Best Popular Film Oscar: 10 Most Likely Nominees

10. A Quiet Place

Though horror films typically have a tough time competing in "serious" Oscar categories, this new category should prove far more accommodating to financially successful genre fare, and what fits the bill better than A Quiet Place?

More than a mere gimmicky silent movie, this taut, razor-sharp sci-fi horror makes the most of its unique hook while serving up entrancing visuals, fantastic performances and a level of intensity incredibly uncommon for the PG-13 rating.

Grossing over $330 million worldwide on a mere $21 million budget alongside effusive critical acclaim, it makes total sense as a dark horse nominee.

Chances Of Winning: Given the likelihood that the general public will have a say in picking the nominees and possibly also the winners, the film's "B+" CinemaScore probably works against it a little here.

Also, despite its financial success, it's on the lower end of the box office compared to its competition, so in terms of sheer volume of people who've seen it, the film's already at a huge disadvantage.