Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland” has easily emerged as the favorite by a country mile to take the Best Picture Oscar later this month.
The drama won four prizes including, best picture, on Sunday at the British Academy Film Awards. The title also took gongs for director, actress and cinematography.
Other winners included “Promising Young Woman” for best British film, Anthony Hopkins for best actor, and Remi Weekes nabbed best British debut for his immigrant horror drama “His House”.
Meanwhile “Nomadland” also took the top prize at the Director’s Guild Awards with Zhao winning the top honor. Other winners included Darius Marder for “Sound of Metal,” Scott Frank for “The Queen’s Gambit” and honors for “The Truffle Hunters,” “Homeland” and “The Flight Attendant”.
The awards come as the Oscars have announced the first round of presenters for this year’s unique ceremony.
The likes of Bong Joon Ho, Harrison Ford, Halle Berry, Laura Dern, Regina King, Angela Bassett, Joaquin Phoenix, Don Cheadle, Reese Witherspoon, Brad Pitt, Zendaya, Bryan Cranston, Marlee Matlin and Rita Moreno are set to appear with more to be announced soon.
The producers are taking an “awards-show-as-a-movie” approach to the ceremony on April 25th at Union Station Los Angeles, the Dolby Theatre and international locations to be announced.