Oppenheimer was a breathtaking display of filmmaking about the modern Prometheus, which easily became the most promising frontrunner at the Oscars. The utilization of era-specific cinematic techniques only cemented Christopher Nolan’s reputation as the auteur of the 21st century and a sorcerer capable of instigating time travel in his audience. Nevertheless, Oppenheimer is not the first one to have garnered such adulation. There have been earlier classics that have left a similar impression, especially on the Academy.

This includes The Lord of the Rings, Ben-Hur, and Titanic, which have been some of the highest Oscar winners of their time. The question, however, is, can Oppenheimer surpass their records with its thirteen nominations?

Oppenheimer faces off against the all-time classics

From the on-screen performances to the musical score, the visual effects, the camera work, and the storytelling, Oppenheimer stands out as nearly flawless for its era. However, when it comes to being the biggest Oscar sweeper of all time, it still faces stiff competition. The 1959 religious epic film, Ben-Hur, received 12 Academy Award nominations, winning 11. Titanic, after 38 years, dethroned Ben-Hur with 11 Oscar wins out of 14 in 1998. Now Oppenheimer can easily surpass these timeless movies if it wins 11 or more awards.

It, however, faces a record that may never be surpassed. The epic fantasy saga, The Lord of the Rings, holds a record of 17 Academy Awards. But these accolades are spread across its three installments over three different years. Only The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King got the title of one of the highest Oscar winners of all time, with a perfect 11 out of 11 nominations. Although it is not entirely beyond reach for Oppenheimer to win 11 or more Oscars, certain potential setbacks are causing its chances to flicker.

While there is confidence in Oppenheimer winning in certain categories like Best Actor and Best Film, there are a few others that are not looking too promising.

Oppenheimer could potentially lose out in certain Oscar categories

Oppenheimer is not exactly the odds-on favorite for a couple of nominations, like Best Supporting Actress for Emily Blunt. It seems like Da’Vine Joy Randolph has got that one locked down for The Holdovers after raking in awards this season. Furthermore, Oppenheimer faces slim chances in categories like Production Design, Costume Design, or Makeup and Hairstyling. The Best Makeup and Hairstyling category is expected to be won by Maestro for its stunning transformation of Bradley Cooper into Leonard Bernstein.

There is the possibility it might swing toward Poor Things as well, for the hefty prosthetic job done on Willem Dafoe. Best Costume Design is another toss-up where not many are banking on Cillian Murphy‘s sharp but baggy suits to outdo the pink extravaganza of Barbie or the wild whimsy of Poor Things. And then there is Best Production Design, where Barbie and Poor Things really brought the wow factor. These potential setbacks might hinder Oppenheimer‘s shot at making cinematic history at the Academy Awards.

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