Dreamworks Pictures and Dreamworks Animation have perhaps one of the smaller "For Your Consideration Slates" but also one of the best.
Between Animations and Pictures, the company is only postulating three films for the Oscars: two for animation categories, and one for the top prize.
The first animated film that the company is pushing is Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. The film debuted in June and rang in a handsome $216 million at the domestic box office, far better than either predecessor. More importantly, the film was well received by the critics with 78 percent positive approval rating. The Madagascar series has never been popular with the Academy as neither of the two first installments garnered nominations. The first one was limited by only three possible nominees in the category, but the second one was poorly received by critics and had no chance despite the expansion to five possible nominees in the category. Dreamworks is not only pushing this for Best Animated, but has decided to throw in a consideration for the top prize of Best Picture. Best Director, Best Screenplay, and six other technical categories are also being listed byt the company.
Predictions: This one has better reviews than its Dreamworks counterpart for Best Animated film and could surely have a shot at that category. However, it is unlikely to go anywhere else on the Oscar nominations list.
Rise of the Guardians is the second Dreamworks Animation bid and it is being considered for the same exact categories as Madagascar. The film obtained a 72 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has just come out in theaters. It is too soon to tell whether it really has any chance at the Oscars because a poor box office could hurt it tremendously.
Predictions: Most reviews lambasted the film's questionable story and this may make it a less likely candidate for Best Animated Film. Reviews were otherwise solid and this nomination could all come down to whether it does well at the box office or not. Disney could grab two spots with its solid lineup of three animated films vying for the category and Paranorman seems to be a lock so the one or two remaining spots could be won by a strong box office intake alone as the Academy looks to add a few popular films into the category to reel in some audience.
While Dreamworks will surely invest efforts into their animated features, it is their lone lie action film on which they are banking on most of all. Lincoln is currently the front runner for the top prize at the Oscars for a number of reasons. Its 90 percent approval on Rotten Tomatoes makes it one of the top rated films of the year. Steven Spielberg is the most influential man in Hollywood and most of his "serious films" get nominations no matter what. He has not won an Oscar wince winning best director in 1998 for Saving Private Ryan and one gets the sense that the academy may want to reward him again. Grandiose period pieces and biopics are generally looked upon favorable by the Academy. Last year, the Academy nominated three period films for the Oscars, including director Steven Spielberg's film Warhorse; The winner, The Artist, was a period piece as well. Finally, the film is doing tremendous business at the box office and the Academy is always happy to reward a critically acclaimed and financially successful film. With $32 million in under a week, Lincoln is primed to surpass the $100 million mark by the year's end. Dreamworks is considering this film for 14 categories including all the big acting and directing categories as well as a number of technical ones. Performances have been universally lauded as has been the technical components, particularly the makeup and cinematography.
Prediction: This film is probably a lock for Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, and Supporting Actor for Tommy Lee Jones. There is no doubt about Daniel Day-Lewis being nominated for best actor as many pundits have him as a sure bet to win the award for the third time in his career. Makeup is also sure to get a nomination, and Sally Field could also have a solid chance as a supporting actress. Music for John Williams is also a possibility though not a certainty.
Read Latinospost's Review of Lincoln HERE.
Dreamwork's slate is rather small, but the quality it provides makes the studio a major contender for Oscar Glory in early 2013.
Other Oscar Campaigns
Dark Knight Rises, Argo, The Hobbit Lead Warner Bros
The Avengers Ignored; Wreck-It Ralph, Frankenweenie, Brave Lead Disney's Oscar Bid
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