Holiday lights are coming down.
From every street corner, Christmas trees lie in abandoned disarray.
Right now, youre probably swearing youll never touch a glass of champagne again.
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A case can be made thatOppenheimeris theculmination of Christopher Nolans career.
This thing looks formidable in the Best Picture category, and downright unsinkable in the Best Director race.
MeanwhileCillian Murphyis arguably the one to beat in the Best Actor race, although do not count outBradley CooperforMaestro.
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But then,Shakespeare in LovedidbeatSaving Private Ryan.
In that context,The Holdoversis as warm as a comfy Christmas sweater.
You should also not doubt this film being a contender in other categories.
So if the more traditional leading men in historic biopics split the vote, Giamatti could be the beneficiary.
She deserves and probably will win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
Lets just say the industry-skewing Academy thought differently than those critics.
It should also receive several other nods, including Best Original Score.
Maestro
Maestrois one of the more curious films in this years Oscar race.
Maestrowill be nominated for Best Picture.
It also will likely be nominated for multiple technical awards, including Best Cinematography.
But where it will most aggressively compete is Best Actor and Best Actress.
Carey Mulligan is absolutely brilliant in the film as Felicia Montealegre, the long-suffering wife of the closeted genius.
It could easily be seen as his year by many friends in the industry.
Of course a critics group giving an A24 indie a prize doesnt necessarily align with mainstream industry tastes.
However, we suspect this is a time where theyll be simpatico.
It should and will end up with a Best Picture Oscar nod, completing the joke.
He becomes an overnight success.
Personally, Wright is my second favorite leading actor performance of the year.
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Jefferson should also get a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
This is after all the key in of feel-good, feel-bad cinema that makes someone like Monk Ellison wince.
Others loved it though, and we expect awards bodies will too.
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Oprah Winfrey as a producer also never hurts.
At the moment, those who thinkThe Color Purplewill miss out on a Best Picture nod should think again.
Brooks will definitely get into the Best Supporting Actress category, as will possibly Henson.
If so, it will be a shame, because this movie is exquisite.
Triet and Arthur Harari should also get a Best Original Screenplay nod.
But if were being honest, we suspect it will miss out on a Picture nod.
Julianne Moore is also on the bubble of getting into the Best Supporting Actress race.
Also expect to seeAcross the Spider-Versenominated for Best Original Score.
It also holds an outside chance of getting into Best Visual Effects.
If theres any justice,Napoleonwill still garner a Best Costume Design nod, but even that is debatable.
Almost everywhere else the film has already met its award season Waterloo.
But at least for Penelope Cruz thats a shame, as she is magnificent here.
However, the film came late in the season and with relatively minor fanfare.
