Is the Best Picture Oscar race really between “Milk” and “Slumdog Millionaire”? We’re kind of convinced it is, especially since finally seeing “The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.” It’s bound to appeal to an older crowd, but it’s just too damn flawed for Best Picture in our minds. “Revolutionary Road” is solid, and we liked it better than “Milk,” but we’re not sure it’s got the legs or support, but if you have to count a third, it’s the one.
“Frost/Nixon” is a Best Picture nominee, but certainly, not a winner. “The Dark Knight” seems to be the dark horse and nothing else could possibly pentrate the final Oscar five, could it? “The Reader” earned itself a Best Picture nom for the Golden Globes, but U.S. critics are not feeling it (it currently has a 57% on Rotten Tomatoes).
As for ‘Benjamin Button’ Oscar chances? Multiple nominations for its ambition and scope (even though “Australia” and “Che” will be ignored for possessing those same qualities), but it’s chances don’t look great outside of a, “hey, he’s been apart of the industry for a long time” award for David Fincher, but that same kind of nod could go to Gus Van Sant. Danny Boyle being new to Oscar will presumably have to wait. Brad Pitt could earn a nomination, but that’s as close as he’ll get. Similarly, Cate Blanchett, could score a nom prize (even though she was tellingly snubbed by the Globes; she’s not that great), but she has no shot in that fiercely competitive category. Cinematography? Check. Make-up? Check? Art Direction, Check. Visual Effects? Check. Editing? Well, probably, but man, they really could have used a worthless edit. Don’t be surprised if Button’s two leads don’t get nominations though. It’ll take serious politicking to make those a lock. Taraj P. Henson is assured a nomination as Best Supporting Actress though, no question.
Our money says that right now, the final five is this:
“The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button”
“Milk”
“Slumdog Millionaire”
“Frost/Nixon”
“Revolutionary Road”