Oscar Buzz: What's Next After the Big Film Festivals?

The film world is buzzing with excitement as the dust settles on major film festivals and the Emmy Awards. Everyone's eyes are now on the Oscars.

Leading Contenders

• Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet" is leading the pack after winning big at Toronto.
• "Frankenstein" and "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" are also making waves.

Toronto's audience award has a history of predicting Oscar success, but it's not a sure thing.

Venice Film Festival Highlights

• "Father Mother Sister Brother" took home the top prize.
• Benny Safdie was named best director for "The Smashing Machine."
• Toni Servillo won best actor for "La Grazia."

LA Film Scene

• Kathryn Bigelow's "A House of Dynamite" is sparking important conversations about nuclear weapons.
• Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" has started screening in LA.
• Many journalists have already seen it.
• Academy members got a chance to watch it over the weekend.
• Other films screening for members include:
• "Kiss of the Spider Woman," with Jennifer Lopez present for a Q&A.
• The documentary "Riefenstahl."

Best International Feature Oscar Race

• Brazil has submitted "The Secret Agent," which has been a hit at festivals.
• Poland has entered "Kafka," directed by Agnieszka Holland, who has a strong track record in this category.

These predictions are based on data and trends, not personal preferences. The goal is to project what the Academy members will likely do, not what they should do.