – Universal Pictures’ ‘Wicked’ and 20th Century Studios’ ‘The Wild Robot’. Yes, you read that right! These two cinematic giants have been
Contenders Film: The Nominees – A Closer Look
Morningpicker is thrilled to announce that Deadline’s Contenders Film: The Nominees awards showcase is coming to a virtual stage on Saturday, February 8, featuring a lineup of nine films with a total of 28 Oscar nominations in all. The event will bring together a cross-section of Oscar-nominated movies and the creatives behind them for a panel discussion series that promises to provide valuable insights into the creative process, behind-the-scenes stories from the sets, and analysis of the competition and the nominees’ chances.
The Contenders Lineup
The Contenders Film: The Nominees lineup is a veritable Who’s Who of Hollywood’s biggest names and most critically acclaimed films. Among the nine films featured in the event are three Best Picture nominees: Universal’s Wicked, Neon’s Anora, and Amazon MGM Studios’ Nickel Boys.
Best Picture Nominees: A Strong Competitors List
The Best Picture nominees are a testament to the diversity and excellence of the film industry. Each of these films has garnered critical acclaim and has been recognized for its outstanding cinematography, direction, and performances.
Universal’s Wicked: A Musical Phenomenon – Wicked is a musical phenomenon that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. With its powerful music, stunning costumes, and impressive set design, Wicked is a must-see for anyone who loves musicals.
Nickel Boys: RaMell Ross’ Powerful Directorial Debut – Nickel Boys is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of racism, oppression, and the power of the human spirit. Director RaMell Ross’ debut film is a testament to his talent and dedication to storytelling.
Anora: Neon’s Neon-Lit Oscar Hopeful – Anora is a neon-lit Oscar hopeful that has captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike. With its striking visuals, engaging storyline, and outstanding performances, Anora is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Animated Feature Nominees: Disney’s Challenge
The Animated Feature nominees are a testament to the creativity and innovation of the film industry. Each of these films has pushed the boundaries of animation and storytelling, offering audiences a unique and immersive experience.
Inside Out 2: Pixar’s Return to Riley’s Mind – Inside Out 2 is Pixar’s return to Riley’s mind, and it promises to be an unforgettable experience. With its engaging storyline, lovable characters, and stunning animation, Inside Out 2 is a film that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
The Wild Robot: Chris Sanders’ Emotional Masterpiece – The Wild Robot is an emotional masterpiece that tells the story of a shipwrecked robot and her animal friends. Director Chris Sanders’ film is a testament to his talent and dedication to storytelling, and it promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Memoir of a Snail: Adam Elliot’s Unique Tale – Memoir of a Snail is a unique tale that explores the world of a snail and its struggles to survive. Director Adam Elliot’s film is a testament to his creativity and innovation, and it promises to offer audiences a fresh and exciting perspective.
Documentary and Short Film Nominees: Hidden Gems
The Documentary and Short Film nominees are a testament to the diversity and excellence of the film industry. Each of these films has captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike, offering a unique and immersive experience.
National Geographic Documentary Films’ Sugarcane: A Thought-Provoking Story – Sugarcane is a thought-provoking story that explores the world of sugar cane farming and its impact on the environment. The film is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking and its ability to educate and inspire audiences.
OAK Motion Pictures’ I’m Not a Robot: A Live Action Short Film – I’m Not a Robot is a live action short film that explores the world of artificial intelligence and its impact on human relationships. The film is a testament to the creativity and innovation of short filmmaking and its ability to offer audiences a fresh and exciting perspective.
Six Feet Films’ The Last Ranger: A Heart-Wrenching Tale – The Last Ranger is a heart-wrenching tale that explores the world of a ranger and his struggles to survive in the wilderness. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to educate and inspire audiences.
Panelists and Creators
Morningpicker is thrilled to announce that the following panelists and creators will be participating in the Contenders Film: The Nominees awards showcase on Saturday, February 8.
Behind the Scenes: Insights from the Creators
The panel discussion series will provide valuable insights into the creative process, behind-the-scenes stories from the sets, and analysis of the competition and the nominees’ chances.
Sean Baker and Mikey Madison on Anora – Sean Baker and Mikey Madison will discuss their experiences working on Anora, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process.
