Zendaya, Dune 2 and More

Whereas no official nation choices have been made but, Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s Austrian hopeful “The Devil’s Bath,” which premiered on the Berlin Movie Competition and gained the Silver Bear for Excellent Inventive Contribution, might be a powerful contender for the Worldwide Function prize.

Acquired by IFC Movies, the movie follows Agnes in 18th-century Austria as she begins to have evil ideas whereas making ready for marriage. As Jessica Kiang for Selection superbly acknowledged in her overview: “If the story is so pitilessly bleak you may want to look away, the filmmaking craft is so compelling that you can’t.”

“The Devil’s Bath” marks one other standout entry in what guarantees to be a stellar yr for the horror style.

To not be confused with the 2002 drama “Frida” that earned Salma Hayek a Greatest Actress nomination, Carla Gutierrez’s animated documentary goals to observe within the footsteps of “Flee” (2021), which grew to become the primary film to be nominated within the animated, documentary, and worldwide Function classes.

Premiering at Sundance, the place it gained the Jonathan Oppenheim Modifying Award, this magical and fascinating portrait of the enduring Mexican artist, informed via diaries, letters, essays, and interviews, has the potential to be a multi-hyphenate contender within the awards race. It’s a beautiful and compelling achievement.

Additionally within the dialogue: “I Am: Céline Dion” (Amazon MGM); “Power” (Netflix)

Author-director Jeymes Samuel’s sophomore characteristic effort, following “The Harder They Fall,” showcases the skills of Doja Cat, Kodak Black, and Adekunle Gold with the foot-tapping track “Jeezu” in Sony Photos’ “The Book of Clarence.”

It’s uncommon for such an audacious endeavor to have a January launch. Modest critiques and tepid field workplace would possibly influence its Oscar probabilities, however the up to date music set towards a biblical backdrop presents a novel twist.

Alongside a daring efficiency by Lakeith Stanfield, Samuel collaborates with outstanding Black music artists to take care of the movie’s integrity. Any of the tracks from the film, reminiscent of “Hallelujah Heaven,” might be thought of for awards. Nevertheless, rap and hip-hop have typically come up quick on the Oscars, regardless of wins like Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” from “8 Mile” and Three 6 Mafia’s “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” from “Hustle & Flow.”

Gifted composer Amelia Warner has proven promise as a future Oscar-nominated musician, with notable works in “Mary Shelley” and “Mr. Malcolm’s List.” She delivers one of the best musical cues of her profession within the crowd-pleasing sports activities drama “Young Woman and the Sea,” directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Daisy Ridley.

With an enormous identify like Jerry Bruckheimer as a producer, Disney will make sure the movie is a part of its awards roster later within the yr, positioning the music as a key aspect in its feel-good moments.

Additionally within the dialogue: “Challengers” (Amazon MGM); “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.); “Inside Out 2” (Pixar)

We’ve been right here earlier than with the “Planet of the Apes” franchise.

For over 50 years, the visuals have impressed audiences, bringing awe and marvel with its depiction of extremely smart apes, particularly with the 2011 reboot. Although the well-reviewed trilogy has been financially profitable, the visible results Oscar has remained elusive.

twentieth Century Studios, now below Disney, hopes to vary that with well-received continuations that might lastly earn the franchise its overdue recognition.

Additionally within the dialogue: “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.); “The Fall Guy” (Common Photos); “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (Warner Bros.)

How the horror style isn’t acknowledged repeatedly within the sound classes is past my comprehension. IFC’s mixture of live-action and grownup animation (not assembly the 75% threshold to be thought of in animated characteristic, sadly) boasts an eerie, typically spine-tingling aural work that just about feels prefer it’s infiltrating your DNA.

Whereas the indie firm can do its finest to get the Academy voters to acknowledge this story about an animator who struggles to manage her demons, a concentrated effort on the artisans might be sufficient to get it minimally within the awards race.

Additionally within the dialogue: “The Bikeriders” (Focus Options); “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.); “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (twentieth Century Studios)

Residing within the shadow of a technical masterpiece like “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015), which gained six Oscars, is difficult. Nevertheless, “Furiosa” rises to the event with its epic scope, that includes Anya Taylor-Pleasure entering into Charlize Theron’s iconic position because the titular character. The transformative make-up on Taylor-Pleasure and Chris Hemsworth’s unrecognizable portrayal of Warlord Dementus ensures the movie will doubtless make the Oscar shortlist for make-up and hair design.

Additionally within the dialogue: “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.); “Kinds of Kindness” (Searchlight Photos); “Young Woman and the Sea” (Walt Disney Photos)

I like “We Grown Now.” Author-director Minhal Baig’s daring and delightful story of two younger boys who uncover the fun and sorrows of rising up in a public housing advanced in 1992 is a delicate distant cousin to a different Oscar-embraced fantasy-esque coming-of-age movie, “Beasts of the Southern Wild.”

