Photo credit: www.goldderby.com
The Cannes Film Festival is increasingly recognized as a pivotal launchpad for films vying for the prestigious Best Picture award at the Oscars. In recent years, the festival has showcased several nominees, with six of the 20 Best Picture contenders from the last two years making their debut on the French Riviera. Notably, the 2022 Palme d’Or recipient, Anora, has joined the ranks of previous winners like Parasite, marking a growing trend of Cannes champions achieving success at the Academy Awards. This trend emphasizes Cannes’ role in the awards season, a role that is only likely to expand in light of the Academy’s increasing international membership.
As anticipation builds for this year’s festival lineup announcement on April 10, here are ten films expected to make a splash that could resonate through to the Oscars next year.
Die, My Love
Lynne Ramsay is lauded for consistently debuting her films at Cannes, and her upcoming work, Die, My Love, is poised to continue this legacy. Adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s novel, this project stars Jennifer Lawrence as a new mother grappling with postpartum depression, with Robert Pattinson, Lakeith Stanfield, Sissy Spacek, and Nick Nolte rounding out the cast. The film has been described as a horror-comedy, drawing comparisons to classics like Repulsion and Rosemary’s Baby. With changing dynamics in how horror is perceived at the Oscars, where films like The Substance have found recognition, Die, My Love may have a strong shot at success.
Eddington
Ari Aster is yet to make a Cannes appearance, but his new film Eddington might change that. This contemporary Western, produced by A24, stars Joaquin Phoenix as a sheriff during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside a talented cast featuring Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Pedro Pascal. While details remain sparse, the film’s unique premise could elevate its status during the festival.
Father, Mother, Sister, Brother
Renowned filmmaker Jim Jarmusch returns to Cannes with Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, a film presented by Mubi that is described as a collection of nuanced character studies intermingled with comedic and melancholic threads. Featuring an impressive ensemble cast including Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, Vicky Krieps, and Tom Waits, this project is anticipated to reflect Jarmusch’s signature style.
Highest 2 Lowest
Spike Lee, whose history with the Cannes Film Festival dates back to his debut with She’s Gotta Have It, brings Highest 2 Lowest, a project inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low. This marks Lee’s much-anticipated reunion with Denzel Washington, emphasizing their collaborative history. The excitement surrounding this film is palpable, especially after Lee shared that Martin Scorsese was enthusiastic about it during an early screening.
The Mastermind
Though typically not known for crime films, Kelly Reichardt’s The Mastermind revolves around an art heist, framed within her minimalist style. Starring Josh O’Connor, Alana Haim, and John Magaro, this film is currently without distribution but may attract attention at Cannes.
Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning
Although not all films at Cannes garner Oscar nominations, the Mission: Impossible franchise has proved its worth, making its upcoming entry a highly anticipated event. Slated for release on May 23, this installment could follow the success of Top Gun: Maverick, which showcased the potential for blockbuster films to achieve recognition within the Academy.
Nouvelle Vague
Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague, which delves into the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless, is another film expected to debut at Cannes. With Zoey Deutch portraying Jean Seberg, this film’s exploration of cinematic history promises to be both insightful and captivating.
The Phoenician Scheme
Wes Anderson’s films are often associated with Cannes, and The Phoenician Scheme continues that trend. Premiering from Focus Features on May 30, this film features Benicio del Toro as a wealthy man and showcases a stellar cast including Kate Winslet’s daughter, Mia Threapleton, and seasoned actors like Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson. Anderson’s distinct style is anticipated to draw both critical acclaim and audience attention.
Among the contenders, Sentimental Value stands out as a potential favorite, with its storyline examining family ties and the weight of history in Oslo. Directed by Joachim Trier, this film features Renate Reinsve, who was celebrated for her previous role in The Worst Person in the World, alongside Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning. Given Trier’s track record and the narrative’s depth, Sentimental Value could very well emerge as a strong competitor in award discussions.
Source
www.goldderby.com