“Emilia Pérez” is hobbled, “Anora” is revitalized and plenty remains up in the air ahead of the March 2 awards ceremony.

“The Brutalist” and “Wicked” secured 10 nominations apiece in a year with a wide-open best picture race. Acting nominees include Demi Moore, Cynthia Erivo, Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet.

Whether it’s Elphaba in “Wicked” or Celie in “The Color Purple,” the star doesn’t choose parts “frivolously”; she wants roles that stay with viewers.

Some potential contenders were especially vivid. Production and costume designers explain the conundrums they faced and their surprising solutions.