Variety Awards Circuit is the go-to source for all things awards-related, offering predictions for major ceremonies like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys. Curated by Clayton Davis, the senior awards editor at Variety, these predictions are based on current standings in the race and not personal preferences.
In the realm of Oscar predictions, familiar names like John Williams and Diane Warren are often seen as frontrunners. This year, Elton John’s inclusion for his song “Never Too Late” from his documentary is noteworthy, especially given his recent revelation about losing his eyesight. With two previous Oscar wins under his belt, the industry buzz suggests he could secure another nomination.
Diane Warren, with a track record of 15 nominations, is also a strong contender for her song “The Journey” from Netflix’s “The Six Triple Eight.” Netflix, in fact, is playing a strong hand this year with multiple entries in the race.
Other notable contenders include Lin-Manuel Miranda with his song “Tell Me It’s You” from “Mufasa: The Lion King” and the track “Out of Oklahoma” from the film “Twisters.” The shortlist this year reflects a mix of expected names and under-the-radar gems that could surprise audiences.
Despite accolades from other award shows, not all contenders made the cut for the Oscars’ Original Song category. Miley Cyrus’ “Beautiful That Way” was among the 89 songs that missed the shortlist, showing that nominations are not always guaranteed based on previous wins.
The 97th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 2, and as the race heats up, predictions are subject to change based on buzz and events. Stay tuned for updates every Thursday on Awards Circuit Predictions Pages for the latest insights into the awards season.
