What a movie season it is! Critics and major honchos like Harvey Weinstein have been all abuzz about one of the best seasons in years. This lineup includes many locals and famous faces who have made multiple trips down the red carpet.
Will bridesmaid but never the bride, Leonardo DiCaprio make it to the alter for the critical favorite “The Wolf of Wall Street?” And what about his longtime pal and collaborator, the great Martin Scorsese? Will longtime local Matthew McConaughey be a good bet for “Dallas Buyer’s Club?” And there are picks for “Captain Phillips” starring Tom Hanks and “All is Lost” with the legendary Robert Redford. Both have been said to have given the greatest performances of their careers. And don’t forget about critical darling Bruce Dern in “Nebraska.”
But for now, director David O. Russell seems to be the leader of the pack with “American Hustle.”
There’s also Alfonso Cuaron’s lost-in-space adventure “Gravity,” starring Sandra Bullock. The out-of-this-world adventure also earned 10 nominations.
Many of the brightest stars also shined at the Golden Globes Gala.
Some have said this might signal a changing of the guard in Hollywood. Christian Bale for “American Hustle,” Leonardo DiCaprio for “The Wolf of Wall Street” and Chiwetel Ejiofor for “12 Years a Slave” all have a younger demographic than the old school guys and gals. “12 Years a Slave” is already up for nine Academy Award nominations, including best picture, best director (McQueen) and best actor (Ejiofor) and it already snagged a prize at the Golden Globes. “Philomena” with Judy Dench is also in the running for best pic, best actress and original screen play. The dynamic duo of Julia Roberts and Meryl Steep are up for their acting roles in “August: Osage County.” It has already picked up the best ensemble cast at the Screen Actors Guild.
As a casual viewer, “American Hustle” might be the one to beat. The picture has received rave reviews and has been hailed as “the best picture of the year” and “as perfect a film as it gets.” It also received three Golden Globes, including Amy Adams for Best Actress, Jennifer Lawrence for best supporting role and best picture. New Yorker critic David Denby calls it “an ensemble cast that is equal of anything in Hollywood’s Golden Age.”
Also keep an eye out for Leo, Matthew and Tom, who are said to have given their best performances ever.
I say “American Hustle” and “Wolf of Wall Street,” but like the Super Bowl, it’s down to the wire and anyone’s guess!