Readers Say

Here’s who readers think will win at the 2024 Oscars

Readers also shared their favorite Oscar-nominated film.

A replica of an Academy Award statuette is displayed during the 96th Academy Awards nominations announcement on Jan. 23. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

By Kristina DaPonte

January 26, 2024

The nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were announced Jan. 23 and have prompted many questions from moviegoers: Where was Alexander Payne’s best director nomination for “The Holdovers?” Should “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” been nominated for best animated feature? And, why were Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig snubbed of nominations for best actress and best director?

2024 Oscars: How to watch or stream all of the movies nominated

Amid the storm of controversy about this year’s nominations, Boston.com readers can agree that one movie in particular is sure to sweep at the March 10 ceremony.

We asked readers to share their 2024 Oscars predictions with us, with 159 readers voting across 23 categories. The explosive blockbuster “Oppenheimer” came out victorious in nine of these categories and tied with “The Holdovers” for readers’ favorite Oscar-nominated film.

The awards that readers believe “Oppenheimer” will win are for Best Picture, Director (Christopher Nolan), Actor (Cillian Murphy), Actor in a Supporting Role (Robert Downey Jr.), Cinematography, Film Editing, Original Score, Sound, and Adapted Screenplay. Reader Lisa C., who found the film “fascinating” and was “glued to the screen for the entire run,” said that she is likely to see the biopic multiple times again.

“Barbie” won in multiple categories as well, with readers predicting that the film would win the Costume Design, Production Design, and Original Song (for “I’m Just Ken”) categories.

“I loved ‘Barbie’ for its immense cultural and global impact and its themes on what it means to be human,” said Carla P. of Lexington.

Aside from being a fan favorite, readers also believe the Massachusetts-based film “The Holdovers” will take home awards for Actress in a Supporting Role (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and Original Screenplay.

“Rarely does a film that follows a tried-and-true template — here, a Christmastime buddy film — manage to surprise, challenge, and move you,” said Brian S. “Somehow, the typically cynical Alexander Payne does all three by getting out of his comfort zone and entering ours.”

Below, see all the reader-predicted 2024 Academy Award winners.

Some quotes have been edited for length and clarity.

Readers predict who will win at the Oscars

Best Picture: “Oppenheimer”

“Nolan, duh.”
– Aino, Helsinki

Best Actress: Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon”

“Incredible true story with great character development and superb acting.”
– Al P., Clayville, R.I.

Actress in a Supporting Role: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”

“The Holdovers, because it is a smaller story based on humanity. The cast was amazing.”
– Diane C., Dedham

Costume Design: “Barbie”

“I absolutely loved the message of ‘Barbie,’ and although it had similar themes to some of the other nominees, I think it was a more enjoyable and fun watch.”
– Laura E., Boston

Makeup and Hairstyling: “Poor Things”

“Poor Things tops all with visuals, screenplay, acting all brought together in an entertaining and thought-provoking package — so credit to all involved and an awards sweep. We need more movies like this!”
– MGP, Manchester, N.H.

Production Design: “Barbie”

“Barbie, for musical score, set design, and a transcendent story.”
– Sally D., Cambridge

Best Original Screenplay: “The Holdovers”

“‘The Holdovers’ — it was set in New England, I love [Paul] Giamatti, and the new kid on the block, Dominic Sessa, was terrific. It was a feel good, relatable, and authentic story.”
– Christi G., Back Bay