For all the love showered upon smaller, more intimate art-house fare, nothing excites Oscar voters — or at least the producers of the telecast — more than having a giant studio hit in the best picture race.

This year's Oscar best picture nominees have had different lives at theaters so far. “Dune: Part Two” and “Wicked” are among last year's blockbusters that will compete for film's top prize when the Academy Awards are held on March 2.