The 51st Telluride Film Festival concluded on Labor Day, spotlighting several films that are generating considerable Oscar buzz. Among the highlights are Sean Baker’s “Anora,” which won the Palme d’Or, Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez,” and Jason Reitman’s dark comedy “Saturday Night.”
“Saturday Night,” distributed by Sony Pictures, marks Reitman’s return to directing and screenwriting, co-written with Gil Kenan. The film, which explores the tense 90 minutes leading up to the debut of “Saturday Night Live,” has received mixed reviews from critics. Historically, critical reception does not always predict Oscar success, as seen with past Best Picture winners like “Green Book” (2018) and “CODA” (2021). The key takeaway for Oscar pundits is that critics’ opinions do not always align with those of Oscar voters.
RaMell Ross’s “Nickel Boys,” an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel, has garnered enthusiastic responses from critics. The film is expected to make a strong showing at the L.A. and New York Film Critics Awards. However, its unconventional narrative style may pose challenges in appealing to mainstream Academy voters, who often favor more accessible films. Ross’s film could face similar difficulties as past contenders like Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” (2022) and Chinonye Chukwu’s “Till” (2022).
Several other films made a mark at the festival. Malcolm Washington’s directorial debut, “The Piano Lesson,” seeks to replicate the success of August Wilson adaptations like “Fences,” which was directed by Denzel Washington and produced by Washington and Todd Black. Danielle Deadwyler is emerging as a strong contender for Best Supporting Actress, with additional acting opportunities likely to follow.
Angelina Jolie’s performance as opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s biopic “Maria” has positioned her as a potential Best Actress nominee. Meanwhile, Morgan Neville’s animated biopic “Piece by Piece,” which chronicles Pharrell Williams’s upbringing, is a contender for Animated Feature and Original Song. Additionally, Robbie Williams’s role as a CGI monkey in Michael Gracey’s musical “Better Man” might see recognition in the Visual Effects category.
The festival also showcased Edward Berger’s “Conclave,” a religious and political thriller featuring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. Berger, who directed the Oscar-winning “All Quiet on the Western Front,” is poised for another successful run. Fiennes and Tucci’s performances are generating buzz, and Isabella Rossellini’s role, although small, could potentially place her in the Oscar conversation.
RaMell Ross’s “Nickel Boys” may face challenges securing Academy recognition due to its first-person perspective, despite strong critical support and notable performances by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The film’s cinematography and sound design are expected to be competitive in the nominations.
Saoirse Ronan, honored at the festival, stars in “The Outrun,” directed by Nora Fingscheidt. Ronan’s performance is being watched closely as she seeks her fifth Oscar nomination, which would make her the youngest actor to achieve this milestone.
Australian filmmaker Adam Elliott’s animated drama “Memoir of a Snail” received acclaim at Telluride, with potential in the Original Screenplay category. Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain,” which he wrote, directed, and starred in, also attracted attention. The film, with standout performances by Kieran Culkin and a possible Original Screenplay nod, has generated significant interest.
Will Ferrell’s participation in the documentary “Will & Harper” could earn him his first Oscar nomination, with the film receiving enthusiastic responses from festival attendees.
Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light,” a Cannes runner-up, could be a strong contender for the International Feature category. However, India’s selection process has been controversial in the past, potentially impacting the film’s chances.
Finally, Scott McGehee and David Siegel’s “The Friend,” starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, received positive reviews but is seen more as a commercial play rather than an awards contender.
The Telluride Film Festival has set the stage for a dynamic awards season, with several films poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming Oscar race.
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