Fences is a Oscar frontrunner.

[DAME]

Last night in Los Angeles they had the academy screening of Fences.  What a stunning movie.  So faithful to the play.  What a glory to see August Wilsons work up on the silver screen for the world to see.  Viola Davis , Viola Davis , Viola Davis.   Oh let me say her name one more time.  VIOLA DAVIS.   I found this morning a account of last nights event in the trade paper Variety.  It is very accurate.  There is a review embargo on the movie till December.  If not you would already be hearing a lot more.  

 

http://variety.com/2016/film/in-contention/oscars-fences-denzel-washington-viola-davis-1201910844/

[Jordan Catalano]

I think this and MOONLIGHT will be the films to beat this year. 

[DAME]

I saw Moonlight.  I thought it was very powerful.  But for me; it doesn't hold a candle to Fences.  

[10086sunset]

Couldn't agree more with you, DAME...

It's going to fill the void left by Birth of a Nation and be a serious contender...

I believe Davis should start clearing room on her mantle...

[Jordan Catalano]

Davis is being submitted into the supporting actress category, correct?

[Mildred Plotka]

So glad to hear this. Thanks for the report Dame!  Been itching to see this.  Read a good previews of it in EW. 

[Mildred Plotka]

I also really want to see Moonlight. It's only playing in 2 theatres here, about an hour away from me. Hope it goes wider soon. I saw The Brothers Size several years back at the Seattle Rep. one of the most moving, vividly memorable theatrical experiences I've had.  His writing is so special. 

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Jordan Catalano said: "Davis is being submitted into the supporting actress category, correct?"

Yes, Davis is campaigning as supporting and is by all accounts a lock for the win. Thank you for starting this thread, DAME. It sounds like an incredible film, what a wonderful year for black cinema.

[DAME]

ray-andallthatjazz86 said: "Jordan Catalano said: "Davis is being submitted into the supporting actress category, correct?"

Yes, Davis is campaigning as supporting and is by all accounts a lock for the win. Thank you for starting this thread, DAME. It sounds like an incredible film, what a wonderful year for black cinema.

 

"

It is a wonderful film.  Just a little anecdote... There was a rather large dog ( I think it was some kind of Boxer) sitting on the aisle during the movie.  I don't think the person he was with was blind.  Maybe a emotional support dog.  He was in the row right in front of us.  During Violas very last emotional scene the dog was just as upset as we all were.  Maybe he just picked up the audiences vibe.  

[Mildred Plotka]

That should be in her campaign add. "Vote Viola Davis. She even makes dogs cry".  

[ACL2006]

this is my #1 movie to see this winter.

[east side story]

Davis and Michelle Williams will be duking it out for the televised awards for Supporting Actress this season. Viola and her team rightfully decided to drop down to Supporting because Best Actress is stacked, with Natalie Portman being the one to beat, followed by Emma Stone.

[justincharacter]

I've been hearing La La Land is also, a frontrunner for Best Picture and for many other categories at the Oscars. Supposedly it is THE movie to see of 2016. 

[RippedMan]

I don't see La La Land winning any acting awards. I still have fond memories of Fences on Broadway. Cannot wait to see this! 

Need to see Moonlight. But, of the clips I've seen, doesn't super appeal to me.

[Wilmingtom]

The prestige pictures are just beginning to roll out.  We need to see what else there is before making predictions.  Yes, Fences is fantastic but there are others coming that will be as well.

[Theater_Nerd]

Thank you Dame, for linking the Variety article as well as your review of the film.

The Variety article is short of being an all out rave review without actually being an actual review of the film itself.

I'll say this much, it's going to be a pretty interesting Oscar race this year!

[east side story]

Wilmingtom said: "The prestige pictures are just beginning to roll out.  We need to see what else there is before making predictions.  Yes, Fences is fantastic but there are others coming that will be as well.

 

"

 

Except that most of the prestige films have been screening for months, so it is a great time to begin making predictions. The wind shifts directions in regard to predictions once the televised award shows begin, after many critics have handed out their awards to the critical darlings. 

 

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Wilmingtom said: "The prestige pictures are just beginning to roll out.  We need to see what else there is before making predictions.  Yes, Fences is fantastic but there are others coming that will be as well."

The only contender that hasn't been seen by critics is SILENCE. And those of us who are longtime watchers of the Oscars and other prizes, and longtime followers of predictions, know that these things get decided based on buzz more than anything else.

east side story, Michelle Williams has buzz, but with Naomie Harris and Viola Davis in the race, I have a hard time seeing her take any of the televised awards. Honestly, it's going to be hard for anyone to take a supporting acting prize at a televised award against Viola Davis. I see Harris winning the BAFTA, perhaps, but Davis is likely to follow the same clean sweep as Patricia Arquette, Anne Hathaway, and Jennifer Hudson.

 

[Wilmingtom]

I just saw Manchester By the Sea and found it jaw dropping in every respect.  Reviews are fine but I like to see the pictures for myself.  Many more to come.  

[DAME]

I just saw Manchester as well.  Wonderful.  

[hork]

Whiplash and Margaret are pretty much my favorite movies of the decade, so I'm very excited to have two acclaimed films from the makers of both films coming our way this month.

[DAME]

LaLa Land did nothing for me.  It was enjoyable.. but.. meh.

[henrikegerman]

Surprised that Fences didn't make the NBR top ten list.