Oscar run part XI

The Oscar Run is a feature discussing how the Oscar race is shaping up.

Doug Laman, Movie Critic
January 7, 2014

Well, like the Backstreet Boys, the Oscar Run is back. Yes, after watching too many movies over the break, not to mention eating an insane amount of junk food, I have returned to talk about my predictions for this years Oscars which have been greatly altered after seeing some of the most talked about movies in this year’s award season.

The Wolf of Wall Street should be a slam dunk in the Oscars, considering A) how good it is and B) the amount of beloved talent involved in the film. However, I do have to wonder if the intentionally over the top vulgar content in the film might dissuade some of the more sensitive Oscar voters. Meanwhile, American Hustle might suffer from the same issues, although it’s got a bit less issues content-wise while also packing a bigger punch in terms of supporting actors.

Inside Llewyn Davis might be a little trickier to get into the Oscars though; it’s content is more challenging than the average film and distributor CBS Films has never handled a film with this kind of Oscar buzz before. Still, if handled properly, I think there’s hope that this fantastic movie can get some much deserved Oscar recognition. I should note that the film recently won Best Picture by the National Society of Film Critics.

With the Golden Globes this Sunday, we’ll get some more clarity on the position of these films in the Oscar race. Until then, here’s some minor updates on my predictions.

Best Picture:

* Gravity

* Her

* Captain Phillips

* The Wolf of Wall Street

* Inside Llewyn Davis

* American Hustle

* Dallas Buyers Club

* 12 Years A Slave

* Saving Mr. Banks

* Nebraska

Best Director: