Oscar Talk - December 7th, 2017

Since our last break-down of the upcoming awards season in mid-November, Steven Spielberg's The Post debuted to a standing ovation and has completely changed the landscape in nearly all the major categories. Let's revisit the current state of these races just days before Golden Globe Nominations (Monday 12/11) and SAG Nominations (Wednesday 12/13) are announced.

Best Picture

Safe Bets: Thanks to Hollywood's tenuous relationship with the current administration, The Post and it's timely story which chronicles a newspaper's Supreme Court battle with the government, clearly signals a new frontrunner has arrived. Other films that feel all but assured entry into the final dance include the fast-rising contender Lady Bird, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Shape of Water.

Other Potential Nominees: Joe Wright's Darkest Hour has been on the decline, but there will still be a devout faction of voters showing support for the film. Holding steady as strong possibilities for nominations are Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk and Luca Guadagnino's Call Me By Your Name. Finally, I, Tonya is being carried by the film studio NEON, which doesn't possess the experience of touting a Best picture contender, which could ultimately hurt its chances.

Dark Horse Contenders: I still expect one of either Get Out or Mudbound to make the cut, due to the somewhat recent backlash of #OscarsSoWhite, but I'm not sure which one it will be. Lastly, a few long-shots remain with Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread, Linklater's Last Flag Flying and festival darling The Florida Project.

Best Director

Safe Bets: Iconic filmmaker Steven Spielberg tackles a timely issue with The Post and that could prove to be a lethal combination for the rest of the pack. Often times, when momentum starts to build in December, it's difficult to derail a frontrunner. Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water) will certainly land in the final five but I'm not sure anyone else feels guaranteed of a spot at this point. Christopher Nolan (Dunkirk) would probably be the next closest.

Other Potential Nominees: Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird continues to rise among the ranks in all categories, making her a strong contender here as well, while Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards) and Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name) hope to ride the wave of possible Best Picture selections. Paul Thomas Anderson (Phantom Thread) is always a threat in the Best Director category and, while Joe Wright's Darkest Hour appears to be on a downward trajectory, it's still hanging on at the moment.

Dark Horse Contenders: I keep hearing Dee Rees' (Mudbound) name thrown around, but as an inexperienced Netflix film, I'm not quite sold on her chances yet. The Academy has shown copious amount of love for Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) in the past and I, Tonya is a strong enough film to still keep Craig Gillespie in the conversation.

Best Actor

Safe Bets: Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour) remains the frontrunner until he isn't, but that doesn't mean Daniel Day-Lewis (Phantom Thread) will go down without a fight. Especially considering this is "supposedly" Day-Lewis' final film. Two-time Oscar Winner Tom Hanks should benefit from the overall affection of The Post, even if the Academy hasn't been too kind to him in recent memory (Sully and Saving Mr. Banks).

Other Potential Nominees: Jake Gyllenhaal remains a quiet but worthy selection for his role in Stronger, and James Franco continues to receive an outpouring of adoration for The Disaster Artist that should linger throughout the awards season, even though it's difficult to make the cut in a comedy. A name you'll want to keep an eye on is Timothee Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name), who's rather young for a Best Actor nod, but who also continues to hold strong at this stage of the game. Also, a storied favorite of the Academy, Christian Bale has solidified himself as a worthy contender for Scott Cooper's Hostiles.

Dark Horse Contenders: Sadly, Andrew Garfield's (Breathe) stock is plummeting. Mild expectations left me surprisingly satisfied with the film and especially his work, but he's quickly falling out of contention. Finally, Steve Carell (Last Flag Flying) has enjoyed recent Oscar recognition, yet the film seems to be slipping in all categories.

Best Actress

Safe Bets: In one of the most crowded categories of the year, it's really a toss-up as to who's atop the leader-board at this stage of the game. Lady Bird's slow-mounting ascension up the ranks places Saoirse Ronan in an interesting position. She made the but lost for her terrific turn in Brooklyn recently, so perhaps she garners the redemption vote? However, the Oscar queen Meryl Streep muscles her way past the competition with the head of steam backing The Post, and Margot Robbie (I, Tonya) also stands a serious contender for the win. Three Billboards should end up a finalist for Best Picture and it would be expected that leading star Frances McDormand receives a nod as well. The same logic applies for Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) but it's dangerous to feel too content with a predetermined top five this early in the process.

Other Potential Nominees: As we saw with Amy Adams (Arrival) last year, no one is safe from exclusion. Despite the five actress mentioned above feeling like a strong group of finalists, Jessica Chastain (Molly's Game) has a long history of success with the Academy. The same can be said with Kate Winslet (Wonder Wheel) who provides a phenomenal turn in Woody Allen's latest, and Allen has a track record of success for his leading ladies.

Dark Horse Contenders: Early word says rising star Vicky Krieps stands toe-to-toe with the great Daniel Day-Lewis in Phantom Thread, so don't count her out quite yet. Also, foreign-film stars have a history of faring well in the Best Actress category, making Diane Kruger's highly-regarded work for In the Fade a silent, but deadly, player.

Best Supporting Actor

Safe Bets: Until the bitter end I plan to stand with my overwhelming choice for Best Supporting Actor, and that would be Sam Rockwell's transcending turn in Three Billboards. While I'm extremely confident he'll get in, his chance at a win doesn't feel as strong as it once was. Willem Dafoe (The Florida Project) may be his fiercest competition, but it would also be unwise to disregard Armie Hammer (Call Me By Your Name) in this race as well. 

Other Potential Nominees: Outside of the Big Three listed above, the last two spots are wide open at this point. Bryan Cranston once felt like a safe bet for his hilarious work in Last Flag Flying, but he may be forced to give way to votes thanks to co-star Laurence Fishbourne. The same applies to Woody Harrelson (Three Billboards) who may end up on the outside looking in when all is said and done. This could free up room for recent Oscar Winner Mark Rylance (Dunkirk) to make it into the top five, as it would be odd for a Best Picture Nominee to NOT have an actor nominated. Jason Mitchell's work in Mudbound is quite good, and he's got the fear of #OscarsSoWhite in his favor, but Richard Jenkins has also received a heap of praise for his performance in The Shape of Water.

Dark Horse Contenders: Much deeper down the list we have the longest of shots with Michael Stuhlbarg (Call Me By Your Name) and Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water), each of whom will struggle to earn votes because of internal competition from their films as well.

Best supporting Actress

Safe Bets: A pair of TV actresses headline the competition in this race, either of which have a strong chance at winning their first Oscar statue. Allison Janney (I, Tonya) delivers a louder, more attention-grabbing performance, while Laurie Metcalf's work in Lady Bird is a bit more subtle. Either would be a fine choice by my standards, but after it's nothing but murky waters in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Other Potential Nominees: Oscar Winner Melissa Leo has scratched and clawed her way into the discussion with her work in Novitiate, and Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) is also garnering high praises. I haven't seen either film, but both are immediately on my end of the year radar. Moreover, Mudbound's Mary J. Blige gives an impressive turn, making her another strong contender from a film that will most likely find a nomination somewhere. Oscar Winner Octavia Spencer's (The Shape of Water) name also carries some clout and her work in one of the year's most well-regarded films could land her in the final discussion as well.

Dark Horse Contenders: Downsizing's Hong Chau continues to have her name thrown around, as both her and Girl's Trip co-star Tiffany Haddish captured nominations from The Critics' Choice Awards. As for Haddish, comedies are a tough sell with the Academy, but it's been done before (i.e. Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids). 

*** Keep checking back as we continue to monitor the ever-changing landscape of the major Oscar races ***

DVD Outlook: December 2017

What's been a surprisingly slow transition from the fall to winter months is sure to pick up in theaters with Oscar players like The Shape of Water and Spielberg's The Post joining what may end up being this year's box office champion in The Last Jedi arriving shortly. However, in the meantime, there are a few notable films finding a December release on DVD, Blu-Ray and streaming that you may want to consider adding to your Christmas or holiday gift list (November's suggestions). So here's a look at what's new this December.




Dunkirk - 3 stars out of 4 - (Read my full review here)

Christopher Nolan's hypnotizing and intense war epic, Dunkirk, may not carry the same bravado as it does in a big-theater IMAX setting, yet that won't stop it from remaining as one of the year's finest achievements and a strong Best Picture candidate when all is said and done. Nolan's film highlights three phases of war, namely on the ground, in the air and by the sea, as everything must come together perfectly in order to rescue the hundreds of thousands of soldiers pushed to the shorelines of Dunkirk, France by German forces during the early stages of World War II. This tense journey sadly misses out completely on profound elements character building, but it does paint a harrowing picture of the true atrocities of war that many everyday people take for granted. Dunkirk is a clear testament to Nolan's towering directorial efforts and is an experience like none other. (December 19th)




