However, the downside is that some Oscar voters have been expressing concerns about the lack of great films to choose from this year. Despite this, the variety of Oscar contenders this year is satisfyingly diverse, including big-budget blockbusters, small international dramas, and a comedy with Meryl Streep as the president. If voters are struggling to come up with 10 worthy films to nominate, it may be because they haven't explored all the options. While there are some clear front-runners for best picture, there are still a number of exciting films that could round out the list. In addition to predicting the top six best-picture contenders, there are also several other deserving films that should give voters plenty of choices. The question remains whether Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" can replicate the success of the original and take home the best picture award at the Oscars. After receiving standing ovations this week, the film "West Side Story" has been moved to the top spot. Steven Spielberg's modern take on the classic story combines traditional grandeur with current themes, making it a strong contender for the Oscars. Following last year's smaller Academy Awards, a large-scale musical from Spielberg shown exclusively in theaters is exactly what the movie industry and the Oscars will support. On the other hand, "Belfast" is a modest film that runs for only 97 minutes and never tries too hard, which could potentially hinder its chances of winning the top spot at the Oscars. Kenneth Branagh's "Belfast" has received praise in the academy for its portrayal of an Irish family during the Troubles, but "West Side Story" has garnered more attention and recognition. While "Belfast" has achieved a respectable limited gross of $5 million, it has yet to attract the older art-house crowd that could turn it into a sleeper hit. Meanwhile, Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" has been well-received for its standout performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, positioning Campion as a potential Oscar contender for best director. However, the film may have a better chance at winning in the director category rather than for best picture. The film 'King Richard' tells the story of Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams, with Will Smith expected to be a top contender for best actor. This usually leads to a best picture nomination, as seen in the past 10 years where the best actor winners came from films also nominated for best picture. However, only six of the last 10 best actress winners came from films nominated for best picture, indicating a need for more recognition of female-led films. Despite a weak opening weekend at the box office, 'King Richard' still has potential. On the other hand, 'Being the Ricardos', directed by Aaron Sorkin, received criticism for downplaying Nicole Kidman's performance as Lucille Ball in the trailer. However, once the film started screening for enthusiastic guild audiences, Kidman's unexpected transformation with her smoky voice brought her closer to a potential second Oscar win. The movie also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, as well as J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda. With its release coming later this month, "Being the Ricardos" is expected to make a significant impact during awards season. On the other hand, the Academy has shown great appreciation for Adam McKay's previous issue-based comedies, "The Big Short" and "Vice." His upcoming satire, "Don't Look Up," features an even more star-studded cast, including Oscar favorites Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mark Rylance, and Jonah Hill. The film revolves around a comet threatening the end of the world, serving as a metaphor for the climate crisis, which has gained additional relevance during the current worldwide pandemic. In a crowded field of period-piece contenders, "Don't Look Up" and its bleak outlook on the future feels especially timely. These six actors are considered to be sure bets for awards recognition. What other films are still competing for the last four spots? It is beneficial to have a strong best-actor candidate leading your movie. "Cyrano" with Peter Dinklage, "Tick, Tick ... Boom!" with Andrew Garfield, and "The Tragedy of Macbeth" with Denzel Washington are expected to receive a major push. Additionally, Joaquin Phoenix's film "C'mon C'mon" should not be overlooked, despite being a tender drama about child-raising. It is hoped that voters will recognize the wonderful films contending for best actress and consider them for a best-picture nomination as well. The group of potential Oscar contenders includes Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza,” featuring musician Alana Haim in her film acting debut, and Pedro Almodóvar’s “Parallel Mothers,” which earned Penélope Cruz the Volpi Cup for best actress at the Venice Film Festival. Renate Reinsve won best actress at Cannes for her role in “The Worst Person in the World,” while “The Lost Daughter,” directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, received multiple awards at the Gotham Awards, including one for Olivia Colman’s lead performance. Kristen Stewart is a favorite for an Oscar win for her portrayal of Princess Diana in “Spencer,” but the film’s chances for best picture remain uncertain. The academy has added many international members in an effort to diversify its voting base, potentially benefiting Asghar Farhadi, whose new film “A Hero” could earn a best picture nomination. Paolo Sorrentino, an Oscar-vetted Italian director, may also be a contender in the best-director race with his coming-of-age film “The Hand of God.” I am interested in "CODA," the dramedy that follows the story of a hearing daughter in a deaf family. Despite being a hit at Sundance and later released on Apple TV+, it did not receive as much attention as expected. However, the film recently won two awards at the Gotham Awards, which may help boost its popularity. On the other hand, "Dune" is expected to be a strong contender in technical categories. The success of "West Side Story" may lessen the pressure to nominate "Dune" for best picture, but I still believe it has a good chance due to its quality and director Denis Villeneuve's efforts to fight against corporate decisions. And to be honest, the best-picture montage for this year will be much more visually appealing with the inclusion of giant sandworms.