Holiday Weekend Update and Oscar Outlook
But there are still no real Oscar front runners from this entire year, and with just one month left, it seems that either the real front runners will all be released next month, or some films we might not have usually considered big Oscar front runners will get the push in the Oscar campaigning and year end precursor awards. CNN and Variety both came out with articles this past week discussing the lack of any real Oscar front runners so far this year, and I have to agree. Could it possible to see some very strange candidates up for the top prizes? Will this allow more unconventional and edgy fare, like the unrated Requiem for a Dream sneak in to get nominated? Tough to call at this point ...
Some are still saying that the summer blockbuster Gladiator, just released to video and DVD this week, is a contender for Best Picture and Director. I guess I still don't see this, but with such a lackluster year, it may indeed have a chance. It certainly will get the promotional push in the Oscar campaigning. Erin Brockovich, released way back in March, is surprisingly still in everyone's minds, and I think this bodes well for Julia Roberts.
Amazingly enough, the Actress races look particularly strong this year. In past years, it was usually difficult to find enough good performances by actresses to fill the nomination slots. I think Julia has a great shot. I also think Frances McDormand should get a supporting nod for Almost Famous. Other possible contenders: definitely Joan Allen for The Contender, perhaps Juliette Binoche for Chocolat, yet to be released, and if the Academy can actually make way to see the brilliant but very disturbing film Requiem for a Dream, then Ellen Burstyn stands a chance to receive a nomination.
As I've mentioned before, Wonder Boys will be getting a huge push, especially since its now being slowly re-released for Oscar consideration. I think Michael Douglas and the screenplay have good shots at getting nominations. But look at some of the films that may be nominated, films a lot of people may not have even heard of, and will most likely not even see ... films like Billy Elliot, Croupier, and even a foreign film, Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. I'm pretty sure Almost Famous will get a pickup with some of the precursor awards, but they may be
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