“All the Money in the World”
Ridley Scott made the stunning announcement on Nov. 8 that he was going re-shoot Kevin Spacey’s scenes in the film with Christopher Plummer in the role of J. Paul Getty instead… and still have the film open on Dec. 22. Well, he succeeded, as just a few days ago, a new trailer, poster and commercial featured several clips with Plummer and confirmed the Dec. 22 release date. Voters may nominate “All the Money” cast and crew simply for Scott and Plummer being able to pull-off what many thought was impossible.
“Blade Runner 2049”
It’s a lock for technical categories, but what about Best Picture, Best Director (Denis Villeneuve) and Best Supporting Actor (Harrison Ford)?
“Ferdinand”
It’s the last big animated film of the year. Blue Sky hasn’t gotten an Oscar nomination since the original “Ice Age”. Some critics and reporters have seen it, but no widespread consensus on “Ferdinand” has been revealed. Will it shake-up the animated feature landscape?
“Get Out”
Universal is making a huge push towards getting this thriller nominated for Best Picture and Jordan Peele to receive directing and screenplay nominations. Does it matter that this came out in February?
“The Greatest Showman”
No one has reportedly seen Hugh Jackman’s P.T. Barnum musical yet, and while songs from the film (and signed sheet music) were sent to Broadcast Film Critics Association members, the movie has not arrived yet and may not in time for the nomination deadline. Jackman is almost sure to get a Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Golden Globe nomination – if the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has seen the movie… and likes it.
“In the Fade”
Diane Kruger is excellent in this foreign drama. I saw it at a festival back in October. Isabelle Huppert and the late Emmanuelle Riva were nominated in the past five years for the lead actress Oscar for performances in foreign films. Will Kruger get enough votes (and will enough people see “In the Fade” in time) to get her nominated as well?
“Last Flag Flying”
I also saw this back in October (at a different festival), and I believe Bryan Cranston deserves strong Best Supporting Actor consideration. But Richard Linklater’s latest has received mixed reviews. And Amazon hasn’t distributed it beyond 98 theaters since it opened on Nov. 3 (it was supposed to expand nationwide on Nov. 22, but that didn’t happen). What are they waiting for? Too much competition?
“Logan”
It was the first screener received by Academy voters, and one of the first for Critics Choice voters as well. Will Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart score acting nominations?
“Loving Vincent”
This visionary hand-painted drama deserves to be on the Best Animated Feature ballot. But will voters respect what it does – as opposed to choosing a traditional CGI animated film instead?
“mother!”
Some people loved it. Some people hated it. I was right down the middle. Paramount sure has quite the movie on their For Your Consideration list this year, but they honestly haven’t pushed it very much.
“War for the Planet of the Apes”
Several months ago, Andy Serkis was receiving Best Actor nomination talk for his work as Caesar the Ape. But since then, we’ve seen performances from Gary Oldman, Tom Hanks, Steve Carell, James Franco, Denzel Washington and Daniel Day-Lewis. Is the competition too powerful?
“Wind River”
Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen and writer/director Taylor Sheridan all agreed to drop The Weinstein Co.’s name from the movie, especially going into awards season. Acacia Entertainment and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana have taken-over awards operations.
“Wonder”
It’s the darling that could go all the way. The feel-good family dramedy with a strong emotional punch. This year’s “Blind Side” or “Hidden Figures”. Is a Best Picture nomination (for a film that deserves it) within reach?
“Wonder Woman”
Warner Bros. announced earlier this year they were launching a huge campaign for the film and director Patty Jenkins. Can you have a Best Picture category with two “wonder” titles?