"Fall Festivals 2023: The Breakout Films and Must-See Movies That Stole the Spotlight"

"Poor Things," directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Willem Dafoe, emerged as a strong contender after winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Other notable films from the fall festivals include Ava DuVernay's "Origin," Bradley Cooper's Leonard Bernstein biopic "Maestro," and Greta Gerwig's "Barbie." The acting races are filled with potential contenders, and the Academy's evolving taste may favor more unconventional choices. However, upcoming festivals could introduce new front-runners. "Poor Things" is currently leading against acknowledged favorites "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie."