Cannes Film Festival 2013

Taking questions for 12/2 Oscar Talk

Offer up your burning queries

As we await the National Board of Review announcement, let's go ahead and knock this out. Anne and I will of course be giving our thoughts on the NYFCC, Indie Spirits and NBR announcements, as well as the Gothams and probably a bit on "We Bought a Zoo." Tell us your need-to-knows outside of that and we'll try to address a few. Keep it interesting, stay away from stuff we've already covered, etc.

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Kristopher Tapley
Editor-at-Large
Kristopher Tapley has covered the film awards landscape for over a decade. He founded In Contention in 2005. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Times of London and Variety. He begs you not to take any of this too seriously.

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  • Default-avatar

    Sergio

    Is A Dangerous Method desd in the race? Simple as that

    December 1, 2011 at 1:08PM EST Reply to Comment
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      JJ1 ADM feels like Bright Star (which I loved) to me.

      Great reviews, polarizing, much-talked about Lead performance, yet maybe with no or one noms.

      December 1, 2011 at 3:10PM EST
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    Cinemateo

    How secure is "The Help" in Best Picture? Aside from a SAG ensemble nod, it's not likely to benefit from any of the critics' awards and faces an uphill climb to a Golden Globe nod in the drama category. With that presumed lack of momentum, are we overestimating its, what some have called, "The Blind Side spot" in the final lineup - or is it safe?

    December 1, 2011 at 1:13PM EST Reply to Comment
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    red_wine

    Brad Pitt has announced his retirement. Will Hollywood want to award one of its biggest leading men ever, now that late in his career, he finally even has huge critical acclaim behind his cause this year.

    December 1, 2011 at 1:13PM EST Reply to Comment
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    todor hristov

    In the last podcast you mentioned that Davis, Streep, Close and Williams all face the challenge of having good performance in not so good movies. Do you think critics can rally up behind some of the dark horse contenders who have good performances in good movies (Dunst, Colman, Swinton etc.) and push them into the mix?
    On a side note I just saw an FYC ad for Young Adult with a quote from you. Congratulations, Kris!

    December 1, 2011 at 1:21PM EST Reply to Comment
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    CaptainCanada

    Have Jessica Chastain and her people decided on where they're going to place their emphasis for this year? The talk of vote-splitting between her various performances has been a perennial topic of discussion.

    December 1, 2011 at 1:23PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Kyle T.

    Interesting FYC ads for both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt 2 and Andy Serkis have been popping up in the blogosphere (including here). Serkis's ads are particularly persuasive with their "The Time Is Now" statement. How alive in the race are these two contenders for their respective categories? (Best picture for potter, supp. actor for serkis)

    December 1, 2011 at 1:25PM EST Reply to Comment
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    John G.

    How do you see the dynamic of the best supporting actor race? It looks like 2 near locks and then nothing...where are the contenders?

    December 1, 2011 at 1:27PM EST Reply to Comment
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    junesong

    I Finally watched The Descendants last night night and the performance that struck the biggest chord with me was Robert Forster.
    But I haven't heard anything about a campaign for him or any kind of buzz...
    Can a left field pick like that slip in somewhere (like John Hawkes last year) or do actors need to be officially "ordained" somewhere first to get the buzz?

    December 1, 2011 at 1:38PM EST Reply to Comment
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    JOEY

    How do you and Anne feel about Ben Stiller and Judd Apatow backing the idea of a Comedy Oscar?

    December 1, 2011 at 1:47PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Matthew Starr I'll second this question, interesting topic.

      December 1, 2011 at 2:30PM EST
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    Anita

    Is there any chance of Paradise Lost 3 getting nominated or even winning for Best Documentary Feature, to emphasize the fact that the series has made real-world impact in freeing the West Memphis Three and saving Echols from eventual execution?

    December 1, 2011 at 1:56PM EST Reply to Comment
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    seasondays

    you need to talk about MARGIN CALL - this film is suddenly winning prizes left and right, and we have heard nothing about it.

