LET RACE FOR OSCAR START NOW
COVID has changed the rules, but the buzz remains the same
Most of this year’s Oscar contenders never got a chance to shine on the big screen — but they’re full of movie magic all the same.
A robust lineup of Academy Award hopefuls has Hollywood abuzz over likely nominees for the gold statuettes, even though most of the cinematic offerings were either streamed on digital platforms or had release dates pushed back over coronavirus restrictions.
Under special rules this year, the eligibility date for the Oscars was moved from Dec. 31 to Feb. 28 — the originally scheduled date for the ceremony. The good news is, you now have time to catch up on all the front-runners before the awards show, which will air on its rescheduled date of April 25.
“Mank”
Netflix’s black-and-white drama about “Citizen Kane” screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz is a love letter to filmmaking that has received praise for its work in front of and behind the camera. Amanda Seyfried, who plays Marion Davies, is a favorite for best supporting actress, and Gary Oldman looks good for a best actor nod as Mankiewicz.
Streaming on Netflix, “Mank” also is a best picture contender.
“Nomadland”
This early leader in the best picture field has Frances McDormand as a woman who journeys through the Midwest after her life is upended by an economic recession. She is in prime position to compete for her third best actress Oscar.
A release in IMAX is set for Jan. 29, with premieres in standard theaters and on Hulu to follow on Feb. 19.
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Viola Davis, an Oscar winner in 2017, strikes a chord as the no-nonsense, pioneering blues singer Ma Rainey — a performance that has many predicting a best actress nomination. Earning equal praise is Chadwick Boseman in his final film role before dying on Aug. 28 from cancer at age 43. A posthumous nomination for best actor is likely in the cards for Boseman, who played the headstrong trumpeter Levee.
The movie showing on Netflix is another best picture contender. “One Night In Miami”
The highly anticipated drama about a fictional meeting between four legends — Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Jim Brown and Sam Cooke — after Ali’s victory over Sonny Liston on Feb. 25, 1964 has more than a fighter’s chance at best picture. Leslie Odom Jr. is receiving best supporting actor buzz for his portrayal of Cooke, while Regina King is poised for a best director nomination. The movie is on Amazon Prime Video.
This Disney+ product is Pixar at its best, with funny moments, heartfelt messages and beautiful animation. The film — about a middle-school jazz teacher whose soul is separated from his body — will contend for best animated feature and best original screenplay, and could be in the best picture mix, too.
“News of the World”
“News of the World” stars Tom Hanks as a former Civil War soldier who tries to reunite a girl kidnapped by Kiowa people with her family. Available in theaters and via video on demand, the movie is in the best picture discussion. Hanks, a two-time Oscar winner, could snag his seventh nomination.
“Pieces of a Woman”
Vanessa Kirby is a heavy favorite for best actress for her gripping performance as a grieving woman devastated by a heartbreaking home birth. And at 88, Ellen Burstyn would be the oldest Oscar nominee ever if she receives a nod for best supporting actress.
The movie is on Netflix.
“The Father”
“The Father” may well end up
being the granddaddy of them all, as it’s a contender in the best picture race.
It’s also poised to make some noise in the acting categories. Best actor candidate Anthony Hopkins shines as a man struggling with memory loss, while Olivia Colman, who plays his concerned daughter, is expected to receive a best supporting actress nod. Both have previously won an Oscar. It hits theaters Feb. 26.
“The Trial of the Chicago 7
The verdict from critics is one of nearly universal praise. The cast — which includes Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne and Mark Rylance — is so deep that some have wondered whether the candidates may cancel each other out in the best supporting actor race.
A best picture nomination is also expected for the film, which is available to watch now on Netflix.
“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”
Singer-actress Andra Day is a sure contender for best actress field for her performance as jazz icon Billie Holiday. The film centers on Holiday as she pushes back against the federal government, which tries to prevent her from performing her song “Strange Fruit.” The biographical-drama hits Hulu on Feb. 26.
“Judas and the Black Messiah”
Daniel Kaluuya, who stars as Black Panther chairman Fred Hampton, and Lakeith Stanfield, who plays an FBI informant, William O’Neal, working against him, are both in the mix for acting nominations. The movie is out Feb. 12 in theaters and on HBO Max. “Minari”
Scheduled for an expanded theatrical release on Feb. 12, “Minari” was one of the most-talkedabout films at 2020 festivals. The film about a Korean-American family in Arkansas pursuing its American Dream is in the best picture conversation, while star Steven Yeun and director Lee Isaac Chung are among those who could receive nominations for the movie.
“Promising Young Woman”
Carey Mulligan’s prospects are promising for a best actress nod. She’s received widespread praise for her performance as a woman who secretly schemes to bring down predatory men. The movie is now in theaters and on demand.
“Malcolm & Marie”
The movie stars John David Washington as a filmmaker who forgets to thank his girlfriend, played by Zendaya, at his movie premiere. Both stars are in consideration for lead acting noms. It’s out Feb. 5 on Netflix.
“Sound of Metal”
As a musician who begins to lose his hearing, Riz Ahmed is in the best actor race for the movie directed by Darius Marder. Available on Amazon Prime Video.