Oscars 2024 Shortlists Revealed: 'Barbie' Brilliance and 'Oppenheimer' Excellence Lead the Pack!

Summary: The 96th Oscars are on the horizon, with exciting contenders like 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' stealing the spotlight.

The 10 categories' shortlists have been released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Greta Gerwig's delightful film "Barbie" is leading with five nods. The movie stood out in the original song category not just because of its impressive sound but also because it includes original songs by Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson, and Andrew Wyatt.

Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' is another notable mention, securing nods for Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, and Original Score. While some expected films like 'The Color Purple' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' missed the cut, A24's 'Beau is Afraid' and Universal Pictures' 'The Last Voyage of the Demeter' made intriguing selections.

Diversity shines in the composers' lineup, with nods for Black talents like Jon Batiste and Kris Bowers, along with recognition for renowned female musician Laura Karpman and nonbinary artist Mica Levi. Mark Orton's unexpected inclusion for 'The Holdovers' adds an extra layer of excitement.

Jimmy Kimmel is set to return as the host for the 96th Oscars in 2024, as announced by A24. The official nominees will be revealed on Jan. 23 after the nomination period from Jan. 11-16.

The shortlists span various categories, including Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, International Feature, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, Original Score, and Original Song. Notably, no Indian film made the cut this time.

In Documentary Feature, films like 'American Symphony,' 'Bobi Wine: The People’s President,' and 'Stamped from the Beginning' are in contention. The Documentary Short Subject category includes titles such as 'The ABCs of Book Banning' and 'The Last Repair Shop.'

International Feature films from countries like Armenia, Denmark, and Japan are vying for recognition. Makeup and Hairstyling shortlists 'Beau Is Afraid' and 'Killers of the Flower Moon' among others.

In the Sound category, 'Barbie,' 'The Killer,' and 'Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One' are in the spotlight. Original Score nominations feature 'American Fiction,' 'Barbie,' and 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.'

The Original Song shortlist boasts entries like 'Dance The Night' from 'Barbie' and 'The Fire Inside' from 'Flamin’ Hot.' Animated and Live Action Short Film categories include intriguing titles such as 'Boom,' 'Knight of Fortune,' and 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.'

Visual Effects contenders include 'The Creator,' 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,' and 'Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire.'

The 96th Oscars promise a diverse and compelling lineup, celebrating excellence in filmmaking across various genres and styles.