‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ leads after 2023 Oscar shortlists released

Awards season ramped up to another level after the release of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Oscar shortlists on Wednesday for ten categories.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and Netflix’s German WWI drama “All Quiet on the Western Front” both made five lists.

The “Black Panther” sequel appears on the shortlists for Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, Visual Effects, Music Score and Original Song for the Rhianna’s song “Lift Me Up.”

“All Quiet on the Western Front” was shortlisted for Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, Visual Effects, Music Score and International Film.

Both are likely contenders for bigger prizes, like Best Picture and Best Director.

“Avatar: The Way of Water” was next up with four mentions for Sound, Visual Effects, Music Score and Song — “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)” by The Weeknd.

“Babylon,” “The Batman,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” and “Top Gun: Maverick” each appeared on three lists. “Elvis,” “Nope” and “Amsterdam” each showed up on two.

The shortlists released Wednesday were for the following categories: Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Score, Original Song, Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Sound and Visual Effects.

Notable snubs included Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well,” which the singer-songwriter directed, and Kendrick Lamar’s “We Cry Together.” Both garnered buzz for contention in the Live-Action Short Film category. Also, Billie Eilish was crowded out of the Original Song list for “Nobody Like U” from Pixar’s “Turning Red.” The 21-year-old artist won the category last year for James Bond theme “No Time To Die.”

Popular streaming selections like Netflix’s “RRR” and Amazon’s “Good Night Oppy” were shut out of the International Film and Documentary Feature Film lists.

However, the Original Song category is star-packed. Lady Gaga (“Hold My Hand” from “Top Gun: Maverick”), Drake (“Time” from “Amsterdam”), Taylor Swift (“Carolina” from “Where the Crawdads Sing”) and David Byrne (“This Is a Life” from “Everything Everywhere All at Once”) remain among the potential nominees.

Diane Warren, who has been nominated 13 times before without a win, was shortlisted for Original Song for “Applause” from “Tell It Like a Woman.”

Voting for every category begins Jan. 12 and concludes Jan. 17.

The complete nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced Jan. 24. The 95th Oscars ceremony will be held on March 12.