Oscar Predictions: Christy

Most recently in headlines for an American Eagle jeans ad controversy, the narrative should be shifting for Sydney Sweeney after Christy‘s premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. The true life boxing biopic casts the 27-year-old as ring champion Christy Martin. Animal Kingdom maker David Michôd directs with a supporting cast including Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, Katy O’Brian, and Ethan Embry.

Ahead of its planned November 7th theatrical release, early reviews are certainly mixed with 65 on Metacritic and 68% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, praise for Sweeney is high. In a year where she’s appeared in a string of underwhelming features (Echo Valley, Americana, Eden), critics are lauding her work and the makeup artists who render her appearance far different than those denim advertisements. She is now in the mix for Best Actress as is the Makeup and Hairstyling department. It should be noted, however, that Actress appears to be stocked with contenders in films with better critical reaction. Playing her trainer turned abusive husband, ink for Foster is impressive. A Supporting Actor bid could materialize though the attention could be trained on the lead. My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…

Oscar Predictions: Echo Valley

Julianne Moore is saddled with protecting her troubled daughter Sydney Sweeney in the crime thriller Echo Valley from director Michael Pearce. It begins showing on Apple TV+ tomorrow after a limited theatrical bow last weekend. Costars include Domhnall Gleeson, Kyle MacLachlan, and Fiona Shaw.

Critics are mostly not high on Valley with a 50% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 55 Metacritic. Despite the presence of five-time nominee and one-time Academy recipient Moore and the popular Ms. Sweeney, this is receiving scant buzz. Nevertheless it could do just fine via its streaming route, but this is not an awards pic. My Oscar Predictions posts will continue…