From the novel "The Long Walk: The True STory of a Trek to Freedom" by Slayomir Rawicz
Category: Adapted.

Pro: Weir is a favorite of the Academy having been nominated six times previously, but has never won.  While most of his nominations were in the directing category, he received a nod in 1991 for the original screenplay for "Green Card."  Out of his last five features, Weir has only been denied an Oscar nod once, for "Fearless" in 1994.

Con: The historical epic is the first feature Weir has shot without a major studio behind it.  It faces daunting competition on all fronts.  Especially after mixed reviews following its screened at the Toronto and Telluride Film Festivals.