Academy Awards and the Telluride Film Festival

27 Sep Academy Awards and the Telluride Film Festival

Jason Reitman

There is a lot of conversation about how much effect the Telluride Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival have on the Oscar nominating procedure. I don't pretend to have inside information on this subject, but TIO had the opportunity not only to view some great films at Telluride, but to witness audience reaction in the theaters and to converse with film buffs in the lines outside. Our take on the Oscar season? For an in depth look at what TIO said right after the festival see Susan's review from September 14.

We called out Jason Reitman's "Up in the Air", starring George Clooney, as a contender in several categories.

Lone Scherfig's beautifully realized "An Education" was also decidedly in the race, and the performance by young Carey Mulligan is worthy of consideration. Susan Viebrock said as much in her review.

Even though "The Road" (based on the Cormac McCarthy novel) is unrelentingly dark, TIO's take was unapologetically positive. The Q & A after the screening with director John Hillcoat, Viggo Mortensen, and child star, Kodi Smit-McPhee just cemented our appreciation for this film. Again, multiple Oscar nominations are possible.

Director Michael Hoffman did a wonderful job filming Jay Parini's "The Last Station" and Telluride Inside… and Out predicts actor nominations for Christopher Plummer (Leo Tolstoy) and Helen Mirren (Sophya Tolstoy) at the least.

Now we just have to wait and see…