Oscar Opportunity: Why There Are So Many Last-Minute Entries in the 2018 Awards Race
Every year, the road to the Academy Awards is shaped not only by the quality of the films but also by the timing of their release. In 2018, the awards race was especially crowded with a wave of last-minute entries, each hoping to capture the attention of voters in the final stretch. But why do so many studios and filmmakers choose to wait until the eleventh hour to unveil their contenders?
The Strategy of Timing
Oscar campaigns are as much about perception as they are about artistry. A late release keeps a film fresh in voters’ minds when ballots are cast, avoiding the risk of early-year buzz fading by awards season. Studios know that Academy members are inundated with screeners and screenings, so being one of the last films they watch can provide a psychological edge.
Capitalizing on Momentum
Late entries often arrive at prestigious festivals like Venice, Telluride, or Toronto, where strong reviews and standing ovations can create instant awards momentum. By building buzz in the fall and rolling into theaters shortly after, these films ride a wave of publicity straight into nomination season.
The 2018 Example
In the 2018 race, studios packed the calendar with high-profile contenders late in the year. Films like The Post, Phantom Thread, and All the Money in the World emerged as buzzy last-minute challengers. Each arrived with pedigreed directors and heavyweight stars, designed to make a splash just as voters were paying the most attention. At the same time, earlier releases like Dunkirk or Get Out had to work harder to sustain their momentum across months of campaigning.
Risks of the Late Entry
While strategic, late releases also carry risks. If a film fails to connect with critics or audiences, there’s little time to recover or reposition its campaign. Conversely, movies that open too late may struggle to find a wide audience before ballots are due, limiting their visibility compared to more established contenders.
Why It Matters
Ultimately, the surge of last-minute entries reflects how competitive and unpredictable the Oscars have become. With campaigns costing millions of dollars and awards recognition boosting both prestige and box office, studios carefully calculate every move. In 2018, the crowded year-end rush underscored how much timing can be as critical as talent in the awards race.