Appreciation of Oscar contenders: Keke Palmer, Tom Hanks, Rian Johnson

Reputations go a long way in Hollywood, and when you’re seeking Oscar attention, a good one offers a significant edge over the competition. While more than a few contenders for this year’s mix have already had run-ins with co-workers and journalists, those without that background have social media, and the industry, rooting for them.

Topping the list is Brendan Fraser, one of the best comeback stories in years. In “The Whale” by Darren Aronofsky (Aronofsky and Fraser are both on the cover of this week’s New York issue of Variety) where he plays a 600-pound man looking to reconnect with his daughter, he delivers a stunning performance. The adaptation of Samuel D. Hunter’s play could face an uphill battle in other major categories, based on reactions so far. However, the star of ‘The Mummy’ (1999) and ‘Encino Man’ (1992) was able to rise above all criticism, especially after Variety posted a viral video of him getting emotional during the film’s standing ovation in Venice.

Tom Hanks, “America’s father” for decades, received six Oscar nominations and back-to-back wins for “Philadelphia” (1993) and “Forrest Gump” (1994). Although her portrayal of Colonel Tom Parker, the weasel music-manager with a bizarre accent in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” has received mixed reviews from critics, there’s nothing the Academy likes to do more. than to prove the public wrong, especially when one of his darlings is involved. With a huge box office for ‘Elvis’ and a starring role in ‘A Man Called Otto’, the English-language remake of the Oscar-nominated Swedish film ‘A Man Called Ove’ (2015), he could be part of the race in the main category or in the support category.

With grace, respect and charming humor, Michelle Yeoh was at the forefront of this year’s Oscar hunt for her performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. The action-drama A24 tops many pundits’ charts, and Yeoh and his co-star Ke Huy Quan – another great comeback story, he’s best known for his role as Short Round in “Indiana Jones and the Cursed Temple” (1984) – both pull the “EEAAO” train to Oscar Station.

A former child actor who recently launched a digital network, Keke Palmer has received stellar reviews for his performance “No” as Emerald Haywood, the wise sister of Daniel Kaluuya’s OJ, who seeks to prove the existence of a UFO hovering over their ranch. Depending on the resources Universal puts behind the Jordan Peele-directed horror flick, and news that she’ll be featured in Best Supporting Actress this awards season — perhaps in a similar way to Emily Blunt, who won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2019 for “A Quiet Place,” she may find a path to recognition.

To see ranked predictions for each individual category, visit Variety Oscar Center.

The excitement surrounding Todd Field’s first film in 16 years, meanwhile, is palpable. His latest film, “Little Children,” received three nominations, including one for Adapted Screenplay, and he wrote and directed “Tár,” starring Cate Blanchett.

“Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi” may have divided audiences, but writer and director Rian Johnson remains highly regarded. “Glass Onion,” its sequel to “Knives Out,” debuted at TIFF raves and is Netflix’s best shot at drawing attention to the awards. He might cross the finish line, thanks to Johnson’s clear and unwavering love for movies.

These endorsements do not imply that other award nominees are disliked or respected. But in a sea of ​​populist titles like “Top Gun: Maverick” starring Tom Cruise and never-before-seen releases like “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the examples above could benefit from a post – COVID mood where voters are just looking for a bit of positivity. Surely it worked for “CODA”.

Oscars 2023 Predictions

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