Oscar Race Heats Up as Early Predictions and Studio Campaigns Take Shape

The 2027 Oscar race is gathering pace with new campaign launches, studio submissions, and updated award predictions. Christopher Nolan's epic film 'The Odyssey' currently leads the projected charts with 14 nomination picks from Universal Pictures, putting it close to past records. Universal Pictures is kicking off its official campaign for Nolan's movie the week of November 9 with a series of screenings and question-and-answer sessions featuring Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and lead actor Matt Damon. Meanwhile, Zendaya is set to campaign in the lead actress category for her role as Chani in Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi final chapter 'Dune: Part Three.' Mubi is also launching campaigns for Sandra Hüller and Hanns Zischler in the supporting categories for the film 'Rose.' On the guild front, Variety confirmed that Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's project 'You Can See Everything' will miss out on competing for the top prize at the Directors Guild of America Awards this season. In Golden Globe submissions, Jordan Firstman's feature debut 'Club Kid' entered the drama categories, while Amazon MGM Studios is juggling musical and comedy contenders like Phil Lord and Chris Miller's 'Project Hail Mary' starring Ryan Gosling, and Peter Farrelly's 'I Play Rocky' starring Anthony Ippolito. Key dates on the road to the Academy Awards include the Governors Awards honoring Glenn Close and Ridley Scott on November 15, and preliminary shortlist voting running from December 7 to 11. The Academy will announce official nominations on January 21, 2027, leading up to the 99th Oscars ceremony hosted by Conan O'Brien on March 14, 2027, broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

Context

Awards season predictions and studio campaigns build public interest and visibility for films months before voting members cast their ballots. Major studios roll out screenings, festival appearances, and media features to ensure their titles remain front of mind for academy voters through a crowded release calendar.