As the height of festival season approaches, with Venice, Telluride, and Toronto speedily coming into vision, attentions begin to turn swiftly to yet another Oscar season. And whilst all may change following the three festivals above, who are the possible frontrunners at this stage, for a famous golden statue next February? Let’s take an early look at a few films and actors that have already made noise in four of the major categories. Lets start with the big one. In a somewhat underwhelming and controversial taken home by Peter Farrelly’s “Green Book” earlier this year, and in what many described as the weakest best picture field for many years, this year the Academy will hope to return to form, with a host of typical and A-typical contenders that are looking to form a widely competitive race.
Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood
Possibly the most talked about contender of the year so far. With the film about to hit wide release in the US, and oversees on August 14th, Quentin Tarantino looks to (yet again) have a major awards player, as he searches for the elusive best director Oscar that has evaded his grasp. Starring none other than 2015 winner and Hollywood royalty Leonardo DiCaprio, and three time nominee (and fellow superstar) Brad Pitt, the film follows DiCaprio as he embarks to revive his faded television career alongside his stunt double (Pitt). Also starring former best actress nominee Margot Robbie (“I, Tonya”) as none other than Sharon Tate. The film, of who’s plot is set to the backdrop of the rise of Charles Manson, has earned mostly incredibly positive reviews across the board (currently sitting with an 85 Metascore from 52 critics) and made its début to a seven minute standing ovation at Cannes, although the Cannes ovation carries far less weight these days. Looking to be a contender across the board, in all major categories, could Tarantino, in what may be his last foray into awards season, strike ninth time lucky?
Parasite
Famed Korean director Joon-ho Bong, who many will know from having directed cult hit “Snowpiercer,” lit up Cannes when his film, on the class struggle of one Korean family, received rave reviews (89 Metascore), culminating in the film beating out Tarantino’s effort for the coveted Palme D’or, becoming the first Korean film, ever to do so. Obviously we are still in the early stages of the race, and it is often hard for Foreign Language films to find their way into the best picture category, without being marooned in the foreign language category as a ‘consolation’ prize, with a notable exception being last years “Roma,” although the huge financial muscle of Netflix flexed to push Alfonso Cuaron’s masterpiece over the line. Neon (the studio in question here) will have to campaign hard to get Parasite all the way to next February with a modest box office likely and a wide October release, considered early. But as far as the early signs go, thus film has made waves.
The Farewell
Asian director Lulu Wang, has, in her film “The Farewell” achieved what no other film can claim. It has beaten Avengers Endgame at the box office. Well, kind of. It became the highest per theater average opener of 2019. Still, no mean feat for a non-English language film opening in the US during summer. Sporting an exceptional leading performance from rising star Awkwafina (“Crazy Rich Asians”) and by all accounts an even more outstanding turn from Shuzhen Zhao as Nai Nai, a grandmother with only a short time left to live..although she doesn’t know that yet, whilst the rest of the family do. The same rules apply to this as apply to parasite, however “The Farewell” will no doubt have more clout as the season trundles on, looking like a relative indie box office hit, so don’t be surprised to see a film our own Editor-in-Chief Jordan Ruimy labelled ’the years first serious Oscar contender’ in his A grade review, still be near the top of the conversation as we enter 2020.
The Irishman
Netlfix’s most ambitious and expensive project to date. Not only have they had to promise legendary director Martin Scorsese at least some extended theatrical run for his new Mob thriller starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Anna Paquin, Harvey Keitel and more, but it is rumored the film has a blockbuster budget of over $150M, due to the need to digitally de-age the films leads for the first half of the Movie. Not yet screened, and not due to be released until November 27th, but it is hard to ignore a film so dripping in Academy bait that it is almost unthinkable to imagine it doesn’t appear in the Best Picture category, upon its announcement in January. Watch this space To watch out for this festival season- “Marriage Story”- Noah Baumbach’s Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson starring tale of divorce and love is the only film hitting all three major festivals. A huge vote of confidence from Netflix. Contribute Hire me
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