So, are we ready to talk about "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" being an Oscar contender? If you thought the chatter around the movie would end on December 18th, you’re mistaken, because if the movie is a hit both critically and commercially, the next question will be its Oscar viability. And in that regard, it has cleared a major hurdle.
The seventh installment in the saga started by George Lucas has made the Oscar shortlist in the Visual Effects category. So, does this mean Academy voters have seen the movie, or are they simply saving a slot for when the inevitable screenings happen? My guess is the latter, given that the chatter right now is that only Disney insiders and those very close to ‘The Force Awakens’ have actually seen it. But who knows? Maybe Kathleen Kennedy has been angling for Oscars on the sly.
It’s still a long way to go. There will be another shortlist of ten nominees revealed later this month, with the final five unveiled on January 14, 2016. Among those contending? "Jupiter Ascending," "Chappie," "Tomorrowland," and "Terminator Genisys." Okay, then….. Check out the list below. [The Wrap]
“Ant-Man”
“Avengers: Age of Ultron”
“Bridge of Spies”
“Chappie”
“Everest”
“Ex Machina”
“Furious Seven”
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2”
“In the Heart of the Sea”
“Jupiter Ascending”
“Jurassic World”
“Mad Max: Fury Road”
“The Martian”
“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”
“The Revenant”
“Spectre”
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”
“Terminator Genisys”
“Tomorrowland”
“The Walk”