WITH Dune: Part Two still very much dominating attention into its second week of release - a $178 million opening weekend is not to be sniffed at - there’s little room for rivals at the box office this week. Certainly, there’s no space for a broad appeal blockbuster.

As so often occurs, this week’s counter programming is instead a mid-budget horror with big taking ambition. A Blumhouse offering, Imaginary seeks to unsettle a trip down memory lane. What if your favourite childhood teddy was, in fact, evil?

Imaginary is the creation of writer-director Jeff Wadlow, a man who has enjoyed more success in children’s television than on the big screen. Imaginary is Wardlaw’s third collaboration with Blumhouse, after Truth or Dare and Fantasy Island. Let’s be optimistic and hope that third time’s the charm.

The film stars DeWanda Wise, Tom Payne, newcomer Pyper Braun and Broadway legend Betty Buckley - the original Stateside Grizabella and, therefore, Hollywood’s answer to Elaine Paige.

Wise plays Jessica, the original owner of plush bear Chancery. On returning to her childhood home, with family in tow, Jessica finds herself increasingly concerned by attachment her youngest stepdaughter Alice (Braun) begins to form with Chancery. The behavioural shift is tangible. As it transpires, Jessica’s old imaginary friend is not so imaginary and is definitely not her friend.

Imaginary gained some notoriety back in November off the back of a debut trailer that encouraged viewers to ‘watch’ with their eyes closed. It didn’t work but it was novel. The same is less true of the film’s conceit and narrative.

This weekend will also see the climax of the 2024 awards season, with the broadcast of the 96th Academy Awards. Yep, it’s Oscar time.

Predictions? Well, Oppenheimer looks a dead cert for Best Picture, with Christopher Nolan hot favourite for taking home his first ever directing nod. Robert Downey Jr. and Da’Vine Joy Randolph will win their Supporting categories, while it’s widely expected that Cillian Murphy will come up trumps as Best Actor. Best Actress is less assured for Emma Stone.

If you’re after high drama and a tight race, this won’t be the year to stay up past midnight. If watching Ryan Gosling belt out I’m Just Ken, from the Barbie movie, is your idea of a good time, however, ITV’s coverage kicks off at 10.15pm on Sunday night.