8 (5) Film Festival Movies Getting the Most Oscar Buzz
Which movies came out of the fall fests with the most Oscar-season oomph? Here’s my rundown of the biggest winners and some rumors about the films yet to come: https://t.co/vhJyGIObpe
- Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) September 15, 2022
After weeks of comically long standing ovations to Spitgate to tales of Marilyn's ghost, awards season is finally coming into focus.
The New York Times' Kyle Buchanan touches on the 8 (5!) buzziest titles and the ones we have yet to see (Babylon and the industry rumors Apple may release Will Smith's big-budget slavery drama Emancipation at the end of the year):
- The Whale: Hollywood loves a transformative role and comeback story and this year Brendan Fraser has both. "Interest in the 53-year-old actor’s return to the limelight is high, and every time a clip of an emotional Fraser soaking up the applause in Venice and Toronto hits social media, a younger generation who grew up on his heroism in The Mummy reliably gets it. these videos go viral. Although some pundits at the festival took issue with the film’s portrayal of an obese protagonist, awards voters will still be delighted with Fraser’s performance, making him this year’s favorite for best actor."
- Tar: Get ready for Tar-mania. Some awards pundits are calling this Cate Blanchett's Raging Bull, touching on topics like Me Too and Cancel Culture. "Blanchett won career-best raves in Venice for her role - and taught herself German, piano and conducting to boot - so a third Oscar is just around the corner. Still, a strong year for Best Actress contenders will make Blanchett’s battle fierce."
- Women Speak: The Sarah Pauley-directed film did quite well although..."With a wide-ranging cast that includes awards favorites Rooney Mara, Jessie Buckley and Claire Foy - as well as three-time Best Actress winner McDormand in a small role - “Women Talk” should score a few nominations, though some viewers men I spoke to after the film’s Toronto screening proved surprisingly resistant to the film’s lengthy debate about sexual assault."
- The Woman King: Viola Davis stars as leader of the Agojie, an all-female band of warriors defending 1820s West Africa. It opens this weekend and eyes are on how well it does. "Davis is an Oscar winner (also up for three other nominations) who called “The Woman King” her magnum opus while introducing the film, and a performance this passionate and athletic should be in contention all season long."
- Everything Everywhere All At Once: The Michelle Yeoh-led film has maintained a steady beat of buzz despite having premiered in March. Plus with no clear director and best picture frontrunners emerging from the festivals, expect A24 to make a big push. "Yeoh’s Best Actress nomination is all but certain, though she’ll face plenty of competition from Blanchett. Both women have been given dazzling signature roles this year and their competition should be the most exciting of the season."
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