Conclave, Nickel Boys, A Real Pain and More

The 51st Telluride Film Festival closed on Labor Day with three Oscar buzzworthy films: Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winner “Anora,” Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Perez,” and Jason Reitman’s dark comedy “Saturday Night.”

“Saturday Night,” distributed by Sony Pictures, marks Reitman’s return to directing and writing, along with co-writer Gil Kenan. While the film is a tense look at the 90 minutes leading up to the premiere of the popular comedy show “Saturday Night Live,” it has received mixed reviews from critics. However, history has shown that critical reception doesn’t always go hand in hand with Oscar success, as previous Best Picture winners “Green Book” (2018) and “CODA” (2021) have shown. The first rule for Oscar experts is to remember that critics are not Oscar voters.

On the other hand, Ramelle Ross’s “Nickel Boys” may be poised to make a good impression at the Los Angeles and New York Film Critics Awards, given its warm reception from some of the country’s top critics. However, with its unconventional approach to storytelling, the film may struggle to attract mainstream viewers, and Academy voters often gravitate toward more accessible films. If films like Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” (2022) and Chinonye Chukwu’s “Till” (2022) struggle to gain traction with Academy members, Ross’s highly regarded film could face a similar fate.

ReadsYou can see all the Oscar predictions in all 23 categories on one page at Variety Awards Circuit: Oscars

Several other films have made a big impact in the Colorado mountains. Malcolm Washington hopes to follow suit with another adaptation of August Wilson’s novel, “Fences,” directed by Denzel Washington, who also produced the film with Todd Black. Danielle Deadwyler has emerged as an early contender for best supporting actress, and more acting possibilities are likely to emerge in the future.

Angelina Jolie has positioned herself as a contender for Best Actress for her portrayal of the famous opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain's “Maria.”

Other noteworthy films include Morgan Neville’s animated film Piece by Piece, which tells the story of musician Pharrell Williams’ upbringing. That film could be a contender for Best Animated Feature, with a possible nomination for Best Original Song as well. Additionally, Robbie Williams’ portrayal of himself as a monkey in Michael Gracey’s musical fantasy The Better Man could be a contender for Best Visual Effects.

Here are some of the Oscar-nominated films from the headliners that have screened in Telluride:

Conclave kicks off the race with Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci.

Following the success of All Quiet on the Western Front, which won four Oscars, director Edward Berger returns with the religious and political thriller The Collector. The film features a great cast, a tight script by Peter Straughan, and stunning cinematography and editing by Stephan Fontaine and Nick Emerson.

Ralph Fiennes, who hasn’t been nominated since his roles in two Best Picture winners — “Schindler’s List” in 1993 and “The English Patient” in 1996 — deserves credit. It’s a Hollywood malpractice that the English actor hasn’t made it to the Dolby Theatre despite his stellar performances in films like “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” His co-star Stanley Tucci, who earned one nomination for “The Lovely Bones” (2009), may also return to the Oscar race as the talkative cardinal. It remains to be seen whether Isabella Rossellini, who has surprisingly never been nominated, will join the Oscar race. Her role is small, but as other veterans like Jacki Weaver (“Silver Guide”) and Alan Alda (“The Aviator”) have proven, screen time isn’t always a barrier.

“Nickel Boys” is expected to be a critical success, but winning Oscars may be more difficult.

As previously noted, Ramil Ross’s adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel received a mixed reception in Telluride. While the directors’ branch will likely love the film for its well-thought-out vision and emotional symbolism, the challenge will be getting AMPAS voters to watch the entire 140-minute drama. Despite a strong supporting performance from Oscar nominee Aunganui Ellis Taylor (“King Richard”), the film’s first-person perspective may turn some voters off prematurely. However, Jomo Faye’s cinematography and sound design team are more than deserving of being in the nominations debate.

Is the fifth time the charm for Saoirse Ronan in 'The Outrun'?

Four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan was one of three honorees at this year’s Telluride Film Festival. “This is a great honor for us,” said Julie Huntsinger, executive director of the festival. diverse The festival wanted to honor Ronan in 2017 for “Lady Bird,” but she couldn’t attend due to filming “Mary, Queen of Scots.” In “The Out Run,” which Ronan also produced, she takes on the most mature role of her career. At 30, critics and audiences alike consider Ronan to be an Oscar-worthy performer.

