Why are donkeys at the center of 2022's award season?

Three films poised to be 2022 awards season contenders have one four-legged critter in common: the donkey. That's right — the barnyard animal whose most famous onscreen representation thus far is in Shrek is now getting its time in the prestige spotlight.

The three films in question are Ruben Östlund's Palme d'Or-winning...