December Releases

As you already know, the holiday season is upon us and to filmmakers & cinephiles, that only means one thing: Oscar season. Let's take a look at the releases this month and possible Oscar contenders:

Les Misérables
Director: Tom Hopper
Release Date: Dec. 25

Based on the famous musical of the same name, Les Misérables stars an ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter and more. There's already buzz that the film will be considered for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Jackman), Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Song (for "Suddenly"). Considering that the film took the unusual route of letting the actors sing live than lip synching to a recording of their voices, a couple of Oscar nods are expected.


The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Director: Peter Jackson
Release Date: Dec. 14

The movie promises an epic quest plot and the beautiful cinematography we expect from LOTR movies. It's expected that the film will receive a nod for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor (Freeman), Best Supporting Actor (McKellan, Armitage, Serkis), Best Supporting Actress (Cate Blanchett), Cinematography and pretty much every technical award possible.


Zero Dark Thirty
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Release Date: Dec. 19 (limited)

It shouldn't be too surprising that the film, about the hunt for and eventual capture of Osama bin Laden, is getting Oscar buzz; Bigelow surprised many when she snagged Best Director and Best Pircture for The Hurt Locker, beating out Avatar. It isn't far-fetched to think she could pull out another Oscar victory.




Amour
Director: Michael Haneke
Release Date: Dec. 19 (limited)

Although there hasn't been much promotion for the film, you can almost be sure this film will take home an Oscar or two. Haneke, who's past films include The White Ribbon and Funny Games (US remake), is known for his bleak and disturbing style; add that to Amour's plot about an elderly man caring for his wife as her life comes to an end, and you already know this has potential for being a big tear jerker. The film has already won the coveted Palme d'Or and major acclaim from critics, so definitely expect this to be an Oscar contender.


Django Unchained
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Release Date: Dec. 25

It's a Quentin Tarantino film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Enough said.








What are you looking forward to seeing in theaters this month?