We let the “Gran Torino” poll run through a second week given the potential impact of the film’s trailer and accompanying materials. The narrow majority of the readership seems to think Clint Eastwood’s film will manage a nomination here or there, but isn’t likely to be the sweeping nomination force his recent string of critical hits has been.
Moving into a week absent of chart updates, I thought I’d turn it over to everyone for a simple query: Which films are you predicting for Best Picture?
I’ve included what I believe to be the 20 most plausible contenders in the sidebar poll. There might be arguments for or against this film or that, but if you have a thought on that, feel free to post in the comments below.
Comments
43 responses to “POLL: What are your five predicted Best Picture nominees?”
1. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
2. “Slumdog Millionaire”
3. “Revolutionary Road”
4. “Gran Torino”
5. “Milk”
Changeling have a chance?
This true story is beautifully edited and stranger than fiction…
Why people say that it does not feel real in the end, if is a Real life drama…
If i had the control:
Changeling
Wall-E
Australia
Revolutionary road
The curious case of Benjamin Button
But my prediction:
The curious case of Benjamin Button
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog millionaire
Australia
Milk
In my opinion there are only a few films that are legitimately still in this being:
The curious case of Benjamin Button
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog millionaire
Australia
Milk
Doubt
Gran Torino
I still dont think they will nominate Dark Knight or Wall-E due to their genres and all of the other picks have gotten too much mixed reaction.
Austalia
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire/ Wall-E
Due to how weak the year has been I feel like “Wall-E” might break into the BP line up.
The Dark Knight
Gran Torino
Milk
Rachel Getting Married
Slumdog Millionaire
Australia
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
I don’t see Gran Torino getting major nominations, other than a nomination for best actor and possibly, POSSIBLY a best director nom. But i obviously could be wrong.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Revolutionary Road
Milk
Doubt
Frost/Nixon
– The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
– Revolutionary Road
– Frost/Nixon
– The Dark Knight
– Australia
Australia–no, too showy for a nomination, especially in a year with these sorts of films coming out.
Changeling–possibly, but I expect more love for Jolie than the film. (I’m seeing this Friday and will give my thoughts then.)
Che–again, performance over movie. Del Toro may hold the screen for four and a half hours, but the Academy may think it too long.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button–definitely; the film looks spectacular.
The Dark Knight–certainly. They can overcome the genre here and look at the sheer quality of work.
Defiance–probably not; lots of tech awards I’m sure and screenplay, but no big guns.
Doubt–meh; looks mesmeric but not strong enough material for Oscar. Globe anyone?
Frost/Nixon–may be too low-key and the feedback ain’t promising
Gran Torino–no; looks terrific but Eastwood over the film
Happy-Go-Lucky–no; Hawkins definitely
Milk–frontrunner in my mind, based solely on the trailer; when I see it, I’ll make up my mind
Rachel Getting Married–not enough buzz for picture; Hathaway and DeWitt, but no pic.
The Reader–Winslet, not the movie
Revolutionary Road–possible competition for Milk; I’ll be racing to the theater to see this on Dec. 26.
Seven Pounds–possibly; the trailer’s promising and Smith looks good…we’ll see what comes of this
Slumdog Millionaire–yes; enough buzz and positively giddy feedback…expect big things for this movie…call it a possible “Crash”-like upset for Milk if things fall through
Valkyrie–not even close; looks terrific, but probably too “mainstream thriller” for Pic material
Visitor–Jenkins over movie
W.–the film was, first, disappointing, and second, not well-reviewed. Now Best Saturday Night Live Skit of the Year, for sure, but no-go on any sort of Oscar, except Brolin.
WALL-E–it’s a masterpiece, it’s perfect, it’s animated; this is what Animated Feature is all about; if that didn’t exist, I’d say that this was the next Beauty and the Beast.
Nominees:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk (this will win)
Revolutionary Road (this is second)
Slumdog Millionaire (this will upset)
Button
The Dark Knight
Revolutionary Road
Milk
Australia
Spoliers: Gran Torino, Slumdog.
