Oscar Voting Has Officially Begun!

Readers, the time is upon us. Voting for the 97th Academy Awards began this morning, as of noon eastern time. Yes, members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences can start submitting their Oscar ballots. Voters have five days to make their choices, with the deadline to vote coming on Sunday. So, with this important date on the calendar here, I just wanted to say a quick word, especially with updated predictions coming your way on Friday.

Obviously, we enter this end to Phase One with a lot still wide open. Best Picture is as open a race as we’ve seen of late, which adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability to things. Some of the acting categories appear wrapped up, or at least solidying, but when you have the big category truly up for grabs, that has an effect elsewhere. Look out for what manages to score unexpected nominations when the big morning hits. When voters have to operate without a safety net, they’re prone to make interesting choices. Beyond that, keep in mind that the Golden Globes wrapped up just as voting was getting set to begin, so Academy members may well have been watching. Plus, DGA and SAG obviously announced earlier today, so pay attention to which elements of those nominations could cross over. PGA comes after voting closes, so there’s no help there, Picture wise. It’s a bit nuts, but also fun, right?

Sit tight for my new predictions piece on Friday, which will potentially be my final picks before the nominations are announced. Crazy, right? In the meantime, look at anything that happens this week, since members of the Academy are paying attention. Will anything on its own move the needle? No, but we’re in crunch time, so don’t discount anything, either. It’s going to be a wild Oscar morning next week, so get ready…

Stay tuned for the Oscar nominations next Friday!