My Monthly Cinematic Award Hopefuls: December 2022
2022–23 Oscar Hopes for December Film Releases
We are full speed ahead of the Oscar season. To keep a close eye on the race, I’m offering my new series in which we’ll focus each month on film releases with Academy Award aspirations. We aim to showcase the specific categories where each picture could be competitive.
December 9, 2022 — Emancipation
An American historical action film set in 1863, in which an enslaved person on a Louisiana cotton plantation decides to flee north after being savagely beaten. Emancipation stars 2022 Academy Award recipient Will Smith, with Antoine Fuqua at the helm.
Oscar Hopes: Actor in a Leading Role (Will Smith) & Sound
December 9, 2022 — Empire of Light
Empire of Light is a romantic drama inspired by the struggles of Sam Mendes’ mother while the filmmaker was growing up in the U.K. As a strong bond and even a romantic relationship emerge between two employees, mental health and the abuse of power in the workplace remain at the film’s heart. Olivia Colman shines.
Oscar Hopes: Actress in a Leading Role (Olivia Colman), Cinematography (Roger Deakins) & Original Score (Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross)
December 9, 2022 – Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio
Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio retells the famous fable we all know. The main themes of second chances and unconditional love are very present. Yet, the filmmaker sets out to make a darker film than previous iterations while showcasing the beauty of stop-motion animation.
Oscar Hopes: Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay (Guillermo del Toro and Patrick McHale), Original Score (Alexandre Desplat), Original Song (‘Ciao Papa’ by Gregory Mann), Animated Feature Film & Production Design
December 9, 2022 — The Whale
The Whale, a psychological drama, tackles self-harm, the desire to reconnect with family, and the urge to impact the world. Brendan Fraser left a lasting imprint on critics and festival circuit audiences in his comeback role.
Oscar Hopes: Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role (Brendan Fraser), Actress in a Supporting Role (Hong Chau or Sadie Sink), Adapted Screenplay (Samuel D. Hunter), Makeup & Hairstyling
December 16, 2022 — Avatar: The Way of Water
James Cameron is back for more adventures in Pandora with Avatar: The Way of the Water, the highly anticipated sequel to the highest-grossing movie of all time. This action-adventure film is touted as a visual and technical extravaganza to which all blockbuster motion pictures should aspire.
Oscar Hopes: Best Picture, Directing (James Cameron), Adapted Screenplay (James Cameron, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver), Cinematography (Russell Carpenter), Editing (Stephen E. Rivkin, David Brenner, John Refoua and James Cameron), Original Score (Simon Franglen), Original Song (‘Nothing is Lost’ by The Weeknd), Production Design, Sound & Visual Effects
December 21, 2022 — I Want to Dance with Somebody
I want to Dance With Somebody traces Whitney Houston’s rise from being discovered by Clive Davis in the 1980s to becoming one of the greatest singers of her generation. Naomi Ackie may be propelled to new heights after her performance in this biopic. The screenplay was written by Anthony McCarten, a screenwriter known for elevating performances to Oscar-winning status.
Oscar Hopes: Actress in a Leading Role (Naomi Ackie)
December 21, 2022 — Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish tackles the darker themes of mortality and death as our main character, Puss, has only the last of his nine lives remaining. The Dreamworks animated film has received universal acclaim and is an animated film that will resonate with all ages.
Oscar Hopes: Animated Feature Film
December 23, 2022 — Women Talking
Women Talking is a poignant and heartfelt story of solidarity told through the lens of eight Mennonite women who men in their colony sexually assaulted. To great acclaim, Sarah Polley writes and directs this star-studded ensemble, including Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, and Frances McDormand.
Oscar Hopes: Best Picture, Directing (Sarah Polley), Actor in a Supporting Role (Ben Whishaw), Actress in a Supporting Role (Claire Foy or Jessie Buckley), Adapted Screenplay (Sarah Polley), Editing (Christopher Donaldson and Roslyn Kalloo) & Original Score (Hildur Guðnadóttir)
December 23, 2022 — Babylon
A history of overweening ambition and wild excess, the rise and fall of various characters during the creation of Hollywood, and an era of unbridled decadence and depravity. Babylon traces the transition from silent to talkies of Hollywood’s filmmakers and actors. Damien Chazelle’s latest film could be reputed as a natural bone of contention if the social media reactions are any indication.
Oscar Hopes: Best Picture, Directing (Damien Chazelle), Actor in a Leading Role (Diego Calva), Actress in a Leading Role (Margot Robbie), Actor in a Supporting Role (Brad Pitt), Original Screenplay (Damien Chazelle), Cinematography (Linus Sandgren), Editing (Tom Cross), Original Score (Justin Hurwitz), Sound, Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup & Hairstyling
December 23, 2022 — The Pale Blue Eye
Adapted from Louis Bayard’s novel of the same name, The Pale Blue Eye is another feature film written, directed, and produced by Scott Cooper. A veteran detective, played by Bale, investigates murders at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, aided by a meticulous young recruit who will later become a world-renowned author, Edgar Allan Poe.
Oscar Hopes: Actor in a Leading Role (Christian Bale)
December 25, 2022 — A Man Called Otto
A revelatory film about a cranky man’s new outlook on life when he strikes up an unlikely friendship with a spirited family who moves in next door. It’s the beginning of what will change how he sees the world. America’s dad, Tom Hanks, heads the cast of A Man Called Otto.
Oscar Hopes: Actor in a Leading Role (Tom Hanks) & Actress in a Supporting Role (Mariana Treviño)
