After leaving the theater last night I realized that Oscar season is here. I mean, I had just seen Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps a few days ago and the week before that, Ben Afleck’s The Town. But it wasn’t until I saw David Fincher’s The Social Network (aka the Facebook movie) that I realized who the contenders would be for Hollywood’s most prestigious award. Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s only September, how are you so sure any one of these movies will be nominated. Well that’s a good question. But hear me out.
The academy changed its policy last year to increase the number of movies to be nominated for best picture from five to ten. So here’s my potential list of movies that may be considered for best picture:
The Social Network: The plot revolves around the founder of Facebook and former Harvard undergrad Mark Zuckerberg played by Jesse Eisenberg recruits some of his classmates to develop the social networking website, Facebook. The endeavor, however, leads to a messy fallout with friend and co-founder, Eduardo Saverin played by Andrew Garfield. Personally I think they should just give this film the award and call it a day. It’s that good.
The Town: Ben Afleck directs this Boston drama about a career thief Doug MacRay played by Affleck who considers deepening his relationship with Claire played by Rebecca Hall, a bank teller who was traumatized by a recent heist -- and who has no idea that Doug was behind the crime. Meanwhile, an investigator played by Mad Men’s Jon Hamm, who is close to unmasking Doug's secret life.
The Kids are Alright: An alternative-family drama centered on lesbian parents Nic (Annette Benning) and Jules (Julianne Moore), who each conceived a child through artificial insemination. The family's dynamics are tested when their youngest child, 15-year-old Laser (Josh Hutcherson), convinces college-bound Joni (Mia Wasikowska), to look up their donor played by Marc Ruffalo.
Inception: I know I could be just dreaming but I think this movie has a shot at being nominated. If ya haven’t seen Inception by now it’s about a thief played by Leonardo DiCaprio who specializes in the art of extraction, the stealing of secrets from a target's subconscious. Though his profession cost him everything he has ever loved and has turned him into a fugitive, an offer for a final job -- one that requires him to plant an idea instead of pilfering it -- could be his chance at redemption.
Black Swan: While vying for the coveted lead roles in a production of Swan Lake, a veteran ballerina played by Natalie Portman enters into a twisted friendship with a promising new dancer played by Mila Kunis that threatens to consume her. Darren Aronofsky directs.
Hereafter: Clint Eastwood directs a supernatural thriller centered on three people-- a blue-collar American, a French journalist and a London school boy --- touched by death in different ways and the man who helps them communicate with the dead played by Matt Damon.
Welcome to the Riley’s: On a business trip to New Orleans, a married man played by James Gandolfini grieving the loss of his daughter and his estranged marriage begins a tentative friendship with a young runaway played by Twilight’s Kristen Stewart.Never Let Me Go: Set in a dystopian Britain, boarding school friends Ruth (Kira Knightley), Kathy (Carey Mulligan), and Tommy (Andrew Garfield) face the sobering reality that awaits them all as they mature into adults.
The King’s Speech: The chronicle of King George VI's played by Colin Firth effort to overcome his nervous stammer with the assistance of speech therapist Lionel Logue played by Geoffrey Rush.
127 Hours: Danny Boyle directs this true story about a mountain climber Aron Ralston played by James Franco becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive.
For Colored Girls: Tyler Perry directs this adaptation of Ntozake Shange's play (For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf). The drama is centered on a group of black women whose lives and experiences intersect at a 12-step healing program. I’ve got a feeling that this film will be a success for Mr. Perry. People love to hate on him for obvious reasons but there is something sincere in his work even though some may see it as trite and pedestrian.
Here are some notable mentions that I think may sneak in there. Conviction, Secretariat, and The Company Men.
So there you have it. Is it me or am I the only one who thinks Lion’s Gate might buy a nomination for Tyler Perry? After all that money he brings into the studio I really think it's the least they can do for the man.
