The Academy Awards race is heating up with many front runner contenders.

However, a number of categories are still up for grabs and a number of films have been ignored throughout despite great reviews and artistic achievements.

One of these films is "The Rover" by David Michod. Back in 2010, the director made a splash at the Sundance Film Festival with his film "Animal Kingdom." The movie went on to get an Oscar nomination for Jacki Weaver and the director became sought-after.

However, when "The Rover" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this past summer, reviews were positive but buzz was low. When it premiered in theaters, A24 failed to really give it a decent marketing campaign and the box office results were not very good.

"The Rover's" results essentially ended any aspirations of an Oscar campaign, but now that pundits have noted that Supporting Actor race is empty, A24 should focus its energies on campaigning Robert Pattinson's masterful performance for the Academy Award race. Latin Post raved about his performance and stated, "Pattinson is unrecognizable" and "unsettling."

Other critics agreed, with the Toronto Star stating, "This minimalist gem affords a chance to see ex-'Twilight' star Robert Pattinson at his dramatic best."

Pattinson may be young for the Academy to recognize, but his work is astonishing and the fact that he was able to crossover from mainstream films to Indie art house films shows his commitment to his craft.

The Academy also likes work where actors transform into their characters. Actors who won Oscars for being unrecognizable include Daniel Day-Lewis for "There Will Be Blood" and "Lincoln," Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady" and Marion Cotillard in "La Vie en Rose."

Additionally, he is a celebrity that would increase ratings if he were to get nominated and attend. Add to the fact that his "Twilight" co-star Kristen Stewart could get nominated this year for her work in "Still Alice" and the Academy ratings could go up thanks to fans of the franchise.

Business aside, A24 may have a good chance given the fact that only three actors are sure bets at Oscar nominations in this category: Edward Norton for "Birdman," J.K. Simmons for "Whiplash" and Mark Ruffalo for "Foxcatcher."

Other than Pattinson's work, Guy Pearce gives a relatively quiet, but effective portrayal that really deserves some credit and recognition. This is some of Pearce's best work in years and one of the best lead roles of the year. However, the Best Actor race is overcrowded and Pearce is a long shot given the lack of buzz.

Yet, it is always good to try given the fact that the Academy sometimes surprises. Back in 2011, Demian Bichir was nominated for "A Better Life" over Leonardo DiCaprio for "J. Edgar" and Michael Fassbender for "Shame." In 2008, Melissa Leo surprised when she was nominated for the little-seen "Frozen River."

The cinematography category is always tricky and crowded. But this is one of the categories that "The Rover" could compete for as Natasha Braier's work is spectacular and she captures the aridity of the post-apocalyptic world.

The sound design is also unique while the art direction is also some of the best of the year.

A24 has had a great year and while the company will definitely campaign "A Most Violent Year," the company should look at the "The Rover" and really look at its awards potential.

The awards race is getting started, and if "The Rover" is able to obtain buzz from critics circle and precursors, then it is sure to have an easier time with the Academy Awards as well as the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes.

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