The year thus far.

Is it me or has 2008 been a slow year out of the starting gate?

Aside from the phenomenon that is “The Dark Knight” there has not been a lot to shout about, especially awards wise. We all know that the beginning of the year is the slowest part, but usually you have some strong contenders at this point.

In Best Picture we have “The Dark Knight” and “WALL-E” as the only real films that have opened to awards worthy reviews. That’s right a superhero film and a cartoon, two genre’s the Academy has not readily embraced, although this year could easily see one of these nominated. As much as I loved “WALL-E” my money is on “The Dark Knight”. Not only is the director very well respected, but the film has been met with flat out raves and stellar box office. Never under estimate the power of ticket sales in an industry where profits have been steadily falling. Added to this, the film is popular, and a nomination may just help out the Oscar ceremony come back from it’s dwindling ratings.

Over in Best Actress, Cannes gave tremendous buzz to Angelina Jolie’s performance in Clint Eastwood’s “The Changeling/Exchange”.
Also garnering raves is Sally Hawkins in Mike Leigh’s “Happy-Go-Lucky”. Both directors are very good with their actors, and are respected by the Academy so either of these could easily happen.
Melissa Leo has also garnered great reviews for the small film “Frozen River”. A hit at Sundance, this film could very well see a nomination for it’s lead performance.
If I were to bet now though I would say the one to be in the top five would be Hawkins. Playing an eternally optimistic and bubbly woman could be a breath of fresh air amongst the heavy performances that will be cluttering up year end.

Best Actor has also been quiet. Only two actors have made the type of awards buzz you cannot ignore. Benicio del Torro won Cannes for the epic and gruelling “Che”. Even if the film seems a little long in the tooth and doesn’t get the support it needs for other categories, you can expect del Torro to make it to year end.
Richard Jenkins has been getting wonderful notices for “The Visitor”. The TV vet has had the breakout role of the year thus far, and everyone has sung his praises. The film is small and hardly anyone saw it, but that should not matter much. I do expect to see him in the awards race come year end. A nomination will be tricky, but a good campaign and precursors will make all the difference. I actually wouldn't be at all surprised to see del Torro left off in favour of Jenkins.

Supporting Actress also only has two contenders thus far. Misty Upman in “Frozen River” seems unlikely at this point. If the film is going to be rewarded for anything it will be for Leo. The one sure fire nominee is Penelope Cruz for “Vicky Christina Barcelona” who is said to be sensational in the new Woody Allen film. Adding to this is the fact that many are saying it is a long overdue return to form for the director, who has released a few duds lately.

Supporting Actor…..well…it is all about Heath Ledger. And too right!

September will be an interesting month for releases as we have “Nothing But the Truth”, “Towelhead”, “Burn After Reading”, and “Blindness” . Plus many of the later ‘Oscar’ films will be having screenings to get the buzz-a-building so hopefully the best is yet to come. If not, how depressing.