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“Lincoln” is rising, and “Les Miserables” is wobbling in the best picture competition according to Gold Derby Founder Tom O’Neil in his regular podcast with our Thelma Adams. O’Neil noted that on his site, “Lincoln” rose while “Les Miserables” fell – but Adams counseled that we’ve yet to see the box office boost for the beloved musical that bound to be the big winner at theaters nationwide on Christmas Day.
O’Neil and Adams, an advocate for “Zero Dark Thirty,” wondered whether the real battle is “Lincoln” versus “Argo.” O’Neil stated that while buzz for “Lincoln” has apparently burst, “Argo” has had the most sustained attention over two and a half months. Not only that, but its box office has surpassed the $100 million mark and it registered critical approval. Also, “Argo” has a great backstory: the rise of Ben Affleck from actor to acclaimed director, and his comeback from the “Gigli” era with J. Lo.
Other topics discussed were:
- The rise of “Zero Dark Thirty” star Jessica Chastain, going head-to-head for best actress honors against previous frontrunner Jennifer Lawrence of “Silver Linings Playbook.”
- The rise of “Lincoln” star Tommy Lee Jones in the best supporting actor category, in what could be a one-two punch for the biopic alongside Daniel Day Lewis in the title role.
- The wacky possibility that Golden Globe supporting actress nominee Nicole Kidman could find herself in the unusual position of being nominated for both an Academy Award and a Razzie for her over-the-top Southern floozy in “The Paperboy.” O’Neil said it would be only the third time in movie history, with Amy Irving managing the feat for “Yentl” and James Coco for “Only When I Laugh.”
Adams and O’Neil signed off for 2012 and will return in 2013 with more coverage of the season leading up to the Academy Awards on Sunday, February 24th.
Listen to the podcast here: