Ron Howard In The Running?

They say anything can happen in the Oscar game, and we've been seeing that happen all year. The potential for a superhero film to get a Best Picture nomination? Check. A comeback nomination for an actor who destroyed his career by jumping on a couch? Check. An animated film being more impressive then many live action efforts? Check. And now, we're starting to see a potential winner in Ron Howard's "Frost/Nixon." Now even though I was looking forward to this film all year round, the Oscar potential seemed slim. At best a Best Actor nomination for Frank Langella and not much more. But early reviews are trickling in and the critics can't stop raving about the film. They are calling it one of Howard's best films since "Apollo 13." They love the performaces of Michael Sheen and Langella. Some people have claimed it to be superior to the Broadway play. If audiences respond well to the film we might have a front-runner on our hands. Nothing is certain as the reviews that have leaked are few and far between, and the critical reception can change by the end of the weekend, but for now, during a year when we're worried about filler nominations in the top category, this is certainly something to pay attention to.

This also comes off some early reviews for "Doubt," a movie that was singled out as being a sure Best Picture nominee, but thanks to some lukewarm early reviews...well, not to make a bad pun, but the nominations looking more doubtful now. This is actually a very good example of why no one knows anything with the Oscar race, and why making predictions before a films release is futile. Most of the early buzz is simply smart marketing from studio executives who want their films nominated anyway. Both "Doubt" and "Frost/Nixon" are remakes of stage plays. Earlier in the year "Doubt" looked like a sure bet while "Frost/Nixon" looked like a long shot. Now the situation has been reversed. It's been very likely that at least one of the stage movies would be nominated (there's too few slots for both), but it's very funny how we're singing a different tune as to which will be nominated now. I look forward to seeing both films, and I'll give my thoughts on them when I see them.