As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences kicks off the race for the 97th annual Academy Awards, it is evident that the competition is heating up. The Academy Screening Room has released its first set of titles to the members, giving us a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming award season.
Among the notable films released for consideration are Thelma from Magnolia Pictures, Shirley, Hit Man, and the animated Ultraman: Rising – all from Netflix. These films are a mix of genres and styles, showcasing the diverse range of content vying for attention from the Academy voters.
Thelma, a comedy featuring the talented 94-year-old June Squibb, tells the story of a grandmother who falls victim to an internet money scam targeting the elderly. Squibb’s performance in the film is expected to garner attention from Oscar voters, as well as in other prestigious award shows like the Golden Globes.
Netflix has brought forward a range of films for consideration, including the breakout performance by Glen Powell in Hit Man. Based on real events, the Richard Linklater comedy has been well-received since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Additionally, Netflix’s Shirley, starring Regina King as Shirley Chisolm, has also captured the spotlight. John Ridley’s biopic on the first Black woman to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination is timely and relevant in today’s political climate.
Wildcat, a film that premiered at Telluride last year, has earned praise for its director, Ethan Hawke, and his daughter Maya Hawke, who stars as American novelist Flannery O’Connor. On the other hand, Ultraman: Rising is among the many Netflix animated features aiming to make an impact on the Academy voters, following the success of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio in the Animated Feature Category.
The Academy has introduced the Screening Room, a member-only streaming platform that offers screening opportunities throughout the season. Members can access the platform on various devices, including Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, and online through the member site and mobile app. The platform will also be available on Amazon Fire TV starting next week, providing members with even more accessibility to the latest films and exclusive content.
As the Fall Festivals kick off in Venice, Telluride, and Toronto, the anticipation for the award season continues to build. With promising films and talented performances vying for recognition, it will be a competitive race leading up to the 97th annual Academy Awards. Members are encouraged to stay tuned as more films are added to the screening room, promising a season filled with excitement and high-quality cinema. Get ready to fasten your seatbelts for a thrilling ride through the world of filmmaking excellence.
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