Good observations, Joel.
1. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
2. “Milk”
3. “Revolutonary Road”
4. “Slumdog Millionaire”
5. “Doubt”
6. “The Dark Knight”
7. “The Wrestler”
8. “Frost/Nixon”
9. “Rachel Getting Married”
10. “Australia”
I went with Milk, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Slumdog Millionaire, and WALL-E. WALL-E is more of a hope of mine than what I think will actually happen. It would probably go to Australia or Revolutionary Road instead.
1.”The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
2.”Milk”
3.”Revolutionary Road”
4.”Gran Torino”
5.”The Dark Knight”
These next five could slide into the top five.
6.”Doubt”
7.”Slumdog Millionaire”
8.”The Wrestler”
9.”Frost/Nixon”
10.”Australia”
1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
2. Milk
3. Doubt
4. Revoulutionary Road
5. Rachel Getting Married
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Revolutionary Road
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
Milk
The Dark Knight
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Rachel Getting Married
Revolutionary Road
Wall*E or Milk
[I probably completely forgot something but those were the ones that popped into my head…except Slumdog which I think will fail]
You really think Changeling and W. have a better shot than The Wrestler?
and VALKYRIE?
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Overdue Academy attention for David Fincher + Brad Pitt playing a guy who reverse ages + Epic story = Best Picture nomination.
The Dark Knight – Critical acclaim + $525 million in box office + the best villian since Hannibal Lecter = Best Picture nomination.
Gran Torino – Clint Eastwood + Redemption story + Gorgeous cinematography + Piano music = Best Picture nomination
Revolutionary Road – Sam Mendes + reunion of Titanic leads + retro story set in the 50’s = Best Picture nomination.
Slumdog Millionaire – Little Miss Sunshine/Junoesque critical and commercial acclaim + Rags to riches story = Best Picture nomination.
That’s odd, because you seem to have left off “Milk.” If there’s any film other than “Ben Button” and “Rev Road” guaranteed a nod, it’s this.
1. Milk (winner)
2. Revolutionary Road (honored film, wins for acting)
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (many tech wins)
4. Slumdog Millionaire (little cherished film)
5. Australia (sweeping epic)
1. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button†(Winner)
2. “Revolutionary Roadâ€
3. “Milkâ€
4. “The Dark Knight†(still not so sure about this)
5. “Slumdog Millionaire†(not sure about this either)
We really need some reactions on The Curious Case, Doubt, Milk and Revolutionary Road…
Should be nominated
The Dark Knight
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Will be nominated
Button
Milk
Revolutionary Road
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire.
Lingo: Yeah, definitely. See The Wrestler, then we’ll talk. And if you have, then pardon me for assuming because I doubt I’m alone in thinking it is quite clearly NOT a Best Picture possibility.
Wall-EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
2. The Dark Knight
3. Revolutionary Road
4. Australia
5. Defiance – my wild card, even though many people aren’t expecting big things from it, I think it will get it’s gonna blow everyone away
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire
Milk
The Dark Knight
…Rachel Getting Married
Australia
Doubt
Gran Torino
The Wrestler will get nominated!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Defiance
Milk
Revolutionary Road
“Slumdog Millionaire – Little Miss Sunshine/Junoesque critical and commercial acclaim + Rags to riches story = Best Picture nomination.”
Slumdog Millionaire came out? And had a huge box office? Really? What if it comes out and is a complete and total BOMB- then what.
The Dark Knight
Benjamin Button
Revolutionary Road
Gran Torino
Slumdog Millionaire
1. The Dark Knight
2. Benjamin Button
3. Revolutionary Road
4. Milk
5. Slumdog Millionaire
The Dark Knight
Doubt
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire
The Wrestler (alt: Milk…since Kris seems to think Wrestler doesn’t have the goods to get nominated with a passion)
Australia
The Dark Knight
Defiance
Revolutionary Road
Valkyrie
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
The Wrestler
I’ve watched Australia. Personally I feel this film will win the Oscar for Best Picture. It is nothing like you’ve ever seen before. It’s a terrific film both in scope and performances, especially that of Nicole Kidman. Trust me, I know a Best Picture when I see one.
