With the Critics Choice Movie Awards, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and the Oscar nominations all coming-up next week, it’s safe to say Awards Season fever is officially here. The following are some of the performances and films that should have a pretty good next 7 days:
Cate Blanchett has been the early favorite in the Best Actress category, already winning many city-based Association awards. But momentum has been building for Judi Dench, and the “based on a true story” drama that she stars in. “Philomena” is up for the Best Picture (Drama) Globe and just received a surprise BAFTA Best Film nod (and there are only 5 nominees). While the British version of the Oscars aren’t until Feb. 16, watch-out for Dench and some “Philomena” love in the Best Adapted Screenplay category, where Jeff Pope and co-star Steve Coogan could take the well-deserved take the prize at the GGs and CCMAs.
My favorite film of 2013, “Saving Mr. Banks”, hasn’t been getting as many accolades as it should. Tom Hanks has yet to receive a Supporting Actor nomination from anyone (though this could be one of the major Oscar surprises Thurs. morning). This previously untold story of how “Mary Poppins” was brought to the screen is up for the Critics Choice Best Picture. And star Emma Thompson is a leading contender for all the Best Actress honors. Already a two-time Oscar winner, she’s close to a lock for another nomination, and could win a Globe, SAG and CCMA.
Daniel Bruhl is the sole shining light from Ron Howard’s “Rush”, which was released in September to mixed reviews. Bruhl’s performance as racercar driver Niki Lauda has a shot at beating everyone to the Best Supporting Actor finish line – though Jared Leto (“Dallas Buyers Club”), Barkhad Abdi (“Captain Phillips”), and Bradley Cooper (“American Hustle”) make this the toughest competition of the year. “Rush” is also up for the Best Drama Globe, but it doesn’t have a shot.
Best Picture and Best Director will likely go one of three ways: “Gravity”/Alfonso Cuaron, “12 Years a Slave”/Steve McQueen, or the film/director that seem to be getting more and more positive buzz every day: David O. Russell and “American Hustle”. The film is stylish, fun, and has a phenomenal cast, which is why I’m pulling for it to win the SAG Ensemble award, along with several CCMA and Globe honors.
But as they say, “Anything can happen”, and I’m convinced that this Awards Season is going to be one of the most unpredictable and surprising of all time.