A dark and psychological Western about toxic masculinity, “The Power of the Dog” has previously been leading the way in the predictions for the Oscar for best feature film, which would be a historic victory for the giant Netflix, never again. sacred in this flagship category.

But the competition has intensified in recent weeks and an outsider has returned at full gallop: "CODA", a dramatic comedy full of emotions and optimism which has won one after another all the prizes awarded by the professional unions. of the American film industry.

Experts are also keeping an eye on "Belfast", a black and white film by Kenneth Branagh inspired by the filmmaker's Northern Irish childhood, which still goes the distance.

"It's a race between two or three horses", summarizes Clayton Davis, specialist in film awards for Variety magazine, a reference in the field.

AFP Oscar Nominations

He noted a "strong momentum" in favor of "CODA".

"The last two years have been very difficult for everyone. And +CODA+ is positive, comforting. I think voters are in the mood to feel good," he told AFP.

"It's a very tight race," confirms Scott Feinberg, columnist at The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

While many have sung the praises of "The Power of the Dog", Jane Campion's film has displeased others, who criticize it in particular for its clinical coldness and lack of emotion.

"It's not everyone's cup of tea," Feinberg says.

This can prove to be a handicap with the odd multi-round preferential voting system used in the best feature category, which tends to favor the most consensual films.

The competition "has never been so open," said one of the voters from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars, on condition of anonymity.

Another asset in the sleeve of "CODA", it is about an independent film with low budget (15 million dollars) perceived this year as the outsider and which could as such attract the sympathy of the voters.

(l-(r) "CODA" actors Eugenio Derbez, Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durant, Troy Kotsur and Emilia Jones, winners at the SAG Awards, February 27, 2022 in Santo Monica, California Patrick T. FALLON AFP/Archives

“Some members of the Academy I speak to are still reluctant to vote for a Netflix film in the category of best feature film”, explains this voter to AFP, noting with mischief that “CODA” is broadcast by Apple TV +, another video on demand platform.

- Will Smith and Jessica Chastain?

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Among the actors, the big favorite this year is the always very popular Will Smith, who plays the father of champions Serena and Venus in "The Williams Method".

One of the stars of "CODA", Troy Kotsur, holds the rope for the Oscar for best supporting actor.

The deaf actor, who plays the loving but sometimes helpless father of a hearing teenager, has been a hit in the various film awards this season.

(lr) Serena Williams, Will Smith and Venus Williams on March 19, 2022 in Los Angeles Michael Tran AFP/Archives

The game is much more disputed on the actress side.

For Scott Feinberg, "any of the five candidates could really win" this year, although Jessica Chastain, unrecognizable in her role as the televangelist of "In the eyes of Tammy Faye", seems "the most likely".

Clayton Davis recognizes that this is the safest bet but notes that Penelope Cruz also has the wind in her sails and could create a surprise with her performance in "Madres Paralelas" by Pedro Almodovar.

Ariana DeBose should win for the second female role with the remake of "West Side Story" by Steven Spielberg but the latter will have a lot to do to have the upper hand on Jane Campion, say experts.

American actress Ariana DeBose rewarded at the BAFTAs for her role in "West Side Story", March 13, 2022 in London Ben Stansall AFP

In absolute number of Oscars, it is the grandiose space opera "Dune" which should be the winner on Sunday evening thanks to its nominations in multiple technical categories, from photography to sound and special effects.

"TikTok Generation"

After two years of health restrictions, the Oscars ceremony returns to its traditional Dolby Theater on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The organizers and the ABC broadcaster hope that they will at the same time regain their audience, which has been in free fall in recent years.

The 2021 edition had only attracted 10 million viewers, a 56% drop compared to the previous year which had already recorded its lowest level in history.

American singer Billie Eilish, March 7, 2022 in Los Angeles Valerie MACON AFP / Archives

To attract fans, the organizers launched this year a "fan prize", called to vote on social networks.

It's about the Oscars "seeing how they can reach a new audience, this TikTok generation," says Clayton Davis.

The Queen of Pop Beyoncé and her young runner-up Billie Eilish will also be fishing for viewers on the Oscars stage, where they are in the running for their song "The Williams Method" and the latest James Bond respectively.

But if the audience stagnates, "or even drops a little more, then they will have a really big problem", warns Scott Feinberg.

© 2022 AFP