Netflix's Western psychodrama, "The Power of the Dog", is the leading contender for this year's Oscars, with 12 nominations. Other films in the running include sci-fi blockbuster "Dune", Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story", and Kenneth Branagh's "Belfast".

The Academy would love to see the 2022 Oscars return to their former glory, with a revamped show featuring more prominent film and TV shows.

Among the nominees for Best Picture, "The Power of the Dog" was most likely reached by its audience through streaming. Other notable entries include Dune and West Side Story, which received mixed reviews.

Jane Campion is nominated once more for Best Director, this time for "The Power of the Dog". A win would make it the first woman to do so two years in a row after last year's Best Director went to Chloé Zhao for "Nomadland".

Due to his performance in "The Power of the Dog", Benedict Cumberbatch is nominated for Best Actor, alongside Will Smith for his role in "King Richard". "The Power of the Dog" is also featured in the Best Supporting category, with nominees including Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jesse Plemons, and Kirsten Dunst.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Power of the Dog (@powerofthedogfilm)

Netflix hopes that the 2022 Oscars will deliver a good news story following the company's recent volatility. Aside from "The Power of the Dog", it also has three other Best Picture nominations for the films it distributes, including "Don't Look Up", and Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical "Tick, Tick... Boom!".

Other Oscar frontrunners
Warner Bros. may finally get some vindication after facing backlash from some filmmakers for its decision to release Dune in theaters and on its streaming platform simultaneously. "Dune", which has ten nominations, is a film that displays its brand of an American classic. It was directed by Denis Villeneuve and featured an eerie, wonderful spectacle.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by DUNE (@dunemovie)

"Belfast", inspired by Ken Branagh's own experiences during the Troubles period, is up for seven awards. It has been subject to the usual awards-season backlash.

Although some Belfast-born or raised individuals support it, it has been criticized for its warm-hearted tone. It is probably related to the success of Derry Girls, which shifted the tone of how enthusiasts depict this subject.

Steven Spielberg's musical "West Side Story" also has seven nominations from the Academy. Spielberg has always been known for his musical timing, but this is the first time he has tackled a film that features song and dance. The result is impressive, with a script by Tony Kushner that tackles topics such as racial strife and gentrification.

"King Richard", which has six nominations, is a movie that has won hearts and minds. Will Smith's performance as the titular character has been widely praised.

Lastly, there's Guillermo del Toro's "Nightmare Alley", with four nominations. "Nightmare Alley" is a solid, if not entirely groundbreaking, entry. It has a darker tone than del Toro's previous films, but it still manages to be compelling and occasionally suspenseful.