In fact, looking over the slate of films already with distribution there are 56 films that, in theory, could get nominated for Best Picture. That doesn’t even count the four or five potential festival premieres that might attempt to release by the end of the year. Out of those 56 there are 18 that are, again, likely nominees (meaning they have a better chance at earning a nod) and, frankly, that’s a large number even at this stage of the game. Having already discussed seven of them here are some quick thoughts on the remaining eleven.
“Blade Runner 2049”
The footage of Denis Villeneuve and Richard Deakins latest collaboration is stunning based on what has been released so far. The question is it more action adventure or prestige? Can Villeneuve pull of an “Arrival” again?
“The Current War”
Should we bet against a Weinstein Christmas release that’s a period piece starring Benedict Cumberbatch? The buzz is mixed, but until it moves out of the calendar year we’re not discounting it.
“Darkest Hour”
Joe Wright stumbled with “Pan,” but the story of Winston Churchill’s first few months as Prime Minister of the UK seems right up his alley. The bigger question is whether Gary Oldman can make audiences forget about John Lithgow’s portrayal of the same historical figure in Netflix’s “The Crown.” (Especially if Lithgow wins the Emmy for it).
“Downsizing”
Alexander Payne’s imaginative dramedy dazzled audiences at CinemaCon with an extended 10 minute segment. What’s the rest of the film though?
“Last Flag Flying”
Richard Linklater’s latest stars Bryan Cranston, Steve Carell and Laurence Fishbone and will open the New York Film Festival at the end of September. That’s either a good or a bad sign based on your opinion of the last few NYFF openers.
“The Papers”
Steven Spielberg directing a drama based on a government conspiracy and the media? No, that’s not timely at all. Throw in an all-star cast including Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, Bob Odenkirk, Michael Stuhlbarg and Sarah Paulson and you have Oscar bait of the highest and “must see” order.
“Phantom Thread”
Paul Thomas Anderson returns with Daniel Day-Lewis’ “last” film as he heads into a previously announced retirement. Anderson’s “The Master” and “Inherent Vice” barely flew with the Academy. Will “Thread” fare any better?
“Suburbicon”
George Clooney brings an old Coen Bros. script to life in this dark comedy starring Julianne Moore, Matt Damon and Oscar Isaac. Paramount slotted it in a prime awards season opening weekend (the first of November). They might know something.
“The Shape of Water”
Guillermo Del Toro is back with a Fox Searchlight release that is not a horror film, but could be in the vein of his classic “Pan’s Labyrinth” (a movie that would have earned a Best Pic nod if there were more than five nominees at the time). We’re not saying Searchlight is giddy about it, but we’re not not saying that either.
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
It may just be the Frances McDormand show or Martin McDonagh might have rebounded after the disappointing “Seven Psychopaths” to the heights of “In Bruges.”
“Wonder Wheel”
A Woody Allen movie that isn’t opening in the summer, but in the heart of awards season? Something is going on here. Throw in the fact it’s Allen’s first collaboration with Kate Winslet and we’re giving Allen and distributor Amazon Studios some major benefit of the doubt.
To check out the rest of this year’s Best Picture contenders as well as potential nominees in the Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Supporting Actor categories click on the links below.
Current predictions:
Best Picture
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
