5 Films to Watch Out for this Oscar Season
‘Tis the season!
1. Arrival
Denis Villeneuve’s latest hasn’t arrived unnoticed. From the first teaser trailer, there has been Oscar talk about Amy Adams’ performance. Portraying a lead specialist in translation, Adams is given the mission to communicate with extra-terrestrial beings who have landed on earth. Leading a conversation-generating, not-so-far-from-reality science-fiction plot, she joins Sigourney Weaver and Carrie Fisher in the strong sci-fi women’s league. Provoking interesting discussions about the possibiliy of an alien diplomacy protocol, Arrival certainly feels topical in these times of political uncertainty. Don’t miss it!
Predicted nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Amy Adams
Best Original Screenplay
2. La La Land
Ode to Hollywood musicals from the 50’s and 60’s, La La Land has already impressed the festival crowds. Directed by the Academy’s beloved newcomer, Damien Chazelle, who gave us Whiplash, the film is different than anything we’ve seen in the past years. Starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling – also crowd favorites – the film draws from the classical style we know from Signing in the Rain (1952) or An American in Paris (1951). La La Land offers a modern aesthetic to a sacred genre, without taking away its lyrical essence. We predict its artistic tour de force will help it collect a few production awards.
Predicted nominations:
Best Production Design
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
Best Costume Design
3. Hacksaw Ridge
Based on the incredible true story (doesn’t this rhyme with Oscar already?) of American soldier Desmond T. Doss, this one has already been praised by critics. Not another emotional war drama, you say? Think again. The unusual story of a non-violent war hero who refused to touch a single weapon during his service in WWII is quite different from what we’re used to seing. Andrew Garfield seems perfect for the role, and we believe his portrayal won’t be unnoticed by the Academy.
Predicted nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Andrew Garfield
4. Jackie
Said to be playing the most complex role of her career, Natalie Portman certainly looks majestic in the Jackie Kennedy biopic coming out this December. Deviating from the public story we all know too well, Chilean director Pablo Lorrain concentrates on her emotional journey through her husband’s success, messes and death. The dreamy, classic look of the film takes us back to the 60’s in all their glamorous and not-so-glamorous times. We’re pretty sure the combination of a strong female lead and a new angle on a classic american story will win the heart of the Academy.
Predicted nominations:
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Natalie Portman
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Best Costume Design
5. Fences
Viola Davis and Denzel Washington star in a poignant family drama. Need we say more? If the emotional trailer didn’t bring you to tears, we don’t know what will. After 2016’s Oscar whitewash, we have to admit it’s pretty refreshing to see diversity on our screens. But Fences isn’t in fact new to the public. The film, directed and produced by Washington himself, is based on a play of the same name, from which both actors will reprise their 2010 roles. The original winning them Tony awards for their performances, it’s safe to say Fences‘ cinematographic adaptation will likely follow the same fate.
Predicted nominations:
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Viola Davis
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Denzel Washington