The only thing I love more than watching movies is guessing which ones will garner nominations and awards when the ‘old Academy Awards roll around each spring. This past year I was in front of the television at 8:00 a.m. to hear the nominees, and I’d already blogged my predictions. 

I take it a little too seriously.

Since there have been several months to buzz about Cannes, and because Toronto, Telluride, and Venice are coming up in the next three weeks, indieWIRE, one of my favorite film news sites, has started writing weekly articles about who and what projects are leading the Oscar race at this point. Yes, it’s September. Yes, the Oscars are in February. But we have to occupy ourselves for the next 5 months, right? 

The latest post by indieWIRE is mostly based off of reactions to films that came through Sundance and Cannes, as well as speculation about projects that are premiering in the next few weeks. 

The biggest buzz I’ve recognized at this point is surrounding The Kids Are All Right. It makes me so happy. I have heard a great deal of sources say that Annette Bening is a sure bet for the Best Actress category, but there are also a number of people who think Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo have a great shot at noms, too. With that said, there are films premiering soon that star a number of A-list talents including Nicole Kidman, Hilary Swank, Helen Mirren, Natalie Portman, Diane Lane, Carey Mulligan, Jennifer Connelly… I rest my case. 

It will be interesting to see how things pan out. Will Pixar get another Best Picture nom with Toy Story 3? Will James Franco get his first acting nom for 127 Hours? Only time will tell.

The next three weeks at Toronto, Telluride, and Venice will offer a lot more insight, I’m certain.