Oscar season is a few months away but with the summer rolling in, many May titles could potentially get Academy Award nominations.
"Iron Man 3" is currently one of the biggest films of the year and is slated to open with a record breaking box office. The series has not done well at the Academy Awards but if reviews are strong and Disney can really push the film, then "Iron Man" may be able to not only get technical awards but also find its way in the best picture category.
Potential Nominations: Best Picture, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Editing
"The Iceman" is currently one of the most appealing prestige films of season. Having premiered at the Venice and Toronto Film festival, reviews have been positive especially for Michael Shannon. If the film proves to have a great box office and resonate with audiences then it can have a chance. The only problem is Millennium does not have a great track record with awards and if it does not generate great returns then its chances will be lost.
Potential Nominations: Best Actor (Michael Shannon), Best Original Screenplay
"The Great Gatsby" was once a contender for 2012 but was delayed. As a result Warner Bros will try to capitalize on an early release and start to get buzz. The only issue is Baz Luhrmann. If the auteur's style proves to be divisive as his last film "Australia" did then Gatsby will only score technical awards.
Potential Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Leonardo Dicaprio) Best Supporting Actor (Tobey Magure), Best Supporting Actress (Carey Mulligan), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography
"Star Trek Into Darkness" is yet another tentpole film that could get an Academy Award nomination. The first installment garnered a Producers Guild Award nomination and won one Oscar. The second installment is already garnering rave reviews and if it is as successful as the first one financially, then this film could garner even more awards.
Potential Nominations: Best Picture, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Editing, Best Makeup
Noah Baumbach's latest film "Frances Ha" has already garnered incredible reviews after its premiere at the New York Film Festival. Baumbach has already garnered a nomination for Best Screenplay and if the film continues to garner buzz then "Frances Ha" could mark his second nomination.
Potential Nominations: Best Original Screenplay
Before Midnight is the third installment in Richard Linklater's series. The second film garnered a nomination for Best Original Screenplay and this new one has already been talked about as the first real Oscar contender. The performances have been hailed and the film garnered raves after Sundance. If Linklater's movie resonates throughout the summer, it could see its way to the Dolby theatre next February.
Potential Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Ethan Hawke), Best Actress (Julie Delpy), Best Original Screenplay