Wednesday Oscar Watch

Welcome to a newly-restarted feature here at Movies with Abe, Wednesday Oscar Watch with Abe. It’s a bit early to be able to accurately predict the eventual Oscar nominees, but around this time, plenty of likely contenders are being released. I’ll be looking every Wednesday at the awards chances for all of the films released the previous week. Additionally, to make up for lost time, I’ll also be taking a look at the films released earlier in the year, two months at a time. Chime in with your thoughts on the Oscar chances for these films in the comments section. Also, if I’ve missed any films from the previous months, please say so!

Films released August 31st – September 2nd, 2011

The Debt
This thriller features a whole handful of great performances, and I’ll spotlight three of them that could have a fighting chance at a nomination. Helen Mirren is an Oscar winner and a three-time nominee, and if she could get nominated for “The Last Station,” she can get nominated for anything. Tom Wilkinson is a two-time nominee, and it’s been a few years since he was last recognized. Rising star Jessica Chastain has multiple roles out this year, and this is the most substantial of the bunch, but I think she’ll ultimately be eclipsed by Mirren. Director John Madden was nominated for “Shakespeare in Love,” though I’m not sure this film will catch on in the same way.

Seven Days in Utopia
It’s worth noting that Oscar winners Robert Duvall and Melissa Leo appear in this G-rated golf movie, but any awards recognition for this film is highly doubtful.

Films released January & February 2011

I would seriously love it if ignored Best Foreign Film contenders from last year When We Leave (January 28) and Of Gods and Men (February 25) could earn some recognition this year, but I think that’s extremely unlikely.

Cedar Rapids (February 11)
This independent comedy probably won’t win any awards, but it’s the kind of film that could make some noise at the Independent Spirit Awards or the Golden Globes and is hard not to like, if voters haven’t forgotten all about it.

Gnomeo & Juliet (February 11)
I haven’t seen this one, but it could be a contender for Best Animated Feature.