"Dreamgirls" is the early frontrunner for next year's Best Picture race

By Johnatan Alba

   Yes... We are not even over the geishas and the cowboys this year and we are already thinking on the "dream girls" that are poised to rule next year's Oscar season.

   What are we looking forward for next year? The same as every year: quality. Of course, some projects look more promising on paper that what they actually turn out to be but as you know very well, predicting the Academy Awards always come with that risk...

   Based on the talent involved, the studio campaigning, the plot description, the stage of production and the proposed release date, we have come up with a "short list" of the films that will likely lure the Academy in 2006.

   We are proud to present you an exclusive preview of what is ahead of us for next year's Academy Awards, enjoy our early look at the Oscar Race 2006 - 2007:

OUR EARLY PREDICTED FIVE

1. DREAMGIRLS (DreamWorks)

Oscar winning writer Bill Condon (“Chicago”, “Kinsey”) directs Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Danny Glover, Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy in the big screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musical about the rise to stardom of a singing black female trio called The Dreamettes.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: the 2005 – 2006 race is not finished yet and DreamWorks has already started to campaign for the film by launching a teaser website and attracting major media coverage to the film regarding the casting of The Dreamettes.

Will singers Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson (American Idol 3) become the next Cher or Diana Ross (Oscar-wise)? That’s definitely what the film will need the most in order to meet its high expectations.

2. CHE (Focus Features)

Benicio Del Toro portrays the iconic revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara in next year’s most notorious biopic (smartly titled) Che. Directed by Academy Award winner Steven Soderbergh, the film will focus on both Che’s personal life and political involvement in South America’s revolutions. Benjamin Bratt, Javier Bardem, Franka Potente and Ryan Gosling costar.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: the guys at Focus Features truly must love “Che” Guevara. Last year, the company distributed the Oscar winning film “The Motorcycle Diaries” focused on the youth of the revolutionary and now they are set to outdo their success with this much more prestigious project. Politics aside, effectively bringing such a character to life could earn Del Toro his second Oscar.

Matt Damon stars in Martin Scorsese's "The Departed"

3. THE DEPARTED (Warner Brothers)

Martin Scorsese remakes the 2002’s Hong Kong-settled “Infernal Affairs” by transferring the plot to Massachusetts and centering the story on the rivalry between a young police officer infiltrated in the Irish mafia and his opposite, an Irish gangster infiltrated in the police department. Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon play the leading roles while Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg and Martin Sheen costar.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Martin Scorsese has been nominated for an Oscar in seven past occasions and five of these times he has been nominated in the Best Directory category. While we all know that when it comes to him and the Academy, statistics are unfavorable, Scorsese’s mastery of the art always put him in the race.

A first look at Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette" with Kirsten Dunst

4. MARIE-ANTOINETTE (Sony)

Academy Award winner Sofia Coppola’s follow-up to her acclaimed work in “Lost in Translation” is the tragic biopic of Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France, whose reign during the times of the French Revolution was overshadowed by her personal scandals and lack of political skills until the moment of her execution. Kirsten Dunst, previously directed by Coppola in “The Virgin Suicides”, takes on the challenge of portraying the divisive queen.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: while Marie-Antoinette is mostly remembered as a weak and shallow character, Antonia Fraser’s biography of the late queen (adapted by Coppola for the film) tends to focus on her strengths and achievements rather on her multiple failures during her reign. Expect the screenplay to give Marie-Antoinette a depth and honesty never portrayed before on her previous big-screen adaptations.

5. ALL THE KING’S MEN (Sony)

Oscar winner Sean Penn plays the controversial leading role in Oscar winner Steve Zaillian’s adaptation of Robert Penn Warren’s classic political novel. Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Patricia Clarkson, James Gandolfini, Anthony Hopkins, Mark Ruffalo and Kathy Bates also star in what seems to be the film with the highest hopes in the acting categories.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Hurt by being pushed from its original 2005 release date, “All the King’s Men” will likely battle detractors through the entire year. The critics, however, will have the final word on the film’s Oscar prospects.

