Oscar 2014 Nomination Predictions: Is Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling's 'The Place Beyond the Pines' The First Major Oscar Contender Of The Year?

"The Place Beyond the Pines" opened this past weekend to very good reviews and a strong box office.

The film, which premiered at Toronto Film Festival, became the most talked about movie during the festival circuit and inspired Oscar buzz. However after Focus Features decided to release it in March, the buzz immediately disappeared and made possibilities for an Academy Award nomination obsolete.

With this past weekend's strong opening, word of mouth and strong reviews, Derek Cianfrances third film could re-emerge as an Oscar contender. Critics have called it "a must-see" and "a sweeping, bold and admirably ambitious crime movie." USA today called it "one of the best and most ambitious films of the year."

Additionally Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling's performance have received incredible reviews. USA Today called Gosling's performance "pitch-perfect." The Los Angeles Times also praised Gosling stating "The easy smile, the wary eyes, the sense of danger with which Gosling infuses Luke makes him a more interesting lowlife that he would otherwise be."

The Wall Street Journal also complimented Gosling even though they were not particularly favorable towards the movie. They stated "he's superb once again as Luke, a stunt motorcyclist with a traveling carnival who discovers that he has a baby son. This hero with a divided soul-a Gosling specialty-is such a powerful presence that his influence is felt even when he's off screen."

Of Cooper Time magazine stated "Cooper proves his 'Silver Linings Playbook' Oscar nomination was not a fluke." Screendaily stated "Pines is Cooper's show, and he delivers a finely calibrated performance as a man facing multiple moral dilemmas"

The supporting cast lead by Eva Mendes and Ben Mendelssohn also garnered rave reviews. The Hollywood Reporter stated "The deglamorized Mendes also does soulful work, while Mendelsohn follows his memorable Cannes exposure in the otherwise disappointing Killing Them Softly with another enjoyably offbeat character turn."

Whether the film, the director or the performances will be recognized is still too early to know. However if it compels audiences and resonates with Academy members throughout the year, "The Place Beyond the Pines" could be the first Oscar contender of the year.