Stronger - 3 stars out of 4 - (Read my rapid review here)

Where Nolan's Dunkirk completely ignores character development, David Gordon Green flips the script completely and almost solely relies on that element of storytelling in his extremely well made drama, Stronger. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff Bauman, a severely injured bystander from the tragic 2013 Boston Marathon bombing who lost both of his legs and experienced immense psychological anguish in the aftermath as he was heralded as a hero despite feeling otherwise. Gyllenhaal's superb on-screen work brandishes a deep and layered character who's both heartbreaking and fascinating. And while Gyllenhaal's talents have been long documented by a career filled with exceptional performances, he's equally matched by the outstanding supporting turn from co-star Tatiana Maslany. Stronger is worthy of a viewing for its acting alone, as evident by Gyllenhaal's presumed awards season recognition in the near future, but the film offers so much more than just great performances. (December 19th)




Detroit - Not Rated - (No review available)

It's a rarity, but occasionally I'm forced to toss a movie I haven't seen myself into my top suggestions of the month. While a few of the honorable mention picks listed below may feel more appealing to you, whether it be for political reasons or just personal taste, it's difficult to ignore a critically acclaimed film by an Oscar winning director. Kathryn Bigelow's Detroit tells the controversial true story of a 1967 violent and deadly police raid that resulted in one of the largest riots in U.S. history. While the work has been self-labeled as "fact-based", it's important to recognize this as a dramatized interpretation of historical events. Yet, no matter where you views and opinions reside on this matter, Detroit has clearly been lauded for its entertaining and compelling story that's won over audiences and critics alike. This is one film I plan to check out once it becomes available on Blu-Ray. (December 12th)


Honorable Mention: Along with Detroit (mentioned above), there are a few other movies I'm interested in finally seeing like the sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle (12/12), historical drama Victoria and Abdul (12/19), and holiday horror flick Better Watch Out (12/5). Family films Despicable Me 3 (12/5) and The LEGO Ninjago Movie (12/19) are also available this December. Finally, survival flick The Mountain Between Us (12/26), Reese Witherspoon comedy Home Again (12/12) and Darren Aronofsky's insanely polarizing work Mother! (12/19) round out this month's list of new arrivals.

Avengers: Infinity War and Mary Magdalene Trailers

Marvel's ever-expanding universe comes together in May of 2018 for what's guaranteed to be next summer's biggest blockbuster, Avengers: Infinity War. All of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's superheroes bridge together and unite to fight against the almighty Thanos (Josh Brolin) and his quest to destroy the universe. The first official trailer for Infinity War has dropped and, although it still manages to stay tight-lipped regarding the film's plot, it shows just enough footage to satisfy your superhero-craving needs. Check out the debut trailer below.





With its announced March 30th release date, it appears Lion director Garth Davis' Mary Magdalene film will aim to cash on in a pre-Easter appeal at the box office rather than stand out as an awards contender like his previous work. Rooney Mara stars in the title role as a devout follower of Jesus (Joaquin Phoenix) who was both present at his crucifixion and a witness to his resurrection. Mary Magdalene carries a bit of intrigue with its Oscar-Nominated leads, also including co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor, and its acclaimed filmmaker at the helm. Catch the film's first-look trailer below.

Steve Carell's Finest Performances

While he may be best known for his role of Michael Scott on the former long-running television sitcom, The Office, Steve Carell has more than proven his capabilities as a big-screen actor. And with Carell's second notable, and most recent, role of the year making its way to select theaters, in Richard Linklater's Last Flag Flying, I'm devoting November's Movie List of the Month to Carell's career-best work (October's List). Here's a look at the actor's finest performances:

Honorable Mention: The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Battle of the Sexes, Crazy Stupid Love, Dan in Real Life and Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

#5. The Way Way Back (2013)

Although Nat Faxon and Jim Rash's little-known indie gem hasn't reached nearly as many screens as most of the other films on this list, The Way Way Back offers a rare perspective for this typically lovable actor. Carell co-stars as Trent, a single man courting the mother of the film's main protagonist, Duncan. As the teen and his mom join Trent for a summer at the shore, Carell illustrates how well he can play a conniving and unlikable character, psychologically abusive toward the teen and downright two-faced behind the boy's mom's back. The Way Way Back stands as a true testament to Carell's ability to extend far beyond his comfort zone, making him a bona-fide talent in contemporary Hollywood.

