Oscar Buzz
November 25, 2009
LET THE OSCAR BUZZ. . . . .BEGIN!
Oscar Season has arrived! Major movie studios and the Independents are all hoping their films grab the Academy voters’ attention.
Last year at this time, Slum Dog Millionaire was the clear cut favorite for Best Picture. This year the race appears to be wide open.
One film that is much anticipated to catch the eye of Oscar is Clint Eastwood’s Invictus. The four-time Oscar winning Director keeps getting better with age. Invictus is the story of South African President Nelson Mandela played by Morgan Freeman. He tries to unite the racially torn country by supporting the all-white national rugby team. The Captain of the team is played by Matt Damon. I’ve seen the trailer of this film and it looks great!
Another strong contender for Best Picture figures to be Nine. Nine is the movie version of the very popular Broadway musical. It is directed by Rob Marshall, who gave us Chicago in 2002; another Broadway musical which was adapted for the big screen. Even though Chicago won Best Picture (6 total Oscars), Marshall was denied the Best Director Award (Roman Polanski, The Pianist). This year just may be his year. Marshall has compiled an all-star cast including 2-time Best Actor Oscar winner Daniel Day Lewis (My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood), former Best Actress winner Nicole Kidman (The Hours), former Best Supporting Actress winner Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love), Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), former Best Actress winner Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose), former Oscar Nominee (Kate Hudson) and last but not least former Best Actress winner Sophia Loren (Two Women). With a cast like this, a great Director, and the fabulous music how can Nine miss?
The Oprah Winfrey backed Precious is bound to get recognized. It conquered the Film Festival circuit and it’s the kind of story that Oscar loves. Look for Gabourey Sidibe in her acting debut to capture a Best Actress nomination at the age of 26.
Another Best Picture possibility is the Peter Jackson produced The Lovely Bones. Of course Jackson became internationally famous directing the first two Lord of the Rings pieces and then, in 2003 won everything in sight for Lord of the Rings Return of the King. Jackson won Best Director and the film tied Ben Hur 1959, and Titanic 1997 for the most Oscars ever. . .11! I thought Jackson’s 2005 version of King Kong also deserved Best Picture consideration. Even though Jackson doesn’t direct The Lovely Bones, his signature is all over this film as it’s producer. The movie is based on Alice Sebold’s acclaimed novel.
What makes the Best Picture category intriguing this year is that the Academy has expanded from the traditional 5 nominees. . to 10.
Look for Morgan Freeman and Daniel Day Lewis to be nominated for Best Actor. In the Best Actress category along with Sidibe, Carey Mulligan could get a nod for An Education. Helen Mirren, a previous winner for The Queen might get recognized for The Last Station. Other possibilities are: Saoirse Ronan (Atonement) for The Lovely Bones, Meryl Streep for Julie and Julia, and Cotillard for Nine. Best Supporting Actor could find the much deserving Alfred Molina for An Education. I have been a big fan of Molina’s for years. His versatility and range is astounding. He can switch from comedy to drama with a snap of the fingers. Some of my favorite movies of Molina’s include: Enchanted April, Not Without My Daughter, Chocolat, Magnolia, Spider Man-2, Frida, Murder on the Orient Express and Boogie Nights. . .just to name a few.
Another one of my favorite actors is Stanley Tucci. He could be nominated for The Lovely Bones. There is some buzz that Woody Harrelson will get recognized for The Messenger. . .but I’ll believe it when I see it. Lastly. . .as I’ve previously reviewed in this column, Christoph Waltz as the charming yet murderous Nazi Colonel in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.
In the Best Supporting Actress category look for Susan Sarandon The Lovely Bones, Judi Dench Nine, Mo’nique for Precious and another one of my favorite actresses Julianne Moore for A Single Man.
Besides Eastwood and Marshall the other Best Director nominees will depend on which films get nominated for Best Picture. All in all, this Holiday Season will be filled with Academy Award possibilities. I’ll review these films in upcoming entries. As always. . I love ya’ Cleveland!
