The countdown to the 83rd Academy Awards is on, with the official nomination press conference set for the early hours of tomorrow morning. As is the custom, bloggers and critics have been hypothesizing for weeks now as to which movies and actors will be recognized by the Academy. Everyone seems to agree that 'The Kids Are Alright,' 'The Fighter,' 'Black Swan,' 'Toy Story 3,' 'The King's Speech' and 'The Social Network' will pick up several nominations, including Best Picture. Nods for 'True Grit,' '127 Hours' and 'Inception' are also on the table.
But what about the many standout films and performances that are likely to be overlooked by Oscar this year?
"This year, there just aren't that many studio projects aside from 'Inception' and 'Toy Story 3' -- there's no 'Avatar' like last year or 'Wall-E' from the previous year," says Lucas Carter, vice president of LA-based production company Intrigue Entertainment and a former VP at The Weinstein Company, where he worked on the Oscar campaigns for 'The Reader,' 'Vicki Cristina Barcelona' and 'A Single Man.' "The surprise could be 'Winter's Bone.' 'True Grit,' which was snubbed by the HFPA [Golden Globes], will be nominated, possibly 'Blue Valentine.'"
"The 10th slot is always up in the air," Carter continued. "[But] the big titles are 'Kings Speech,' 'Social Network,' 'Black Swan,' 'Fighter,' 'The Kids Are Alright,' 'Inception' and 'Toy Story 3.'"
A quick look at this year's Golden Globe nominations -- which have historically served as a reliable predictor for the Oscars -- would suggest there were no such movies. After all, how dreadful must the other contenders be for a critical (and box office) bomb like 'The Tourist' to pick up three nominations? But in reality there were many films and performances that are every bit as worthy of Oscar gold as this year's predicted nominees, despite the fact that they probably won't receive any nominations.
Here are eight of them.
'Harry Brown':
Michael Caine's role as a badass British vigilante who takes down a gang of local hoodlums was one of the year's best performances.
'Mother and Child':
Sure, Annette Bening's role in 'The Kids Are Alright' was great, but her performance in Rodrigo Garcia's thoughtful (though shamefully underpublicized) drama was positively spectacular.
'Casino Jack':
Who but Kevin Spacey could make corrupt lobbyist and businessman Jack Abramoff seem lovable?
'The Ghost Writer':
Both Ewan McGregor and Pierce Brosnan delivered excellent performances in Roman Polanski's intelligent thriller. If only Kim Cattrall had left her dreadful British accent at home, 'The Ghost Writer' might be a serious contender for Best Picture.
'Conviction':
While Hilary Swank is no slouch as the female lead in this under-hyped film, it is Sam Rockwell, as a man wrongfully convicted of murder, whose performance is truly remarkable.
'Greenberg':
The only consolation in knowing that neither Ben Stiller nor Greta Gerwig are likely to be nominated for 'Greenberg' is the thought of how much Greenberg himself would abhor everything about awards season altogether.
'Catfish':
With any luck, 'Exit Through the Gift Shop' and 'Inside Job' will receive nominations for Best Documentary, and they deserve to. But this low-budget documentary -- which has all the complexity and intrigue of a scripted film -- would be a welcome, if unlikely, addition to the category.
'I Love You Phillip Morris':
Jim Carrey's depiction of real-life gay con artist Steven Russell proves the actor has come a long way since 'Ace Ventura.' But, sadly (if as always), it seems there may only be room for one nomination for a gay performance, and this year it's going to lesbians.
Showing posts with label Nominated. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nominated. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Oscar-Nominated Actress Susannah York Dies
British actress Susannah York, one of the leading stars of British and Hollywood films in the late 1960s and early 1970s, has died in London. She was 72.
York received an Oscar nomination in 1970 for her role in "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" and also appeared in the classic "A Man For All Seasons" before going on to play Christopher Reeve's biological mother in the "Superman"
She died of cancer Saturday at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. Her son, the actor Orlando Wells, said York was an incredibly brave woman who did not complain about her illness and a "truly wonderful mother." He said she went into the hospital on Jan. 6 after experiencing shoulder pain.
York had a long, distinguished career on film, television and on stage, but she is best remembered for her early roles, when she had an immediate impact that started with her 1963 role as Albert Finney's love interest in the memorable period piece romp "Tom Jones."
With its tongue-in-cheek sensuality and gentle send-up of the British aristocracy, the film is remembered as an early landmark in 1960s cinema, and York's unmistakable presence added to its appeal. Her long blond hair, stunning blue eyes and quick-witted repartee brought her a string of excellent roles.
York acted with major stars like Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, George C. Scott and many others, stirring some controversy with her daring portrayal of a lesbian in the 1968 drama "The Killing of Sister George."
In 1972, York won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Her film work tailed off as London's "Swinging Sixties" era faded into cultural history, but she returned to play Superman's mother.
