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They thought “Titanic” was a catastrophe. “Avatar” was an costly mess that may by no means make a revenue. And when the movies have been lastly screened, the naysayers have been totally flawed. If Hollywood historical past has taught us something it’s to by no means, ever, ever wager towards James Cameron. We’re restricted in what can report that isn’t constituted as a evaluate for his newest epic, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” however after screenings on two continents yesterday it’s clear he hasn’t misplaced his legendary contact. And, sure, which means Cameron ought to have a 3rd Best Picture nominee in his coffers when the Oscar nominations are revealed subsequent month.
READ MORE: James Cameron says he has plans for “Avatar 6” and “Avatar 7”
In 2010, the unique “Avatar” earned 9 nominations together with Best Picture and Best Director. It misplaced these two honors to “The Hurt Locker” and Kathryn Bigelow (Cameron’s ex-wife) respectively however gained three Oscars together with Visual Effects, Art Direction (now Production Design), and Cinematography. Two of these nods have been for the separate sound classes that have been lately mixed into the singular Best Sound honor. Can “The Way of Water” match its predecessor’s tally?
Director? You wager. Cameron ought to get a DGA nod as effectively. Visual Effects? Give it the statue now. Editing? Absolutely deserves to make the…minimize. Production Design? Possible. There is extra world-building, however is it totally different sufficient from the primary installment? Unlike say, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” we’re not so positive. Best Sound? A given. Best Cinematography? It’s been 9 years since a CG-heavy movie, “Gravity,” cracked this class (intriguingly, 4 CG-heavy movies gained in a row between 2010-2014). That’s a trigger for concern. Best Original Score? New composer Simon Franglen labored with James Horner on the unique rating (he handed away in 2015), however this iteration might sound too just like the music department to crack the sphere. Best Original Song? Eh. The closing credit observe by Franglen and The Weeknd, “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)” felt clunky and considerably pressured (you may hear a big quantity of it right here). It’s such a aggressive yr, we wouldn’t wager on it. Costumes? If it didn’t get a nomination in 2010, it’s not this time round. Original Screenplay? The class is just too aggressive and the writers’ department isn’t essentially followers of Cameron’s broad contact.
Granted, all of this hypothesis must be predicated on “The Way of Water’s” field workplace efficiency. If it disappoints or fades by the point the voting deadline comes round it’s potential some members will get chilly toes. That being mentioned, the preliminary reactions are so robust we’d be surprised if it didn’t grow to be the must-see movie of the vacation season everybody expects it to be. It may even spur one other 3D renaissance.
Keeping all this in thoughts, right here’s a model new Contender Countdown on your enjoyment.
December 7, 2022
1 “The Fablemans”
The Oscars shortlist drop on Dec. 21 will reveal simply how deep its assist is.
2 “Everything Everywhere All At Once”
It didn’t win NYFCC, however can it win LAFCA?
3 “The Banshees of the Inisherin”
Oh look, the critics’ teams are getting behind Colin Farrell for Best Actor. Imagine that.
4 “Avatar: The Way of Water”
Someone name Vanessa Williams. James Cameron saved the very best for final this Oscar season.
5 “Top Gun: Maverick”
It’s oh so quiet. Until Globe and Critics Choice nominations, I assume.
6 “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
Everybody loves Angela Bassett. Standing ovation after standing ovation at screenings for this legend.
7 “Elvis”
The Gotham Awards! The White House! Silverlake bars! Baz Luhrmann is in all places! He’s a one-man promo machine!
8 “TAR”
NYFCC wins for Best Film and Best Actress definitely don’t harm. This yr’s definition of “safe.”
9 “Women Talking”
Once once more, we’re questioning if pushing the discharge date again was a mistake.
10 “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”
Will extra members have seen “RRR” or “Glass Onion” by the point they vote? Before you reply that..ponder.
ALMOST THERE
11 “Close”
The reactions are unbelievable. But will sufficient AMPAS members total watch it? Trade advertisements would definitely assist!
12 “RRR”
Skeptical, however completely satisfied to be confirmed flawed (not even positive it’s getting a Best Original Song nomination everybody thinks is a given).
13 “Aftersun”
Forget “The Whale,” is that this critic’s favourite A24’s actual second (or third) Best Picture nominee?
14 “Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio”
I imply, it’d lose the Animated Feature Oscar to “Turning Red” or “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.” Guillermo can work wonders however…
15 “The Woman King”
Another participant which may use a Globe and Critics Choice increase.
16 “Babylon”
We’re nonetheless over every week away from evaluations dropping. It started screening for press and guilds earlier than Thanksgiving. Think about that for a minute.
17 “Nope”
In a sea of contenders aiming for the ninth or tenth spot does this essential and summer time field workplace hit deserve extra consideration? Universal definitely hasn’t given up on it…
18 “Empire of Light”
A majority of critics haven’t been form since its Telluride debut (there are exceptions), nevertheless it performs like bonkers at guild and AMPAS screenings. And don’t depend Olivia Colman out for a Best Actress nomination. Overall, the disconnect is puzzling.
19 “TILL”
Not solely did it get Cher’s endorsement, however she hosted a screening. Probably all about Danielle Deadwyler and a Best Actress nomination at this level although.
20 “Living”
Definitely searching for some Globe and Critics Choice love. If not, SPC has a very robust street forward.
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