The 51st Telluride Movie Competition concluded on Labor Day, with three standout films generating major Oscar buzz: Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winner “Anora,” Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez” and Jason Reitman’s dark comedy “Saturday Night.”
Distributed by Sony Pictures, “Saturday Night Time” marks Reitman’s return to directing and writing, collaborating with co-writer Gil Kenan. While the film takes a high-tension look at the 90 minutes leading up to the main episode of the long-running sketch show “Saturday Night Stay,” it has received mixed reactions from critics. However, history has shown that critical reception does not always align with Oscar success, as evidenced by previous Best Picture winners like “Green Book” (2018) and “CODA” (2021). Rule No. 1 for Oscar pundits is to remember that critics are not Oscar voters.
On the other hand, RaMell Ross’s “Nickel Boys” may well be poised to make an impression with both the LA and New York Movie Critics Awards, given its rave reception among the country’s top critics. However, with its unconventional storytelling method, the film may struggle to engage casual viewers, and traditional AMPAS voters typically gravitate toward more accessible films. If films like Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” (2022) and Chinonye Chukwu’s “Until” (2022) have struggled to gain traction with Academy members, Ross’s highly revered film may meet a similar fate.
Learn:You can see all the Oscar predictions in all 23 categories on one page at the Selection Awards Circuit: Oscars
Several different films have made an impact in the mountains of Colorado. Malcolm Washington’s directorial debut, “The Piano Lesson,” hopes to follow in the footsteps of another August Wilson adaptation, “Fences,” directed by Denzel Washington, who also produces this film alongside Todd Black. Danielle Deadwyler has emerged as an early favorite for best supporting actress, with more acting prospects likely to emerge.
Angelina Jolie has positioned herself as a Best Actress contender for her portrayal of famed opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s biopic “Maria.”
Other noteworthy films include Morgan Neville’s animated biopic “Piece by Piece,” which chronicles the upbringing of musician Pharrell Williams. This film could be a contender in the Animated Feature category, with potential for a nomination for Original Music as well. Additionally, Robbie Williams’ portrayal of himself as a CGI monkey in Michael Gracey’s fantasy musical “Higher Man” could be among the Visible Results contenders.
Below are some of the Oscar contenders for the major titles shown at Telluride:
“Conclave” takes off in the race with Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci.
Following the success of “All Quiet on the Western Frontier,” which won four Oscars, director Edward Berger returns with the non-secular political thriller “Conclave.” The film boasts a powerful cast, a tense script by Peter Straughan, and beautiful cinematography and editing by Stéphane Fontaine and Nick Emerson.
Ralph Fiennes, who hasn’t been nominated since his roles in two Best Picture winners — 1993’s “Schindler’s List” and 1996’s “The English Affected Person” — is overdue for recognition. It’s almost a Hollywood oversight that the English actor hasn’t made it to the Dolby stage, despite standout performances in films like “The Grand Budapest Lodge.” Co-star Stanley Tucci, who earned a lone nomination for 2009’s “The Pretty Bones,” could also return to the Oscar race with his turn as a smooth-talking cardinal. Whether Isabella Rossellini, who surprisingly has never been nominated, will be part of the Oscar dialogue remains to be seen. Her role is small, but as other veterans like Jacki Weaver (“Silver Linings Playbook”) and Alan Alda (“The Aviator”) have attested, screen time isn’t always a barrier.
“Nickel Boys” may have critical support, but the Oscars may also be tougher.
As previously reported, RaMell Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel received a mixed reception at Telluride. While the film is likely to win the Department of Administration’s admiration for its thoughtful, emotionally symbolic and imaginative vision, the challenge will likely be getting AMPAS voters to watch the 140-minute drama in its entirety. Despite a powerful supporting performance from Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”), the film’s first-person point of view may lead some voters to screen it prematurely. However, Jomo Fay’s cinematography and sound design team are more than worthy of being in the nomination conversation.
Will Saoirse Ronan’s appeal in “The Outrun” be the fifth time?
Four-time Oscar-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan was named one of three honorees recognized at this year’s Telluride Movie Competition. Julie Huntsinger, the competition’s executive director, advised Selection The competition wanted to honor Ronan in 2017 for “Girl Hen,” but she was unable to attend due to filming for “Mary Queen of Scots.” In “The Outrun,” which Ronan also produced, she takes on what is probably the most adult role of her career. At 30, Ronan is already considered overdue for an Oscar by pundits and the public alike.
