In this series, I will go through and analyze the contenders that might get nominated and possibly win in various categories for the upcoming 86th Academy Awards.
Best Picture
Guaranteed to get nominated (and likely to win)
1. 12 Years A Slave (Fox Searchlight) - Steve McQueen's historical drama has received near universal acclaim in nearly every category. Audiences who have seen it have praised it as a landmark film and masterpiece, and with all the recognition it is getting, it would be shocking if this wasn't nominated. And if it is nominated, expect 12 Years A Slave to be the winner in this category.
2. Gravity (Warner Bros.) - Alfonso Cuaron's sci-fi thriller has received excellent reviews and has become a box office blockbuster (as of October 20, the film's domestic total stands at $170 million) and a favorite among audiences. Gravity is pretty much a lock to sweep all the technical categories and it has a good chance of stealing the Oscar gold. The battle will be primarily between 12 Years A Slave and Gravity for the big prize, and there is a high chance that Gravity could end up a big winner come Oscar night.
Stand very good chances at getting nominated
3. Inside Llewyn Davis (CBS Films) - The Academy loves the Coen Brothers and has honored them and many of their films over the years. It seems "ILD" will be no exception, with strong word of mouth from various film festivals and growing buzz, ILD will is a likely a lock to be nominated, even though it probably won't end up winning Best Picture.
4. Captain Phillips (Sony) - This reality based action thriller has received stellar reviews, won over audiences and become a box office success. Tom Hanks is a lock for Best Actor and director Paul Greengrass and writer Billy Ray's script seem to stand very strong chances at getting nominated, so it expected that Captain Phillips will earn a nomination as well.
5. American Hustle (Sony) - This 1970's based crime flick has an all-star cast full of Oscar favorites Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner and Amy Adams, along with Academy favorite David O. Russell taking the directing reigns. Marketing seems to play up that while this crime flick will be more lighthearted, it will feature fantastic performances and that nice balance between comedy and drama that the Academy loves (i.e. Argo).
6. The Monuments Men (Sony/Fox) - George Clooney's star-studded war drama is like an Academy dream come true. It features an all-star cast including Clooney himself, Matt Damon, Jean Dujardin, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett and John Goodman, a story based on true events revolving arts and cultures and plenty of humor and drama in between action-packed battle sequences.
Likely to get nominated
7. The Wolf of Wall Street (Paramount) - Martin Scorsese's all-star crime drama would be higher on the list if it wasn't for the fact that Paramount is not even sure if the film will be prepared on time. But based on the first trailer, Scorsese has a funny, stylish and smart look at the excessive 90's lifestyle of Jordan Belfort.
8. August: Osage County (Weinstein) - Critical reception for John Wells' adaptation of the hit play has been mixed so far. However, with an all-star cast featuring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, this might just grab the Academy's attention.
9. Nebraska (Paramount Vantage) - Filled with great performances from Bruce Dern and Will Forte, lots of festival buzz and Academy love for Alexander Payne, this small yet effective film may end up getting a nomination for Best Picture.
10. Blue Jasmine (Sony) - Woody Allen's latest film has received excellent reviews and with a near guaranteed lock for Cate Blanchett, a Best Picture nomination should be expected as well.
Dark horses that may sneak in
11. Fruitvale Station (Fox Searchlight) - Ryan Coogler's debut film opened this summer and won over film critics everywhere and has been praised by many to be the year's best. However, will the Academy forget about Fruitvale (an early summer release) by early next year after premieres of other strong fall contenders?
12. Lee Daniels' the Butler - This ensemble drama received mostly positive reviews and became a box office hit, but it remains to be seen if it will earn a Best Picture nomination. While many have criticized the film for being sappy and clichéd, it seems that this Oscar bait drama could actually get a nomination.
13. Prisoners (Warner Bros.) - Denis Villeneuve's dark and edgy kidnapping drama has received critical praise and buzz for several performances, but it remains to be seen if this can translate to a Best Picture nomination.
14. Her (Warner Bros.) - Spike Jonze's relevant love story has received universal acclaim out of festivals and while it is too early to say, this film could definitely move up on the list as it comes closer to its release.
15. Rush (Universal) - Ron Howard's thrilling racing drama will probably earn a couple technical nominations and possibly a supporting actor nod for Daniel Bruhl, and with the critical acclaim it has received, it remains to be seen if Rush can earn a Best Picture nod.
No comments:
Post a Comment