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. 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 November 11, 2011

J. Edgar
Of the last eight films Clint Eastwood has directed, six have netted Oscar nominations. The film wasn’t entirely warmly received by critics, but Leonardo DiCaprio is almost certain to hear his name called for Best Actor. If the film does well, Eastwood will earn a directing nod and the film could compete for Best Picture. Armie Hammer is a possibility for Best Supporting Actor as well, and the film’s costumes, art direction, and editing have a shot.

Melancholia
Lars Von Trier films have earned a total of two Oscar nominations, “Dancer in the Dark” for Best Original Song and “Breaking the Waves” for Best Actress. His latest film is among his best reviewed, and its strongest contenders are Kirsten Dunst for Best Actress and its gorgeous cinematography and art direction. I’m not sure it will make the cut in the end, though.

Into the Abyss
It’s not certain yet whether it will be eligible, but this Werner Herzog films could compete in the Best Documentary category.