Wednesday Oscar Watch

Welcome to a newly-restarted feature here at Movies with Abe, Wednesday Oscar Watch with Abe. It’s a bit early to be able to accurately predict the eventual Oscar nominees, but around this time, plenty of likely contenders are being released. I’ll be looking every Wednesday at the awards chances for all of the films released the previous week. Additionally, to make up for lost time, I’ll also be taking a look at the films released earlier in the year, one or two months at a time. Chime in with your thoughts on the Oscar chances for these films in the comments section. Also, if I’ve missed any films from the previous months, please say so!

Films released October 7, 2011

The Ides of March
The last time George Clooney directed a serious film, it got plenty of Oscar nominations. It’s likely that Clooney’s other film, “The Descendants,” which he stars in but does not direct, will get most of the Oscar buzz, and Ryan Gosling may get more praise for “Drive.” This film does feature strong supporting performances from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, and Evan Rachel Wood, as well as a good script, but I think it may end up just missing the mark.

Films released July 2011

Larry Crowne (July 1)
Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts were both beloved by Oscar voters in the 1990s, and if anyone was feeling nostalgic, this would be a great way to honor the fact that they’re still working. I think, however, that this film will be relegated to Golden Globe affection, if that.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (July 15)
All but two of the Harry Potter films have been nominated for at least one Oscar, so this one will probably net a nod or two as well. Best Visual Effects is probably its best bet, but it could also contend for Best Cinematography or Best Art Direction.

Winnie the Pooh (July 15)
This nostalgic reboot of a much-beloved franchise could easily place in the Best Animated Feature race.

Captain America: The First Avenger (July 22)
This well-received superhero film may have some technical success, particularly in the Best Visual effects and possibly Best Sound and Best Sound Editing as well.

Cowboys & Aliens (July 29)
This sci-fi Western might manage a Best Visual Effects nod, but I think that would be it, if it even happens.

Crazy Stupid Love (July 29)
This comedy was a lot of fun, and I’m hopeful that it will score Golden Globe nominations for Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling, but I imagine it won’t be on Oscar voters’ radar.

The Guard (July 29)
This is more wishful thinking, but writer-director John Michael McDonagh’s brother Martin got an Oscar nomination for penning “In Bruges,” so maybe this can happen too. Let’s hope that Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle get their due from Golden Globe voters.