However, there are a few factors that could hinder her chances of winning in March. While Ronan’s performance was impressive, Nora Fingscheidt’s drama about a recovering addict in the Orkney Islands was not widely praised by critics. Additionally, Ronan has an interesting role in Steve McQueen’s World War II epic “Blitz” from Apple Original Films. Although her role is initially reported to be in a supporting role, members of the acting branch may be more inclined to vote for her in this category, especially if “Blitz” emerges as a stronger contender across multiple Oscar categories.

If Ronan gets her fifth nomination, she will surpass Jennifer Lawrence's record as the youngest actress to receive four Oscar nominations, which Lawrence achieved at age 25. Ronan could become the youngest actress to receive five or possibly six nominations.

This scenario may echo Kate Winslet's Oscar run in 2008, when she was nearly nominated for two awards for her roles in “Revolutionary Road” and “The Reader.” The Academy ultimately moved Winslet to the lead category for the latter role, despite winning best supporting actress awards at other ceremonies.

Animation reaches its peak with “The Snail Diary”

Australian director Adam Elliott's animated thriller “The Snail Diary” left Telluride attendees thrilled and delighted. IFC Films is pushing the film hard, hoping it can also compete in the original screenplay race.

One of the highlights of the festival was when actors Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong stood with the film’s main character, Grace Bodell, voiced by their former “Succession” castmate Sarah Snook. Culkin and Strong were there to screen their films “A Real Pain,” produced by Searchlight Pictures, and “The Apprentice,” produced by Briarcliff. It’s a brilliant move.

“Real Pain” is the real deal for Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg.

The emotional comedy-drama “Real Pain,” written, directed, produced and starring Jesse Eisenberg, was a surprise screening in Telluride. Eisenberg and co-star Kieran Culkin were in attendance, showing their commitment to the film even as Eisenberg was busy filming the next installment of “Now You See Me.”

Emma Stone, who also produced the film and won best actress last year, was supposed to attend the ceremony but had to cancel at the last minute due to the coronavirus.

Searchlight Pictures is hoping to pull off a well-executed campaign that can mirror the success of last year’s “Past Lives.” Based on the reception, the 88-minute film has the potential to go further.

Culkin's breakout performance, which will likely land him a nomination in the supporting actor category, has been the talk of the town and could put him in serious contention for his first Oscar nomination. Fun fact: Pedro Pascal, who played the role in “Gladiator II,” could also be in the running for a nomination, potentially re-creating the friendship between Culkin and Pascal seen during their stints in “Succession” and “The Last of Us.”

The lead actor category may be too crowded for Oscar-nominated Eisenberg (“The Social Network”). However, original screenplay is where a moving and impactful film might find such respect from the Academy. And there’s a chance it could be nominated for Best Picture.

Will Ferrell could get his first Oscar nomination for his documentary 'Will & Harper'

Will Ferrell has become one of cinema's most beloved comedic actors, with standout performances in films like “Stranger than Fiction” and “Old School.”

Now, Ferrell is starring in the delightful documentary “Will & Harper,” which follows Ferrell’s road trip with his best friend after her gender transition. As one of the few Telluride documentaries that had to turn down large crowds, Ferrell’s charisma as a star could land him his first Oscar nomination as a producer. And perhaps the documentary section will recognize the film’s merits, as festival-goers did.

Could 'All We Imagine Is Light' become India's pick for global feature film?

Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine Is Light,” which took second place at Cannes, could be a strong contender in the awards race, and Janus Films and Sideshow will have to campaign hard to keep it in the conversation.

However, India has a history of making controversial choices, such as ignoring the epic “RRR” in favor of another film that was not nominated. “RRR” won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Is India making the same mistake again?

“The Friend” is a strong commercial play.

Scott McGee and David Siegel brought their adaptation of “The Friend,” starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, to Telluride, where it received rave reviews from attendees.

The film, which tells the story of a woman who adopts her deceased friend and mentor, the Great Dane, feels more like a blockbuster than an awards contender. The filmmakers bring Bing (named Apollo in the film) to Telluride, where he charms the town while looking for buyers.

Will anyone bite?