However, some Oscar voters are expressing concerns about whether there are enough great films to choose from this year. Despite this, the selection of Oscar contenders is diverse, ranging from big-studio blockbusters to intimate international dramas. If voters feel there are not enough options to fill out their ballots, it may be because they have not explored all the available choices. While some front-runners have emerged, there are still many exciting films that could make it into this year’s lineup. Six movies are currently seen as having the best chances for a best-picture nomination, with additional films also deserving consideration. One film in particular, "West Side Story," directed by Steven Spielberg, has generated speculation about its potential to win best picture at the Oscars, much like the original 1961 version did. After receiving standing ovations this week, the film "West Side Story" has been placed in the top position by me. Spielberg's clever reinterpretation of the original material combines classic grandeur with modern concerns, making the movie a favorite among Oscar voters. Following last year's smaller Academy Awards, a large-scale Steven Spielberg musical premiering exclusively in theaters is just the type of project that the film industry — and the Oscars themselves — will likely support. On the other hand, "Belfast" is a movie that exudes modesty: it is only 97 minutes long, it never tries too hard, and it concludes at the perfect moment. However, could this same modesty prevent it from achieving the top spot at the Oscars? Kenneth Branagh's film "Belfast" has been well received by many in the academy, but "West Side Story" is noted for its grandeur. While "Belfast" has earned a respectable $5 million at the box office, it has not yet attracted the older art-house crowd needed for sleeper hit status. Meanwhile, Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" has generated buzz for the performances of Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, with potential for Oscars. Campion, who made history in 1994 as the second woman nominated for best director, may have a better chance at winning in that category than for best picture. The movie 'King Richard' tells the story of Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena, and is expected to be a strong contender for best actor at this year's Oscars with Will Smith in the lead role. The success of best actor winners in recent years has been linked to films also nominated for best picture. However, the film received negative attention for its weak opening weekend at the box office. In contrast, the trailer for 'Being the Ricardos,' directed by Aaron Sorkin, created controversy by downplaying Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Lucille Ball as potentially disastrous. However, once the film started screening for enthusiastic guild audiences, Kidman's unexpected transformation into a smoky-throated character brought her closer to a potential second Oscar. With a talented supporting cast that includes Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, as well as J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda, "Being the Ricardos" (set to open later this month) is poised to make a strong showing during awards season. Adam McKay's latest satire, "Don't Look Up" (also set to release later this month), has garnered attention from the Academy due to the success of his previous issue-based comedies like "The Big Short" and "Vice." This star-studded ensemble comedy, featuring Oscar favorites like Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mark Rylance, and Jonah Hill, centers around a comet threatening the end of the world, serving as a metaphor for the climate crisis with added resonance during the current worldwide pandemic. In a crowded field of period-piece contenders, "Don't Look Up" stands out with its bleak vision of a future in crisis, making it a timely and impactful film. These are six films to keep an eye on during awards season. So, which other films are still in the running for the last four spots in contention? It is important to have a strong best-actor candidate leading your movie. Anticipate a strong push for the musical "Cyrano" starring Peter Dinklage, Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Tick, Tick... Boom!" with Andrew Garfield, and Joel Coen's "The Tragedy of Macbeth" featuring Denzel Washington. Additionally, Joaquin Phoenix's "C'mon C'mon" should not be overlooked, despite being a tender drama about child-raising. It is hoped that when voters choose their best-actress selections, they will recognize that some exceptional films of the year are competing in that category and deserve consideration for a best-picture nomination as well. The group of potential Oscar contenders includes "Licorice Pizza" by Paul Thomas Anderson, featuring musician Alana Haim in her acting debut, and "Parallel Mothers" by Pedro Almodóvar, which earned Penélope Cruz the Volpi Cup for best actress at the Venice Film Festival. Renate Reinsve won best actress at Cannes for "The Worst Person in the World," a romantic dramedy deserving of more awards attention. "The Lost Daughter" by Maggie Gyllenhaal, won big at the Gotham Awards, including a trophy for Olivia Colman's lead performance. Kristen Stewart is a strong contender for an Oscar for her role as Princess Diana in "Spencer," but the film's chances for a best picture nomination remain uncertain. The academy's recent efforts to diversify its voting base could benefit Asghar Farhadi, whose new film "A Hero" may earn a best picture nomination. Paolo Sorrentino's "The Hand of God" is another potential contender for best director. I am interested in the movie "CODA," which follows the story of a hearing daughter in a deaf family. Despite a successful Sundance sale at the beginning of 2021, the film did not receive much attention when it premiered on Apple TV+ in the summer. However, winning two awards at the Gotham Awards may help boost its popularity. On the other hand, the science fiction film "Dune" is expected to be a strong contender in technical categories. Despite "West Side Story" potentially relieving the pressure to nominate "Dune" for best picture, the film is still a strong contender due to its high quality and the director Denis Villeneuve's efforts to fight against corporate decisions. Let's be honest: The best-picture montage for this year will be more visually appealing with the inclusion of huge sandworms.