Is it still too early to make Oscar predictions? Yes. Will that stop P.T. and me from making them? Not a chance. After a rundown of what’s slated for all the major film festivals this year and a discussion of their role in the Oscar race, we speculate about nominations in 8 categories: animated feature, international feature, documentary feature, original score, original song, production design, makeup and hairstyling, and visual effects. We also get a little help from Greg Greg , who breaks some bad news.

Stay tuned for Part Two, in which we discuss the rest of the categories, including all the acting categories and Best Picture!

Movie News Check-In: Box office and strike updates. 2:57

Greg’s News: A very special cameo. 6:42

Fall Film Festival Season: What big film festivals are coming up? And what movies will premiere at them? 17:05

The Rhetorical Situation: What outside factors influence the Oscars race? 44:57

Our Premature, Pre-Festival Oscar Predictions (Part One) 1:00:31

Image Credit: Empire

The Long Take Review hopes to highlight the value of the work done by the writers and actors on strike. If listeners would like to support the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, we encourage them to make a donation to the Entertainment Community Fund.

Intro and outro music is “Divers,” by Hara Noda. Movie News Check-In music is “Meet Me On the Bridge” by Trio Leo. The Rhetorical Situation music is “Well of Knowledge” by Cercles Nouvelles. Spoiler Mode music is “Thinking of Luther” by The New Fools. All music licensed through Epidemic Sound.

Logo art: Illustration 73265080 © Worldofvector | Dreamstime.com

Get full access to The Long Take at thelongtake.substack.com/subscribe