#4. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Most of Carell's top performances are more recent, yet the role that opened all of our eyes to his immense talents occurred in the indie Best Picture Nominee Little Miss Sunshine. In the film Carell plays a suicidal uncle, evident by the bandages wrapped tightly around both of his wrists, who joins his unconventional family on a road-trip to his niece's beauty pageant. The emotion oozes out of Carell's every word and action, painting a truly bleak picture that manages to stay with the audience long after the credits role. Ever since this exceptionally eye-opening role, Carell has transitioned his career into one that commands award season attention with regularity. And for that we all should be grateful for Little Miss Sunshine.

#3. The Big Short (2015)

Despite Steve Carell's exceptional work in Adam McKay's The Big Short, it remains a bit overshadowed by the superior performance of co-star Christian Bale. Nonetheless, Carell and Bale provide insanely different perspectives on the housing market collapse that crushed the U.S. economy in 2008. With Carell's character, we're given an emotionally scarred individual with a bit of a loud mouth and cynical attitude. Carell's turn is both attention-grabbing and heart-breaking, allowing the work to serve as a stellar example of his profound acting abilities. 

#2. Last Flag Flying (2017)

It was a difficult choice between my #3 selection and Steve Carell's most recent onscreen performance, but I felt compelled to go with his award's worthy turn in Richard Linklater's Last Flag Flying for one distinct reason. While loud and aggressive roles call for attention and often times gets remembered more in the long-run, such as the one Carell delivers in The Big Short, there's something to be said about a quiet and nuanced performance that packs a more meaningful punch. This is clearly the case with Carell's work as a Vietnam veteran coming to grips with the recent loss of his Marine son during the Iraqi war. His work is soft, soulful and simply unforgettable. Perhaps enough so to earn him a second Oscar Nomination in these upcoming months.

#1. Foxcatcher (2014)

And we finally arrive at the pinnacle of Carell's career. In his lone Oscar Nomination, Carell goes through quite the transformation to take on the neurotic persona of convicted murder John du Pont. In this tragic true story of a lonely tycoon who brings America's finest wrestling talent to his home estate in order to train for the Olympics, Carell masterfully captures the eeriness of du Pont. While motives to the eventual murder have been widely hypothesized, Foxcatcher subtly lays out its theories regarding the crime, but it's Carell's remarkable performance that makes director Bennett Miller's interpretation all the more believable. If Foxcatcher is any indication of the talent we can hope to continue to expect from Steve Carell, then we have plenty more to look forward to in the future.

Rapid Reviews: Justice League and Thor: Ragnarok

Earlier this year the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) was on life support until Patty Jenkins revived hope with her blockbuster hit Wonder Woman. The release date was chosen specifically to build momentum for DCEU's most pivotal installment to date, Justice League, which combines and introduces an elite army of superheroes synonymous to Marvel's The Avengers. And with DCEU figurehead Zack Snyder's unfortunate late-stage departure from the film and, coincidentally, The Avengers writer Joss Whedon's claiming of the throne, no one knew what to expect from this wildly anticipated release.

Following the death of Superman (Henry Cavill), Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) and Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) learn of an other-worldly threat with devious plans of destroying Earth. Together they recruit the help of metahumans The Flash (Ezra Miller), Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) in order to combat the villain Steppenwolf (voice of Ciaran Hinds). But are they strong enough to resist the forceful army of Steppenwolf? If only Superman was still around to help.

Transitioning the formula to fit the comedic tone of the DCEU's previous effort Wonder Woman, Justice League continues with a dark-aura that's lightened by timely humor. This is reasonable to expect with long-time Marvel scribe Joss Whedon crafting the screenplay. And although the final effect is nowhere near the level of Wonder Woman, mainly due a surprisingly low amount of energy and a complete level of predictability, Justice League still manages to satisfy a bit more than previous DCEU films like Man of Steel, Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad. Gal Gadot continues to impress and Ezra Miller also delivers a standout performance, yet Affleck and new faces Jason Momoa and Ray Fisher aren't nearly as successful. Furthermore, the film pridefully relies on a bombardment of mind-numbing visual effects that are in no way an acceptable substitute for a meaningful story or valuable character development. Justice League serves as another flat and superficial endeavor from the DCEU that won't hold up over time.


Stars: 2 stars out of 4

Grade: C+





Personally, I needed Marvel's latest inclusion, Thor:Ragnarok, to redeem its title character's overlying franchise. After 2012's The Dark World dragged the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to an all-time-low, the God of Thunder quickly transformed into one of the MCU's most uninspiring characters. And while critics and audiences alike have heaped praise onto new director Taika Waititi's first go-around with Thor, let's be clear that Ragnarok isn't nearly as impressive as you've been made to believe.