It encompasses textured enhancing from Stephanie Filo, already acknowledged finally yr’s Movie Impartial Spirit Awards, giving the movie its final heartbeat. Sony Photos Classics picked it up, and if sufficient voters uncover it, it might be a effective and really worthy addition to the awards race.

Additionally within the dialogue: “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.); “The Fall Guy” (Common Photos); “Thelma” (Magnolia Photos);

Director James Hawes’s British biopic tells the poignant true story of humanitarian Nicholas Winton, portrayed exquisitely by Anthony Hopkins, who remembers his efforts to save lots of teams of Jewish youngsters earlier than World Conflict II.

Among the many acquainted style of Holocaust-themed movies, the memorable costumes of this drama stand out. Costume designer Joanna Eatwell, a two-time Emmy nominee for “Wolf Hall” and “Carnival Row,” brings her best consideration to element, considerably contributing to the movie’s artistry.

Additionally within the dialogue: “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.); “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (Warner Bros.); “Kinds of Kindness” (Searchlight Photos)

Author-director Jane Schoenbrun’s surreal horror movie, which premiered on the Sundance Movie Competition, showcases a visually compelling aura because of cinematographer Eric Okay. Yue. Whereas the indie circuit is extra more likely to embrace components from the style (you may too, Academy), it’s remained on my thoughts with its highly effective meditation on the trans expertise, and an typically hypnotic framework that reveals magnificence via terror.

Additionally within the dialogue: “Civil War” (A24); “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.); “We Grown Now” (Sony Photos Classics)

Alex Garland’s divisive however poignant have a look at a darkish imaginative and prescient of the longer term within the U.S. gathers some sturdy contenders, notably star Kirsten Dunst’s exceptional flip. Nevertheless, she faces an uphill battle with a aggressive panorama forward.

However that locations the movie’s technical deserves, reminiscent of making a dystopian America by manufacturing designer Caty Maxey, which facilities on a daunting and plausible nation crammed with bombed-out buildings and deserted automobiles. It acts as one other central character.

Additionally within the dialogue: “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.); “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (Warner Bros.); “Wicked Little Letters” (Sony Photos Classics)

The field workplace success of Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” continues to dominate headlines and supply hope to a anxious Hollywood trade. It positions Pixar as a powerful contender within the animated characteristic class, a standing it hasn’t held since its final win for “Soul” (with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” successful in 2021). This potential comeback story might generate vital pleasure within the race, and all Kelsey Mann’s movie must do is keep its present constructive momentum. It needs to be easy-peasy.

Additionally within the dialogue: “Frida” (Amazon MGM); “Kung Fu Panda 4” (DreamWorks Animation); “Ultraman: Rising” (Netflix)

It’s been some time since Richard Linklater was within the awards dialogue. A 3-time screenplay nominee for “Before Sunset,” “Before Midnight” and “Boyhood,” his darkly comedic rom-com presents his most entertaining effort in years. Tailored from Skip Hollandsworth’s article and co-written by rising megastar Glen Powell, Netflix might be positioning the movie for some awards consideration after choosing it up finally yr’s Toronto pageant.

Can the Writers’ Department embrace one thing as quirky and comedically-leaning as this? The Golden Globes voters will doubtless discover it attractive.

Additionally within the dialogue: “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.); “Inside Out 2” (Pixar); “Young Woman and the Sea” (Walt Disney Photos)

“Evil Does Not Exist,” the follow-up characteristic to author and director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s finest picture-nominated “Drive My Car,” is extremely profound. It creates richly sophisticated characters inside its eco-thriller setting.

The Japanese auteur is a grasp of making certain none of his characters are one-note and trusts his viewers to interact with the fable, no matter background and geographic location. The winner of the Silver Lion on the Venice Movie Competition, the Janus Movies acquisition has already performed a component within the awards circuit final yr, submitted for BAFTA consideration (the place it was ignored). Maybe they’ll mount a revival tour for the worthy drama.

Additionally within the dialogue: “The Bikeriders” (Focus Options); “Challengers” (Amazon MGM); “We Grown Now” (Sony Photos Classics)

The opening evening film on the Palm Springs Worldwide Movie Competition, Sony Photos Classics’ romp is a delight because of the performances of Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Oscar nominee Jessie Buckley and breakout star Anjana Vasan.

This British interval model of “Mean Girls” is anchored by Vasan’s delicate and well-constructed portrayal of Gladys, a police officer skeptical of the vulgar letters which can be “terrorizing” one of many city’s residents. Vasan lights up the display, and whereas she could also be a longshot for a nomination, her efficiency will hopefully result in extra alternatives in dynamic roles.

Additionally within the dialogue: Helena Bonham Carter (“One Life”); Maya Hawke (“Inside Out 2”); Emma Stone (“Kinds of Kindness”)

Magnolia’s small however mighty motion flick “Thelma,” starring 94-year-old June Squibb and that includes Richard Roundtree in his closing on-screen efficiency, has garnered a legion of die-hard followers. Roundtree, who died in October at 81, delivers a captivating efficiency as Ben, a buddy of the titular electric-scooter-riding grandma who embarks on an journey to search out her misplaced grandson.

