With victories at both the SAG and BAFTA Awards — two critical precursors — the Focus Features drama enters Oscar night in a strong position. This mirrors the trajectory of “Shakespeare in Love” (1998),

The papal thriller “Conclave” won best ensemble at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, a surprise twist that added one final wrinkle in an unusually unpredictable awards season.

As awards season finally wraps up, a treat was on offer in the second to last weekend of events. This year, the Screen Actors Guild Awards fell after final Oscar voting had ended, meaning that attendees at Sunday night's show seemingly felt much freer to discuss who and what they think will win at the Academy Awards on March 2.