Sean Penn gets  political in Steve Zaillian's "All the King's Men"

DON'T COUNT OUT

6. FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS (DreamWorks)

Clint Eastwood directs a young cast toplined by Ryan Phillippe, Barry Pepper, Jamie Bell and Paul Walker in the latest work by “it” screenwriter Paul Haggis (“Crash”) about the men who raised the American flag at the battle of Iwo Jima during the 2^nd World War.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: casting young and mostly unproven actors (excepting Jamie Bell and Ryan Phillippe maybe) could hurt what seems to be another powerful story by the multiple times Oscar winner Eastwood.

7. GOYA’S GHOSTS (Seeking Distribution)

Oscar winner Milos Forman’s latest work since the vastly underrated 1999’s “Man on the Moon” stars Stellan Skarsgard as the renowned painter Francisco Goya and Natalie Portman as his muse in distress after receiving accusations of hereby by a religious man portrayed by Javier Bardem.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Forman, a master in his craft, returns to the awards spotlight after seven years of hiatus. The film, currently in production, lacks a US distributor as of now but if it gets picked up by a major player, count it in as one of the top contenders for the next year.

8. BABEL (Paramount)

Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Gael Garcia Bernal star in the latest Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu/Guillermo Arriaga (“Amores Perros”, “21 Grams”) collaboration. Following the same groundbreaking narrative structure of Arriaga’s past works, Iñarritu sets the story in four countries and the tragedy than brings a married couple and a young man together.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Iñarritu’s sharp direction will certainly place the cast as strong contenders in the acting categories but the film’s biggest asset (and shot) is Arriaga’s screenplay.

9. THE GOOD SHEPERD (Universal)

Oscar winning writer Eric Roth (“Forrest Gump”) presents the life story of one of the founders of the CIA in a time span of 40 years for Robert De Niro’s new attempt on the director’s chair. Matt Damon leads a cast that includes big names as Angelina Jolie, Joe Pesci, Billy Crudup and Alec Baldwin.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: there’s not much information about the project but I can tell you this, it seems as one of Universal’s likely bets for next year’s Academy Awards.

Robert Altman and Martin Scorsese will face each other in next year's Best Director race

10. A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION (PictureHouse)

Robert Altman directs an exceptional ensemble cast toplined by Meryl Streep, Woody Harrelson, John C. Reilly, Kevin Kline, Lindsay Lohan and Virginia Madsen in the backstage story of America’s most celebrated radio show.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: who is dying to see an Altman/Scorsese match up in the Best Director race?

SERIOUS HOPEFULS

11. RUNNING WITH SCISSORS (Sony)

Annette Bening, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alec Baldwin and Joseph Fiennes star in director Ryan Murphy’s ‘Running with Scissors” about an adult man looking back at his childhood with his bipolar mother.

Oscar Potential: Acting  

We think: Annette Bening’s buzz for this performance is strong and she will probably stay in every predictor’s list of frontrunners through the next year.

12. THE PAINTED VEIL (Warner Brothers Independent)

Naomi Watts, Edward Norton and Liev Schreiber star in the remake of the 1934’s film starred by Greta Garbo Watts plays a woman trapped in an unsatisfying marriage who eventually finds a meaning for her life by traveling to China as a missioner. Oscar nominated writer Ron Nyswaner (“Philadelphia”) is in charge of adapting the material to our times.

Oscar Potential: Acting, Original Screenplay & Techs

We think: depending on the execution, the film could bring kudos to its main cast; especially Watts, who has landed a role that, at least on paper, looks baity at best.

Naomi Watts stars in "The Painted Veil"

13. ASK THE DUST (Paramount Classics)

Oscar winner writer Robert Towne directs Salma Hayek and Colin Farrell in the adaptation of John Fante’s famous depression era novel in which two immigrants with different interpretations of the “American dream” fall in love. Set in the 1930’s Los Angeles, the film also features Donald Sutherland, Eileen Atkins and Idina Menzel in supporting roles.

Oscar Potential: Acting, Adapted Screenplay, Artistics & Techs

We think: Robert Towne’s respect within LA’s entertainment community could do for the film what Paul Haggis accomplished with “Crash” this year, a singular homage to the city of angels that its residents particularly loved. Both films have also in common an early in the year release date.

14. THE DA VINCI CODE (Columbia Pictures) 

Academy Award winning writer Akiva Goldsman adapts Dan Brown’s world famous thriller for Oscar winning director Ron Howard’s latest awards hopeful. Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina and Paul Bettany are in charge of bringing to life the novel’s popular characters.