Actress and politician Glenda Jackson, who starred with York in the 1975 film version of "The Maids," said York's death "came as a shock."
Jackson said York had been a pleasure to work with and was "too young to go."
York branched out into television and stage work, earning a number of accolades and awards throughout her long career. She made appearances in several successful TV shows including "The Love Boat" in the U.S. and "Holby City" in Britain.
Her stage work continued for much of her career and included several one-woman shows.
British director Richard Bracewell, who worked with York later in her career, described her as "electrifying" once the cameras started to roll.
Wells said his mother was incredibly versatile throughout her working life.
"There was the glamorous Hollywood aspect — she has worked with everyone from John Huston to Sydney Pollack — as well as the big commercial films like Superman," he said.
Wells, an accomplished television actor, said his mother also had a passion for writing.
"She wrote two children's books, which is great for her grandchildren and something we will pass on to them," said Wells.
York was born in London and studied at the storied Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which has tutored many of Britain's top actors throughout the years.
York had two children — son Orlando and daughter Sasha — with her husband, Michael Wells, before they divorced. She is survived by her children and several grandchildren.
York received an Oscar nomination in 1970 for her role in "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" and also appeared in the classic "A Man For All Seasons" before going on to play Christopher Reeve's biological mother in the "Superman"
She died of cancer Saturday at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. Her son, the actor Orlando Wells, said York was an incredibly brave woman who did not complain about her illness and a "truly wonderful mother." He said she went into the hospital on Jan. 6 after experiencing shoulder pain.
York had a long, distinguished career on film, television and on stage, but she is best remembered for her early roles, when she had an immediate impact that started with her 1963 role as Albert Finney's love interest in the memorable period piece romp "Tom Jones."
With its tongue-in-cheek sensuality and gentle send-up of the British aristocracy, the film is remembered as an early landmark in 1960s cinema, and York's unmistakable presence added to its appeal. Her long blond hair, stunning blue eyes and quick-witted repartee brought her a string of excellent roles.
York acted with major stars like Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, George C. Scott and many others, stirring some controversy with her daring portrayal of a lesbian in the 1968 drama "The Killing of Sister George."
In 1972, York won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Her film work tailed off as London's "Swinging Sixties" era faded into cultural history, but she returned to play Superman's mother.
Actress and politician Glenda Jackson, who starred with York in the 1975 film version of "The Maids," said York's death "came as a shock."
Jackson said York had been a pleasure to work with and was "too young to go."
York branched out into television and stage work, earning a number of accolades and awards throughout her long career. She made appearances in several successful TV shows including "The Love Boat" in the U.S. and "Holby City" in Britain.
Her stage work continued for much of her career and included several one-woman shows.
British director Richard Bracewell, who worked with York later in her career, described her as "electrifying" once the cameras started to roll.
Wells said his mother was incredibly versatile throughout her working life.
"There was the glamorous Hollywood aspect — she has worked with everyone from John Huston to Sydney Pollack — as well as the big commercial films like Superman," he said.
Wells, an accomplished television actor, said his mother also had a passion for writing.
"She wrote two children's books, which is great for her grandchildren and something we will pass on to them," said Wells.
York was born in London and studied at the storied Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which has tutored many of Britain's top actors throughout the years.
York had two children — son Orlando and daughter Sasha — with her husband, Michael Wells, before they divorced. She is survived by her children and several grandchildren.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Oscar-Nominated Director Peter Yates Dies at 81
Peter Yates, the four-time Oscar-nominated British director of 'Bullitt' and 'Breaking Away,' has died at the age of 81. A statement from Yates' agent, Judy Daish, said he died Sunday in London after an illness.
Yates was nominated for four Oscars, two as director and two as producer, for 'Breaking Away' and 'The Dresser.'
He was also responsible for one of the most famous sequences in cinema: actor Steve McQueen's Ford Mustang car chase through the hilly streets of San Francisco in the 1968 police thriller 'Bullitt.'
Most recently, Yates returned to directing for television, creating adaptations of John Knowles' 'A Separate Piece' and Cervantes' 'Don Quixote.' His last feature film was 'Curtain Call' in 1999.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Pope, a son and a daughter. Monday's statement said a private family funeral would be held.
Yates was nominated for four Oscars, two as director and two as producer, for 'Breaking Away' and 'The Dresser.'
He was also responsible for one of the most famous sequences in cinema: actor Steve McQueen's Ford Mustang car chase through the hilly streets of San Francisco in the 1968 police thriller 'Bullitt.'
Most recently, Yates returned to directing for television, creating adaptations of John Knowles' 'A Separate Piece' and Cervantes' 'Don Quixote.' His last feature film was 'Curtain Call' in 1999.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Pope, a son and a daughter. Monday's statement said a private family funeral would be held.
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