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The 51st edition of the Telluride Film Competition ended on Labor Day, with three notable films generating significant Oscar buzz: Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winner “Anora,” Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez,” and Jason Reitman’s dark comedy ” It’s Saturday night.”

Distributed by Sony Photos, “Saturday Night time” marks Reitman’s return to each director and screenwriter, collaborating with co-writer Gil Kenan. While the film has high tension, seeing the main 90 minutes as the main episode of the current ongoing sketch “Saturday Night Time Stay”, has received a mixed reaction from critics. However, past history has proven that critical reception does not equate to Oscar success, as evidenced by previous Best Picture winners like “Ebook Without Experience” (2018) and “CODA” (2021). The No. 1 rule of Oscar punditry is to recollect critics will not vote Oscar.

Then again, RaMell Ross’s “Nickel Boys” can be very well poised to make an impression with each of the LA and New York Movie Critics Awards, given the spirit of welcome from among the main critics of the nation. However, with its unconventional storytelling, the film may struggle to connect with non-formal audiences, and AMPAS voters typically prefer accessible films. If films like Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” (2022) and Chinonye Chukwu’s “Until” (2022) face the challenge of gaining traction with Academy members, Ross’ highly regarded film could meet the same fate.

learn: You can see all the Academy Award predictions in all 23 classes on one web page at Choice Award Circuit: Oscar

Several different films made an impact on the mountains of Colorado. Malcolm Washington’s directorial debut “The Piano Lesson” is expected to follow one of August Wilson’s other adaptations, “Fences,” directed by Denzel Washington, who also produced this film along with Todd Black. Danielle Deadwyler has emerged as an early favorite for the finest supporting actress, with the prospect of performing extras more likely to come.

Angelina Jolie is already a contender for Best Actress for her role as famed opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s biopic “Maria.”

Other notable 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 class, with the potential to be properly nominated for Original Music. Also, Robbie Williams’ portrayal of himself as a CGI monkey in Michael Gracey’s fantasy musical “Tall Man” could be among the Seen contenders.

Here are some of the Oscar prospects from the major titles presented in Telluride:

“Conclave” soars into the race with Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci.

After the success of “All Quiet on the Western Entrance”, which received 4 Oscars, director Edward Berger returned with the non-secular and political thriller “Conclave”. The film has strong characters, 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 Listing” and 1996’s “The English Affected person” — is overdue for recognition. It is almost a Hollywood malpractice that British actors have not entered the Dolby stage, regardless of their famous performances in films like “The Grand Budapest Lodge.” Co-star Stanley Tucci, who received one nomination for “The Pretty Bones” (2009), may return to the Oscar race along with the function of the slippery-talking cardinal. Whether or not Isabella Rossellini, who surprisingly has not been nominated, will be part of the Oscar dialogue remains to be seen. His function is small, but as different veterans like Jacki Weaver (“Silver Linings Playbook”) and Alan Alda (“The Aviator”) have confirmed, the time of the appearance is not an obstacle.

“Nickel Boys” may be favored by critics, but the Oscars may be more difficult.

As previously mentioned, RaMell Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel received a mixed reception in Telluride. While the film is more admirable from the Department of Administrators because of its imaginative and prescient symbolism that is well thought out and emotional, the issue will cause AMPAS voters to watch the 140-minute drama in its entirety. Regardless of the powerful supporting performance by Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”), the film’s first-person POV may have led some voters to show it prematurely. However, the cinematography by Jomo Fay and the sound design staff is more than worthy of a dialogue nomination.

Will the fifth time be the charm for Saoirse Ronan in “The Outrun”?

4-time Oscar-nominated actor Saoirse Ronan is considered one of three awards recognized at the Telluride Film Competition this 12 months. Julie Huntsinger, director of competition governance, advises Election that the competition wanted to honor Ronan in 2017 for “Girl Hen”, but he could not participate because he was filming “Mary Queen of Scots.” In “The Outrun,” which Ronan additionally produced, he took probably the most mature function of the profession. At the age of 30, Ronan has been considered late for the Oscars by experts and viewers.