Victoria Warmerdam and Trent on I’m Not a Robot – Victoria Warmerdam and Trent will discuss their experiences working on I’m Not a Robot, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process.
Kelsey Mann on Inside Out 2 – Kelsey Mann will discuss his experiences working on Inside Out 2, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process.
Cindy Lee and Darwin Shaw on The Last Ranger – Cindy Lee and Darwin Shaw will discuss their experiences working on The Last Ranger, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process.
Adam Elliot on Memoir of a Snail – Adam Elliot will discuss his experiences working on Memoir of a Snail, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process.
RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes on Nickel Boys – RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes will discuss their experiences working on Nickel Boys, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process.
Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat on Sugarcane – Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat will discuss their experiences working on Sugarcane, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process.
Myron Kerstein, Nancy Nugent Title, John Marquis, and Andy Nelson on Wicked – Myron Kerstein, Nancy Nugent Title, John Marquis, and Andy Nelson will discuss their experiences working on Wicked, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process.
Chris Sanders, Kris Bowers, and Randy Thom on The Wild Robot – Chris Sanders, Kris Bowers, and Randy Thom will discuss their experiences working on The Wild Robot, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process.
Oscar Season and Contenders Film: The Nominees
Morningpicker is thrilled to announce that the Contenders Film: The Nominees awards showcase will be part of a larger Contenders season that got underway in October with Contenders Film: London, followed by Contenders Film: Los Angeles in November, and the virtual Contenders Film: International and Contenders Film: Documentary in December.
The Road to the Oscars: A Recap of the Contenders Season
The Contenders season has been a whirlwind of activity, with film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike gathering to celebrate the best of the best in film. From the red carpet to the stage, the Contenders season has been a testament to the power of film to inspire, educate, and entertain.
Contenders Film: London – Contenders Film: London was the first stop on the Contenders season, featuring a lineup of films that wowed audiences and critics alike.
Contenders Film: Los Angeles – Contenders Film: Los Angeles was the second stop on the Contenders season, featuring a lineup of films that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic innovation.
Contenders Film: International – Contenders Film: International was the third stop on the Contenders season, featuring a lineup of films from around the world that showcased the diversity and excellence of international cinema.
Contenders Film: Documentary – Contenders Film: Documentary was the fourth stop on the Contenders season, featuring a lineup of films that explored the world of documentary filmmaking and its ability to educate and inspire audiences.
Disney’s Return to the Top: A Challenge to Be Won
Morningpicker is thrilled to announce that Disney has 15 nominations for 2025, a testament to the creativity and innovation of the film industry. However, with four other contenders in the running for Best Animated Feature, Disney will have to contend with stiff competition to take home the top prize.
The House of Mouse’s 15 Nominations
Disney’s 15 nominations are a testament to the power of the House of Mouse to create memorable and engaging films that captivate audiences of all ages.
Inside Out 2: Pixar’s Return to Riley’s Mind – Inside
Conclusion
As Deadline’s Contenders Film series continues to unveil its latest nominees, the excitement builds for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The recent additions of ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Wild Robot’ to the list of contenders bring to light the diversity and richness of storytelling in the film world. These nominations not only reflect the artistic endeavors of the filmmakers but also the anticipation and expectations surrounding these projects. With a packed lineup of panelists set to discuss and dissect these contenders, the stage is set for an engaging and enlightening experience.
The significance of this event lies in its ability to spotlight emerging talents and celebrate the art of filmmaking. By acknowledging the accomplishments of these projects, the Contenders Film series provides a platform for industry professionals to share their insights and perspectives, fostering a dialogue that can shape the future of the film industry. As we look forward to the panel discussions and the final round of nominations, it becomes clear that the Contenders Film series is not just a recognition of past achievements but a catalyst for innovation and growth.
As the Contenders Film series unfolds, one thing is certain: the film industry is poised for transformation. With the inclusion of ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Wild Robot’, the series has set the stage for a fresh wave of storytelling and artistic expression. As we embark on this cinematic journey, we are reminded that the art of filmmaking is a continuous evolution, and the Contenders Film series is at the forefront of this revolution. The question on everyone’s mind now is: what’s next?