Tuesday, November 2, 2010



Now that it's November, I think it's about that time of year I start churning out some Oscar predictions. My last post relating to this was contemplating the Oscar chances of "Inception" this coming January. That was way back in July, and we're long past that now. So, let's begin by taking a look at some Best Picture possibilities.

Toy Story 3
At the top of the list is Pixar's summer hit which will undoubtedly make the list as a top contender. Simply put, it's one of the best reviewed movies of the year.

The Social Network
Another no-brainer after this movie's near-perfect reviews from critics.

Inception
Christopher Nolan's brilliant mind-bender deserves its spot on the list and not only because of that "The Dark Knight" snub.

The King's Speech
Although this one hasn't been released yet, this period piece starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter from director Tom Hooper has been getting lots of buzz since its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival.

Another Year
Mike Leigh is overdue for one of these, and with his latest film getting the highest praise of any of his others, it seems like this would be a fine time.

The Kids Are All Right
The indie hit of the summer, this movie pulled off some pretty impressive feats rather nonchalantly with great performances to boot. It has its place within this list locked tight.

127 Hours
Danny Boyle's true life survival tale starring James Franco has been getting early praise, and with the success of "Slumdog Millionaire" on his heels over a year ago, it seems only fitting for one of his movies to make the list again.

True Grit
The return to the west with the Coen brothers in this remake seems like it's headed for awards consideration. These guys just seem to know what they're doing.

Winter's Bone
I know many others have removed this one from the list of Best Picture contenders, but I just feel like it cannot be forgotten. It's too good.

The Fighter
The trailers make it out to look like a bit of a sap, but this one starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Amy Adams could be a powerhouse if done right. For now, I'm putting it in the list, but this tenth spot is really up for grabs.

Other options:

"Secretariat" lost its chances once it didn't do so hot at the box office ruining its chances at another "Blind Side" opportunity.

It's really a toss-up right now whether "Black Swan" could fit in there somewhere. I'm currently sticking with lesser award nominations for this one.

The chances for "Hereafter," which I originally would've put in the list, lessened after all of those disappointing reviews flowed in.

Tyler Perry's "For Colored Girls" also has potential with a bevy of well-known actresses giving supposedly knockout performances. This one stays on the outside for now, though.

Lastly is "Rabbit Hole" with its strong thematic material about the death of a married couple's son. This one could easily replace "The Fighter" or "Winter's Bone" if the conditions are just right.

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