‘The Post’: First Reactions Put Steven Spielberg & Meryl Streep In The Oscar Race

There are few things Oscar voters love more than to support a movie tackling important issues, and Meryl Streep. Steven Spielberg‘s “The Post” provides both of those things in ample doses, and the late arrival to the awards season looks like it’s going to shake up the game.

Streep is joined by Tom Hanks, and a ridiculously stacked ensemble (Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Jesse Plemons, Matthew Rhys, Michael Stuhlbarg, Bradley Whitford, Zach Woods), to tell the #truestory about The Washington Post’s battle to publish the Pentagon Papers, exposing the horrible realities about the war in Vietnam.

Yep, this one ticks all the boxes — freedom of the press! democracy! — and boasting what seems like a powerhouse performance by Streep, “The Post” looks like it can’t miss at the Oscars. Even those who wholly didn’t love the movie, are predicting no shortage of honors for the latest Spielberg jam.

“The Post” opens on December 22nd.

https://twitter.com/davidehrlich/status/935376052335120384

Also, whether I'm objective or not, I will say that what Meryl Streep does in this movie, building a narrative about her character with each line, move, and gesture, is, even by her standards, astounding.

— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) November 28, 2017

https://twitter.com/alissamarie/status/935375162110816257

https://twitter.com/adambvary/status/935372684883460096

for serious: I yelped and shrieked aloud a handful of times. at one point I grabbed @jhoffman’s knee with my whole hand. it’s another entry in Spielberg’s worship of PROCESS and I adore it

— David Sims (@davidlsims) November 28, 2017

https://twitter.com/jhoffman/status/935375607529197568

https://twitter.com/AwardsDaily/status/935378216629428225

https://twitter.com/cevangelista413/status/935372688528351232

Steven Spielberg's "The Post" is a timely look at the importance of journalism. Hanks rips his role to shreds while Streep shows up with an angelic grace. Kaminski's camera work & Williams' score are standouts. First 30 mins drag but comes home by the end. A crowdpleaser #ThePost pic.twitter.com/xGP4fosvj7

— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) November 28, 2017

Elegant and efficient until it turns clumsy/corny at end. Streep fantastic (miraculously understated), Hanks very Hanksy and not particularly interesting. Wanted more Kay Graham, less familiar newspaper heroics.

— Jon Frosch (@jon_frosch) November 28, 2017

https://twitter.com/aliciamalone/status/935390715399434240

We can talk about THE POST? Let's talk about THE POST. It's excellent. A rousing crowdpleaser about the freedom of the press? Sold. I loved it. Spielberg's best film since Munich.

— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) November 28, 2017

https://twitter.com/robbiereviews/status/935453515648036866

https://twitter.com/MattGoldberg/status/935376937350025216

I now understand why #StevenSpielberg wanted #ThePost out this year. Even though it's dealing with the past it speaks to what's happening today. Great performances all around. Will be a player in Award season. #FreePress pic.twitter.com/ohylWvGgFp

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) November 28, 2017

#ThePost is excellent. Obvious but well worth saying – Streep and Hanks are fantastic. Takes some time to build but was *very* moved by Katharine Graham’s experience and how incredibly important it is to tell this story right now.

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) November 28, 2017

The Post is an important film, not just to history, but to the now. Streep is amazing. My audience broke into applause at least 6 times during the movie itself. Spielberg’s best film since Munich.

— /Film (@slashfilm) November 28, 2017

The Post benefits from a great, likable cast and a sadly timely reminder of the last time a president tried to villainize the press. However it’s super on the nose, incredibly slight and kind of a snooze overall. Felt to me like Spielberg was on autopilot.

— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) November 28, 2017

https://twitter.com/williambgoss/status/935373133883871236

https://twitter.com/alissamarie/status/935375162110816257

I'm still not allowed to publish any thoughts on The Post so I can't say I not saying I've had a story titled "Can Meryl Streep win her fourth Oscar?" ready to to go for over a week, but I'm not not saying that either.

— Gregory Ellwood – VOTE – The Playlist 🎬 (@TheGregoryE) November 28, 2017

She’s freaking great. The movie just very good, however. Spielberg’s direction very uninspired. Seems rushed and lazy at times. https://t.co/WLIfUSXoRH

— Gregory Ellwood – VOTE – The Playlist 🎬 (@TheGregoryE) November 28, 2017

Also, not Spielberg’s most subtle work. Leaving Best Director slot potentially open…

— Gregory Ellwood – VOTE – The Playlist 🎬 (@TheGregoryE) November 28, 2017