The nominations for the 2024 Academy Awards were announced on Tuesday, and it's no surprise that Warner Bros.' "Barbie" and Universal's "Oppenheimer" were among the 10 films nominated for Best Picture. Both films were highly anticipated and received positive reviews from critics and audiences.
"Oppenheimer" led the pack with 13 nominations, while "Barbie" received eight nominations. The two films also dominated the box office, accounting for 88% of the cumulative box office haul generated by Best Picture nominees prior to their nominations.
In total, the 10 Best Picture nominees earned $1.09 billion at the domestic box office, making it the fifth-highest haul for the nominees since the Academy began nominating 10 titles for the top award in 2009. "Barbie" alone accounted for $963.1 million of this year's figure.
However, it's important to note that box office success does not necessarily guarantee a Best Picture nomination. The films are chosen based on their artistic and filmmaking excellence, not their box office revenues. Some years, the cumulative revenues for the nominated films do not reflect their popularity among moviegoers.
It's also worth mentioning that the box office collection from nominated films can vary greatly from year to year, depending on which films make the cut. This year, only three Best Picture nominees were released in the last quarter of the year, traditionally known as Oscar season.
Additionally, films from streaming platforms like Netflix do not count towards the box office haul, as these platforms do not report their theatrical revenues. This year, Netflix had one Best Picture nominee, "Maestro."
Overall, the high box office numbers for the nominated films could potentially translate to higher viewership for the Oscars awards ceremony. The allure of rooting for a favorite film often makes the ceremony more essential for movie fans, leading to a presumed ratings boost for the network.
In conclusion, "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" have proven to be both critical and commercial successes, earning multiple nominations and dominating the box office. However, it is important to remember that box office success does not guarantee a Best Picture nomination, and the films are ultimately chosen based on their artistic merit.