Sarah Taryam, Arts Editor

The excitement for the Academy Award nominations is building, especially with all the other award shows that have taken place lately. This week we take a look at some of the more serious contenders whose chances of receiving a nomination are very high, as well as the less serious ones whose possibility of receiving a nomination is very debatable.

Renee Zellweger stars in the biographical drama Judy where she plays legendary singer and actress Judy Garland. While the movie itself is not a serious contender for a nomination, Renee’s portrayal of Garland most definitely is. Apparently it is considered to be a relatively weak year for the best actress category with nearly most actresses starring in less popular movies.

Director Noah Baumbach’s Netflix divorce dramedy Marriage Story has won already at the Gotham Awards earlier this month, and has also had six nominations at the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. The movie stars Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Laura Dern. There is the concern that the Globes and SAG awards snub could happen again at the Oscars, especially when the movie will be up against more technically audacious titles.

After receiving no Golden Globe nominations two years ago for her movie Lady Bird, director Greta Gerwig was once again forgotten by the Globes for her new movie Little Women in the best drama and best director categories. The same thing happened at the SAG awards. But could this movie starring Emma Watson and Saoirse Ronan score big at the Christmas box office and get back into the race best picture at the Oscars?

In other news this week, turn to our Fitness pages to read about five tips that will take your fitness to the next level. Start by not comparing yourself to others and then make sure you are being challenged with what you are doing in the gym.