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As January approaches, the 81 Annual Academy Awards edges closer. As it creeps, the contenders crawl, vying for that shiny golden man’s attention. By now, almost all award-luring films have been screened for review. From what I’ve read and seen myself, these are my five Best Picture slot predictions.
The Tragic Love Story
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Director: David Fincher (Fight Club)
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton
Why? The brilliant special effects, tear jerker status, and star-studded cast
breathe life into this page-to-screen revision of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story about a man who ages backwards, giving the film more than enough bark; but will it bite? Honestly, even if Brad Pitt’s performance doesn’t quite cut the Best Actor mustard, this film is looking to gather quite a few nominations besides Best Picture.
The Underdog
- Slumdog Millionaire
Director: Danny Boyle (28 Days Later)
Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto
Why? You’ve more than likely never heard of this film let alone it’s stars, but if
this poignant tale of life and love in the slums of Mumbai moves audiences as much as it did at film festivals, then this underdog’s chin can stay raised.
The Thought Provoker
- Revolutionary Road
Director: Sam Mendes (American Beauty)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet
Why? With Mendes as the driving force behind it, this provocative adaptation of
Richard Yates 1961 novel about an antiestablishment 1950s couple that becomes trapped in conventional suburbia, boasting two of the biggest names in film, impresses many, and reviews have already generated praise.
The Political Piece
- Frost/Nixon
Director: Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind)
Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen
Why? What worked well on Broadway apparently works even better on screen.
Peter Morgan’s play focused on tête-à-tête between the ruthless former president Richard Nixon and starry-eyed reporter David Frost translates into suspense and enticement in Ron Howard’s hands. Hopefully, “The Queen” scribe Morgan delivers.
The Crowd Pleaser
- The Dark Knight
Director: Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins)
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
Why? It came shockingly close to matching the box office celebrity of Titanic,
and the untimely death of star Heath Ledger only gave the picture more heat. Nolan’s darker take on billionaire Bruce Wayne’s adventures as the Caped Crusader and controversial politically themed nuances gave viewers a realistic approach to the superhero genre. And let’s face it, Heath Ledger’s performance was a phenomenon all its own.
Runners-Up
Milk
Doubt
The Reader
The Wrestler
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