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By Danny West
It
happens now and again. A year comes along where Oscar contenders wait in
the wings. Technically that happens every year, but there’s usually a
contender that either doesn’t realize it’s a contender and gets released
early just for kicks, or there’s a film that realizes that the buzz will
be too overwhelming to compete later on, so it goes for an early
release.
Crash in 2005. Little Miss Sunshine in 2006. Nothing in 2007.
With the exception of the usual visual effects fiasco that is the summer
months, there are very few potential Oscar contenders in sight. But just
for fun, we’ll consider some of the most likely among the few so far.
Here are the Top 9 hopefuls:
9. Waitress
Keri Russell shines in the acclaimed indie hit, make sure to catch it
now that is has expanded nationwide.
8. Grind House
The film failed to meet box office expectations mostly due to misguided
opinions regarding what it was supposed to be. Despite being somewhat of
a failure, the film has about as much merit as any of Tarantino’s other
tributes to his childhood entertainment. Although the pool is shallow
now, it is highly unlikely this film will see Oscar light, even in
screenplay. How do you reward films that are bad on purpose? Great
tribute, but still a poor film--the ultimate movie paradox.
7. Lonely Hearts
Salma Hayek’s performance reminds me of last year’s “Ask the Dust,” in
that although she’s terrific, the film is going to go very
under-rug-swept. She also has competition from fellow longtime snubbed
cast-mate Laura Dern. It remains to be seen what the fate will be for
this film and how much push it will get, but no matter what the case,
it’s not strong enough on the whole.
6. Zodiac
David Fincher is one of the most unsung, yet consistent directors in the
business today. He’s fashioned several cult masterpieces and with the
exception of his Panic Room hiccup, he has been virtually flawless.
Sadly, he probably won’t get attention for this crime drama disguised as
a straight up thriller. It’s possible that Downey Jr. will receive some
kudos if there is no competition by year’s end, but surely a more
deserving frontrunner will emerge. Screenplay maybe?
5.Amazing Grace
This film has hit hard with all who have seen it. Unfortunately, not
enough have seen it yet. It will be successful at Toronto, but without a
mainstream audience staring it down, and a cast lacking household
appeal, its fate is up in the air at this point.
4. The Namesake
Another Toronto mighty, but suffering from the same syndrome as Amazing
Grace. It will have too many unknowns in the cast and too many
competitors by then to come out of the gates. It’s going to need a lot
of critical love and word of mouth. Kal Penn’s history of absurd roles
won’t do any good for it either, although you never know. It only nudges
Amazing Grace on this list due to its more intimate and less political
standpoint.
3.Reign Over Me
This film is the only major release so far that has reeked of Oscar.
Sandler has been trying to hit this sort of attention before (Punch
Drunk Love, Spanglish), but this role will get him further towards the
gold than those did if for no other reason than being alongside
established talent Don Cheadle. It will all depend on how thick the
competition is by year’s end.
2. Meet the Robinsons
It made some moolah, it kept the bar as high as it has been for Disney
for some time now and history dictates that in the animated feature
category, that’s all it needs. Typically, the Academy likes to spread
the three noms among two from later in the year and one from earlier.
Without competition—and interestingly Pixar—at this point in the year,
it should coast into a nod.
1.300
Despite being more advertised and less celebrated than Sin City, this
film is gorgeous and will probably get a make-up call for visual
effects. Although even being the highest on this list, doesn’t guarantee
anything. The year has been just that quiet.
Other upcoming notables:
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End -A win is unlikely being that
it’s already won more than its share, but you never know. It’s possible
that between Transformers, 300 and even Spider-Man 3, it won’t even be
nominated.
Sicko- Based on very early buzz, a nod for documentary is inevitable.
The Hoax-Richard Gere is already getting praise, but it is still too
early to even hope at this point. Gere has had a flimsy track record for
a while, and I would be shocked to see this stick until winter.
The TV Set- Sigourney Weaver has been out of the limelight for sometime
now. In spite, she’s still an acclaimed actress and if this film can get
reasonable attention, she has a chance at a supporting nod. Her recent
narration of the successful Planet Earth won’t hurt either.
Transformers- I hate that the season is so soft right now that I have to
make this my first outcry of the year, but: Transformers a lock to win
Best Visual Effects.
There. I said it. Stir the pot people. I don’t like all these crickets.
What films already released have Oscar potential? Discuss it here!
Comments?
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