‘Get Out’ is a unique Oscar contender

The movie year seems destined to conclude the way it essentially began: With everybody talking about “Get Out.’’

Jordan Peele’s horror sensation is again the subject of debate after it was reported that Universal Pictures submitted the film for Golden Globe Awards consideration as a comedy, rather than a drama. The film’s classification will ultimately reside with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, but whatever the outcome, the controversy shows how “Get Out’’ is already challenging the conventions of Hollywood’s prestige movie season.

Peele, himself, has showed no desire to quell the backlash, only to slyly prod it.

“Get Out,’’ he said simply on Twitter, is a documentary. Appearing on “The Late Show’’ on Wednesday night, Peele stuck with that label for his race-savvy social satire.

“The movie is truth. The thing that resonated with people is truth,’’ said Peele, before seguing into a joke. “For me, it’s more of a historical biopic. The original title was ‘Get Out: The Kanye West Story’ but I had to lop off the end.’’

Most experts believe “Get Out,’’ which made $253.4 million worldwide on a $4.5 million budget, is a favourite for a best picture nomination at the Academy Awards. Universal has mailed for-your-consideration screeners, and an awards campaign has been mounted.

If “Get Out’’ were to be nominated, it would be unusual on many counts. Seldom are directorial debuts, February releases or horror films nominated for best picture.