Oscar Potential: Acting, Adapted Screenplay, Artistics & Techs

We think: due for next year’s summer, it seems to be more a sure blockbuster than an Oscar contender. However, I’m anticipating outstanding performances by Alfred Molina and Paul Bettany (who are playing the book’s most multidimensional characters).

The big question of next year's race: Will the Academy crack the code?

15. FIERCE PEOPLE (Lions Gate Films)

Diane Lane stars as a masseuse who dreams of leaving New York, after her son faces problems with the law, by joining her anthropologist husband in a field mission to study an ancient South American tribe known as “Fierce People”. Donald Sutherland, Chris Evans and Anton Yelchin costar.

Oscar Potential: Acting, Adapted Screenplay

We think: Lions Gate Films’ spring offer to the Oscar race is one of the few films during that time of the year worthy of any major consideration (as every year). Expect Diane Lane and Donald Sutherland to keep their buzz through the whole year if the film succeeds with critics and audiences.

16. SWEENEY TODD (DreamWorks)

The musical and the dramatic genre mix up in Oscar winner Sam Mendes’ big-screen adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway show about the skilled barber Benjamin Barker (or Sweeney Todd) and his sinister plan to get revenge for the death of his wife and imprisonment of his daughter.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: the only reason this film is not ranked higher on the list is because it’s still on the very early stages of production and it will probably be released in 2007.

17. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (Revolution Studios)

Julie Taymor (“Frida”) directs Evan Rachel Wood and Eddie Izzard in a romantic musical set in the 60’s, told through the most famous songs by The Beatles.

Oscar Potential: Acting, Artistics & Techs.

We think: a promising feast for the senses, it could benefit from The Beatles’ fame to get attention but it could also be perceived as “too” hippie for the main demographic group of the Academy.

18. LADY IN THE WATER (Warner Bros)

Controversial Oscar nominated writer/director M. Night Shyamalan casts Paul Giamatti as a humble building manager who falls in love with the mysterious woman, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, who inhabits his building’s pool in this upcoming “bedtime” tale.

Oscar Potential: Acting, O. Screenplay, Artistics & Techs

We think: recently promoted as a “bedtime” story from M. Night Shyamalan in the film's teaser, I only hope for the author’s good that this “fable with a twist” won’t put audiences to sleep. 

19. THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND (Fox)

Gillian Anderson, Forest Whitaker, Kerry Washington and James McAvoy star in Oscar winning director Kevin Macdonald’s drama about the dictatorship of Uganda’s former leader Idi Amin, played by Whitaker, from his physician’s point of view.

Oscar Potential: Acting

We think: little or nothing most people know about this project but the story, based on a novel by Giles Folden, has the political and dramatic elements to resonate among the members of the Academy.

20. FAST FOOD NATION (HanWay Films)

Richard Linklater (“Before Sunset”) adapts and directs an ensemble thriller about the health risks and political/environmental consequences caused by the fast food industry. Catalina Sandino Moreno, Bruce Willis and Greg Kinnear lead the cast.

Oscar Potential: A. Screenplay, Acting

We think: easy to compare with last year’s Best Documentary nominee “Super Size Me”, Linklater’s vision is to explore the fast food industry’s impact on society and the environment in a rougher way than the popular documentary.

Rachel Weisz and Hugh Jackman in a scene from "The Fountain"

NEVER SAY NEVER

21. THE FOUNTAIN (Warner Brothers)

Cult filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (“Requiem for a Dream”) directs Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz and Ellen Burstyn in this science fiction drama about three parallel histories spanning over a thousand years.

Oscar Potential: O. Screenplay, Acting, Artistics & Techs

We think: “sci fi” has traditionally been overlooked by the Academy but nonetheless, Aronofsky’s proposal seems worthy of consideration.

22. THE GOOD GERMAN (Warner Brothers)

Oscar winner Steven Soderberg brings us a thriller about an American journalist striving to find his former mistress in post WWII’s Berlin. Cate Blanchett, George Clooney and Beau Bridges star.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: likely to be overshadowed by “Che”, Soderberg’s most buzzed project for 2006, the film could still bring awards attention to its cast.

23. FUR (PictureHouse)

Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman stars in the biopic of American late photographer Diane Arbus who achieved major success during the 60s.

Oscar Potential: A. Screenplay, Acting, Artistics.

