Edmonton Journal

A look at who the nominees are likely to be

The Oscar party might be months away, but it’s never too early to think about the guest list. So far, it looks like contenders outnumber front-runners, yet there are some trends emerging. Psychologi­cal studies rule. And there are assorted biopics, a few s

- bthompson@postmedia.com

BEST FILM

Modest but meaningful seems to be the thing. The biracial love story Loving has strong backing. So do the personalit­y profile Manchester by the Sea, the harsh coming-of-age flick Moonlight and the serious fantasy yarn A Monster Calls.

More candidates show up in Clint Eastwood’s heroic biopic Sully, which has Tom Hanks in the title role, and Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic Arrival starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.

The crime tale Hell or High Water is all about the performanc­es of Jeff Bridges and Chris Pine. Mel Gibson’s war film Hacksaw Ridge is earning festival raves as well.

An exception to the darkness is the light and lively musical La La Land, showcasing the talents of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.

BEST ACTOR

Casey Affleck’s lost soul in transition drives Manchester by the Sea with award-worthy distinctio­n. Hank’s stoic yet resilient airline pilot Sully is one of his better efforts.

Speaking of the acclaimed, Denzel Washington redefines his Fences portrayal with the same sort of compassion that earned him a Tony for his Broadway emoting of the role.

Joel Edgerton might get some Academy love for his Loving portrayal. And Gosling reveals his happy dancer persona with invigorati­ng La La Land conviction.

BEST ACTRESS

Bound for glory is Natalie Portman’s detailed version of the grieving Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie. Ruth Negga’s determined wife in the biracial Loving is a likely nominee, too.

Never count out Meryl Streep. Her unlikely vocalist in Florence Foster Jenkins impresses.

Viola Davis reboots her Fences part, which also won her a Tony.

Competing as long shots will be Jennifer Lawrence’s sci-fi turn in Passengers, Stone’s musical moments in La La Land and Emily Blunt’s hazy alcoholic from The Girl on the Train.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Hugh Grant’s loyal cad of a husband in Florence Foster Jenkins might square off with Ralph Fiennes’ energetic scoundrel from A Bigger Splash and Bridges’ crusty modern day Texas Ranger in Hell or High Water.

Peter Sarsgaard’s Bobby Kennedy in Jackie might get some Academy attention.

Ditto Aaron Eckhart’s co-pilot in Sully.

Mahershala Ali, thanks to TV’s House of Cards and the Luke Cage series, is a contender with momentum and a notable performanc­e in Moonlight.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Forget Felicity Jones headlining the upcoming Star Wars flick, she should get Oscar’s attention for her portrayal of the mom coping with cancer in A Monster Calls.

Lupita Nyong’o could be back at the party for playing the needy matriarch trying to help her daughter escape the slums in Queen of Katwe. Naomie Harris found fame in the James Bond pictures, but she will likely earn a nomination for her crack-addict mother in Moonlight.

Michelle Williams is in the conversati­on thanks to her role as the estranged wife in Manchester by the Sea. So is Aja Naomi King for defining the slave Cherry in The Birth of a Nation.

BEST DIRECTOR

Three favourites have qualificat­ions for different reasons. Eastwood (Sully) is a lifetime achiever. Jon Favreau (The Jungle Book) is daring. Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea) is intermitte­nt but accomplish­ed.

Contenders include Quebec filmmaker Villeneuve (Arrival), who was snubbed for Sicario last year. J.A. Bayona (A Monster Calls) and Damien Chazelle (La La Land) have supporters.

Backlash for controvers­ial circumstan­ces might eliminate Mel Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge) and Nate Parker (The Birth of a Nation).

BEST ANIMATED FILM

Finding Dory is a given. So are Zootopia and Kubo and the Two Strings. Moana and Trolls will be in the animated discussion.

The Red Turtle received great notices at Cannes and Sing is enjoying some pre-release buzz.

 ?? FOX SEARCHLIGH­T PICTURES ?? Jackie hasn’t even hit theatres yet, but the Academy Award buzz for Natalie Portman’s portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in the film is undeniable.
FOX SEARCHLIGH­T PICTURES Jackie hasn’t even hit theatres yet, but the Academy Award buzz for Natalie Portman’s portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in the film is undeniable.

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