Actors and companiesreturn to the tablethis week.
The awards season is saved (almost, we hope).
This could finally be it.
Margot Robbie in ‘Barbie’ and Cillian Murphy stars in ‘Oppenheimer’.Warner Bros/Universal
Do we dare even say it?
The year of The Great Oscar Comeback.
Go ahead, be optimistic.
Take it to the bank, says Pete.
OK, gladly, I will.
Already, that sets up the kind water-cooler debates that drive a big year for theOscars.
WillGreta Gerwigand herBarbiebeatthe old bulls?
Theres lots to root for, lots to discussso the pictures are already aligned for a big night.
Ive always believed that the Globes are actually good for the Oscars.
Theyre a welcome warm-up act, and their endemic silliness is a perfect foil for ever-so-serious Academy Awards.
More, enthusiasm among cinephiles is already up:Advance ticket salesfor theNew York Film Festivalhave been booming.
In other words, almost 14 million people sampled the 2024 program, and decided it wasnt for them.
But, with effort and luck, that audience can be had.
In fact, with pictures likeBarbieandOppenheimeralready baiting the trap, its there for the Academy to lose.
As long as no one does anything dumb.
Diverse presenters wont be enough; the nominations will have to reflect an honest, natural diversity.
Butforce majeureis what it is.
Barring an act of God, this suddenly looks like a very good year.
