Oscar Preview (Part Two)

Yesterday we examined the big-named Oscar-contenders that are scheduled for releases in September, October and November. Looking back on recent history, however, it's clear to see that December is always the busiest month for Oscar-caliber releases. Here's a look at what films you need to keep an eye out for in December 2013.

DECEMBER: 

Dallas Buyers Club – Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen or heard about Matthew McConaughey’s massive weight-loss for the role of an HIV-infected Texas electrician named Ron Woodroof in Jean-Marc Vallee’s “Dallas Buyers Club”. Woodroof is known for battling the medical establishment and drug companies in the 1980s, as well as his search for alternative methods to treat the virus. If one thing’s for sure, it’s “ugly-ing up” and physically commiting to a role like this gets you brownie points with the Academy. (Dec 6)

Potential Acting Nomination(s): McConaughey (Lead Actor), Jared Leto (Supporting Actor).

Inside Llewyn Davis - The Coen Brothers always find themselves in the Oscar mix, and after taking the Jury Grand Prize at Cannes and rave reviews from those lucky enough to catch it in France, "Inside Llewyn Davis" looks to be headed for a 3rd straight Best Picture nom for Joel and Ethan, and the 4th in their past 5 films.  Let's not forget the John Goodman good-luck factor, as the big man has starred in the past two Best Picture winners. (Dec 6)

Potential Acting Nomination(s): Oscar Isaac (Lead Actor), Carey Mulligan (Supporting Actress).

Out of the Furnace – Writer/director Scott Cooper’s (“Crazyheart”) thriller, “Out of the Furnace”, offers a gripping premise and an intriguing cast. The extremely talented Christian Bale stars as Russell Baze, a man who is forced to take matters into his own hands after law enforcement fails to search for his missing brother Rodney (played by Casey Affleck). With Woody Harrelson, Willem Dafoe and Forest Whitaker on board as well, we could have a huge surprise on our hands. (Dec 6)

Potential Acting Nomination(s): Bale (Lead Actor), Harrelson (Supporting Actor).

Saving Mr Banks  - The second of Tom Hanks lead contenders is John Lee Hancock's "Saving Mr. Banks".  Hancock's 2009 film "The Blind Side" was a somewhat surprise Best Picture nominee, although it benefitted from a year where the nominees were stretched to a mandatory 10 films.  “Saving Mr. Banks”, however, looks like another family-friendly story that could truly earn its spot in the best of the year. (Dec 13)

Potential Acting Nomination(s): Emma Thompson (Lead Actress), Tom Hanks (Supporting Actor).

The Monuments Men - One thing to remember when prognosticating awards season contenders is that things could change in the blink of an eye. Without trailers for many of these films,  a lot is being based off the pedigree of the casts and crews. Critical bashings, poor box-office or even controversial content can quickly derail a film’s chances. Being an early frontrunner isn't always a good thing, (see: “Cold Mountain”, “Dreamgirls”, “Les Miserables”), but the clear early favorite for 2013 has to be "The Monuments Men". Another historical thriller, much like last year’s Best Picture winner "Argo", could again find favor with the Academy, and you can be assured that you'll see "From the producers of Argo" in the marketing plan. With Oscar winners Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, Jean Dujardin, Matt Damon alongside Bill Murray, and.....JOHN GOODMAN, look out for this one. (Dec. 18)

Potential Acting Nomination(s): George Clooney (Lead Actor), Matt Damon and John Goodman (Supporting Actor).  

American Hustle - It's difficult to bet against David O. Russell today, with two acting Oscars under his belt, along with Best Picture/Director nods for his previous two films, “American Hustle” reads like an O. Russell All-Star extravaganza. Bringing together "The Fighter"s Christian Bale and Amy Adams, and "Silver Linings Playbook"s Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro, there's no reason to think we won't be hearing about this one when nominations are announced.  Bale plays a con-man that's forced to work with an FBI Agent (Cooper) in a sting operation. Set-pics showed Bale, always dedicated to his roles, had really put on the pounds for this one. I also really dig the casting of Boardwalk Empire's Jack Huston and comedian, Louis CK.  (Dec 25)

Potential Acting Nomination(s): Christian Bale (Lead Actor), Bradley Cooper (Supporting Actor), Amy Adams (Lead Actress).

Labor Day – In his brief career, writer/director Jason Reitman (“Juno” and “Up in the Air”) has found himself in good favor with the Academy. This year he hopes to keep the magic going with his Christmas release, “Labor Day”, starring A-lister Kate Winslet and the always enjoyable Josh Brolin. The film centers around a depressed mother named Adele (played by Winslet) who offer help to a wounded, yet fearsome, stranger. But as local authorities search for the escaped convict, Adele and her son learn his true story. Although its premise strikes an eerily similar chord as the early-year release “Mud”, you can rest assured that Reitman has a unique story on his hands. (Dec 25 – limited)

Potential Acting Nomination(s): Kate Winslet (Lead Actress), Josh Brolin (Supporting Actor).

August: Osage County – It’s starting to appear as though Benedict Cumberbatch is due for a HUGE 2013 breakout as here he is again in John Wells' "August: Osage County". With this film, however, such an abundant collection of stars makes it a safe bet that he'll be sharing a lot of screen time. Meryl Streep plays the matriarch in this story of the Weston family who is brought together by a tragedy. The film also stars Julia Roberts and Ewan McGregor.  Let's not ignore the powerhouse producing team of Harvey Weinstein and George Clooney as well. Expectations are high for this one. (Dec 25 - limited)

Potential Acting Nomination(s): Meryl Streep (Lead Actress), Margo Martindale (Supporting Actress), Dermot Mulroney and Chris Cooper (Supporting Actor).

Foxcatcher – Perhaps my most anticipated Oscar-bound release is Bennett Miller’s real-life story, “Foxcatcher”. Steve Carell stars as John duPont, a wealthy paranoid schizophrenic who murdered Olympic Gold Medalist Dave Schultz (played by Mark Ruffalo) in 1996. In recent interviews Carell has eluded to the fact that it’s a dark movie (which can be good or bad when it comes to the Academy), but with Bennett Miller at the helm (“Moneyball” and “Capote”), you have to like its chances. Earlier this week rumors began circulating that perhaps “Foxcatcher” won’t be released in time for the Oscar deadline. Until it’s confirmed, I’ll keep my fingers crossed. (Release TBA)

Potential Acting Nomination(s): Steve Carell (Lead Actor), Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum (Supporting Actor).