I've been back in the City of Angels for a little over a week now. I've been driving across the country for the better part of three months, and the blissful ignorance of the film industry has been quite the needed vacation. Seriously, I've seen four movies this year. I haven't even seen "Pirates" yet! But catching up is part of the fun (and part of the pain).
With that in mind, I suppose it may be time to start poking at the awards season. I've been fully removed in body and spirit from the race since I left in March, but looking back over my year in advance predictions, I still think a case is there to be made for my predicted five in the Best Picture category. Nothing much has changed, though perspectives have certainly been molded slowly.
The Cannes International Film Festival was a flag in the ground for the Coen brothers' "No Country for Old Men," which still left empty-handed. "Away from Her" has continuously been one of the most beloved excursions of the year, still a major play for actress Julie Christie. Most recently we've seen the trailer for Ridley Scott's "American Gangster" hit, fit with a graphic scheme raping "The Departed" without a second look. But the film still looks like a showcase for Denzel Washington and maybe some technical notice.
So without digging in too deeply, I thought I'd toss the ball in your court, for those who still check this space for signs of life. What does the upcoming Oscar season look like? I offer this space up for your banter.
