04/07/2025
It's been a slow start to the year, and I needed a break from all the negativity that was last year's Oscar season. But I'm back, so let's take a look at the films released this year through the end of June, (mostly in June), that have some Oscar buzz.
SINNERS (4/18) - Best Picture, Director Actor, Supp. Actor, Screenplay, Editing, Cinematography, Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup & Hairstyling, Visual Effects, Casting, Sound, Score, Original Song
The front runner by a mile is Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners'. Coogler delivered arguably his best film, a genre mashup with surprising depth. I expect this film to do very well, come Oscar time. Two things could slow it down: its early release and the horror of it all. But we've seen both of those hurdles overcome in recent years. I, for one, am hoping for a big showing. It is my favorite film of the year so far.
THE LIFE OF CHUCK (6/6) - Best Picture, Screenplay
I don't really expect much from this, but we can't completely disregard last year's TIFF People's Choice winner, can we? Screenplay would be its best shot, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME (6/6) - Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design
Cards on the table, I'm not a big Wes Anderson fan. I liked his early stuff, but lately he's been more style over substance, and that is certainly true for 'The Phoenician Scheme' The three leads give great performances; the rest are basically cameos. You can't fault the design, though. If it gets in anywhere, it'll be there.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (6/13) - Visual Effects
Another long-shot, but this does have excellent VFX work. I could see it sneaking in if the rest of the field is weak.
MATERIALISTS (6/13) - Best Picture, Screenplay
Celine Song's follow-up to 'Past Lives' may not have hit the heights that film did, but she still delivered a smart, well-written film for adults, and The Academy might just respond to that. The release date didn't do it any favors, though.
ELIO (6/20) - Animated Feature
If you are one of the few people who saw this film in theaters, you were treated to one of Pixar's better films in recent memory. It may be set in outer space, but it is a solidly down-to-earth story about finding your place in the world. I suspect this will do very well on digital, and that may give it the bump it needs for a nomination. It's a shame that more people didn't see this film, but that is the fault of Disney's marketing, not the artists at Pixar who made this wonderful film.
MARLEE MATLIN: NOT ALONE ANYMORE (6/20) - Documentary Feature
Documentaries about celebrities don't usually do very well, but Matlin is beloved by The Academy, so this could slip onto the shortlists, at least. I wouldn't bet on it, though.
F1: THE MOVIE (6/27) - Editing, Sound, Score, Original Song
Another film that didn't quite live up do its predecessor. It's no Top Gun: Maverick, but Joseph Kosinski did deliver a wildly entertaining summer movie. The film has everything you want from a racing film, and unfortunately, too much of what you expect. Yeah, it's cheesy and predictable, but it's also a good time. I see it picking up some tech noms.
SORRY, BABY (6/27) - Best Picture, Actress, Screenplay
This has not released yet in my area, but it's got great buzz out of Sundance, with many calling it the best film of the year. I'm looking forward to this one.
Here's hoping the second half of the year delivers better than the first. What do you think? Did I miss anything?
