THE CONTENDERS
Amy Adams in Arrival
N
ow that most of the major fall film festivals ( Toronto , Telluride , Venice , New York ) have concluded , we have a better idea of which films could have the biggest impact this awards season . Indie films have taken a front-runner position , with several promising to be both critically and financially successful , relatively speaking . Best picture contenders could include La La Land ( coming 12 / 9 ), the musical starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone that could result in acting nominations for both ,
By Lori Vernon
Kenneth Lonergan ’ s Manchester By The Sea with Casey Affleck ( favored for a best-actor nod ), Barry Jenkins ’ Moonlight ( opened 10 / 21 ), with Naomie Harris and Mahershala Ali ( both favored to get acting nominations ) in the story of a young black man grappling with his sexuality and his drug-addict mother , and Jeff Nichols ’ Loving , the story of the first interracial couple to marry and challenge the legality of interracial marriage through the Supreme Court . Here ’ s an overview of films - including several awards contenders , opening this month .
November 4
Doctor Strange
Directed By Scott Derrickson Rated PG-13
The life of arrogant neurosurgeon Stephen Strange ( Benedict Cumberbatch ) changes dramatically after a car accident leaves him without the use of his hands . After traditional medicine fails , he embarks on a journey to heal his hands , leading him to discover a mysterious enclave and the mystic arts used to fight against unseen forces . While unlocking the world of dark magic that he eventually must conquer , Strange is forced to choose between his personal fortune and defending the world against the most powerful sorcerer in existence . Based on the Marvel Comics superhero that first appeared in 1963 , the film features a stellar cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor , Rachel McAdams , Mads Mikkelsen , Michael Stuhlbarg and Tilda Swinton . While not likely to be nominated for any awards , this film could still be a box office hit given its Super-Hero comic book origins .
Hacksaw Ridge
Directed by Mel Gibson Rated R
Mel Gibson directs the true story of Pfc . Desmond T . Doss ( Andrew Garfield ), a pacifist who won the First Congressional Medal of Honor as a conscientious objector despite refusing to carry a weapon during WWII based on his religious beliefs as a Seventhday Adventist . Doss was drafted and became an Army medic but was ostracized by fellow soldiers for his beliefs . He went on to earn their respect and adoration for his bravery , selflessness , and compassion after he risked his life - without ever firing a shot -- to save 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa . Theresa
Palmer , Hugo Weaving , Vince Vaughan and Sam Worthington round out the cast .
Loving
Written & Directed by Jeff Nichols Rated PG-13
The true story of Richard Loving ( Joel Edgerton ) and Mildred Jeter ( Ruth Negga ) an interracial couple in 1958 Virginia sentenced to prison for getting married because it was a violation of Virginia law . Exiled to Washington D . C ., they sue the state of Virginia in a series of proceedings that leads to the landmark 1967 Supreme Court case , Loving vs . Virginia , which upheld that the laws prohibiting interracial marriage are unconstitutional .
November 11
Arrival
Directed by Denis Villeneuve Rated PG-13
When mysterious spaceships land across the globe , an elite team led by expert linguist Dr . Louise Banks ( Amy Adams ) is brought together to investigate . As mankind balances on the verge of global war , Banks and her team race against time to find a way to communicate with the alien visitors . While searching for answers she will take a chance that could threaten her life and quite possibly humanity . Also starring Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker . Keep your eye on Amy Adams as a possible best actress contender .
Billy Lynn ' s Long Halftime Walk
Directed by Ang Lee Rated R
Nineteen-year-old private Billy Lynn ( Joe
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14 illinoisentertainer . com november 2016