Bernice Bejo became a contender for Best Actress at next year's Academy Awards after winning the top acting accolade at the Cannes Film Festival Sunday.
Bejo, who was nominated in 2011 for "The Artist," scored raves for her turn in "The Past" at the Festival. Bejo may have an advantage as previous Cannes winners such as Penelope Cruz have started their road to the Oscar after winning this prestigious award. Additionally, Sony Classic Pictures is distributing it this year and the company has a long history with Oscar campaigns.
Judi Dench has also emerged as a huge contender after The Weinstein Company picked up her new film "Philomena." The company bid a large figure for the Stephen Frears picture and many pundits suggest that the film could potentially obtain awards traction. Dench is also overdue for a nomination as she has been absent from the Oscars since 2006 when she was last nominated for "Notes on a Scandal."
Marion Cotillard picked up buzz after her new film "The Immigrant" premiered at the Cannes Film festival. Cotillard earned a lot of buzz for her role in "Rust and Bone" last year but was snubbed in favor of Emmanuelle Riva. However, this year her performance in the film is getting Oscar attention and she looks primed to obtain her second nomination. The Weinstein Company, known for Oscar glory, is set to distribute the movie.
Other actress who have continued to gain momentum include Nicole Kidman for her role in "Grace of Monaco" and Meryl Streep for "August: Osage County."
Kate Winslet's "Labor Day" has finally received a release date in the midst of awards season. The actress, who has been nominated six times and won once, is sure to receive a lot of attention for this role.
While these women are getting attention, a couple of actresses have lost buzz and look like long shots at this point. Jennifer Lawrence's "Serena" will be released by Magnolia Entertainment, a company that has failed to get many Oscar nominations. As a result the film does not seem like it will play to mass audiences or Academy voters. Additionally Naomi Watts' "Diana" has also received distribution from eOne. However, the company has a minor track record when it comes to awards season. Jessica Chastain's chances have also seemed to disappear as her film "Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: His & Her" has yet to receive distribution and does not seem like it will come out this year.
Actresses still in the mix include Cate Blanchett for "Blue Jasmine," Emma Thompson for "Saving Mr. Banks," and Sandra Bullock for "Gravity." Amy Adams is also receiving buzz for "American Hustle" but it is not confirmed whether the role is a lead or a supporting.
First Predictions
1. Meryl Streep-August: Osage County
2. Nicole Kidman-Grace of Monaco
3. Marion Cotillard-The Immigrant
4. Kate Winslet-Labor Day
5. Judi Dench-Philomena
Possible Contenders
6. Berenice Bejo-The Past
7. Emma Thopson-Saving Mr Banks
8. Naomi Watts-Diana
9. Cate Blanchett-Blue Jasmine
10. Jennifer Lawrence-Serena
11. Sandra Bullock-Gravity