MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:
Short lists for Oscar nominees are out ahead of the nominations themselves next month. As NPR's Mandalit del Barco reports, the hit films "Wicked" and "Emilia Perez" are contenders.
MANDALIT DEL BARCO, BYLINE: Appearing on the Oscars short list could foreshadow big wins just before Hollywood's award season kicks off. For example, the Netflix musical drama "Emilia Perez," which is set in Mexico, it's on the short list for international feature film as France's entry. It's also in contention for four other categories - makeup and hair styling, sound, original score and original song. In fact, two songs, including this one performed by one of its stars, Selena Gomez.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "MI CAMINO")
SELENA GOMEZ: (Singing in Spanish).
DEL BARCO: Another buzzy film on the Oscar short list is "Wicked" starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The musical is a contender for its visual effects and three other categories.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "DEFYING GRAVITY")
CYNTHIA ERIVO: (As Elphaba Thropp, vocalizing).
DEL BARCO: Among other films listed in three categories on the short list are Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic "Dune: Part Two," the sequel "Gladiator II" from director Ridley Scott and Steve McQueen's historical war drama, "Blitz." The short list will be whittled down next month when nominations for all the categories are announced. The Oscars ceremony isn't until March 2, this time emceed by "Late Night" host Conan O'Brien.
Mandalit del Barco, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "NOW WE ARE FREE")
LISA GERRARD: (Singing in non-English language). Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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