Outside of Aaron Sorkin‘s “just give him the nomination now” script for “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” the Original Screenplay category feels more wide-open than it has in years. And that means there could be some underdog nominees who make the cut such as Emerald Fennell (“Promising Young Woman”), Andy Sara (“Palm Springs”), Judd Apatow, Pete Davidson and Dave Sirus (“The King of Staten Island”), and even Eliza Hittman (“Never Really Sometimes Always”). It could also be the first time an animated feature has earned a screenplay nomination since “Inside Out” in 2016. And a common thread, if that happens, would be director Pete Docter who was nominated for the latter and is also one of three writers on the upcoming Pixar release “Soul.” We also expect Lee Isaac Chung to be recognized for his script for “Minari” and potentially Jack Fincher for “Mank,” but, as of right now, it’s anyone’s party to crash. [Updated Nov. 18]
LIKELY CONTENDERS
“Minari,” Lee Isaac Chung
“Promising Young Woman,” Emerald Fennell
“The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Aaron Sorkin
“Palm Springs,” Andy Siara
“Mank,” Jack Fincher
“Soul,” Pete Docter, Mike Jones, Kemp Powers
“Ammonite,” Francis Lee
POSSIBLE
“On the Rocks,” Sofia Coppola
“Never Really Sometimes Always,” Eliza Hittman
“Da 5 Bloods,” Danny Bilson, Paul De Meo, Kevin Willmott, Spike Lee
“Judas and the Black Messiah,” Shaka King, Will Berson
“Sound of Metal,” Darius Marder, Abraham Marder
“I’m Your Woman,” Julia Hart, Jordan Horowitz
“Tenet,” Christopher Nolan
“The King of Staten Island,” Judd Apatow, Pete Davidson, Dave Sirus
“The 40-Year Version,” Radha Blank
2021 Contenders and Predictions
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor