Oscar season 2016 is just around the corner. Though the nominations themselves won’t be released until January, we now know which 20 films will be considered for the Best Visual Effects prize.
As you’d probably expect, all six live-action superhero films released in 2016 got selected, including Deadpool, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Captain America: Civil War, X-Men: Apocalypse, Suicide Squad and Doctor Strange. Additionally, Best Picture hopefuls Arrival and Sully made the cut, as did Kubo and the Two Strings, a starlet for the Best Animated Feature trophy. The rest of the potential nominees range from expected (The Jungle Book, The BFG) to mildly surprising (Deepwater Horizon, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children).
Of course, only five films will end up getting a shot at the golden statue. It’s hard to say which films will make their way to the next round, but there are more than a few who believe Jon Favreau’s recent Disney production will walk away with the prize. It’s also safe to assume the trippy effects behind Doctor Strange will be recognized, as will the new Star Wars film Rogue One. Other blockbusters, including Warcraft and possibly Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, seem likely. But, again, we won’t know for sure until we get closer down the line.
From this point, voters in the Academy’s Visual Effects branch receive sizzle reels from the films selected. This process, called the “bakeoff,” will produce the final line-up. For now though, take a look at the shortlist below and let us know who you think may walk away victorious.
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Arrival
The BFG
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Captain America: Civil War
Deadpool
Deepwater Horizon
Doctor Strange
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Independence Day: Resurgence
The Jungle Book
Kubo and the Two Strings
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Passengers
Rogue One
Star Trek Beyond
Suicide Squad
Sully
Warcraft
X-Men: Apocalypse