Oscars 2015 Predictions: Will 'Interstellar' Be Nominated for Best Picture Despite Mixed Reviews?
With "Interstellar" having premiered and critics being a bit mixed on the film, there is speculation on whether it will be a 2015 Oscar contender or not.
Christopher Nolan has been hailed as one of the visionary directors of his generation and was also the reason the Academy expanded the Best Picture category. In 2008, when "The Dark Knight" failed to receive a Best Picture nomination, the Oscars had the lowest ratings and had global outcry by fans and pundits. Since then, Nolan's films have continued to be rejected by the Academy. While "Inception" received a Best Picture nomination and won four technical awards, it failed to obtain a Best Director and Best Editing nomination. In 2012, "The Dark Knight Rises" failed to garner a single nomination, even though it hailed by critics and had spectacular visuals and technical achievements.
"Interstellar" has been on pundits' radars for a long time as it has been kept a secret and the trailers have shown glimpses of a visually arresting story. However, very little has been known about the plot.
Now that movie has premiered, the word is out and critics are mixed about the problematic story. While it currently has a 69 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes and most have agreed it is great, the plot seems to be the biggest source of detraction.
Claudia Puig of USA Today sums up what most have said. She stated, "The story is ever-ambitious, sometimes riveting and thought-provoking, but also plodding and hokey and not as visionary as its cutting-edge special effects."
Nevertheless, the question is: will it be an Oscar contender? In terms of technical awards, expect "Interstellar" to receive Visual Effects, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Score, Cinematographer and Art Direction nominations. However, the editing category may be tricky, especially since it is two hours and 49 minutes long. "Inception," which arguably should have won the category, did not even get nominated and that film was 20 minutes shorter and universally hailed.
As for the writing category, Nolan has only been nominated twice in the category and, if critics are already complaining about certain plot points, it is unlikely this will get nominated. Last year, "Gravity" was critically adored, but the Academy failed to nominate it in the writing category because of the thin plotline. "Avatar" also failed to get a writing nomination because critics complained that the story was too similar to "Pocahontas" and had some questionable plotlines.
The acting categories are a bit tricky at the moment. Matthew McConaughey is said to deliver one of the best performances of his career, but the Best Actor category is already filled. Perhaps the Academy could surprise if they adore the film. However, McConaughey would need to receive the same backing Sandra Bullock got for her work in "Gravity" last year.
Jessica Chastain has a better chance since the Best Supporting Actress category is virtually empty at the moment with many of the performances still to be seen. Chastain is currently in the running for the Best Actress race but if her other films do not succeed, perhaps the Academy will make space for her in the supporting category.
The directing nomination is still a question mark, but the Academy usually likes to nominate for career achievement rather than for a director's best work. Alfonso Cuaron was arguably snubbed in 2006 for "Children of Men" but was later nominated for "Gravi." Nolan has been rejected twice and perhaps the Academy will finally redeem itself and award Nolan for his most ambitious project to date.
Additionally, in past years, at least one visual effects-driven film has been nominated for Best Director: Martin Scorsese for "Hugo," Ang Lee for "Life of Pi" and Cuaron for "Gravity."
The Best Picture category is a likely possibility. At the moment, there is no film that has been universally loved. "Birdman" and "Boyhood" are the closest to that but both movie has received some backlash. "Foxcatcher," "The Theory of Everything" and "The Imitation Game" have been critically acclaimed but they are not being universally praised.
Perhaps "Interstellar" may have some issues but the Academy loves to reward ambition and achievement. "Interstellar" may not win Best Picture but it certainly will be in contention for the top accolade.
What are your thoughts on Nolan's Oscar chances? Let us know in the comments below