Hollywood is anxious to find out if "CODA," "The Power of the Dog" or "Belfast" will be named the year's best film at the Oscars on Sunday -- and whether audiences will actually tune in to see it happen.
Moody Western "The Power of the Dog" had looked set to ride off into the sunset with Tinseltown's top prize, handing Netflix its much-coveted first best picture, but the Academy Awards race has been flung wide open in the past few weeks.
"CODA" -- an uplifting drama about an eccentric deaf family -- has surged in popularity, and industry insiders say Kenneth Branagh's childhood-inspired "Belfast" cannot be ruled out.
"It's a two- or three-horse race," said Variety film awards editor Clayton Davis, who has witnessed "big momentum" for "CODA."
"People have had a very rough last two years. And 'CODA' is positive, it's feel-good. And I think voters are in a feel-good mood."
"It's a very tight race," agreed Hollywood Reporter awards columnist Scott Feinberg.
While Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" is adored by many, it is "a bit more polarizing" and "not everyone's cup of tea" -- a handicap, as Academy voters are asked to rank all 10 best picture nominees.
"CODA," which began life as an indie drama, benefits from being perceived as "the underdog" -- despite being bought and released by tech behemoth Apple, an Academy voter said.
"Some Academy members I speak to are still reluctant to vote for a Netflix film as a best picture. But then here comes Apple, a streaming service as well," said the voter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noting the "twist of irony."
In a year when big-budget blockbusters finally hit reopened movie theaters and rival streamers amped up their libraries with star-packed new films, the acting categories are contested by some of the biggest names in the movie world. Will Smith is the strong favorite for best actor for his turn as the father of Venus and Serena Williams in "King Richard."
"CODA" star Troy Kotsur, who is deaf, has swept the supporting actor prizes so far this awards season, melting hearts as a father who wants his daughter's music aspirations to succeed, but depends on her to communicate with the outside world.
