As the film industry heads into the final stretch of the box office year, the peak of Oscar Buzz slowly approaches. With films such as "La La Land", "Moonlight", and surprisingly "Hell of High Water" seeming all but locked for the Best Picture category the potential lineup this year is going to be fierce. However, there are a few films that are still in a risky situation to garner a nomination. These three films are either ones that seemed locked prior to their release or have a unique potential to possibly sneak into that Best Picture category.
"Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk"
When a film from Ang Lee is released, there's a good chance Oscar buzz is usually abound to happen (unless it's the 2003 Hulk). This seemed to be the case for Billy Lynn, an adaptation of Ben Fountain's novel of the same name, however after a series of festival screenings the general hype and reception for the film has stumbled. Much of this has to do with the advanced frame-rate of the film, running at 120fps instead of the standard 24fps, on top of a 4K resolution and shot in 3D, all of which have been regarded so far as a relatively disorienting experience. This is the intention Lee, but perhaps he has delivered it too well leaving those who have been exposed to Billy Lynn's ideal experience very critical of the technology. It might be able to sneak in for some sound awards, but it will be difficult for Billy Lynn to escape its stigma at this moment.
"Jungle Book"
Yes, The Jungle Book is being considered by some to be a potential "dark horse" in the Oscar race. The Academy loves to throw blockbusters every so often into the ring as it tends to pull in an audience and there is perhaps no better blockbuster to give that reward to then John Favreau's live-action adaptation of the famous Disney film. This could also be seen as an appreciation award for Disney as well, who have been propping up the industry with hits such as Finding Dory, Captain America: Civil War, and Zootopia. If it doesn't get a nomination for Best Picture at least expect it to eat up the competition in the technical categoties.
"The Birth of a Nation"
At the beginning of 2016, this Nat Turner biopic was already being billed as the best picture winner for 2017. However, after a scandal involving director and leading man Nate Parker came to light the momentum built for the film over the better part of the year slowly dissipated leading to a very disappointing box office run. The film still retains a powerful message in its own right that retains a message that feels needed in this political climate, but it will still have to contend with the impressive word-of-mouth lineup.
Only time will tell if these films get the chance to garner a nomination, but they all certainly have the merit to garner a nomination.
