1. Which Oscar-winning director is set to write and direct an upcoming film, with Matt Damon and Tom Holland reportedly in talks to star?

a) Daniel Kwan

b) Martin Scorsese

c) Steven Spielberg

d) Christopher Nolan

2. Which of the following actors are generating early Oscar buzz for their performances, with lead roles potentially securing nominations for 2025?

a) Angelina Jolie in Maria

b) Tilda Swinton in The Room Next Door

c) Nicole Kidman in Babygirl

d) Kate Winslet in Lee

e) All of the above

f) None of the above

3. Which comic book character made it to the Oscars, but ultimately led the franchise downhill?

a) Joker played by Heath Ledger

b) Joker played by Joaquin Phoenix

c) Joker played by Jared Leto

d) All of the above

4. Which filmmaker is gearing up to make a western crime thriller, alongside other upcoming projects?

a) David Fincher

b) Quentin Tarantino

c) Ridley Scott

d) Sam Mendes

Answers

1. The correct answer is d.

Christopher Nolan, who earned an Oscar in 2024 for Oppenheimer, is famously secretive about his projects. However, even Nolan finds it challenging to keep details hidden in today’s tech-driven world. While the plot remains a mystery, Matt Damon—who has appeared in two of Nolan’s films (Interstellar, Oppenheimer)—will lead, with Tom Holland in a supporting role. Fans are eager to see if Michael Caine or Cillian Murphy will return, both having played key roles in Nolan’s previous films. Murphy, particularly acclaimed for his leading role in Oppenheimer, which won him an Oscar in 2024, will be expected to make at least a cameo appearance.

2. The correct answer is e.

Though it’s early, all these actors are already gaining attention for their recent performances. Critics, especially, believe Angelina Jolie in Maria and Nicole Kidman in Babygirl are front-runners for nominations. However, the final lineup may shift to avoid another #OscarsSoWhite backlash. For now, Jolie and Kidman remain strong contenders. And Babygirl, an erotic thriller from the female perspective, is already piquing people’s interest.

3. The correct answer is b.

You might wonder how Joaquin Phoenix, who won an Oscar for playing the Joker in 2019, could lead DC Comics to a downturn. Yet, that’s exactly what has unfolded. The first Joker film starring Phoenix, with a budget of $60 million, grossed $1.1 billion. This success led to a sequel, but challenges arose. The sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, shifted into a musical and became far more costly. It required $200 million to produce and $100 million to market. In addition, director Todd Phillips was paid $20 million, Lady Gaga received $12 million, and chief star Joaquin Phoenix was paid $20 million. The film needed to make $450 million just to breakeven but underperformed domestically, with little foreign interest. The first film explored Joker’s backstory, but the sequel lacked substance, becoming a chaotic musical with Gaga and Phoenix leading the way. Nolan, on the other hand, maintained a careful balance in his Batman trilogy, ensuring each film built on the last. Even Bradley Cooper, who co-produced the first Joker film in 2019, opted out of the sequel. Meanwhile, Marvel’s success lies in its cohesive strategy, something DC lacked, turning their anti-hero into a punchline—pun intended.

4. The correct answer is a.

While each director here is known for having several projects, some with an affinity for westerns, the correct answer here is David Fincher. You may have guessed Quentin Tarantino, given his flair for westerns, but it’s Fincher—the director behind Fight Club—who’s taking on the genre for Netflix. Sources report Fincher is working on two key projects: Bitterroot, a Western crime thriller, and a Squid Game spin-off titled Squid Game: America. Bitterroot is expected to release in 2025 and follows the story of a WWII veteran grieving the loss of his spouse, who unexpectedly wins the lottery. Fincher’s touch will make this plot compelling. Afterward, he’ll shift to the Squid Game spin-off, which will incorporate elements from the original but stand apart. With films like Zodiac, Fight Club, The Social Network, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in his portfolio, we can anticipate something unique.