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. Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet" is leading the pack after winning big at Toronto, but "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. Over in Venice, "Father Mother Sister Brother" took home the top prize. Benny Safdie was named best director for "The Smashing Machine, " and Toni Servillo won best actor for "La Grazia. " Meanwhile, back in LA, journalists are talking about Kathryn Bigelow's "A House of Dynamite. " This film is sparking important conversations about nuclear weapons, much like the 1983 TV movie "The Day After" did in its time. Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" has also started screening in LA. Many journalists have already seen it, and 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, and the documentary "Riefenstahl. " The race for the best international feature Oscar is heating up. 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. It's important to note that 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.