6 possible upsets at the 2022 Oscars — including a Kristen Stewart comeback
It seems inevitable Sunday's Oscars will offer at least one jaw-dropping surprise — if not a few. Last year, there was Anthony Hopkins' shock upset, so what might the 2022 equivalent be?
Here are a few unlikely, but not impossible, scenarios:
1. The Mitchells vs. the Machines wins Best Animated Feature Film — Encanto is the heavy favorite, but Netflix's The Mitchells vs. the Machines, which defeated Encanto at the Critics' Choice Awards and the Annie Awards, may be a dark horse.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
2. Kodi Smit-McPhee wins Best Supporting Actor — CODA's Troy Kotsur almost certainly has this in the bag. But if The Power of the Dog mounts a comeback, keep an eye on Kodi Smit-McPhee, who won the Golden Globe.
3. Kristen Stewart wins Best Actress — This is the evening's most competitive category, though Jessica Chastain is the frontrunner. But former frontrunner Kristen Stewart may have a shot at sneaking back in for Spencer, especially after campaigning quite actively for the award. Alternatively, Penélope Cruz could surprise.
4. "Dos Oruguitas" wins Best Original Song — The favorite is Billie Eilish's "No Time to Die," which makes sense considering the last two James Bond themes won. But while Disney didn't submit "We Don't Talk About Bruno," could the hype around it rub off on the Encanto song that was submitted, "Dos Oruguitas"?
5. The Worst Person in the World wins Best International Feature Film — Drive My Car should take this considering it's also nominated for Best Picture. But after The Worst Person in the World earned a surprise screenplay nomination, don't fully count it out.
6. Don't Look Up wins Best Original Screenplay — The frontrunners are thought to be Belfast and Licorice Pizza, but the Don't Look Up won at the Writers Guild of America Awards. Given how divisive the movie has been among critics, if it repeats at the Oscars, brace for the takes.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Was the Azerbaijan Airlines plane shot down?
Today's Big Question Multiple sources claim Russian anti-aircraft missile damaged passenger jet, leading to Christmas Day crash that killed at least 38
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine hints at end to 'hot war' with Russia in 2025
Talking Points Could the new year see an end to the worst European violence of the 21st Century?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
What does the FDIC do?
In the Spotlight Deposit insurance builds confidence in the banking system
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published