The Oscar race is getting ravenous with a number of films opening for the holidays looking to get an edge on this year’s awards.
Already out on a limited release slate is The Theory of Everything a film about genius Stephen Hawking who an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge, England. Lead actor Eddie Redmayne who plays Hawking and actress Felicity Jones who plays his wife Jane will probably get a nod for major awards.
Opening next week with a major public buzz is another movie about a genius called The Imitation Game. The star of the film is Benedict Cumberbatch who plays Alan Turing who was credited for breaking the Nazi German communications code to help win WWII. Also look to Keira Knightley as a supporting actress for the same film.
Interstellar has already been release a couple weeks ago and it’s visually a stunner. It’s the frontrunner for several cinematography awards and maybe a supporting actress award for Mackenzie Foy who plays young Murph the daughter of Matthew McConaughey‘s character in the film.
Gone Girl a film about the disappearance of a woman that opened in October to get a jump on the season has excellent performances by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike so the two actors should be available when their numbers are called for nominations. Neil Patrick Harris in a surprise support performance that should garner him a nod by the MPAA as well. Best Picture should also be considered.
Bill Murray who plays an outspoken war veteran in St. Vincent. The role may get him a nod for his second chance to win an Oscar. The sweet film should not be missed.
Nightcrawler that opened recently has an outstanding performance by Jake Gyllenhaal as a demented accident chaser. The very dark story has all the trappings for a dark horse nod at Best Picture. Look for a nomination for Rene Russo for supporting actress.
While I am not a big fan of the film, Birdman, a weird film with a superb performance by Michael Keaton who plays a washed-up actor, may slide in for a Best Actor nod.
Finally if you are a fan of war films the movie Fury featuring sold acting, cinematography and story should not be missed.
That’s all for now. I welcome comments and suggestions at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
