With the Hollywood
Foreign Press and the Screen Actor Guild already pulling back the curtain on
this year’s group of nominees, it will soon be time for the Academy of Arts
& Sciences to do the same. This six part series will look at each of the
main categories and break down the frontrunners and dark horses of this Oscar
season.
The Frontrunners:
David Fincher (“The Social Network”)
No movie so far in
2010 has been as well received as “The Social Network.” Fincher, his cast and
screenwriter Aaron Sorkin have been collecting awards and nominations left and
right. It would be a true shock not to see it be successful here as well.
David O’Russell
(“The Fighter”)
Russell has had
a few successful films to his credit, but never one with this much buzz
behind it. “The Fighter” has a high talent pedigree and with so many strong
performances being turned in, it would only seem logical that the director
would be recognized for it.
Tom Hooper (“The King’s Speech)
With his movie and his
three leads seemingly locks for nomination, there is no reason to believe
Hooper won’t be rewarded with his first nomination.
Danny Boyle (“127 Hours”)
Boyle is a former winner who
struck gold with “Slumdog Millionaire,” and seems poised to return to the dance
with this true story. While both Boyle and his lead, James Franco (also one of
this telecast’s co-hosts) are heavy favorites, the trick is that the discussion
around the film has been more about them and less about the movie itself, which
could hamper its chances down the line.
The Contenders:
Christopher Nolan (“Inception”)
Nolan has always been a talented visionary
director, but it took “The Dark Knight” to get him into the mainstream
spotlight. Now that the public is behind him, his supporters can use that to
convince the Academy voters that his time to shine is now. “Inception” was
based on an idea he created which was painstakingly thought out; if this year’s
category wasn’t such a crowded field, he’d be a lock.
Darren Aronofksy (“Black Swan”)
Aronofsky scored a
knockout with last year’s “The Wrestler.”
The movie single handedly revived the careers of Mickey Rourke and
Marisa Tomei, both of who scored nominations, although in a shocking move,
Aronofsky was shut out. While he once again
has the hot “it” film, many wonder if he’ll once again be denied a chance at
the big prize.
Lisa Chodolenko (“The Kids Are All Right”)
“The Kids Are
Alright” has been a quiet success this season, but not many people know who
directed it, which will hurt Chodolenko’s chances. While it’s not out of the
realm she could snag a nomination, it would be a surprise.
Joel Coen &
Ethan Coen (“True Grit”)
The Coen brothers have won this category before, but
“True Grit” is not gaining the buzz many expected, which could push them out of
contention.
The Dark Horses:
Tim Burton (“Alice In Wonderland”)
Burton is known for
his darker style, so it is fitting that this year he is a true dark horse in
every way. “Wonderland” was well received both critically and financially, but
it just doesn’t seem likely that will increase its odds.
Martin Scorsese (“Shutter
Island”)
Scorsese shouldn’t be
a dark horse, but with four of the five slots virtually locked up, the often
nominated director (who finally won in 2007) may be left out. “Shutter Island”
was the first big film of 2010, but it may get overshadowed by “Inception”
since share the same lead actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and “Inception” is fresher
in voters’ minds.
Ben Affleck (“The Town”)
The success of “The Town”
surprised everybody and has thrust Affleck into many Oscar conversations. Although as with other contenders, he doesn't seem the most likely to earn the nomination.
Clint Eastwood (“Hereafter”)
Like Scorsese, Eastwood shouldn’t be a dark
horse, but unlike Scorsese, his film “Hereafter” was met with less success and
after being snubbed for last year’s “Invictus” (which was nominated for Best
Picture), his odds aren’t going to be increased.
