It’s the #1 film in America and the box office road ahead continues to look bright. It has one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world costarring in it and going out of her way to promote it.
The commercial success and mostly positive reviews for Lee Daniels’ The Butler has virtually assured that it’s in the conversation for Oscar consideration. As mentioned, reviews have been good… but not great. The film stands at 72% on Rotten Tomatoes. That’s a fine number, though most Oscar nominated pictures go beyond that.
It may not matter in this case due to its now known commercial appeal. The Butler may very well occupy the Best Picture nomination slot that The Blind Side occupied in 2009 (66% on RT) and The Help filled in 2011 (77% RT score). In other words, it could get the spot for a movie that critics were pretty cool with and audiences loved. The Butler received an A Cinemascore grade, which obviously means crowds are digging it.
If The Butler follows the path of The Blind Side and The Help, that would mean a Best Picture nomination and not a Best Director nomination. I see that as the strongest possibility.
As far as the actors, the popularity of The Butler advances the chances of Forest Whitaker being nominated for Best Actor and Oprah Winfrey getting a nod for Best Supporting Actress. At press time, the Best Actor race looks like it could be crowded and Whitaker’s nomination is certainly not assured. With Oprah, I’m more convinced of her chances. Many critics have singled out her performance and, well… it’s Oprah for goodness sake! She’s one of the most famous people in the world and I’m sure the Academy would love to have her in the mix.
Obviously, the bulk of awards contenders have yet to be released (this happens in the final four months of the year). Still, The Butler looks to be a factor this awards season.
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