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