The following are a list of upcoming films that aren’t really being mentioned in every other breath by awards prognosticators (cough Atonement cough) and, on a scale of 1 to 10, how likely it will be for the film to make any impact on the race, be it through acting, directing, or the film itself.
1. Redacted
Brian De Palma’s latest film is as controversial as it gets, essentially remaking Casualties of War with no stars and setting it in Iraq. De Palma is a respected filmmaker and if the film develops a following, it could be a sleeper in the race.
Likelihood- 3
2. The Mist
Yes, this is a horror film, but it’s one by Frank Darabount, and that is nothing to scoff at. Early reports have Marcia Gay Harden’s bible thumping character getting a lot of mention, and since she has gotten nominated before, a powerful performance in this could sneak its way into the weak supporting actress race.
Likelihood- 5
3. Grace is Gone
I know, I know, John Cusack already has plenty of buzz for his turn as a war widow, but what about the film in general? It seems like a film less concerned with placing blame on our situation in Iraq and more on the story of how the war has affected one man. The Weinstein brothers are distributing this one, and that makes a strong campaign for it almost a certainty.
Likelihood- 7
4. Youth Without Youth
Francis Ford Coppola. Need I say more? I will though….because all seems to be quiet on the front of this legends return to filmmaking. If his daughter’s success has inspired him to make a movie with the passion of something like Lost in Translation, the race might be looking at a big shakeup real soon.
Likelihood- 6
5. Cassandra’s Dream
Another master of cinema is quietly putting out a film this season. Woody Allen seems to be almost reproducing Match Point here, and since that film managed to snag him a screenplay nod (and to some was snubbed for other nominations), this could definitely be a factor in the race.
Likelihood- 4
6. The Bucket List
This is somewhat of a long shot, but the academy has gone for the tearjerkers before. Consider the star power (Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Rob Reiner at the helm) and then think for a second. If all three of those people are anywhere near the top of their game, this film about terminally ill men living their lives to the fullest may be much more of a factor than we think.
Likelihood- 7.5
Did I leave off any movies that you feel are under the radar contenders?
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What about Denzel Washington's other Oscar hopeful, The Great Debaters? Not a whole lot of buzz for this one yet, but could it sneak in? It may be worth adding to this list. Although, for the Lead Actor nom, I think they will probably push Denzel for AG, not this film.
ReplyDeleteAs far as likelihood, I would rank it no higher than a 4 though. Maybe not even that high.
alison...thanks for taking the time to read my entry, I appreciate it a great deal...good pick, the only reason I left it off was because the trailer just came out and it might be starting to build up, but it definitely would get ranked around a 4 on my crazy scale, if only for the fact that it may help push Denzel and add to his buzz for Gangster, so it's definitely one to consider
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the Mist. I just can figure how Darabont's picture can get such miserable attention after his two previous collborations with Stephen King's material. Both of them received Best Picture noms and became cult classics. I definetly see Gay Harden as a lock nominee and likely winner in supporing actress spot. I tink it can get 3-4 nominations including best picture.
ReplyDeleteOther underlooked picture is Love in the Times of Cholera. Here we hawe experienced director, a bunch of respected actors and the cult book behind it. That is something. I don't even say about Costume design spot which is safe bet. I think it has huge potential at cinematogrophy, adapted scenario and may be some acting.
Love in the time of Cholera is definitely possible....though i left it off because of how popular the book is and how excited the fans of it are to be able to finally see it
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