Hollywood’s next Oscar race is beginning to take shape, although there is still a long road between early predictions and the envelopes being opened on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Penélope Cruz and “La Bola Negra” are among the names and projects appearing in the developing awards conversation as attention gradually shifts toward the 99th Academy Awards. At this stage of the season, however, predictions remain highly provisional. Festival receptions, new releases, campaign strategies and industry momentum can dramatically alter the field before Academy members cast their ballots.
Several important dates will help define that race over the coming months.
The Governors Awards are scheduled for Nov. 15, when Glenn Close and filmmaker Ridley Scott are among those set to receive honorary Oscars. The event traditionally provides an important gathering point for Hollywood as awards campaigning accelerates.
The Academy’s preliminary voting period for shortlists in 12 categories is scheduled for Dec. 7 through Dec. 11. Those shortlists will be revealed Dec. 15, providing one of the first significant indications of which films have gained traction with voters.
The eligibility period closes Dec. 31, setting the stage for nominations voting from Jan. 11 through Jan. 15. The nominees for the 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to be announced Jan. 21.
From there, Hollywood will have less than two months to debate the finalists before Oscar night.
The ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, with Conan O’Brien returning as host. ABC will carry the show live beginning at 7 p.m. ET, with the ceremony also reaching audiences internationally.
For contenders hoping to reach that stage, plenty can change before nominations arrive. The early awards conversation may have started, but the 2027 Oscar race is still very much in its opening act.
