The 2024 Oscar nominations are just around the corner, and industry insiders are buzzing with predictions. While some categories seem like foregone conclusions (“Oppenheimer,” “Barbie” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” are expected to dominate), others are wide open.

In the best picture race, “The Holdovers” and “Poor Things” are considered locks, while “Past Lives,” “American Fiction” and “Maestro” are seen as strong contenders. The international dramas “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest” could also surprise voters.

The best director category is more unpredictable. Christopher Nolan (“Oppenheimer”) is the frontrunner, but Martin Scorsese (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) and Alexander Payne (“The Holdovers”) also have strong cases. Greta Gerwig (“Barbie”) and Yorgos Lanthimos (“Poor Things”) could pull off upsets, while Justine Triet (“Anatomy of a Fall”) and Jonathan Glazer (“The Zone of Interest”) are dark horses.

The best actor race is shaping up to be a three-way battle between Paul Giamatti (“The Holdovers”), Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”) and Bradley Cooper (“Maestro”). Jeffrey Wright (“American Fiction”) is a safe bet for a nomination, while Leonardo DiCaprio (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) could sneak in.

The Best Actress category simmers with an embarrassment of riches, making predictions a perilous tightrope walk. Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) and Emma Stone (“Poor Things”) are shoo-ins, while Carey Mulligan (“Maestro”) and Sandra Hüller (“Anatomy of a Fall”) are poised to join them. Natalie Portman (“May December”) and Fantasia Barrino-Taylor (“The Color Purple”) hover on the precipice, while Annette Bening (“Nyad”) and Margot Robbie (“Barbie”) could waltz in as wildcard contenders. Prepare for a breathtaking battle of brilliant talents when the nominations arrive.

The remaining categories are also full of suspense. Robert Downey Jr. (“Oppenheimer”) and Ryan Gosling (“Barbie”) are the favorites for best supporting actor, while Robert De Niro (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) is a strong contender. Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”) is the runaway leader in the best supporting actress race, but Jodie Foster (“Nyad”), Emily Blunt (“Oppenheimer”) and Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple”) are also in the mix. America Ferrera (“Barbie”) and Taraji P. Henson (“The Color Purple”) could crash the party, while Penélope Cruz (“Ferrari”), Rosamund Pike (“Saltburn”) and Julianne Moore (“May December”) are long-shot possibilities.

With so many great performances and films to choose from, the 2024 Oscar nominations are sure to be exciting. Stay tuned on Tuesday to see who makes the cut!