By Keeva Stratton
This year’s Academy Awards offers a selection of films and performances, which are as brilliant as they are different. What’s our early take on their chances?
The Big Short
Capturing the frightening game of chance the big banks played with people’s lives in the lead up to the Global Financial Crisis, The Big Short has the Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt factor (and some wonderfully witty quips). Despite being a great film, with an exceptional cast, it will likely fall short this year.
Bridge of Spies
Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, the Cold War—this tried and true combination delivers as expected, with quality drama and high-end production. But, in a year where the smaller films have made the biggest impact, this Hollywood heavyweight will have to simply enjoy the thrill of being nominated.
Brooklyn
Shot with a decadent richness of colour, brought to life through the wonderful wording of a Nick Hornby screenplay, and with a breakout leading role performance by Saoirse Ronan—Brooklyn has a classic feel to it. It also feels like being nominated is a fitting acknowledgement for this film’s achievements.
Mad Max: Fury Road
With a drove of nominations (Costume Design, Directing, Film Editing, Production Design, Sound Editing), here’s hoping that Mad Max: Fury Road can bring some of those production awards back to Aussie soil. I’m also maintaining hope that George Miller might defy the odds (much like his central character) to take out Best Director.
The Martian
I can’t be the only one wondering why Matt Damon seems to often find himself lost in space, but the real surprise of awards season (Best Musical or Comedy Golden Globes?) keeps finding success. Come Oscar night—despite being an entertaining film—I think it may just be brought back to earth.
The Revenant
Will this be Leo’s year? It’s certainly looking that way. His powerful performance in The Revenant offers a compelling case (even when compared with another incredible transformation from Eddie Redmayne). Some say actors need to exchange their gloss for grit in order to take Oscar home, and there’s no doubt DiCaprio’s brush with a bear has all the makings of Oscar glory.
Room
With a Golden Globe and a SAG, Room’s Brie Larson seems well poised to upset Australia’s hopes for Cate Blanchett—and it would be a prize well earned. Room offers an intense and powerful experience for the viewer, carried by Larson’s exceptional performance.
Spotlight
Having shone a light on one of the darkest sexual abuse cover-ups, Spotlight is a true story that has the shock and determination to succeed against the odds. While its actors may not take out their respective categories (with the possible exception of Mark Ruffalo), Spotlight may just prove more than the Critics Choice and take home Best Film.
