By Kaylee Brewster
It’s that time of the year.
As the holiday season approaches so does another: Oscar season.
Films seeking Oscar recognition have until Dec. 31 to be released and remain eligible for consideration. Some wait until late in the year to stay fresh in the minds of Oscar voters.
Here are some that have been released or are releasing soon that could vie for Oscar attention:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSbzyEJ8X9E
“A Star is Born”
Synopsis: An established singer helps an upcoming talent find her voice.
Oscar contention: It’s expected to get some acting nods following rave reviews for performances by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in the film directed by Cooper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSoRx87OO6k
“First Man”
Synopsis: A biopic of Neil Armstrong and the journey that led him to the moon.
Oscar contention: Director Damien Chazelle has been to the Oscars before with “La La Land” and “Whiplash.” Stellar performances by Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy will certainly help the film’s Oscar chances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B71eyB_Onw
“Boy Erased”
Synopsis: The son of a baptist preacher is forced into a gay conversion program.
Oscar contention: It’s received some early nominations from other award circuits. The main actor, Lucas Hedges, has appeared in three Oscar-nominated films in the past two years, including earning an acting nomination in 2016 for “Manchester By the Sea.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZS5d9l8XL0
“Green Book”
Synopsis: A working-class bouncer becomes the driver for an African-American classical pianist during his tour of the South in the 1960s.
Oscar contention: It already won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival. Viggo Mortensen, who plays the driver, has been nominated twice, while Mahershala Ali, as the pianist, has had it good the last few years with an Oscar win and an Emmy nomination, among other awards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYb-wkehT1g
“The Favourite”
Synopsis: There’s tension in the English court when Queen Anne gets a new servant that threatens the relationship she had with another.
Oscar contention: With a powerhouse of actresses like Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone, this one will likely get some acting nominations. The film won the Special Grand Jury prize at the Venice Film Festival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQXSforT_qQ
“If Beale Street Could Talk”
Synopsis: A Harlem woman tries to prove her fiance’s innocence while pregnant with his child.
Oscar contention: Following his Best Picture win for “Moonlight,” director Barry Jenkins could see gold again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI9NdYktzfE
“Ben is Back”
Synopsis: When her son returns, his mother is eager to welcome him back, but his past might not have left him behind.
Oscar contention: Lucas Hedges acting in another possible Oscar condender, plus Julia Roberts as his mother. The film had a successful showing at the Toronto Film Festival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BS27ngZtxg
“Roma”
Synopsis: A story that follows a middle-class family in Mexico City during the 1970s.
Oscar contention: Director Alfonso Cuaron has an Oscar in his trophy case and several nominations. The film won at Venice and was nominated in Toronto.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO3GsRQO0dM
“Vice”
Synopsis: A film on Dick Cheney’s rise to becoming Vice President under President George W. Bush.
Oscar contention: With Christian Bale as Cheney (complete with a full makeover to look the part), plus Sam Rockwell, as Bush, (coming off last year’s Best Supporting Actor Oscar win), the film likely will receive some votes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NR8w8s9zWA
“Beautiful Boy”
Synopsis: A father-son relationship dealing with a son’s drug addiction.
Oscar contention: Steve Carell plays the dad, and Timothée Chalamet (nominated last year for the Best Actor Oscar) plays the son. They’ll be strong considerations for some acting awards. The film has done well at numerous festivals and early awards shows.
