Oscar Nomination Ballots Are Due Today: A Look at the Final Campaign Push
As the Oscar voting deadline approaches, Academy members are urged to finalize their ballots. The final opportunity to vote will close today at 5 p.m. PT.
Eligible voters, numbering close to 10,000, received their ballots on Monday. In a flurry of activity, campaign strategists have made a significant push this week, securing appearances on late-night shows in the days leading up to the voting deadline.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” kicked off the week with notable guests, including Best Actor hopeful Michael B. Jordan from Sinners. The show featured performances throughout the week from artists associated with shortlisted films, culminating with appearances by prestigious nominees just before the voting cutoff. On Wednesday, One Battle After Another’s Best Actress nominee Chase Infiniti joined Ed Sheeran and John Mayer for a performance of “Drive,” which later gained traction online.
Other late-night platforms, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, have also showcased key figures from nominated films. This week, Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo-seop presented their work from KPop Demon Hunters, while Laura Dern celebrated her victory as Lead Actress at the Movies For Grownups Awards. The week continued with performances from One Battle After Another star Teyana Taylor.
Continuing the trend, Robert Downey Jr. moderated a conversation with Timothée Chalamet in Los Angeles, while his co-star from Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy, engaged with voters in London.
As the campaign for Hedda continues, Tessa Thompson remains a focal point, with her team actively engaging voters through various events. The latest gathering took place at the home of Da’Vine Joy Randolph, attended by various Academy voters, reinforcing Thompson’s presence in the competitive Best Actress race.
Interestingly, focus now turns to the charm and appeal of specific venues during this Oscar season. The Castillo Del Lago mansion has become a known hotspot for attracting voters, having hosted several high-profile gatherings, including for Hamnet, which was attended by numerous industry insiders.
Amidst the festivities, some attendees faced challenges. Notably, Oscar-winning documentarian Arnold Schwartzman recounted his experience at a recent event where elevator malfunctions led to a precarious exit down several flights of stairs. Such anecdotes highlight the unexpected hurdles that can arise during this highly competitive time.
As the Oscar nominations loom, the excitement is palpable among voters and industry insiders alike. With the deadline rapidly approaching, many hope to make their selections count in this crucial stage of awards season.
