In recent years, films that have their world premieres at the Venice Film Festival often gain attention at the Academy Awards. Notable examples include 'La La Land', 'Joker', 'Frankenstein', and 'The Innocents'.
The Venice Film Festival is seen as the starting point for the Oscar race, as it allows industry insiders to predict potential Academy Award nominees based on the films showcased there.
On September 12, the BBC highlighted six films from the recently concluded 83rd Venice International Film Festival that are already being discussed as potential Academy Award contenders. Among these is 'Possible Love', directed by Lee Chang-dong, which won the Silver Lion for Best Director.
The six films identified by the BBC provide an early glimpse into the possible direction of next year’s Oscar race.
Primetime
'Primetime' is another leading role for Robert Pattinson, who has appeared in several films this year, including 'Odyssey', 'The Drama', and 'Dune: Part 3'. The film is based on the American reality show 'To Catch A Predator', which aired from 2004 to 2007.
The show was designed to catch child predators through sting operations, conducted in cooperation with law enforcement agencies across the United States. The film explores the show's inception, its peak, and the ambiguous ethics of its production team.
Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, the show's host. The BBC praised Pattinson's performance, stating he captures Hansen's mannerisms while also conveying a reptilian sense of menace and obsessive madness.
Given the Academy's history of favoring performances of real-life figures, there is growing anticipation that Pattinson may finally receive his first Oscar nomination.
Wild Horse Nine
'Wild Horse Nine', which earned John Malkovich the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival, is also among the contenders. Directed by Martin McDonagh, known for 'Three Billboards' and 'The Banshees of Inisherin', the film is being discussed as a strong candidate for the Academy Award for Best Actor.
The BBC described Malkovich as an actor with a unique magnetism, noting that in this film, he portrays a tormented elderly assassin with a complex and moving performance.
If Malkovich receives a nomination, it would mark his third Oscar nod, having previously been nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor. This time, he is vying for his first Academy Award win in 33 years.
Flesh Impact
This 17-minute short film was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth and is considered a strong contender in the Academy's short film category.
The film depicts a 100-year-old Monroe auditioning for a Broadway play, where she shares stories from her life. Ellen Burstyn, at 93, plays the role of the elderly Monroe, while Dakota Johnson portrays her younger self.
Directed and written by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, the film is set to be showcased at this year's Busan International Film Festival, generating significant anticipation.
Woman Unknown
The fourth film, 'Woman Unknown', won the prestigious Golden Lion at this year's Venice International Film Festival. Directed by Danish filmmaker May El-Toukhy, it is the only film in the competition directed by a woman.
Set in post-World War II Copenhagen, the story follows a young housemaid engaged to a wealthy employer whose past romance with a German soldier comes to light, putting her future at risk.
The BBC explained that 'Woman Unknown' examines how far people will go to survive and how men justify their abuse of women.
Possible Love
Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love', his first film in eight years since 'Burning', is the fifth film on the list. It won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
Featuring actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Jo Yeo-jeong, the film tells the story of two couples making a documentary.
Produced as a Netflix original, 'Possible Love' may have limited theatrical release opportunities. However, Lee has already been named a recipient of the Ebert Director Award at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival, marking a historic first for a Korean director. The film is also expected to be featured at the New York Film Festival, Zurich Film Festival, and Vancouver International Film Festival, making it one of the most anticipated films of the year.
If it enters the Oscar race, Netflix is expected to provide substantial support. Jeon Do-yeon is already being considered for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Musk
Lastly, a lengthy documentary titled 'Musk', directed by Alex Gibney, explores the life of the world's richest man, Elon Musk. Spanning 3 hours and 45 minutes, the film covers Musk's childhood, his early years in Silicon Valley, and his rise to wealth exceeding $1 trillion through companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
Musk himself criticized the film, calling it a “misguided, aggressive work” and “a four-hour bore.” However, the production company, Bleecker Street, plans to campaign for the film in all eligible categories, including Best Picture at the Oscars.
As films that have made their mark at the Venice Film Festival begin to emerge as potential Oscar nominees, excitement is already building for next year’s Academy Awards. The race is on to see which films and actors will take home the coveted Oscar trophies in March.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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