However, there are only a few elements that can hinder the chances of winning in March. While Ronan’s performance is good, the drama, directed by Nora Fingscheidt, a recovering ex-addict in the Orkney Islands, is not universally adored by critics. Additionally, Ronan has an upcoming buzzworthy feature in Steve McQueen’s World Warfare II epic “Blitz” from Apple Authentic Movies. Although preliminary studies suggest that his performance is supportive, members of the Actors Department may prefer to vote for him in the class, especially if “Blitz” emerges as a stronger contender in many Oscar classes.

If Ronan secures a fifth nomination, he will surpass Jennifer Lawrence’s record of being the youngest to receive 4 Oscar nominations, which Lawrence achieved at 25. Ronan could become the youngest to have 5 – or perhaps six – nominations.

This situation may mimic Kate Winslet’s 2008 Oscars when she was almost nominated twice for “Revolutionary Highway” and “The Reader”. The Academy in the end moved Winslet to the lead class for the latter function regardless of the supporting actress award benefited in a different ceremony.

Animation Peaks With “Memoirs of a Snail”

Australian film director Adam Elliott’s adult animated drama “Memoir of a Snail” left audiences in Telluride over the moon – and in tears. IFC Movies pushed the film significantly, hoping it could compete in the unique screenplay race.

One of the many standout moments of the competition was when actors Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Sturdy posed with the main character of the film, Grace Pudel, who was voiced by former “Succession” castmate Sarah Snook. Culkin and Sturdy have entered the competition for Searchlight Photos’ “A Actual Ache” and Briarcliff’s “The Apprentice.” A genius transfer.

“A Actual Ache” is the Real Deal for Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg

The emotional drama “A Actual Ache,” written, directed, produced, and starring Jesse Eisenberg, had a surprise screening in Telluride. Eisenberg and co-star Kieran Culkin have each attended, showing their devotion 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 received Best Actress last 12 months, was expected to attend, but had to cancel at the last minute due to COVID-19.

Searchlight Photos is looking forward to a well-executed marketing campaign that will reflect the success of “Life Before” last 12 months. Based on the general reception, the 88-minute film has the potential to improve.

Culkin’s standout efficiency, more likely to campaign in the class of supporting actors, said Road is important and will put him in serious competition for the first Oscar nomination. Fun fact: Pedro Pascal, who worked on “Gladiator II,” is also competing for a nomination, possibly recreating the bromance between Culkin and Pascal seen during “Succession” and “The Final of Us.”

The lead actor class may be too crowded for Oscar nominee Eisenberg (“Social Community”). However, the unique screenplay is where a fun and entertaining film like this can earn an Academy Award. There’s also a chance it could attract a Best Picture nomination.

Will Ferrell May Register First Oscar Nomination for Documentary “Will & Harper”

Will Ferrell has grown into one of the most beloved comedic actors in film, with outstanding performances in films like “Stranger than Fiction” and “Faculty of Lagging”.

Now, he’s part of the heartwarming documentary “Will & Harper,” which follows Ferrell on the road alongside his best friend after he transitions. As one of the few documentaries in Telluride that needed to turn a blind crowd, Ferrell’s charming star persona could put him in the hunt for his first Oscar nomination as a producer. Maybe the Documentary Department will recognize the film’s merits, as the festival-goers did.

Will “All We Think about as Mild” be India’s Choice for World Functions?

Payal Kapadia’s film “All We Think about as Mild,” the Cannes runner-up, may be a strong contender in the awards race. Janus Movies and Sideshow need a strong marketing campaign to keep them in the dialogue.

However, India has a history of controversial selections, like recalling the epic “RRR” in favor of another film that was not nominated. “RRR” went on to win the Oscar for Greatest Authentic Music.

Will India make the same mistake again?

“The Buddy” Is a Strong Industrial Play

Scott McGehee and David Siegel introduced the acquisition title “The Buddy,” starring Naomi Watts and Invoice Murray, to Telluride, where it received strong evaluations from the audience.

The film, which tells the story of a girl who adopts her late friend and mentor Nice Dane, feels more like a strong field play than an awards contender. The filmmakers introduce Bing’s dog (named “Apollo” in the film) to Telluride, a place that charms the town while bringing down visitors.

Will anyone cut it?