In the lead-up to the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, it has become increasingly clear that box office success does not always translate into Oscar glory. Despite dominating global ticket sales, several of 2024’s highest-grossing films are notably absent from key categories. While Disney had a triumphant year at the box office, with three films surpassing the billion-dollar mark, none of these blockbusters have been nominated for Best Picture. Inside Out 2, which became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, is only nominated for Best Animated Feature but faces stiff competition. Meanwhile, Wicked and Dune: Part 2, while nominated for multiple awards, are not favored to win the top prize.

Disney Dominates Box Office, But Not Nominations

In the vibrant autumn of 2024, Disney celebrated an unprecedented box office success. The studio's animated sequel Inside Out 2 raked in over $1.6 billion worldwide, securing its place as the ninth highest-grossing film ever. This achievement was complemented by two other Disney blockbusters—Deadpool & Wolverine and Moana 2, both crossing the billion-dollar threshold. However, despite their commercial triumphs, none of these films received nominations for Best Picture or any major technical categories. Instead, the accolades seem reserved for films like Wicked, which garnered ten nominations including Best Picture, and Dune: Part 2, earning five nods. These latter films, while not topping the box office charts, have managed to secure critical acclaim and industry recognition.

The disconnect between box office performance and Oscar nominations highlights a growing trend in Hollywood. Historically, high-grossing films were often rewarded with prestigious awards. For instance, classics like Gone with the Wind and Titanic not only dominated the box office but also won multiple Oscars. However, since the rise of summer blockbusters in the 1970s, this correlation has weakened. While blockbuster films still find success in categories like Visual Effects, they rarely claim the coveted Best Picture award. This shift underscores the evolving priorities of the Academy, which may now prioritize artistic merit over commercial success.

From a journalist's perspective, this trend raises questions about the future of the film industry. As studios continue to focus on creating massive franchises aimed at global audiences, will the Oscars remain a platform for recognizing more niche, critically acclaimed works? Or will there be a push to bridge the gap between commercial and critical success? The introduction of new categories like the Golden Globes' Cinematic and Box Office Achievement suggests that some organizations are already addressing this divide. Yet, for the 97th Academy Awards, it appears that the biggest films of 2024 will largely remain on the sidelines, leaving the stage for smaller, more artistically driven productions.