Posthumous performing nominations are uncommon within the Oscar area. Solely two have been acknowledged within the supporting actor class: Ralph Richardson for “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes” (1984) and Heath Ledger, who gained for “The Dark Knight” (2008). Each obtained performing mentions alongside technical nominations for his or her motion pictures. “Thelma” might battle in these areas regardless of worthy consideration for enhancing, sound and authentic rating.

Regardless of this rarity, Roundtree’s efficiency is worthy of consideration and will garner some mentions from critics’ awards.

Additionally within the dialogue: Willem Dafoe (“Kinds of Kindness”); Tom Hardy (“The Bikeriders”); Josh O’Connor (“Challengers”)

The afterglow of Oscar recognition for an actor coming after a win or near-win has benefited many actors. Contemplate back-to-back nominees reminiscent of Jennifer Lawrence (“Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle”), Denzel Washington (“Fences” and “Roman J. Israel, Esq.”) and Colin Firth (“A Single Man” and “The King’s Speech”).

Lily Gladstone, who made historical past as the primary Native American nominated for Greatest Actress for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” is again within the operating for her position as Jax, a girl caring for her niece after her sister’s disappearance. Though the position is small, it should obtain sturdy help from Apple, which has a manageable slate this yr and might present the drama with a targeted marketing campaign. Moreover, if Gladstone secures an Emmy nomination for her efficiency in Hulu’s miniseries “Under the Bridge,” it should preserve her aggressive in a class crammed with worthy performers.

Additionally within the dialogue: Kirsten Dunst (“Civil War”); Regina King (“Shirley”); June Squibb (“Thelma”); Zendaya (“Challengers”)

Jesse Plemons is poised for a well-deserved performing nom run for his position in Yorgos Lanthimos’ darkish anthology “Kinds of Kindness.” The movie options Plemons in three distinct vignettes: as Robert, a person managed by his boss (Willem Dafoe); as Daniel, a policeman whose spouse (Emma Stone) returns below unusual circumstances after a analysis journey; and as Andrew, a faithful cult follower.

Plemons’ rise in Hollywood is the stuff of goals for any aspiring artist. The Texas-born actor has constructed a exceptional profession, beginning with hit TV collection like “Breaking Bad” and shifting on to memorable movie roles in “Game Night” (2018), “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” (2020) and “The Power of the Dog” (2021), which earned him his first Oscar nomination for supporting actor, alongside his real-life accomplice Kirsten Dunst.

Plemons might be a powerful contender within the performing race, relying on his categorization. His standout scene in Alex Garland’s post-apocalyptic “Civil War” will additional bolster his probabilities. Nevertheless, the movie’s narrative construction would possibly pose a problem, because the Oscars are much less inclined to embrace anthologies in comparison with the Emmys.

Additionally within the dialogue: Kingsley Ben-Adir (“Bob Marley: One Love”); Anthony Hopkins (“One Life”); Glen Powell (“Hit Man”)

Denis Villeneuve brings his expertise to the “Dune” franchise once more with the second installment. The primary movie within the collection made historical past when it grew to become the sixth film to be nominated in all seven technical classes. It stands a powerful probability of repeating this success. With a earlier directing nomination for “Arrival,” Villeneuve’s imaginative and prescient in “Dune 2” is amongst his best work but.

Within the historical past of the Oscars, solely two trilogies — “The Godfather” and “The Lord of the Rings” — have had all their entries nominated for finest image. “Dune 2” aspires to affix this elite group, with “Messiah” on the horizon, carrying the hopes of the science fiction style and aiming to safe its place in cinematic historical past. Nevertheless, as many might recall, in “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” Peter Jackson was overlooked of the director lineup. Hopefully, Villeneuve gained’t undergo the identical destiny.

Additionally within the dialogue: Minhal Baig (“We Grown Now”); Luca Guadagnino (“Challengers”); Ryusuke Hamaguchi (“Evil Does Not Exist”);

Luca Guadagnino’s homoerotically charged love triangle drama, penned by Justin Kuritzkes, is fingers down the sexiest film of the yr. The dynamic trio of Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor convey ardour and ridiculous attractiveness to their multi-layered characters. And it might very effectively put the 27-year-old Zendaya within the operating for her first performing nom.

Nonetheless, after social media was buzzing, the movie was in the end elevated by strong critiques, an illustrious rating by Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and a well-earned and memorable ending. Whether or not Amazon MGM can revive its buzz after an early March launch (delayed as a result of Hollywood strikes final yr) might be a major take a look at for the studio.

Additionally within the dialogue: “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros); “Evil Does Not Exist” (Janus Movies); “Inside Out 2” (Pixar)