Inside Awards Season with Gregory Ellwood

Best Picture Contenders 2010: The year Oscar lives dangerously

Yep, it's a weak year, but there are still 29 possible contenders out there

By Gregory Ellwood Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 5:51 AM

Almost a lock to get nominated contender "Invictus" starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

Credit: Warner Bros.

It's no exaggeration to proclaim the advent of the new 10 nominations rule has completely changed the Oscar race. Films that wouldn't have had a stone's throw of being seriously considered when there were only five nominees before now have excellent chances to forever engrave the magic words: "Best Picture Nominee" on their DVD, Blu-ray or iPhone download receipt.

The goal of the change, of course, was to make sure critical and commercial blockbusters such as last year's award season racers "The Dark Knight" and "WALL-E" weren't ignored by the sometimes too discerning Academy members. Things haven't completely worked out in the Academy's favor this year as the number of truly quality commercial hits isn't as large as you'd hope. Making matters worse are films that could have potentially sneaked in such as "Public Enemies" and "Funny People" aren't strong enough to make even a broad contenders cut. Still, looking at the pool of candidates it wasn't hard to find 29 legitimate contenders for Oscar 2010. And yes, they even include some popular summer flicks such as "Star Trek" and "District 9" as well as this December's highly anticipated "Avatar."

Click here to take a gander at the pros and cons of this year's pool of potential nominees and share your thoughts below.

Look for best actor, actress, the supporting categories, director and additional contenders breakdowns in the weeks to come.

For constant updates on awards season and entertainment news follow Gregory Ellwood on Twitter at Twitter.com/HitFixGregory

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Lucas H.

Where is Moon on this list? =( It's imo the only real glaring gem that's missing from the site's list of potential nominees. X_x
September 30, 2009 at 11:24AM EST Reply to Comment
- I just don't believe Moon is a legit contender right now. Sam Rockwell for best actor? Absolutely, but not the picture.
  September 30, 2009 at 1:09PM EST
BadMrWonka

Is there an award for "Worst Cinematography"? because Public Enemies is certainly deserving of it. I think there was a pretty decent movie in there somewhere, and certainly some great acting, but I was too busy puking in my popcorn from the worst example of digital photography gone wrong I have ever seen.

Up in the Air seems to be looking like a lock. I feel like the 10 nominee change is destiny for District 9 to get a nod. I enjoyed the film, but giving Star Trek a nomination when every person with a braincell knows it would simply be placation, is a little disingenuous. I would love to see The Hurt Locker up there, that would be amazing.
October 1, 2009 at 2:34AM EST Reply to Comment
lazygarfield

Why do I get THE LOVELY BONES is a sure lock? Maybe it will get in just because of the pedigree of the film?
October 3, 2009 at 12:07PM EST Reply to Comment
Gene

This is just silly. Any movie that played for one week in Los Angeles is a "legitimate" possible nominee, not just whatever 29 the writer may think. And there are still more than two months left in the year for more. Isn't it bad enough we're seeing Christmas on store shelves a month before Halloween? Do we have to start guessing about the Best Picture [actor, actress, etc.] this far before the year is even up? Bah!
October 12, 2009 at 7:17PM EST Reply to Comment
Ray Burns

Gregory Ellwood?

Who the f**k is that?

The blog. A joke.
December 12, 2009 at 10:12AM EST Reply to Comment
- dwayne wow. seriously, gregory ellwood, you have zero credibility.
  
  how the fuck do you get out of bed?
  
  what is this crappy elaborate website anyway?
  December 12, 2009 at 10:14AM EST
Laura H

Oscar Watchlist update:
I saw The Last Station last night and it was spectacular. The writer/director's words when asked what the film was "about" sum it up: "the difficulty of living with love and the impossibility of living without it". If Helen Mirren doesn't win an Oscar I'll be shocked. Absolutely beautiful costume and production design too. And Christopher Plummer, Paul Giamatti, and James McAvoy all give outstanding performances. This is a must see!
December 14, 2009 at 4:42PM EST Reply to Comment