Just over a decade ago, Joel and Ethan Coen finally broke through with Academy voters via No Country for Old Men. Premiering in Venice today is their latest effort The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. Originally conceived as a six-part Netflix series, the brothers Coen chose to combine this tale of violent Western vignettes into a feature film. Its cast includes Tim Blake Nelson, Liam Neeson, James Franco, Zoe Kazan, Tom Waits, Tyne Daly, and Brendan Gleeson.
Reviews overseas indicate that Ballad contains great moments and some uneven ones. I wouldn’t expect this to be a contender in Picture or Director. As for its actors, Neeson and Waits have been singled out. Yet again, their inclusion is Supporting Actor could be a reach.
Ballad does stand a better chance at possible recognition for Original Screenplay (depending on strength of competition) and its cinematography.
Bottom line: Ballad could factor into down the line races, but don’t expect this to play in the largest prize pool.
Following an expected theatrical release, Scruggs debuts on Netflix on November 16. My Oscar Watch posts will continue…