    December 1, 2011 at 2:01PM EST Reply to Comment
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      JJ1 I agree. I know Kris didn't seem wild about it. But I just watched and enjoyed it. I think Spacey & Irons are fantastic; particularly the former for a possible Supp. Actor nom.

      December 1, 2011 at 3:13PM EST
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      Bill_the_Bear I agree, especially with the recognition in the NBR choices. I thought that the film worked well.

      December 1, 2011 at 4:51PM EST
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    DylanS

    Looking at the latest Guru's o gold, I have to ask, where's the love for "Moneyball" (aside from Sasha, who's in the other extreme) in the BP race. The film seems to be viewed by all prognosticators as a lock for it's screenplay and for Pitt's performance, considering it has arguably the best reviews of any major studio release this year (besides Harry Potter). It also has a weighty quality that seems to be missing across the board in all other potential nominees ("The Help", "Midnight in Paris", ect.) Why isn't the film viewed as a top tier BP contender with the likes of "War Horse", "The Descendants" and "The Artist". Why isn't Bennett Miller, who got nominated before for "Capote", being taken seriously in the Best Director category?

    December 1, 2011 at 2:13PM EST Reply to Comment
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    HoustonRufus

    With Beginners' good showing at the Gothams and Spirits, is it a viable candidate for any nominations other than Plummer?

    December 1, 2011 at 2:15PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Daniel

    Following up the question from last week, do you guys ever feel looked down on by actors/writers/directors for being journos especialized on Oscar&Awards (something they like to refer to as fluffy and "non-artistic"), and not traditional critics?

    December 1, 2011 at 2:23PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Derek 8-Track

    Hypothetical but still fun to ask and think about, In a land of guaranteed 10 best pic nominees can you imagine 'The Muppets' taking the Pixar or Blind Side spot?

    December 1, 2011 at 2:30PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Derek 8-Track ...due to high critical response and the fact that they continue to show up to every event on television.

      December 1, 2011 at 2:32PM EST
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    /3rt

    Now that she's a Spirit Award nominee does Anjelica Huston have a shot at more awards attention?

    December 1, 2011 at 2:38PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Joe

    What is the likelihood of ties happening in this day and age? With the last major Oscar tie being with Striesand & Hepburn in 1968, could voters find themselves truly split this year, giving it to both Davis & Streep, or Clooney & DuJardin?

    December 1, 2011 at 2:41PM EST Reply to Comment
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      HoustonRufus Good question.

      December 1, 2011 at 3:47PM EST
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    Suzanne

    I saw a preview screening of YOUNG ADULT last night and was blown away by Charlize Theron. I wasn't expecting the film to be so dark and Charlize somehow manages to build a bit of sympathy for the character by the end.

    What do you think of her chances? Seems like a more transformative performance than Viola Davis.

    December 1, 2011 at 2:46PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Laura Stewart Yayy another YA supporter! Haha.

      December 1, 2011 at 5:30PM EST
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    loyal_mehnert

    With yesterday's release of Daniel Day Lewis' behind the scenes Lincoln photo, an EW cover story on Spielberg, and growing buzz for both Tintin and War Horse, things are surely looking bright for The Beard.

    But with high-profile projects back to back, does Spielberg run the risk of voter fatigue? Would academy voters actually look at Lincoln's 2012 release and base their War Horse support or lack thereof around it? Could it be a case of "Well, let's vote for him next year. Lincoln is sure to be the better film?"

    December 1, 2011 at 3:40PM EST Reply to Comment
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    j4ey

    Glenn Close has a shot of an Oscar nom with the Independent Spirit snub?

    December 1, 2011 at 4:00PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Adam

    Does Angelica Huston for 50/50 and Carey Mulligan for Drive have any chances for being nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars?

    December 1, 2011 at 4:01PM EST Reply to Comment
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    eoindaly2k11

    What do you guys feel about Extremely loud and its chances now that it will be missing two big awards groups?

