Yes, it’s time to catch up with the Oscars. Many movies have been seen, but several haven’t yet– at least by the public. And some no one’s seen– meaning Martin Scorsese’s “Silence.” And some were good to talk about but they weren’t as rich as their elements.
My thoughts for mid November:
BEST PICTURE
La La Land, Manchester by the Sea, 20th Century Women, Sully and Lion all seem like they’re in. Fences has had one great screening in Los Angeles. We’ll see it in New York shortly. That makes six. Now what? Moonlight looks very certain, and its growing box office is helping the cause. Nocturnal Animals is very strong. That’s eight. My guess is Silence has a strong shot. Also out there: Hidden Figures.
That’s a very nice group of films, by the way.
BEST ACTOR
A toss up category. Casey Affleck in “Manchester” is the front runner. Tom Hanks as “Sully” is not far behind. I’m hearing Denzel Washington for “Fences,” which makes sense. And then what? Ryan Gosling could make it in with “La La Land.” I really love Warren Beatty in “Rules Don’t Apply.” We don’t know yet what Liam Neeson does in “Silence.”
BEST ACTRESS
This is the year of the actress! Emma Stone in “La La Land.” Annette Bening in “20th Century Women.” Amy Adams in “Arrival” or “Nocturnal Animals.” And then we have Meryl Streep, so good in “Florence Foster Jenkins,” Helen Mirren rocking “Eye in the Sky” and Taraji P. Henson in “Hidden Figures.” I really think Viola Davis should have stayed in this category. But she went Supporting. For now. Plus Isabelle Huppert is a killer in “Elle.” Lots of choices. Very hard. If it had done better, Woody Allen’s “Cafe Society” might have opened a slot for Kristen Stewart. Excellent work.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Mahershala Ali in “Moonlight” just jumps out at you. Dev Patel — not sure if he’s lead or supporting, but he’s integral to “Lion.” Billy Crudup is terrific in “20th Century Women.” Hugh Grant very strong in “FFJ.” And then who? Lucas Hedges and Kyle Chandler are magnificent in “Manchester.” Hard to choose between them. Jake Gyllenhaal is outstanding in “Nocturnal Animals” but so is Michael Shannon. (He may be the surprise of the year.) We’re waiting to see what Andrew Garfield does in “Silence.”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Viola Davis is already getting raves for “Fences,” and frankly, you can see this coming from a mile away. But there are other terrific turns. Nicole Kidman has a speech in “Lion” that ensures a spot. Michelle Williams has her own amazing moment in “Manchester.” Naomie Harris is profound in “Moonlight.” Greta Gerwig and Elle Fanning are each stunning in “20th Century Women.” Margo Martindale is sensational in “The Hollars,” which I hope Academy members will watch on DVD. And then there’s Janelle Monae in both “Moonlight” and “Hidden Figures,” and former winner Octavia Spencer in “Hidden Figures.”
So stay tuned, there’s more to come…
