With the BRIT awards just a few hours away, we have officially caught the ceremonial bug — and keeping us well and truly hooked, the 2022 Oscar nominations have just been announced, and they did not disappoint. As live shows finally return after a year of digitally hosted ceremonies, we can once again bask in the fashion, music and drama that helms the annual events. From Kristen Stewarts chilling portrayal of Princes Diana to the jaw-dropping animation of Encanto, here is a glimpse of the cinematic masterpieces that have climbed the ranks into Oscar-worthy territory.

If you have ever tuned into our Screen Wonders, you’ll know that when it comes to movies, we take our jobs very seriously. So when the nominees for Best Picture and Best Animated Film came about, we couldn’t wait to see whether our personal favourites had made it. And, spoiler, they absolutely did. In it’s 94th year as a studio, Disney had no chill with their efforts to bag a trophy, with Encanto up for Best Original Score, Best Animated Film and Best Original Song. Elsewhere, Don’t Look Up has also placed itself in multiple baskets as it is nominated for Best Original Score as well as the highly coveted Best Picture.

It cannot be denied that half of the films that are in the running for victory would be nothing without their leading actresses. To that effect, the talents of Kristen Stewart in Spencer, Jessica Chastain in The Eyes of Tammy Faye and Penélope Cruz in Parallel Mothers have garnered a well-deserved hype in the Best Actress in a Leading Role category. The nominations also nod to the likes of Ariana DeBose, Kirsten Dunst and Jessie Buckley, who are all for the taking of Best Supporting Actress.

You didn’t think we’d go through the round-up without the mention of Tick, Tick… Boom! did you? Obviously not, as Andrew Garfield and his sparkling vocals sprint into the running for Best Actor in a Leading Role, alongside the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch from The Power of the Dog and Will Smith in King Richard.

Amongst the most frequently mentioned features include Dune, the first part of the Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya take over. Gaining nominations next to Cruella in both Best Costume Design and Makeup and Hairstyling, the Denis Villeneuve directed film is also one of the front-runners for Best Picture.

As the reining of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” will prove, the success of a movie is not just down to its actors and cast, but also heavily relies on their performative soundtracks. Which is exactly what lays the stage for some of our favourite faces including Billie Eilish and Beyoncé. Gaining nominations for James Bond’s “No Time To Die” and King Richard’s “Be Alive”, the artists join Sebastián Yatra, Van Morrison and Diane Warren in the battle for Best Original Song.

With the awards proving to be full of more choice, talent and hype than ever, the countdown has officially begun for the 94th Academy Awards which will commence on March 27th. Who will come out on top? As of right now, it’s anyones guess…