Although there are still several months left in the year, it would appear that Hollywood critics have already started to buzz about certain films and performances. One of the many lauded projects this year has been “Elvis”, a film that starred actor Austin Butler in the titular role. Although the film certainly had some detractors — some lamented the movie’s focus on a supporting character — Butler’s turn in the titular role has been widely hailed as quite moving.
In recent years, the public’s taste for Elvis Presley may have gone a bit sour, but it remains to be seen whether or not this will become an influence when awards season comes around. “Elvis” director Baz Luhrman has always cleaned up pretty well at awards shows, and audiences have appreciated Butler’s commitment to his role. In recent weeks, Butler’s love life has made him tabloid fodder, which may keep him on the minds of Academy voters. Some in Hollywood have expressed that the film’s reluctance to tackle the more controversial aspects of Elvis — appropriating Black culture and pursuing underage women — may have watered down some of the aspects that audiences actually care about. With all of these factors in play, many insiders are excited to see how “Elvis” lands when it is time for the trophies to be handed out.
Another project that appears to be picking up steam is Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale”. Starring Hollywood staple Brendan Fraser as a 600-pound man navigating life and a relationship with his teenage daughter, the film will undoubtedly please Fraser’s legions of internet fans. Many have been hailing “The Whale” as the beginning of the “Brenaissance,” a term that Fraser’s fans have used to honor his return to the silver screen. After a few serious bouts with his health, a divorce, and a traumatizing incident with an executive, Fraser was removed from Hollywood’s A-List for over a decade. An award — or even just a nomination — would put Fraser back squarely in the movie star category. With so much on the line, this awards show season is certainly shaping up to be an interesting one.
