Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Oscar season, the portion of the year in which film studios both large and small release the films they feel deserve the golden accolade.
Since 1929, the Academy Awards, re-branded to officially be called the Oscars last year, have become the top prize for cinematic excellence. From categories praising the cast to the production staff, this ceremony, rightfully, awards based on merit and quality rather than popularity and cost, allowing low-budget indie films to be judged on the same level as the glossy blockbusters.
Although there is not a specific period designated to Oscar season, the notable shift in trailers promoting goofy comedies and action packed thrillers to period dramas and dark satires is a definite sign. With a packed line-up, here are the films to consider and look out for concerning the prestigious award show and the nominations that may ensue.
Released earlier this year, though still top contenders, are Boyhood and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Boyhood, directed by Richard Linklater, was the indie hit of the summer, charming audiences and critics alike. The movie, which was filmed over the course of 11 years from 2002 to 2013, shows Mason and his sister as they grow into adulthood. Praised for its experimental nature and uniqueness, the film is currently nominated for a Gotham Independent Award for best film, among others, and has won previous awards at the Berlin International Film Festival and SXSW film festival. Film sites and critics feel Boyhood is a strong contender for Best Picture at the Oscars.
The Grand Budapest Hotel was written and directed by the beloved Wes Anderson, director of Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom and The Royal Tenenbaums. The film follows a hotel concierge as he tries to prove his innocence after being framed for murder. It was met with overwhelming praise for Anderson’s unique style and Ralph Fiennes performance as Monsieur Gustave. Many speculate Grand Budapest could be nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Fiennes), and Best Original Screenplay.
In more recent news Birdman, starring Michael Keaton, follows the life of an actor most known for playing a superhero and the struggles he faces leading up to his opening night on Broadway. The film premiered Oct. 17 to positive reviews from critics citing Keaton and Edward Norton’s performances with Keaton as a possible nominee for Best Leading Actor.
Not all stories can be completely original, as many of the Oscar contenders are based on acclaimed novels and history.
Foxcatcher, starring Channing Tatum and Steve Carell, is the story of John Du Pont whose paranoid schizophrenia leads him to kill an olympic wrestling champion. The film will release Nov. 14, with all eyes on Carell for a Best Actor nomination, a possible Best Director Nomination for Bennett Miller, who already won the award at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, and a possible Best Picture nomination.
Being released Nov. 21, is The Imitation Game which depicts the life of Alan Turing, a computer scientist who was criminally prosecuted for homosexuality after having helped the Allies win WWII by cracking the Nazi Enigma code. The film received acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Aspen Film Festival, and the San Diego Film Festival enhancing the buzz already surrounding the film. Benedict Cumberbatch is a contender for Best Lead Actor for his role and the film faces a possible Best Picture nomination.
The Theory of Everything has received praise for it’s performances, cinematography and score leading many to believe it will have a strong presence at the Oscars. The film will release Nov. 7. It depicts the relationship of Stephen Hawking, theoretical physicist who was diagnosed with ALS, and Jane Wilde. Speculators believe the film could receive a nominations for Best Lead Actor (Eddie Redmayne as Hawking), possibly Best Supporting Actress (Felicity Jones as Wilde), Best Cinematography and Best Picture.
The book turned film Gone Girl made a big splash with its nationwide theatrical release on Oct. 3, debuting number 1 in North American theaters. The film examines the complexities of marriage, dishonesty, perception, and the media through a man who is believed to have something to do with his wife’s disappearance. Rosamund Pike’s sensational performance is the one being eyed for a nomination for Best Leading Actress at the Oscars.
Other unreleased films that are speculated to make an impact include the Angelina Jolie directed war drama, Unbroken (Dec. 25), the quirky comedy-drama starring Joaquin Phoenix based on the book of the same name, Inherent Vice (Dec. 12), and Interstellar, the Christopher Nolan directed epic starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. Other note-worthy films are Fury (Oct. 17), A Most Violent Year (Nov. 12), American Sniper (Dec. 25), Big Eyes (Dec. 25), Selma (Dec. 25), and The Gambler (Jan. 2).
The 87th annual Academy Awards ceremony will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and will air February 22.