I would be so utterly disgusted if The Dark Knight got nominated and Wall-E didn’t.
And people think David Fincher is overdue, I’d say Pixar is overdue. Classic after classic after classic every year and no recognition.
That’s exciting to hear, Mimi — I’ve had a feeling for a while the Academy may be in the mood for a romantic epic in the “Australia” vein.
Where did you see it?
i agree with you Red_Wine!! A clasic every year and no recognition for Disney-Pixar!
Wall-E for Best Motion Picture!!
Wall-E
Australia
Button
Revolutionary road
Changeling
the curious case of benjamin button
milk
revolutionary road
slumdog millionaire
wall*e
Uh, well Mimi I take it you are Tom Cruise’s ex wife or using her pen as a commenter. I doubt you have seen the film, but some have had a sneak preview a few months ago. Of course, Baz hadn’t finished the film, so If it is getting positive response for an unfinished films, then this film could be the darling of the Holiday Season. I hope this film is as good as it is projected to be. Then again, many Internet commentaries are anti Nicole . She needs to prove all of these nay-sayers wrong with this film. I hope it is an instant classic.
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For your consideration!
[…] the deal. I left “The Wrestler” off of the Best Picture poll from two weeks ago (which had “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and […]
I hope WALL-E and the Dark Knight ends up on the Best Picture Nod. If it doesn’t, I will not watch the oscars.
The Dark Knight is an excellence movie with an excellent plot, but I’m not giving it too much support because it is most overrated movie in history alongside with Titanic. Still, it is more than worthy of its possible nod, and I love it.
Nowadays, we have “Common Best Pictures.” These includes films like Atonement, No Country for Old Men, etc. Common Best Pictures are great movies worthy of there nods, but not to the point of impressive. They all have the usual things- great storyline, great storyline, and, of course, deep symbolism.
WALL-E and the Dark Knight has all these qualities except for the last one… well, actually, unlike the symbolism you see in Common Best Pictures, they are more conspicious and understandable. The audience would understand it at once. The writers did a good job of getting out the message.
WALL-E costed 180,000,000 to make, just as much as the Dark Knight. So many people worked so hard on it. Ben Burtt did amazing voice design, Stanton wrote his most daring script, the computer graphics were realistic (with the exception of the human characters), Newman did a beautiful themed score (WHY DID HE NOT GET A NOD FOR BEST MUSIC AT THE ANNIES?!), etc.,etc.
I also find WALL-E to be better than Beauty and the Beast. That was a great movie, but WALL-E told the better story.
WALL-E is not one of the bloated romance films like the great, but overrated Titanic. Titanic did nothing but circled around Jack and Rose romance. There were many things going on beside WALL-E’s and EVE’s romance- There was a lethargic society, a polluted Earth, and machines discovering life. And WALL-E romance with EVE affected humanity.
Unlike many animated films such as the wonderful Kung Fu Panda, WALL-E is of the universal. Young children will love the cuteness of WALL-E, and teens and adults will love the allegorical story.
Dreamworks may be funnier, but Pixar suceeds in mixed comedy with out-of-this world storylines. Storylines matter more than comedy.
Because you think comedy defines how good a movie is, you are one of those inconsiderate people who give no damn toward the hard effort.
What use is an Annie Award to WALL-E? WALL-E is no animated movie, it’s a romance made by animation. Saying that WALL-E is an animated movie is discriminating.
If WALL-E and the Dark Knight doesn’t show up on the Best Picture category, I will never watch the Oscars again. Mark my words.
Okay, here are my top films of the year that deserves Best Picture nod.
The Dark Knight
WALL-E
Slumdog Millionaire
Milk
Benjamin Button
I hope either the Dark Knight or WALL-E gets the win and I’m thinking the Dark Knight would win.