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!

A few awards bodies have started announcing nominations and giving out prizes. Head over to Shockya to read my thoughts on the Independent Spirit Awards, Gotham Awards, and New York Film Critics Circle picks.

Films released November 18-25, 2011

The Artist
This film is sure to be an immense crowd-pleaser, and I suspect that it’s going to get nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (Jean Dujardin) at the very least. Bérénice Bejo is a good bet if they really love the film, and Best Original Screenplay will probably happen as well. In the technical categories, I imagine it will make a dent in Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design, and maybe Best Film Editing as well. This is going to be a popular film, already having won the NYFCC Best Picture prize!

A Dangerous Method
The last two David Cronenberg films released, “Eastern Promises” and “A History of Violence,” have netted one acting nomination apiece. If it were up to me, Viggo Mortensen would earn his second nod for playing Freud. Michael Fassbender and Keira Knightley might contend as well, and the film could pop up in Best Costume Design or Best Original Score.

The Descendants
Alexander Payne’s hit film is a lock for Best Picture, as well as Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor George Clooney. That could be it, but I think Shailene Woodley will put up a good fight for Best Supporting Actress, and the film could also manage a Best Film Editing or Best Original Score mention.

Happy Feet Two
This film’s predecessor won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature back in 2006, and it may face off against two sequels to other Oscar-nominated animated films this year. A Best Original Song nomination isn’t out of the question either.

Hugo
I have no idea how to evaluate this film’s chances, since it could well make it into the top races since it’s directed by Martin Scorsese. I think that, at the very least, it will be nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction. Best Costume Design is likely as well, as are Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup, and Best Film Editing.

My Week with Marilyn
It’s a good bet that Michelle Williams will be nominated for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe, and despite his Independent Spirit Awards snub, Kenneth Branagh is a strong contender for his performance as Laurence Olivier. The film might merit a Best Costume Design or Best Art Direction mention, but I think that’s it.

The Muppets
This family adventure is likely to pop up in the Best Original Song category, which I’ll be taking a closer look at as we get closer to the announcement of Oscar nominations.