Wednesday Oscar Watch with Abe

Welcome to the latest edition of a seasonal weekly 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 22nd-29th, 2013

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
The first film in this series didn’t merit any nominations, and though this one received notably better reviews, it’s still not likely. Usually series like this tend to get rewarded for their final installments if at all.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
The last Nelson Mandela film, 2009’s “Invictus,” underperformed majorly with Oscar voters, earning just two nominations for performers Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. The Best Actor field this year is plenty crowded, and though Idris Elba has earned plenty of respect recently, I don’t think he’s going to figure into the race.

Oldboy
This disturbing thriller might have some Oscar potential, but I suspect that it will prove too unsettling for voters. It also didn’t receive tremendous reviews. Director Spike Lee earned his one and only feature film nomination for penning “Do the Right Thing” way back in 1989, and star Josh Brolin was nominated for an acting Oscar in 2008 for “Milk.”

Philomena
Judi Dench is almost automatically an Oscar contender for any film, and this pleasant drama is sure to earn her another nomination. Director Stephen Frears, a two-time nominee, won’t factor into the race, but the film could manage a Best Picture nomination like the one it earned from the International Press Academy. Best Original Score is probably its best other bet.