Of course, making Oscar predictions this early in the game is a fool’s errand, with six months to go until the end of the year, campaigns are starting to take shape and the picture for the awards season is beginning to get a little bit clearer. And one move that’s already on the tip of everyone’s tongue is Steve McQueen‘s star-studded “12 Years A Slave.” And feeling the hype, Fox Searchlight is looking to make the movie their Oscar horse.
Originally slated for a late, end of year December 27th date, the studio has moved the movie all way up to October 18th. Why? Well, according to Deadline, test screenings have been “exuberant” (which seems an odd choice of words), and putting things together, it’s probably safe to say the studio thinks that it can build on a strong showing on the fall festival circuit (it’s heavily rumored to premiere at Venice) and get it out sooner rather than later. It will be a platform release, meaning it will start limited and expand, which is the right approach to build word of mouth and critical acclaim for the flick. But hell, all that aside, we’re getting it sooner. So yeah, we’re excited.
In other release date news: “Cinderella” is slated for March 13, 2015, Tim Burton‘s “Peregrine’s Home for Peculiars” will hit on July 31, 2015, and Marvel is dropping a new, untitled movie on July 8, 2016.
And when it comes to the Oscar race, the Weinsteins have made some adjustments too. “August: Osage County” moves to Christmas Day and “Grace Of Monaco” arrives on November 27th.
I really want to see Lupita Nyong'o's performance. She really shines on screen.
I saw 12 years at a test screening earlier this year and it was really great, but needed editing. Q. Wallis doesn't speak in it, she's barely in it. Outside of Ejiofer and Fassbender, newcomer Lupito Nyong was amazing.
Cumberbatch doesn't have too much screentime so no. He's pretty good, but nothing will happen with him. Sorry. Even Paul Dano has more screentime (and makes more of an impact) than him.
Quvenzhane Wallis doesn't have a single line in the movie (she might have said the word bye? not sure) LOLLLLLL. She's in like one or two scenes, no lines of dialogue I'm pretty sure.
I'm reading the book right now and it is clear how heavy this film is going to be. It's going to provide stellar performances by both Ejiofor and Fassbender (both in iconic roles) and some real chances for Cumberbatch depending on how much of the focus his (also important) character gets. Not to mention if Quvenzhane is in the role (renamed) that I think she is, she may have a stellar scene (comparable to Henson & Davis' nominated supporting roles).
I'm calling it now, Oscar nominations in: Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting and Adapted Screenplay with a good shot at Cinematography and Editing as well.