Wednesday Oscar Watch

Welcome to the first 2012 edition of this returning 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 October 5th – October 12th, 2012

Argo
This thriller based on real events made back nearly its whole budget in its opening weekend and has received strong reviews all around. Its October release is perfectly in line with the last two films directed by Ben Affleck, “Gone Baby Gone” and “The Town,” both of which received exactly one Oscar nomination for supporting performances. At this rate, and with an expanded Best Picture field, this film many fare better, though I wouldn’t expect any acting accolades. A Best Picture bid is probably its best bet, and maybe a writing or editing nomination as well.

Butter
This comedy didn’t win over audiences, but Jennifer Garner could still be a contender for her first-ever Golden Globe film nomination.

Frankenweenie
This children’s horror comedy, which has proven very popular, is a shoo-in for the Best Animated Feature category, a race that has been temperamental in recent years but should have no trouble finding a place this year.

Wuthering Heights
This UK-produced epic from Andrea Arnold, director of “Fish Tank” and an Oscar winner for producing the short film “Wasp” is probably too small and independent to earn attention, but its visual elements just might.

Films released January and February 2012

Haywire (January 20)
This action film from Steven Soderbergh had plenty of buzz at this time last year, but I think a January release won’t enable it to remain present in voters’ minds.