Back-to-back announcements by two of the biggest awards organizations aren’t common, but this year we got lists two days in a row. There were some differences in the choices, but these ten films have suffered the most notable loss in the Oscar derby with a grand total of zero nominations from both groups. Here’s a quick look at the damage and each film’s chances at this point.
The Tree of Life
Terrence Malick’s epic drama annoyed some viewers with its lengthy and unfocused subject matter, and that may keep it out of the Best Picture and Best Director races. It’s still a good bet for Best Cinematography and other technical races.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Stephen Daldry is three for three in terms of Best Director nominations for his films. His Tom Hanks starrer about the son of someone killed on September 11th hasn’t made waves just yet, but may rebound later in the race if it proves heartwarming enough.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Nominations from the Globes and SAG were hardly guaranteed, and so this film could still steal one of the Best Picture slots as a way of honoring the entire series. It’s also sure to place in the technical categories.
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Elizabeth Olsen, younger sister of the Olsen twins, was looking good for the Best Actress race for this cult-centered drama, but she got beat out by five other women for SAG, and had her Globe slot taken by Rooney Mara. The film could get nominated for Best Original Screenplay, but not likely if Olsen isn’t recognized.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
The Gary Oldman-led spy thriller has a host of actors that could have earned nominations, and the film might have contended for Best Motion Picture – Drama. Oldman and its screenplay are still the best bets, with an outside shot at grabbing Oscar slots.
Melancholia
Lars Von Trier’s end-of-the-world movie isn’t for everyone, but reviews were strong, and Kirsten Dunst had a decent shot at an acting nod. The film’s cinematography and art direction could be honored at the Oscars, but it’s far from guaranteed.
Coriolanus
The directorial debut of Ralph Fiennes includes the original Shakespearean dialogue and features some heavy performances from Fiennes as the title character and Vanessa Redgrave as his mother. Redgrave might still upset, but the competition is strong.
Rampart
Woody Harrelson plugged this film while announcing the Best Motion Picture – Drama nominees expressly because it wasn’t nominated for anything. Harrelson’s performance is supposed to be excellent, but he got Golden Globe and SAG nominations for The Messenger, so without those precursors, his chances aren’t great.
Super 8
This Steven Spielberg summer film was seen as a 21st century E.T., but since then, all buzz seems to have faded, keeping it out of the running for Best Picture and just barely hanging on to some technical nominations.
We Bought a Zoo
Cameron Crowe is an Oscar-winning writer, for Almost Famous, but his adaptation of the light-hearted book starring Matt Damon doesn’t appear to be an awards contender. Pedigree doesn’t always mean recognition.