If you think it’s too early to start sizing up the 2008 Oscar season, consider that it began earlier this fall at the Telluride and Toronto International Film Festivals.
That’s where small specialty films like Sony Pictures Classics’ "The Counterfeiters" and Larry Charles and Bill Maher’s documentary "Religulous" made their North American debuts. Granted, many of the 2008 contenders have yet to be released, much less promoted by Oscar campaigners.
The Hollywood hit list is already focusing on the Academy Awards, with winner predictions well underway.
The January 13th Golden Globes is a big predictor for the Oscars, and the nominees know that historically, a win at the Globes can take them all the way.
So far British movie ‘Atonement’, based on the Ian McEwan novel, is leading the way. Both Keira Knightley and James McAvoy have been nominated for Globes and are seen as a shoe-in for Oscar nods.
McAvoy has revealed his feelings towards taking home the Best Actor Award.
‘Of course I’d love to be nominated for everything,’ he said. ‘But it’s not why we do it, and it’s not why I chose to do this film, and it’s not why I chose to be an actor. So, I have some perspective. If it doesn’t happen, I would hope that my pride in this project wouldn’t be diminished in any way.’
If Knightley is shortlisted, it will be her second nomination for Best Actress, following 1995’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
The Pirates of the Caribbean superstar will face competition from Cate Blanchett, for her roles as Queen Elizabeth in Elizabeth; the Golden Age’, and her role in the Bob Dylan biography ‘I’m Not There’.
Twenty year old Ellen Page will also try her luck at grabbing the crown for Best Actress.
Page starred in the Indie flick ‘Juno’, a satirical comedy about a teenager dealing with unplanned pregnancy.
And of course there is the sexy George Clooney, who played the part of the titular lawyer in ‘Michael Clayton’.
Clooney could be put back on the Best Actor shortlist, after winning a Supporting Oscar in 2006 for ‘Syriana’.
The hype has begun, the stars are about, and they are all hoping to place an Oscar in the trophy cabinet.
The Academy Awards will take place in Los Angeles on February 24th.
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