When Thor (Chris Hemsworth) returns to Asgard, he finds Loki (Tom Hiddleston) posing as Odin and learns of his father's self-imposed exile. As Thor and Loki venture to find and confront their father, Odin's first-born and demonically powerful daughter Hela (Cate Blanchett) returns to claim the throne of a vulnerable Asgard. Meanwhile, Thor and Loki find themselves trapped on a planet of outsiders where they form a special team that returns to Asgard and battles Hela in order to save their home.

To varying degrees of success, Ragnarok's campy delivery pokes fun at the formulaic approach used widely within the MCU. This hyper-exaggeration leads to a whole new level of comedic absurdity that, fairly stated, comes with a nearly equal share of hysterical hits and hokey misses. Thankfully, though, Ragnarok also incorporates a more stylish vibe, courtesy of new helmer Taika Waititi, and this refreshing overhaul to one of Marvel's least interesting Avengers brings edginess and excitement to a spin-off desperately in need of a boost. Chris Hemsworth benefits from this complete redirection of his character and he's joined by the towering talents of Cate Blanchett who illuminates a strong villainous foe to the story. And while Ragnarok's reemergence of Mark Ruffalo's the Hulk is both bold and spirited, in a gladiator-esque battle scene that's worth the price of admission all on its own, the introduction of Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie character proves a far-less compelling addition. Consequently, Ragnarok comes with its ups and downs, but the film also places Thor back on track and propels him into the spotlight as the MCU gears up towards its highly anticipated Infinity War.


Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: B-

Oscar Talk - November 16th, 2017

In my first Oscar discussion of the season I will take an inside look at all of the major categories. I've had the opportunity to catch many of this year's biggest awards season players, but there are still quite a few I'm waiting to catch. Some of the contenders I'm still yet to see include The Shape of Water, Call Me By Your Name, Mudbound, Molly's Game, as well as unseen works Phantom Thread and The Post. I'll catch all of them at some point, but in the meantime let's break down this year's upcoming Oscar contests.

Best Picture

Safe Bets: There are a few films that feel like guaranteed nominees for Best Picture even this early in the game. Martin McDonagh's dark comedy Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water lead the pack as early head-to-head frontrunners. Following closely behind and rising is Greta Gerwig's critically adored debut, Lady Bird, along with Joe Wright's Lincoln-esque examination of Winston Churchill, Darkest Hour.

Other Potential Nominees: Outside of the four films listed above, anywhere from 1 to 6 more entries could sneak into the final vote. While the Academy has a history of turning their nose of to Christopher Nolan's work, Dunkirk has held firm as a viable option for Best Picture. Festival darling Call Me By Your Name continues to surface in conversations and I can personally vouch for the strength of Craig Gillespie's I, Tonya. And although The Post hasn't screened yet, you can never count out a film from the beloved Steven Spielberg.

Dark Horses: With the not-so distant memory of #OscarsSoWhite still looming over them, the Academy may feel hard-pressed to include a film with ties to the African American community. While Jordan Peele's Get Out is the strongest option, the content isn't quite up to Oscar standards. Therefore, Netflix film Mudbound may be a surprise inclusion, as could any of Blade Runner 2049, Last Flag Flying, Phantom Thread, Molly's Game and even The Florida Project.

Best Director

Safe Bets: Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water) continues to widen his lead over the rest of the field, while Atonement snub, Joe Wright (Darkest Hour), feels like a safe redemption pick. Finally, I'd be very surprised if Christopher Nolan (Dunkirk) gets omitted for what's clearly his strongest directorial work to date. 

Other Potential Nominees: If Three Billboards continues to hold strong as one of two or three possible Best Picture winners, then Martin McDonagh should also find his way into the mix for directing. Steven Spielberg (The Post) is always a potential spoiler in this race, as well as newcomer Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) and regular fixture Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049).

Dark Horses: Other long-shots to steal a nomination include Dee Rees (Mudbound), Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name), Richard Linklater (Last Flag Flying) and Paul Thomas Anderson (Phantom Thread).

Best Actor

Safe Bets: The universe could be aligning for veteran performer Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour) as his epic portrayal of Winston Churchill stacks up very well in an unusually weak year for the Best Actor category. Oldman's staunchest competition will come from three-time Academy Award Winner, Daniel Day-Lewis (Phantom Thread), who always delivers an exceptional performance.

