The excitement is building up in the cinematic world as the 96th Academy Awards approach, and this year’s nominations are led by Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” a compelling portrait of the father of the atomic bomb. The list, announced early Tuesday, features a diverse array of films, each vying for the prestigious Best Picture award. With 13 nominations, “Oppenheimer” dominates the race, but it faces stiff competition from other outstanding films like “American Fiction,” “Barbie,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

The Contenders for Best Picture

1. “American Fiction”

Cord Jefferson’s thought-provoking film earns a spot on the list with its compelling narrative and outstanding performances. As a contender for the Best Picture category, it sets the stage for a riveting competition.

2. “Anatomy of a Fall”

Justine Triet’s exploration of human vulnerability and resilience secures a nomination for Best Picture, promising an emotionally charged viewing experience.

3. “Barbie”

Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” emerges as a strong contender with a total of eight nominations. Despite the acclaim, it’s notable that Margot Robbie, the film’s star, was left out of the Best Actress race.

4. “The Holdovers”

Alexander Payne’s contribution to this year’s lineup, “The Holdovers,” earns its place among the Best Picture nominees. The film not only competes for the top award but also features in other key categories.

5. “Killers of the Flower Moon”

Martin Scorsese’s historical drama, chronicling the Osage murders of the 1920s, captures the attention with ten nominations, including a nod for Best Picture.

6. “Maestro”

Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, “Maestro,” is recognized not only for its direction but also as a strong contender for Best Picture.

7. “Oppenheimer”

Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” leads the nominations with an impressive 13 nods, making it a front-runner in the Best Picture category.

8. “Past Lives”

Celine Song’s thought-provoking work, “Past Lives,” earns a nomination for Best Picture, showcasing the diversity of this year’s lineup.

9. “Poor Things”

Yorgos Lanthimos’ feminist take on the Frankenstein story, “Poor Things,” secures 11 nominations, making it a formidable contender for Best Picture.

10. “The Zone of Interest”

Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” completes the list of Best Picture nominees, promising a diverse range of stories for the audience.

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Best Director Nominees

The Best Director category is stacked with talent, featuring some of the industry’s most celebrated filmmakers.

1. Justine Triet – “Anatomy of a Fall”

Triet’s directorial prowess in “Anatomy of a Fall” earns her a well-deserved spot among the Best Director nominees.

2. Martin Scorsese – “Killers of the Flower Moon”

A master of his craft, Scorsese’s direction in “Killers of the Flower Moon” is recognized with a nomination in the Best Director category.

3. Christopher Nolan – “Oppenheimer”

Nolan’s cinematic brilliance in “Oppenheimer” is not only reflected in the film’s numerous nominations but also in his acknowledgment as a Best Director nominee.

4. Yorgos Lanthimos – “Poor Things”

Lanthimos’ unique storytelling in “Poor Things” earns him a nomination in the competitive Best Director category.

5. Jonathan Glazer – “The Zone of Interest”

Completing the list is Glazer, recognized for his directorial excellence in “The Zone of Interest.”

Best Actor and Best Actress Races

Best Actor Nominees

1. Bradley Cooper – “Maestro”
2. Colman Domingo – “Rustin”
3. Paul Giamatti – “The Holdovers”
4. Cillian Murphy – “Oppenheimer”
5. Jeffrey Wright – “American Fiction”

Best Actress Nominees

1. Annette Bening – “Nyad”
2. Lily Gladstone – “Killers of the Flower Moon”
3. Sandra Hüller – “Anatomy of a Fall”
4. Carey Mulligan – “Maestro”
5. Emma Stone – “Poor Things”

Supporting Roles: Standouts and Surprises

Best Supporting Actress

1. Emily Blunt – “Oppenheimer”
2. Danielle Brooks – “The Color Purple”
3. America Ferrera – “Barbie”
4. Jodie Foster – “Nyad”
5. Da’Vine Joy Randolph – “The Holdovers”

Best Supporting Actor

1. Sterling K. Brown – “American Fiction”
2. Robert De Niro – “Killers of the Flower Moon”
3. Robert Downey Jr. – “Oppenheimer”
4. Ryan Gosling – “Barbie”
5. Mark Ruffalo – “Poor Things”

Screenplay Recognition

Best Adapted Screenplay

1. “American Fiction”
2. “Barbie”
3. “Oppenheimer”
4. “Poor Things”
5. “The Zone of Interest”

Best Original Screenplay

1. “Anatomy of a Fall”
2. “The Holdovers”
3. “Maestro”
4. “May December”
5. “Past Lives”

Technical Excellence: Costume Design, Makeup, and More

Best Costume Design

1. “Barbie”
2. “Killers of the Flower Moon”
3. “Napoleon”
4. “Oppenheimer”
5. “Poor Things”

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

1. “Golda”
2. “Maestro”
3. “Oppenheimer”
4. “Poor Things”
5. “Society of the Snow”

Best Film Editing

1. “Anatomy of a Fall”
2. “The Holdovers”
3. “Killers of the Flower Moon”
4. “Oppenheimer”
5. “Poor Things”

Best Sound

1. “The Creator”
2. “Maestro”
3. “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One”
4. “Oppenheimer”
5. “The Zone of Interest”

Best Visual Effects

1. “The Creator”
2. “Godzilla Minus One”
3. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
4. “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One”
5. “Napoleon”

Best Cinematography

1. “El Conde”
2. “Killers of the Flower Moon”
3. “Maestro”
4. “Oppenheimer”
5. “Poor Things”

The Musical Touch: Original Song and Score

Best Original Song

1. “The Fire Insider” from “Flamin’ Hot”
2. “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
3. “Wahzhazhe (A Song