However, there are a few factors that could hamper her chances of a win in March. While Ronan’s performance is great, the Nora Fingscheidt-directed drama about a recovering former addict in the Orkney Islands has not been universally adored by critics. Additionally, Ronan has an upcoming role in Steve McQueen’s World War II epic “Blitz,” from Apple Original Movies. While early reviews suggest her role will be a supporting role, members of the Actors’ Bureau will likely be more inclined to vote for her in that category, especially if “Blitz” emerges as a stronger contender in several Oscar categories.
If Ronan secures her fifth nomination, she will surpass Jennifer Lawrence’s record of becoming the youngest person to earn four Oscar nominations, which Lawrence achieved at age 25. Ronan could become the youngest person to earn five — or likely six — nominations.
This could mirror Kate Winslet’s run at the 2008 Oscars, when she nearly earned two nominations for “Revolutionary Road” and “The Reader.” The Academy ended up bumping Winslet to the lead category for the latter role, even though she had won supporting actress awards at other ceremonies.
Animation peaks with “Memories of a Snail”
Australian filmmaker Adam Elliott’s captivating adult animated drama “Memoir of a Snail” left Telluride attendees on cloud nine — and in tears. IFC Movies is promoting the film heavily, hoping it can compete further in the original screenplay race.
One of the standout moments of the competition was when actors Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Sturdy posed with the film’s lead character, Grace Pudel, who is voiced by their former “Succession” co-star Sarah Snook. Culkin and Sturdy were in the competition for their films “A Real Ache” from Searchlight Photos and “The Apprentice” from Briarcliff. A brilliant transfer.
“A Actual Ache” is the real deal for Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg
The emotional comedy-drama “A Real Ache,” written, directed, produced and starring Jesse Eisenberg, was a shocking showing at Telluride. Eisenberg and co-star Kieran Culkin were in attendance, showing off their dedication to the film while Eisenberg is in the middle of filming the next installment of “Now You See Me.”
Emma Stone, who also produced the film and won Best Actress last year, was supposed to attend but had to cancel at the last minute due to COVID-19.
Searchlight Photos is hoping for a well-executed marketing campaign that mirrors the success of “Previous Lives” over the past 12 months. Based largely on reception, the 88-minute film has the potential to go even further.
Culkin’s standout performance, more likely to be promoted in the supporting actor category, was the talk of Major Road and will put him in serious competition for his first Oscar nomination. Fun fact: Pedro Pascal, who has a role in “Gladiator II,” is also vying for a nomination, likely recreating the Culkin-Pascal bromance seen during their stints in “Succession” and “The Last of Us.”
The lead actor class may also be too crowded for Oscar nominee Eisenberg (“The Social Community”). However, a unique screenplay is where a moving, heartbreaking film like this can find the Academy’s respect. There’s also a chance it could garner a Best Picture nomination.
Will Ferrell Could Earn His First Oscar Nomination for Documentary “Will & Harper”
Will Ferrell has become one of cinema’s most beloved comedic actors, with standout performances in films such as “Stranger Than Fiction” and “Old Times”.
Now, he’s starring in the lighthearted documentary “Will & Harper,” which follows Ferrell on a journey through the streets with his best friend after her transition. As one of the few documentaries at Telluride that needed to draw away large crowds, Ferrell’s charming star persona could put him in the hunt for his first Oscar nomination as a producer. Perhaps the Documentary Department will recognize the film’s merits, as festivalgoers did.
Will “All We Think Is Light” be India’s choice for world performance?
Payal Kapadia’s “All We Think about as Mild,” the Cannes runner-up, could well be a strong contender in the awards race. Janus Movies and Sideshow should campaign vigorously to keep it in the conversation.
However, India has a history of controversial choices, such as passing over the epic “RRR” in favor of another film that was not nominated. “RRR” won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Will India make the same mistake again?
“The Buddy” is a strong industrial piece
Scott McGehee and David Siegel brought their acquisition title “The Buddy,” starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, to Telluride, where it received strong reviews from attendees.
The film, which tells the story of a girl who adopts her late friend and mentor’s Nice Dane, feels more like a powerful piece of theater than an awards contender. The filmmakers brought Bing the dog (called “Apollo” in the film) to Telluride, where he charmed the town while sniffing out customers.
Will anyone bite?