As the prestigious Venice, Telluride, and Toronto film festivals, alongside the Emmy Awards, wrap up, the spotlight now shines on the upcoming Oscars. Industry insiders—ranging from journalists and publicists to film executives—are abuzz, speculating on the 98th Academy Awards.

Chloé Zhao’s much-anticipated film, *Hamnet*, has emerged as a strong contender, clinching the coveted Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. This accolade often serves as a reliable predictor for Oscar glory, as past winners like *Nomadland*, *Slumdog Millionaire*, and *12 Years a Slave* famously transitioned from this honor to the Best Picture Oscar. However, previous year's winner *The Life of Chuck* may struggle to find similar success in this competitive landscape.

The Venice Film Festival recognized *Father Mother Sister Brother* with the prestigious Golden Lion, while Benny Safdie took home the Best Director award for *The Smashing Machine*. Toni Servillo was celebrated as Best Actor for his role in *La Grazia*.

In Los Angeles, Kathryn Bigelow’s film *A House of Dynamite* is garnering attention. This gripping ensemble piece is expected to spark vital conversations about nuclear proliferation, reminiscent of the impactful 1983 TV movie *The Day After*. Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another* has also begun screening, gaining traction among journalists.

As the Oct. 1 deadline for international feature submissions approaches, the competition is heating up. Brazil’s *The Secret Agent* has made waves at festival screenings, with director Kleber Mendonça Filho and star Wagner Moura emerging as strong contenders. Poland's submission, *Kafka*, from acclaimed director Agnieszka Holland, adds depth to the race, given her previous nominations representing multiple countries.

It's essential to note that these insights are rooted in analysis rather than personal opinions. The aim is to gauge how the Academy might lean in their selections based on screenings, discussions with voters, and historical trends.