Forecasting the Oscars ® since 2003

"It's not about who we want to win,

It's about who will"

AWARDS PROFILE: INTO THE WILD

Emile Hirsch gives a satisfying performance in Sean Penn's acclaimed Into the Wild

FEATURES

By Josh Kirschenbaum

In 1982, Sean Penn shot to stardom after appearing as Jeff Spicoli in the classic high school movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Yet, he failed to gain credibility as a great actor until 1995’s Dead Man Walking. In 1991, Penn’s directorial debut, The Indian Runner, was released. He failed to gain credibility as a great director until a few weeks ago, when Into the Wild was released. Critical raves and an Oscar friendly subject matter have made the film a serious contender in this year’s race. Provided it gets a good campaign, Into the Wild could easily score a best picture nomination.

Penn’s direction is very stylized, a quality that can either ensure you a best director nod (Like Paul Greengrass for United 93) or ruin your chances (Baz Luhrmann for Moulin Rouge!). Either way, Penn’s chances for a director nomination are not intrinsically linked with the film’s getting a Best Picture nod. We’ll see how he fares with the precursors, but for now I’d say he’s got a great shot at a nomination, especially considering AMPAS’s love for actor-turned-directors (see: Robert Redford, Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson, etc.)

The film’s star, Emile Hirsch, has gotten sparse notices. Most of the critical praise has been reserved for the film itself and not for Hirsch’s performance. That, coupled with the basic fact that he wasn’t outstanding, will make it difficult for him to get Oscar’s attention. He’s going to need a serious campaign or some major precursors, or both.

Hal Holbrook has gotten the most frequent reviews of anyone in the cast, and rightfully so. His performance is stunning, and despite having plenty of scenes that could have been overly sentimental, he is remarkably understated. While most people are expecting the “overdue veteran nomination” to go to Armin Mueller-Stahl or Phillip Bosco (for their roles in Eastern Promises and The Savages, respectively) I would say Halbrook has a much better chance than either.

The screenplay, adapted from the novel by John Krakauer, was written by Penn. An adapted screenplay nomination is very likely considering the popularity of the film.

The techs of the film are also worth noting. Editing and Cinematography nods are possible. And as a side note, Eddie Vedder is virtually assured a nomination for one of his many original songs.

For Your Consideration:

Best Picture*
Best Director: Sean Penn*
Best Actor: Emile Hirsch
Best Supporting Actor: Hal Holbrook*
Best Adapted Screenplay: Sean Penn*
Best Film Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Original Song: Eddie Vedder*

*=most probable

Discuss Into the Wild's Awards Potential in our Blog!

Comments?
 

COMMUNITY

REVIEWS