Other Potential Nominees: Jake Gyllenhaal's valiant work in Stronger shouldn't be ignored, and Andrew Garfield certainly carries the surprisingly worthwhile film, Breathe. Steve Carell continues to offer stellar onscreen work, and his quiet and subtle turn in Last Flag Flying is no exception. James Franco's work in The Disaster Artist has been lauded by the critics, while Tom Hanks (The Post) is always a threat to snag a nomination as well.

Dark Horses: Other potential spoilers include Jeremy Renner (Wind River), Christian Bale (Hostiles) and Timothee Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name).

Best Actress

Safe Bets: Much like last year, the Best Actress field is flooded with supreme talent and for that reason no one feels particularly "safe" (do we remember what happened to Arrival's Amy Adams last year?). However, for the sake of argument I, Tonya's Margot Robbie, The Shape of Water's Sally Hawkins, Three Billboards' Frances McDormand and Lady Bird's Saoirse Ronan feel like the strongest four contenders at this early stage of the game.

Other Potential Nominees: While the aforementioned women above all deliver superb performances, it's still not out of the possibility for any of them to relinquish their spot for the also impressive work of fellow competitors Jessica Chastain (Molly's Game), Meryl Streep (The Post), last year's winner Emma Stone (Battle of the Sexes) and Kate Winslet (Wonder Wheel).

Dark Horses: With eight elite ladies listed above it will be hard for any of these long-shots to find a way into the final mix, but it's worth noting performances from the Dame Judi Dench (Victoria and Abdul), Diane Kruger (In the Fade), Annette Bening (Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool), Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread) and youngster Brooklynn Prince (The Florida Project).

Best Supporting Actor

Safe Bets: My love and affinity for Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards) can't be overstated, so rarely am I in an actor's corner like I am for Rockwell. He's the most formidable character in one of the year's finest films, but he still finds staunch competition at the pinnacle of the Best Supporting Actor race with veteran Willem Dafoe (The Florida Project) and rising star Armie Hammer (Call Me By Your Name).

Other Potential Nominees: Bryan Cranston is not only the comedic energy throughout Last Flag Flying, he's also the film's heart and soul. In fact, Cranston and Carell almost feel misplaced in their respective categories. Woody Harrelson offers a quality turn in Three Billboards and could ultimately steal support from Rockwell. But if both make it into the final five, it will be the first time that's happened since Barry Levinson's 1991 film Bugsy. Richard Jenkins and co-star Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water) also prove to be a fearsome pair that could sneak into the mix.

Dark Horses: It seems odd that Dunkirk could draw a Best Picture Nomination without a single performance, so recent Oscar Winner Mark Rylance could play the spoiler role in this race. Mudbound's Jason Mitchell has an outside chance to muscle past the competition as well.

Best Supporting Actress

Safe Bets: With the meteoric climb of Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird, which still holds an astounding 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the Academy often times tries to find a way to reward a multitude of strong films and perhaps Laurie Metcalf will be the biggest beneficiary. However, it won't be an easy task supplanting the vulgar and hilarious work of I, Tonya co-star, Allison Janney, who gives one of the year's finest performances. 

Other Potential Nominees: Kristin Scott Thomas possesses a quietly effective role in Darkest Hour but the film's strong standing could help propel her into the final five. Grammy winner Mary J. Blige received high praises out of Sundance for her work in Mudbound and deep down I'm sure the Oscars fear another year without an African American nominated in an acting category. Similarly, previous Academy Award Winner and the always-great Octavia Spencer (The Shape of Water) may find herself in the final running as well. Furthermore, Melissa Leo's role in Novitiate is said to be exceptional (I haven't seen it), but it's also rumored to be more of a lead performance that could either push her into the other, more competitive category, or alienate some of the voting body.

Dark Horses: Sadly, it appears that the Academy may be sleeping on one of my favorite supporting turns of the year, Tatiana Maslany's heartbreaking performance in Stronger where she stands toe-to-toe with Jake Gyllenhaal. I was also extremely impressed with Claire Foy's work in Breathe and stand firmly in her corner, despite being a huge long-shot in the race. Holly Hunter (The Big Sick) was a bit of a pleasant surprise and Hong Chau (Downsizing) has garnered some rumblings for a nomination as well. 

*** Stay tuned throughout the next few months as the road to the Oscars continues ***