We had four films release this past weekend with the potential for Oscar nominations.

Big Hero 6

Outside of December, this is probably one of the most fascinating weekends for Oscar enthusiasts as four wildly different features target more than 75% of Oscar categories. Top of the list (alphabetically anyway) is Big Hero 6, Disney/Pixar’s only entry in this year’s Best Animated Feature derby. Since the category’s inception, a rare handful of their films haven’t secured Oscar nominations and while this will likely share the same fate as Wreck-It Ralph did, it’s nomination in the category is assured.

Like Ralph, Big Hero 6 is a geek-targeted affair that pays homage to the superhero genre that’s emerged in the last decade as the definitive, go-to source for mass entertainment. That’s a penalty for Oscar voters who seem to prefer more traditional storylines, giving the 2012 Oscar to the inferior, but more mainstream Brave. As such, don’t expect it to win the Oscar this year, as time goes on, The Lego Movie seems more certain each day.

Disney and Pixar have successfully transitioned into other categories, a feat other animation houses haven’t been as successful at. Big Hero 6 has the potential of earning a nomination for Best Original Song for “Immortals” and also a nomination in Sound Editing. Apart from that, Sound Mixing and Original Score are its only other possible destinations, though those are far more remote opportunities.

Interstellar

Launching itself into the annual will-he conversation over Christopher Nolan’s chances for an Oscar nomination as Best Director, Interstellar marks the second consecutive science fiction film to be pushed for Best Picture consideration along with several below-the-line categories.

A Best Picture nomination is possible, though not guaranteed. Gravity will be the general comparison for this film and the critical consensus seems more muted for Nolan’s film, which might not give it the impetus it needs to cross over. Nolan’s chances are slimmer than one might have thought earlier this year, but he could still pull of an upset nomination if the stars align.

The film is certain to show up in several support, creative and tech categories including Film Editing, Cinematography, Production Design, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing and Visual Effects. An Original Score nomination is possible, though less likely and the least likely opportunity will be for Original Screenplay where a surprisingly stiff competition could keep it out.

The Theory of Everything

On the indie front, the frontrunner for Best Actor finally hits a theatrical release window propelling Eddie Redmayne into a bountiful competition as lead actor. The thinner Best Actress field could see Felicity Jones taking a spot, but her lack of major familiarity may hurt her chances.

Focus Features’ vast experience at selling films to Academy members could be helpful for the film, which could also make showings in Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay along with Production Design and Costume Design. The critics are supportive, but not fiendishly devoted, which makes the film an edge contender for nearly every category out there.

Those who’ve seen the film, even if they weren’t as impressed with something that looks like a cross between A Beautiful Mind and My Left Foot, have been singing the praises of Redmayne. After his performance in My Week with Marilyn, Redmayne has emerged as a strong presence in the acting community with his soulful performance in Les Misérables a solid runner-up in 2012’s Best Supporting Actor competition.

This time, a nomination seems assured and there’s plenty of chatter that he could come away with the Oscar. The only thing standing in his way is the Academy’s weird reluctance to give young actors awards for Best Actor while showering young starlets with awards in the Best Actress category.

The Way He Looks

Brazil’s submission to the Academy’s Best Foreign Language Film competition won’t likely make an appearance in any other category, but it’s performing quite well with audiences and holds an impressive 91% rating with Rotten Tomatoes (only 23 critics reporting in so far) and a strong 71 average from 12 critics at MetaCritic.

The story of a blind high schooler who begins falling in love with his best friend’s new love interest is one of the few entries this year that focuses on gay relationships. The film must first make it to the semi-finals before it can get nominated, but if critics continue to come out in support and the film starts running through the precursors, a nomination might be assured.

In addition, if it becomes popular enough, a surprise screenwriting nomination could also come out of this competition. Anything more is extremely unlikely.