Here we are in the modern age of cinema; past the halfway point in the year and towards the end of the summer blockbuster season. Just as it is never too early to begin Christmas shopping, it is never too early to begin generating Oscar buzz.
In the Christopher Guest film, “For Your Consideration,” the demeanor and attitudes of a group of actors change dramatically when an independent media website suggests that their film and their performances in it could win them all Oscar nominations. With all of the egos flying around Hollywood, it’s not an unlikely story. Therefore, in forecasting these following ten predictions, I apologize to anyone who might be treated badly by any of the following artists.
1. Even before it opened to limited release, Emma Thompson’s performance in “Brideshead Revisited” was garnering buzz for the big “O.” This is a guaranteed nomination.
2. While I am against posthumous awards, I believe that not only will Heath Ledger’s performance in “The Dark Knight” earn a Best Supporting Actor nomination, but as of right now, his odds for winning are about 75%.
3. Speaking of “The Dark Knight,” the film will sweep most of the technical awards.
4. A lot of people are considering “Wall-E” as a shoe-in for Best Animated Feature. But before you put money on it, wait until you see “The Tale of Despereaux,” out in December.
5. Robert Downey Jr.’s performance as a white actor taking on an African American role in “Tropic Thunder” can be compared to the bold risk taking of Mel Brooks when he did “Blazing Saddles.” It’s so wrong, so non-PC. But if he gets away with it (and Downey does), he will not only shock audiences but he could shock himself into a nomination.
6. On another technical note, “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” will get a much deserved nomination for make-up.
7. It’s Academy tradition that if Meryl Streep works at all during any given year of cinema, she must be nominated. But this nomination will not come from “Mamma Mia.” It will come from her performance as Sister Aloysius in John Patrick Stanley’s “Doubt,” due later this year.
The list will be capped by three films generating buzz in the Best Picture category.
8. “Revolutionary Road” - the reunion of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, directed by Winslet’s husband, Sam Mendes.
9. “Frost/Nixon,” based on the Tony nominated play directed by Ron Howard.
10. Baz Luhrman’s “Australia.” The trailer alone will give you chills.
2008 overall has been a pretty good year for cinema; lots of movies based on plays, lots of groundbreaking technological effects. Look for more Oscar favorites the closer we get to the holiday season.
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