October had its share of Oscar hopefuls, and there’s still more to come in December. But November just might be the strongest month for big winners. Again, these are not meant to be predictions, but simply notations on which November movies to be on the lookout for.
The Irishman (November 1; Netflix November 27)
“A mob hitman recalls his possible involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Martin Scorsese
- Lead Actor: Robert De Niro
- Supporting Actor: Al Pacino
Martin Scorsese’s latest premiered to rave reviews. Seemingly, neither the run time (3.5 hours) nor the de-aging has turned off early viewers. It seems like the only thing holding this one back could be the fact that it’s a Netflix release.
Harriet (November 1)
“The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.”
Oscar Hopes
- Lead Actress: Cynthia Erivo
Harriet had great aspirations leading up to its release. But after less-than-stellar early reviews, Cynthia Erivo remains its best (only?) hope at taking home some hardware.
Marriage Story (November 6; Netflix December 6)
“Noah Baumbach’s incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Noah Baumbach
- Lead Actor: Adam Driver
- Lead Actress: Scarlett Johansson
- Supporting Actor: Alan Alda
- Supporting Actress: Laura Dern
Like The Irishman, the biggest thing holding Marriage Story back might be that it’s a Netflix film. Baumbach’s latest has received near-unanimous praise, and looks like a serious contender to take home multiple above the line awards.
Honey Boy (November 8)
“From a screenplay by Shia LaBeouf, based on his own experiences, filmmaker Alma Har’el brings to life a young actor’s stormy childhood and early adult years as he struggles to reconcile with his father and deal with his mental health.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Alma Har’el
- Lead Actor: Shia LaBeouf
- Supporting Actor: Lucas Hedges
As what comes off as a form of therapy for LaBeouf, Honey Boy is at the very least one of the more intriguing upcoming movies. But on top of that, the early news is that it’s a legitimately good movie. Coupled with The Peanut Butter Falcon, the LaBeouf comeback is in full swing. And if Lucas Hedges in involved, you better believe I’m considering him an Oscar contender.
Waves (November 15)
“Two young couples navigate through the emotional minefield of growing up and falling in love.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Trey Edward Shults
- Lead Actor: Kelvin Harrison Jr.
- Supporting Actor: Sterling K. Brown; Lucas Hedges
- Supporting Actress: Taylor Russell; Renée Elise Goldsberry
I was able to catch an early screening of Waves recently at the Twin Cities Film Festival, and folks, it is fantastic. Waves is emotional, powerful, heartbreaking. It’s heavy and sticks with you. The acting performances are amazing up and down the board. It’s so far not receiving much hype with the mainstream audience, but those in the industry who have seen it have heaped praises upon it. Waves could sneak up on everyone come Oscar season and take home multiple major awards.
Ford v Ferrari (November 15)
“American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: James Mangold
- Lead Actor: Matt Damon; Christian Bale
The big news here is that Damon and Bale will go head to head against each other in the Lead Actor race, rather than splitting up between Lead and Supporting.
The Good Liar (November 15)
“Career con artist Roy Courtnay can hardly believe his luck when he meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish online. As Betty opens her home and life to him, Roy is surprised to find himself caring about her, turning what should be a cut-and-dry swindle into the most treacherous tightrope walk of his life.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Bill Condon
- Lead Actor: Ian McKellen
- Lead Actress: Helen Mirren
Admittedly, Best Picture feels like a long shot, but with the film pedigree attached, it’s certainly not out of the question. McKellen has two acting nominations (one Lead, one Supporting) with zero wins, and we know the Academy has given out “career recognition” Oscar wins before. And in all likelihood it would be deserved too.
The Report (November 15; Amazon Prime November 29)
” Idealistic Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones, tasked by his boss to lead an investigation into the CIA’s post 9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program, uncovers shocking secrets.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Scott Z. Burns
- Lead Actor: Adam Driver
- Lead Actress: Annette Bening
- Supporting Actor/Actress: This cast is loaded. It’s not even worth listing all the talented performers, so just take a look at the cast list
The streaming services could be on a heater this Awards season, with Amazon getting into the mix again here. Adam Driver is having as good a run as anyone. He’s going to win an Oscar (or a few), so it’s not a matter of if, but when.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (November 22)
“Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Marielle Heller
- Lead Actor: Matthew Rhys
- Supporting Actor: Tom Hanks
You read that right, Rhys would be in the running for Lead Actor, with Hanks as Supporting. With all the bad guys dickheads being outed in Hollywood, the Academy might like to award a movie telling the story of a genuine nice guy like Fred Rogers.
Dark Waters (November 22)
“A corporate defense attorney takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Todd Haynes
- Lead Actor: Mark Ruffalo
- Lead/Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway (unclear which category would make more sense for her)
- Supporting Actor: Tim Robbins
The trailers look promising, there’s big talent at the top, and it feels like a story that Hollywood can get behind.
Knives Out (November 27)
“A detective investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Rian Johnson
- Lead Actor: Daniel Craig
- Supporting Actor/ Lead & Supporting Actress: Tons of talent here, like with The Report, take a peak at the loaded cast
Best Picture seems unlikely, but Knives Out has so far received big time praise and who knows, maybe the Academy will feel like rewarding – even if it’s just in the form of a nomination – a fun, good-time movie.
Queen & Slim (November 27)
“A couple’s first date takes an unexpected turn when a police officer pulls them over.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Melina Matsoukas
- Lead Actor: Daniel Kaluuya
- Lead Actress: Jodie Turner-Smith
Deserving at it may end up being, Queen & Slim will have to overcome an Academy that might not be eager to put the spotlight on a movie with this kind of explosive topic. Getting recognition in the lead up awards good go a long ways in seeing its name on the nominee list for the Oscars.
The Two Popes (November 27; Netflix December 20)
“Behind Vatican walls, the conservative Pope Benedict and the liberal future Pope Francis must find common ground to forge a new path for the Catholic Church.”
Oscar Hopes
- Best Picture
- Best Director: Fernando Meirelles
- Lead Actor: Jonathan Pryce
- Supporting Actress: Anthony Hopkins
It’s no secret that the Catholic Church is not exactly Hollywood’s best friend, so it’s been a refreshing surprise to see the the positive reactions to The Two Popes. This one will be particularly interesting to track as awards season starts to heat up.
And there’s November. It should be a month full of great movies, likely more than a few that we’ll see stick around through the Oscars. So get out there and enjoy!
