The Oscar race is certainly in for a jolt now. With the arrival of The Wolf of Wall Street, we could be in for an even more exciting awards season as things begin heating up. There’s not a lot of movement in the predictions but some heavy observations that could be made. Let’s dig in!
Moving Up
-The Wolf of Wall Street, which I had the pleasure of seeing yesterday. The movie is fantastic, filled with timely subject matter, great performances, especially Leonardo DiCaprio, and great tech work. This movie, although vulgar and hedonistic, could win Best Picture because unlike some other films in the race its challenging without being a hard watch. I mean if you have to choose something other than 12 Years a Slave, why not this picture which will most certainly be critically acclaimed and have the cool factor that will ward off any “racist” flack they’ll get?
-Inside Llewyn Davis has been tearing it up and due to the mixed feelings about American Hustle and the dwindling love for Captain Phillips, I have the Coen Bros sitting in the 5 spot in director.
Moving Down
-Captain Phillips which has not gotten any help from the critics who championed it so strongly back in October/November. Though I do have the film in several key places, it has dropped in my Picture rankings and Greengrass is out in director.
Miscellaneous
-The visual effects short list came out and Man of Steel and The Great Gatsby weren’t on it 🙁 Most agree that this award is Gravity’s to lose, but the nominees could go any which way. I’m happy to see Oblivion still in contention and horrified that The Lone Ranger is a bakeoff away from being an Oscar nominated film.
-The Best Actor field has been the most crowded it’s ever been and several big contenders are going to get left out. After seeing The Wolf of Wall Street, I have to think Leo is going to get in, so who are they bouncing out? For the moment I see Redford missing with Hanks being second in line to miss out on a nomination. I’ve even heard Bruce Dern’s name bandied about as someone who could miss.
-The foreign language and documentary races are going to be incredibly entertaining because there are so many good films in contention. The permutations of nominees is insane.