Best Picture Nominees: Elvis


 

The Academy Award nominations were announced on January 24. Between now and the awards, I'll be looking at all 10 Best Picture nominees, their nominations and their chances of winning awards.

Elvis
Starring: Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, and Olivia DeJonge
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Total Nominations: 8
Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Actor (Butler), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Costume Design
About: Elvis was an icon and it's fitting the film about his life was one of the most honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It was a stylish look at his life but one that didn't resonate universally. I thought it was a masterful technical achievement, but Butler is a star, but it wasn't an incredible screen story. That seems to be reflective of the nominations, which recognized Butler and the production of the film. It's larger-than-life, which befits its subject, but it is sometimes a tough watch. That likely also befits the subject. Still, Butler inhabits the role and delivers and exceptional performance. He has a shot at the big prize, and has won in other places. I think he ends up short here, but he's a top option. I also think the film falls short of the top prize. That being said, I believe this is a film that will gather at least one award. Sound is a strong possibility, especially given the use of music and performance. I also think it's got a great shot at taking awards for costume, makeup or production design. Visually, this was an eye-popping experience. It's even a decent bet in editing because of the skill behind some of the key sequences. I suspect Elvis the film will end the night with two or three below the line awards.

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