It may only be September 9, but the countdown to Oscar season has already begun! The Venice Film Festival wraps today, with the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF) running until the 17th. While these festivals may not be known to a common audience, they are often the first time critics and moviegoers alike can see the films that will be battling for the big prizes come February. After all, Emma Stone won Best Actress for La La Land at Venice last year, and then went on to win the Oscar for Best Actress. Here are some highlights from the festivals so far.
1. We may have our first *real* contender for Best Picture.
The Golden Lion (Venice’s top prize: think Best Picture) was awarded to Mexican director Guillermo del Toro for his upcoming film, The Shape of Water. The film, which has been described as a Cold War fairy tale, received almost universal praise, perhaps starting it’s journey to the Academy Awards. The Shape of Water will be released in the US in December.
2. Tennis seems to be the theme.
This year, there are not one, not two, but three tennis related films playing TIFF. First, we have the much talked about Battle of the Sexes, starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell, which chronicles the 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Second, Borg/McEnroe, which opened the Festival on Thursday, focuses on a fictionalized account of the rivalry between John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. The film received mostly positive reviews. Last, is the documentary Love Means Zero which tells the story of prolific coach Nick Bollettieri and his tennis academy. With this wealth of tennis films, odds are that the worlds of sports and film will collide come awards season.
3. There is no clear nominee for Best Actress.
Last year, when La La Land fever took over, it became very clear that Emma Stone was the front runner to win every Best Actress award she was nominated for. This year, no woman has truly emerged from the pack. Stone’s name is once again in the mix for her portrayal of Billie Jean King. However, Sally Hawkins’s name has also been thrown out there for her role as a mute woman in The Shape of Water. And of course, whether you love her or hate her, Jennifer Lawrence’s name is once again in the Oscar pool, thanks in part to her role in Darren Aronofsky’s mother!.
4. Jennifer Lawrence may have another hit on her hands.
Speaking of JLaw, her film mother! Is shaping up to be one of the most talked about films of the season. Plot details have been kept minimal, but stories of her hyperventilating on set have emerged as evidence of the intensity of the film. Most critics have had strong (mostly positive) reactions to film, but it seems like word of mouth is what will drive the buzz for this film.
5. Shia LaBeouf Oscar winner?
Lastly, it is always an interesting day when Shia LaBeouf is in the news. This time however, he isn’t in the news for anything too crazy—just giving a pretty good performance as John McEnroe in Borg/McEnroe. While it’s too early to tell if his performance will have any impact on award’s season, I personally would love it if Louis Stevens (remember Even Stevens?) won an Oscar.
Main image Credit: Leo Hidalgo for Photo Pin