The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) released shortlists for 10 of its award categories including best international feature and best song on Tuesday, solidifying prospects for Emilia Pérez, the Jacques Audiard-directed trans gangster musical starring Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón.

The shortlists are a midway point in the Oscars voting process, with members of relevant Academy branches voting to whittle down contenders from all titles submitted and eligible.

Of the films included in this set of categories, Emilia Pérez has come out the strongest with six places, including two for best song (El Mal and Mi Camino) and one for best international feature film, for which it was submitted by France.

Wicked was the second strongest performer, appearing on four shortlists, including makeup and hair, and visual effects. Although the film is a musical, none of its songs are eligible for an Oscar as they are not “original”.

While a number of potential major contenders appear scattered throughout the lists – including The Brutalist, Challengers, Conclave, Dune: Part Two and The Substance – others are conspicuous by their absence. Anora, winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes and considered a strong prospect for best film, best actress and best director, is not mentioned; nor is Nickel Boys, which has already won a string of critics’ association awards. However, as the shortlists cover categories in which neither were expected to feature, their omission does not appear to evince a lack of interest from Oscar voters.

The final nominations in each category will be announced on 17 January, and the Oscar ceremony takes place on 2 March.