In the glittering world of Hollywood, one enduring question looms large: will the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences finally give genre films the respect they deserve? As the film industry gears up for the 97th Oscars, critically acclaimed fantasy, science fiction, and horror movies are generating serious awards buzz. Blockbusters like Dune: Part Two, Wicked, and The Substance could make history by breaking into prestigious categories traditionally dominated by prestige dramas.
Fantasy epics, in particular, have had an easier path to Oscar glory ever since The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King swept the 2004 ceremony with a record-tying 11 wins. Since then, however, no genre film has come close to replicating that feat. Even recent sensations like Everything Everywhere All at Once, which electrified the 2023 Oscars, ultimately took home awards in technical and supporting categories while missing out on the top prize.
Dune Aims for a New Breakthrough
Dune: Part Two, Denis Villeneuve’s visually sumptuous and emotionally powerful conclusion to Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi saga, looms as a leading contender to buck that trend. While the first Dune film earned 10 nominations and 6 wins in 2022, all came in technical categories. Part Two dazzled critics and audiences alike, grossing $714 million worldwide, which may compel voters to reward Villeneuve’s accomplished direction and the ensemble cast’s searing performances.
Wicked’s Musical Magic
Over in fantasy land, Jon M. Chu’s lavish adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked also has pundits speculating. The film’s razzle-dazzle, all-star cast, and soaring numbers could charm Oscar voters who usually favor grounded fare. While musicals have an easier path to nominations than other genre films, Wicked’s magical elements and green-skinned witches may still give some traditionalists pause.
The Substance Scares Up Buzz
Perhaps the most intriguing contender is The Substance, Coralie Fargeat’s disturbing and thought-provoking sci-fi horror film. Though scary movies almost never crack the Oscar lineups, Demi Moore’s devastating lead performance has made her the Best Actress frontrunner. If nominated, she would be the first horror Best Actress nominee since Kathy Bates won for Misery 32 years ago.
Genre films often dominate the technical categories but struggle to break into the “prestige” races like Best Picture, Director, and Acting.
Awards pundit
Will Voters Make History?
As nomination morning approaches, the perennial question remains: will the Academy finally give these groundbreaking genre films the top-tier recognition they deserve? Or will voters default to the historical and biographical dramas that are their usual catnip?
- Best Picture: Dune: Part Two has the scale and ambition to score a nod, but may ultimately fall short of a win.
- Best Actress: Demi Moore (The Substance) appears to be the genre contender with the strongest shot at victory.
- Original Score and Song: If anywhere, expect Wicked to make a splash in the music categories.
While the Academy has made gradual progress in recent years, honoring a more diverse array of stories and artists, a long history of genre snobbery may be tough to shake. Tune in to the nominations on Jan. 23 to see if 2025 will go down as the year sci-fi, fantasy, and horror finally got their Oscar due. The ceremonies themselves will reveal if the Academy is ready to crown a new generation of classics.