    December 1, 2011 at 4:19PM EST Reply to Comment
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    mindofyih

    What's the latest on Andy Serkis? It looks like FOX is pushing him for a nomination, but most award and award buzz have so far ignored him. Will he at least get a special recognition?

    December 1, 2011 at 4:29PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Catherine

    What role does 3D play in the Best Visual Effects category? Hugo will obviously come into play, but does it have an advantage by being in 3D?

    December 1, 2011 at 4:38PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Laura Stewart

    DiCaprio's chances-- how do they look? I know Guy did a little tinkering with the BA category, so I'm curious to hear Anne and Kris' thoughts. Guy too, if he's back for this round.

    Also, can we talk about Felicity Jones' somewhat surprising resurgence during these early awards rounds. How is she managing to usurp Olsen when critically MMMM registered higher than Like Crazy. Both are great actresses with vast potential, but it seems like Olsen had the tougher role to pull off.

    Lastly, what film thus far has exceeded your expectations? In other words, what film did you have low expectations going into and walked out very pleased? For me, it was Young Adult and The Tree of Life.

    December 1, 2011 at 5:24PM EST Reply to Comment
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      JJ1 I'm starting to wonder if it's an Olsen thing; that she has an IN (a bias). No? I'm just thinking out loud, here.

      December 1, 2011 at 9:35PM EST
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    J.

    Have either of you heard anything about reactions to the NYFCC screening of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo?

    December 1, 2011 at 5:27PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Jbex I second this question.

      December 1, 2011 at 6:03PM EST
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      Kyle T. I third it.

      December 2, 2011 at 12:20AM EST
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    Trex

    What do you think Tilda's chances are of an Oscar nom having won the NBR? Last years winner, Manville, failed to register with the academy which in part could have been the leading/supporting shuffle but in any case, if Tilda's in, then who is out? I would appreciate it if Anne and you could share your insight on Midnight in Paris' complete snub with the NBR.

    December 1, 2011 at 5:55PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Danny

    Is Lady Gaga's "Americano", which is used for an elaborately choreographed set piece in "Puss in Boots" eligible for the best song category. Dreamworks must have had access to the track long before the album hit (since animation takes time). Might the song even have been written for the movie? It's a fun if not great song well used it the film, and it would be fun if it got nominated, just so we get to see Lady Gaga do her mad thing at the Oscars.

    December 1, 2011 at 7:04PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Danny By "Might the song even have been written for the movie?" I meant legitamately written for the movie with the story in mind, not coincidentally fitting the movie and the powers that be decide after the fact it was "written" for the movie to make it eligible.

      December 1, 2011 at 7:06PM EST
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    Adam

    for Anne, what do you think of Guy Lodge's take on the Descendants, can that film stand up to a feminist reading the way that Vertigo does? Will Descendants someday show up in 'gender in film' classes as an explicit example of silencing the female voice to privilege the male voice?

    December 1, 2011 at 7:17PM EST Reply to Comment
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      J. Oh, for the love of god.

      December 1, 2011 at 7:34PM EST
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    Akim

    What is the likeliness of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prine Part 2 scoring a Best Picture nomination at this point?

    December 1, 2011 at 7:31PM EST Reply to Comment
    • Default-avatar

      Kyle T. If only there HAD been a Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Part 2...there has to be one out there somewhere that makes the actual film suck a bit less.

      December 2, 2011 at 12:22AM EST
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2012-2013 OSCAR PREDICTIONS

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Best Picture

Best Director

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Best Adapted Screenplay

Best Original Screenplay

Best Cinematography

Best Costume Design

Best Film Editing

Best Makeup And Hairstyling

Best Original Score

Best Original Song

Best Production Design

Best Sound Editing

Best Sound Mixing

Best Visual Effects

Best Animated Feature Film

Best Documentary Feature

Best Foreign Language Film

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