We think: playing notorious females has never hurt actresses when it comes to receiving Oscar’s attention. Nicole Kidman will probably top many predictions lists for next year’s Best Actress race.

24. THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY (Focus Features)

Johnny Depp portrays Jean-Dominique Bauby, former editor of Elle Magazine France, who was paralyzed of his full body except for his left eye after a stroke in 1995. Julian Schnabel (“Before Night Falls”) writes and directs this surreal biopic that will focus on Bauby’s internal struggle and the unique world he lives inside his mind.

Oscar Potential: Actor, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Artistics & Techs

We think: even if the film is not in production yet… the story is highly promising, the talent involved is outstanding and the studio behind is a growing awards machine. Therefore, look out for this film next year or the one after that.

25. THE LADY FROM SHANGHAI (Studio Canal)

“2046”’s director Kar Wai Wong will direct Nicole Kidman in a story about a mysterious woman from Shanghai and her love affair with a spy in the 30’s.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: the project is still in the early stages of development. 2007, anyone?

OTHERS TO CONSIDER

26. A GOOD YEAR (2007?)

27. INFAMOUS

28. STRANGER THAN FICTION

29. THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP

30. SUNSET BOULEVARD (2007?)

31. HEAVEN AND EARTH (BARRY)

32. THE CHILDREN OF MEN

33. DIRTY TRICKS

34. THE KITE RUNNER

35. BORGIA (2007?)

36. CONQUISTADORA

37. LONELY HEARTS

38. FREE ZONE

39. PIECE OF MY HEART

40. BREAKING AND ENTERING

41. INSIDE MAN

42. TLATELOLCO

43. SAVAGE GRACE

44. THE ROAD BACK

45. THE LOVELY BONES (2007?)

46. PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

47. PAINT (2007?)

48. ZODIAC

49. SOUTHLAND TALES

50. MANOLETE (2007?)

51. THE BLACK DAHLIA

52. LITTLE CHILDREN (WIDELY SUGGESTED BY OUR READERS)

53. NOTES ON A SCANDAL

54. FACTORY GIRL

55. YOUNG HANNIBAL: BEHIND THE MASK

56. APOCALYPTO

Keep an eye on: Nicole Kidman in Fur, Salma Hayek in Lonely Hearts

PERFORMERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON...

   Based on the nature of the role (or roles) these actors and actresses are playing next year, we distinguish them as the ones with best chances to be nominated in the Acting categories:

The Ladies (In no particular order)

1. Nicole Kidman in Fur (and The Lady from Shanghai)

2. Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls

3. Kirsten Dunst in Marie-Antoinette

4. Salma Hayek in Ask the Dust (and Lonely Hearts)

5. Patricia Clarkson in All the King's Men (and Conquistadora)

6. Natalie Portman in Goya's Ghosts (and Free Zone)

7. Julianne Moore in The Children of Men (Savage Grace and Freedomland)

8. Sandra Bullock in Infamous

9. Cate Blanchett in Babel (Notes on a Scandal and The Good German)

10. Annette Bening in Running with Scissors

11. Naomi Watts in The Painted Veil

12. Kate Winslet in Little Children

13. Sienna Miller in Factory Girl

And the Gentlemen (In no particular order)

1. Toby Jones in Infamous

2. Paul Bettany in The Da Vinci Code

3. Edward Norton in The Painted Veil

4. Clive Owen in The Children of Men

5. Leonardo DiCaprio in The Departed

6. Matt Damon in The Departed (and The Good Sheperd)

7. Russell Crowe in A Good Year

8. Brad Pitt in Babel

9. Gael Garcia Bernal in Babel (and The Science of Sleep)

10. Benicio Del Toro in Che

11. Edward Norton in The Painted Veil

12. Hugh Jackman in The Fountain

13. Guy Pearce in Factory Girl

AND CONSIDER THIS...

   While most of this films have different levels of Oscar potential, consider that these predictions are based solely on speculation and that each one of these projects could be either pushed to 2007, be good but not Oscar-worthy or simply (in the kindest way to describe it) flop.

   Still, we hope that our list will help you prepare your very in-advance predictions for the 2006 - 2007's Academy Awards.

   Right now, let's just focus on the geishas, the cowboys and the country singers... We'll deal with the "dream girls", the loud-mouth politicians and the frivolous queens after March 5^th.

Any scandalous omission? Let us know... Email us!