The holidays are upon us, which means that the year is coming to a close. With the fast approaching new year comes the start of a multitude of awards shows. Personally, my excitement for awards season culminates at the Academy Awards. Nominations don't come out until January, but the time has come to make my personal predications of what looks like Oscar bait.
In recent years biopics have been especially popular, so of course there are a medley of dramatic biopics premiering this fall. Next are the inspiring, spine-tingling dramas. Last are the successful novel adaptations.
Meryl Streep is an obvious pick for best actress for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady". It almost seems unfair after her 16 nominations and two victories. There seems to be no competition for Streep. She's an incredible actress and critics love her. Glenn Close might be able to make a stand against Streep with her role as a cross dressing woman attempting to fend for herself in 19th century Ireland in "Albert Knobs". Michelle Williams is a lock for a nomination for her performance as Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn".
George Clooney has best actor in the bag for his role as an earnest father trying to keep his family together after his wife falls into a coma in "The Descendants". Leonardo DiCaprio could pull the rug out from under him for "J. Edgar," but the quality of the entire film could bring DiCaprio down a few notches. Both biopics and warmhearted dramas are strong contenders for nominations, but in the case of Clooney versus DiCaprio I think the quirky drama will bring the Oscar home.
The film creating the most buzz this year is "The Artist", a French film directed by Michel Hazanavicius. It is an authentic portrayal of the period between 1927 and 1932 when silent films were replaced by sound. The film itself is black and white and silent. The intrigue alone earns it a nomination.
Other films to watch out for when nominations are posted include:
- "The Help"
- "Shame"
- "Carnage"
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