Tyler’s Films.

American Gangster dir. [Ridley Scott]

Why?

• Ridley Scott’s comeback to Oscar caliber films.
  
• Apparent powerhouse performances by both Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
• The film was scripted by three time nominee Steve Zaillian.
  
• Though some may be skeptical about another ‘crime’ film being winning, let alone being nominated, the Academy will not pass up giving “what seems to be” this fall’s R rated Box Office hit.
  
• Also to note, the Academy may want to award Ridley Scott this year, seeing as he’s never won an Oscar for directing, despite being a three-time nominee.

Atonement dir. [Joe Wright]

Why?

• The powerhouse of the ensemble alone could garner the film a Best Picture nomination. Mainly because the Academy has never ’snubbed’ a film of a Best Picture nomination while giving it more than 3 acting nominations.
  
• The tragic and poetic romantic tale about two lovers, separated from each other. Very touching stuff.
• The direction by Joe Wright mirrors that of his acclaimed 2005 debut for Pride and Prejudice.
• The screenplay was written by a former Oscar winner, in Christopher Hampton.
  
• Predominately raved across the board by audiences and critics alike. HIGHLY doubtful of not getting a nomination.

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead [dir. Sidney Lumet]

Why?

• Veteran director, Sidney Lumet’s latest film. After causing somewhat of a stir with his film ‘Find Me Guilty’ last year, he strikes gold with critics with this dramatic thriller. I’m sure the academy will love it.
• A fantastic ensemble can only help the films chances. Sporting fantastic performances from Oscar winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman, 5 time Academy Award nominee Albert Finney, Oscar winner Marisa Tomei and a former Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke.
• Another film showcasing a new coming screenwriter, in Kelly Masterson. I found the dialog and script alike to be very well made. I’m sure critics will agree with this.

The Bucket List dir. [Rob Reiner]

Why?

• An original story about 2 men who want to do things they’ve never done before they die. If responded to well, the Academy should nominate it. They love ‘light-hearted’ things come Christmas.
• Two former Oscar winning actors and a fairly acclaimed director who has never been nominated for Best Director.
• It has a great release, and a perfect MPAA rating for the time of it’s release : Christmas. It should make a fair amount of money, to possibly the biggest money grabber of December.
  
• A ‘feel good story’ with two of the most ‘feel good actors’ who’ve ever lived.
  
• The only thing keeping this from being a predictor’s dream is an inexperienced screenplay writer. Normally you can tell what films should be good by who writes/directs it. This is apparently the year of the rookies, so if Mr. Zackham can fall into this category, the film looks to be a lock.

Charlie Wilson’s War dir. [Mike Nichols]

Why?

• It’s what seems to be a satirical comedy on war, which is something a lot of us need right now. The Academy will probably go with public consensus here.
• It’s a film by one of America’s most acclaimed directors still working today.
• Though the screen write isn’t a former Oscar nominee/winner, he has had quite a bit of experience in the past, with the films A Few Good Men and The American President (another satirical political film)
• The cast is flawless. I cannot name one person that isn’t a great actor that stars in it.

Gone Baby Gone dir. [Ben Affleck]

Why?

• Ben Affleck’s first film in the director’s chair is a hit. He fires on all cylinders, and has a fair amount of raves.
• The same goes for the screenplay. It’s powerful, thrilling and constantly unpredictable. It also doesn’t hurt that Affleck is a former winner in the screenplay category,
  
• This film is also being released in the relentless comeback streak that Ben Affleck has formed in the past year and a half. ]
• Gone Baby Gone is being compared to Mystic River, as it’s equal, if not better. This is a great sign, because Mystic River was nominated for Best Picture in 2003.
• The cast is par none. There are 2 beloved veterans, 2 new(ish)comes, and 1 person that’s having the year of his career. All of the performances are great, forming one of the most powerful ensembles of the year.

Juno dir. [Jason Reitman]

Why?

• Jason Reitman. The man who brought us one of the most refreshing satirical comedies of last year, let alone the decade, is back with another critic fave. This time it has a later release date, and is PG-13.
• Potential box office hit, if given a wide release. Though they’d have to play it off as more of a Cera film with a new trailer, given he’s a beloved comedic actor now.
• A very original story. A high school student gets impregnated. Not only does it give us laughs upon laughs, but it also digs deeper, and more dramatic at times. A fantastically balanced screenplay.
• The screen write is yet another person just starting out in the business, in Diablo Cody. If what I’ve previously said is true, it should make the Top 5 for the Academy come year’s end.
• Alike Thank You for Smoking, the ensemble is magnificent. One excellent leading performance, accompanied by a ton of fantastic supporting roles.

The Kite Runner dir. [Marc Forster] [pending release]

Why?

• A very sad, very moving story about two friend separated by war. I’m sure critics will say it’s the most touching film of the year
• Though most of the cast isn’t known, that can be a good thing. It gives the Academy an option to nominate a film without having to give it acting nominations. A rare, but delightful treat.
• The screenplay is by one of this decade’s best new talents in David Benioff. Also, the fact that the screenplay is adapted off of one of the most acclaimed novels on this decade doesn’t hurt it’s chances either.
• Marc Forster is the director of the film, and from his effort in last year’s Stranger than Fiction, we know that he is a very compelling director. Mix that with his great way of projecting dramatic situations (Finding Neverland & Monster’s Ball), and the fact that he’s been said to be on the top of his game with this film, and you’ve got quite the film.

No Country for Old Men dir. [Joel & Ethan Coen]

Why?

• The Coen brothers always put on a good show for the Academy; whether or not it is exactly “academy friendly”.
  
• The story of which the film is based off of is very interesting, to say the least. A three story lined, anti-cliche thriller, with plenty of dark comedy to keep critics amused and enthralled throughout the entirety.
• It sports the only lock of the year (in many eyes) in Javier Bardem. Whenever their films have a performance nominated, their 100% with it co-ensiding with a Best Picture nomination.
• Could be a makeup film for the Coen’s, because most of their work goes unrecognized by the Academy. Especially this decade. Or perhaps the Academy have been waiting for a perfect time to give the Coen’s another nomination, and in what seems to be a very lacking year for films, this may be it.
  

The Savages dir. [Tamara Jenkins]

Why?

• Tamara Jenkins’ second feature film; an independent dramatic comedy about self importance, family and loneliness. If there is an “indie-comedy” spot for this year’s awards, it’s down to Juno and this.
  
• A fabulous cast, with Academy Award nominees Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney. Along with these two leads is acclaimed veteran theater actor Phillip Bosco.
• A fairly sad story, that hits you emotionally one way or another. No one’s life is perfect, and a lot of problems in this movie are easy to relate to. The public will love it, and the critics have already been noted to love the film.
• Though a fairly sad film, it gives everyone watching it a new perspective on life. The Academy loves “life changing” films.
  

There Will Be Blood dir. [Paul Thomas Anderson]

Why?

• P.T Anderson is an acclaimed director, many times over, but never gets enough credit. This could be the year the Academy recognizes his work.
• The villain as a protagonist idea hasn’t been done too much, so the originality of the story may be a big factor here.
• Every film that Daniel Day Lewis gets nominated for gets a Best Picture nomination. If this trend continues, this film seems to be a lock.
• The film is also one of the few “drama’s” to be a contender for Best Picture this year. This may be the extra push the film needs.

• Turquoise= Predicted Winner
• Blue = Top 5
• Green = Top 10