The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the shortlists in 10 categories for the highly anticipated 96th Academy Awards. This announcement brings us one step closer to discovering which films will receive Oscar nominations.

The shortlists were revealed for the following categories: documentary feature film, documentary short film, international feature film, makeup and hairstyling, music (original score), music (original song), animated short film, live-action short film, sound, and visual effects. Among the films that have made the cut in multiple categories are "Barbie," "Oppenheimer," "Killers of the Flower Moon," "The Color Purple," and "The Zone of Interest."

Nominations voting is set to take place from January 11th to January 16th, with the official nominations announcement scheduled for January 23rd. Anticipation is high as industry professionals and film enthusiasts eagerly await the list of films that will compete for this prestigious honor.

The Oscars ceremony, which will be the 96th edition of the iconic awards show, is scheduled to take place on March 10th at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood. The event will be televised live on ABC, with the talented Jimmy Kimmel returning as the host. Viewers can expect an evening filled with excitement, glamorous fashion, and memorable acceptance speeches.

In the category of documentary feature film, fifteen films have advanced to the next round. A total of 167 films were eligible for consideration by members of the Documentary Branch, who voted to determine the shortlist and nominees. Some of the films that have made the cut include "American Symphony," "Bobi Wine: The People's President," and "Stamped from the Beginning."

In the documentary short film category, fifteen films have also advanced. Out of 114 qualified films, members of the Documentary Branch cast their votes to select the shortlist and nominees. Films like "The ABCs of Book Banning," "Between Earth & Sky," and "The Barber of Little Rock" are among those that have secured their spots on the shortlist.

The international feature film category has fifteen films advancing to the next round of voting. A total of 88 countries and regions submitted films for consideration, and Academy members from all branches participated in the preliminary round of voting. Films such as "Armenia, Amerikatsi," "Denmark, The Promised Land," and "Japan, Perfect Days," are among the shortlisted entries.

In the makeup and hairstyling category, ten films will move forward. Members of the Academy's Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch will review excerpts and interviews with the artists from each of the shortlisted films. Notable contenders include "Golda," "The Last Voyage of the Demeter," and "Oppenheimer."

Fifteen film scores have advanced in the Original Score category. A total of 148 scores were eligible for consideration by members of the Music Branch. Films such as "Barbie," "The Color Purple," and "The Zone of Interest," have made it to the shortlist, showcasing their exceptional musical compositions.

In the Original Song category, fifteen songs have advanced to the next round. Out of 94 eligible songs, members of the Music Branch voted to determine the shortlist and nominees. Noteworthy entries include "Dear Alien (Who Art In Heaven)" from "Asteroid City," "Dance The Night" from "Barbie," and "Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)" from "Killers of the Flower Moon."

The animated short film category has fifteen films advancing. Ninety-three films qualified for consideration, and members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch voted for the shortlist and nominees. Films like "Boom," "Humo (Smoke)," and "Wild Summon" are among those in contention.

In the live-action short film category, fifteen films have advanced after 187 qualified entries. For the first time, Academy members from all branches were invited to vote in the preliminary round. Notable films on the shortlist include "The Anne Frank Gift Shop," "Knight of Fortune," and "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar."

Ten films remain in the running for the sound category. Eligible members of the Sound Branch will review excerpts from the shortlisted films in various locations. The films include "The Killer," "Maestro," and "The Zone of Interest."

Finally, ten films have made it to the shortlist for the visual effects category. The Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee determined the shortlist, and all members of the Visual Effects Branch will review excerpts and interviews with the artists. Films that have made the cut include "Godzilla Minus One," "Napoleon," and "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."

With these shortlists now unveiled, the anticipation for the 96th Academy Awards reaches new heights. As the nominations voting period approaches, industry professionals and film enthusiasts eagerly await the official announcements to see which films will ultimately secure Oscar nominations. The star-studded Oscars ceremony on March 10th promises to be a night filled with celebration and recognition of the outstanding achievements in the world of cinema.