It's simply impossible to predict what's going to be in the year end conversation at this time. Just look at this year as a great example.
Anora
The Substance
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Emilia Perez
I'm Still Here
Who was talking about these movies one year ago? Basically nobody, that's who.
This upcoming year: I don't have many things earmarked that I'm really looking forward to in a big way. I guess this year will be a "take it as it comes" type thing. I know I'm admittedly anxious about the Springsteen movie, being such an enormous fan of his work throughout my life. So:
Deliver Me From Nowhere
I haven't been a big fan of the last couple of PTA films; but I'm a huge fan of Thomas Pynchon, and PTA can sometimes really hit big for me, so:
One Battle After Another
I also loved the stories in Stephen King's book of novellas: If It Bleeds. So, after winning the audience award at TIFF, I'm looking forward to seeing how they adapted:
The Life of Chuck
There's a ton of films you could throw together in terms of potential awards talk. I know the Julia Roberts film is one of the most talked about, as is the J Law. For me, I've liked the work of Greengrass, so perhaps a poignant film that could work in terms of awards (maybe sorts of comebacks for both Greengrass and McConaughey) could be:
The Lost Bus
For fun: I'm looking forward to:
28 Years Later
Mission Impossible
The Running Man
And hopefully there's some great animated films; I always treasure the good ones. 2024 was a fantastic year, don't expect that again, but here's to hoping.