Harvey Weinstein has changed dates for two of the biggest Oscar contenders of the year.
The company announced that it would switch "August: Osage County's" release date to December 25 and "Grace of Monaco" to November 27. "Osage County" was originally scheduled for release on November 7 while "Monaco" was originally supposed to be unveiled on December 27.
Directed by John Wells, "August: Osage County" was adapted by Tracey Letts from his own play and stars Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Ewan McGregor, Sam Shephard, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The original Broadway production of the family drama picked up a Pulitzer Prize as well as a plethora of Tony and Drama Desk awards.
"Grace of Monaco" is directed by French filmmaker Olivier Dahan, who helmed Marion Cottilard to an Oscar as Edith Piaf in "La Vie en Rose." The film stars Nicole Kidman, Tim Roth, Frank Langella, Paz Vega and Parker Posey.
Pundits have begun to speculate whether the Weinstein Company moved "August: Osage County" in order for Oscar voters to have the film fresh in their minds before voting for the Academy Awards. The strategy could serve as a double-edged sword because the film could end up losing steam and not get the early precursor attention it could have with an early release. However if the company releases the film in the festival circuit then perhaps "August: Osage County" will be in a good spot come awards season.
As for "Grace of Monaco," the date switch seems to be a strategy to get Nicole Kidman early buzz and perhaps traction for the Best Actress award. The film has not received buzz for the Best Picture award as many believe it will simply be an actor's showcase.
The Weinstein Company will also release "Fruitvale Station," "The Butler," and "Mandela" this year. The company is known for their awards campaigns and recently won two Best Pictures for "The King's Speech" and "The Artist."
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
