2024 Oscar Predictions: Early Contenders for Best Production Design

Here is the first look at our 2024 Oscar Predictions with the dense Production Design category. The 2024 Oscars are approaching, and film enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation about the nominees and potential winners in various categories. In this article, we delve into the world of production design, a crucial aspect that shapes the look and feel of a movie. We’ll explore the top five contenders we believe will secure nominations for Best Production Design, as well as some dark horse candidates that could surprise us on Oscar night.

Early 2024 Oscar Predictions – Top Contenders for Best Production Design

1. Asteroid City – Wes Anderson’s Artistic Brilliance

Directed by the renowned Wes Anderson, Asteroid City promises a visual treat, as is typical of Anderson’s films. With his signature symmetrical and detailed style, Anderson’s movie is expected to feature stunning colour palettes that are visually captivating. What sets this film apart is the extraordinary effort put into its production design – an entire functioning town was constructed, complete with underground power and plumbing infrastructure. This meticulous attention to detail could make Asteroid City a strong contender for the Best Production Design Oscar.

2. Barbie – A World of Pink

Barbie is no stranger to exquisite production designs. The film’s use of a specific shade of pink, known as Pink Pantone 119, even caused a global shortage of the colour. The sets in Barbie are a sight to behold, boasting vibrant and colourful aesthetics. The absence of CGI in favour of practical sets built at Warner Brothers studio outside of London adds authenticity to the film. With attention to detail, including scaled-down props to emphasize the larger-than-life presence of the lead characters, Barbie could charm its way to an Oscar nomination.

3. Killers of the Flower Moon – Historical Accuracy

Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon takes a different approach, focusing on historical accuracy. Shot on location in Oklahoma and an Osage county reservation, the film reconstructed towns and houses to recreate the setting of the murders it portrays. This commitment to realism is expected to enhance the immersive quality of the film. Large sweeping shots and elaborate sets contribute to the film’s authenticity, making it a strong contender for the Best Production Design category.

4. Oppenheimer – Christopher Nolan’s Vision

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is set to captivate audiences with its production design. To recreate the Los Alamos set, the production team scouted various locations, ultimately settling on Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. This choice ensures a backdrop that mirrors Los Alamos. Interior shots were authentically filmed in Los Alamos itself, providing actors with real settings to interact with. This commitment to realism could give Oppenheimer a competitive edge in the Best Production Design race.

5. Poor Things – Steampunk Extravaganza

Poor Things transports viewers to a late 19th-century steampunk world. The film’s production design is nothing short of extraordinary, creating a visually immersive and sprawling setting. From sculpted ceilings to unique window designs, the attention to detail is astonishing. With a world that feels both otherworldly and vibrant, Poor Things might just be the dark horse that surprises everyone on Oscar night.

Dark Horse Contenders

While the top contenders have strong potential, several dark horse candidates are in the conversation for a Best Production Design nomination:

• Saltburn – Set entirely in a country house, this film fully realizes its vision with impeccable production design.
• The Zone of Interest – This film reconstructs a family home next to a concentration camp, using natural light for added authenticity.
• Napoleon – Transporting viewers to late 18th and early 19th century France, this film promises elaborate and visually stunning sets.
• Maestro – While simpler in design, Moisture is expected to offer a detailed production design that enhances the movie’s authenticity.
• The Color Purple – The original film received a nomination for Best Production Design, and the new version has an awe-inspiring set design while being set to the backdrop of a plantation, and appears equally impressive in its design.

In Conclusion, the Best Production Design category at the 2024 Oscars is stacked with visually captivating films that have put immense effort into creating immersive worlds. As the award season progresses, these contenders and dark horse candidates will vie for the coveted Oscar gold, making this category one to watch closely.

Stay tuned as we track their journey through film festivals, precursor awards, and the ultimate race towards the 2024 Oscars. The competition for Best Production Design promises to be fierce, and only time will reveal which film will emerge as the winner.

As we lead up to awards season, we will be regularly analyzing and predicting everything that comes our way. Be sure to head over to our Oscars page for all the latest news on our 2024 Oscar predictions (updated monthly), hot topics and analysis.

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