The first week of January not only brings Tuesday’s Palm Springs Film Festival Awards Gala and Wednesday’s New York Film Critics Circle awards dinner, but also several key Guild Awards nominations that provide real clues to the strengths and weaknesses of this year’s extraordinarily wide field of Oscar contenders.

Ace Eddie Award nominees

Wednesday’s editing nominations confirm the strength of studio tentpoles “Dunkirk,” “Blade Runner 2049,” and “The Post,” as well as “The Shape of Water,” along with Aaron Sorkin’s “Molly’s Game,” a surprise entry. Comedy nominees included “Baby Driver,” “Get Out,” “Lady Bird,” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” along with another unexpected late-year contender, Craig Gillespie’s “I, Tonya.”

Over 24 years, 110 of 125 Best Editing Academy Awards nominees earned Ace Eddie nods, with an accuracy rate of 88%.

Oscar favorites among the snubbed

Left out of the 10 Ace Eddie Awards nominees were would-be Best

When cinematographer Darius Khondji walked along the Han River, location scouting with director Bong Joon-ho, the great Dp was trying to get a sense of how his newest collaborator wanted to shoot “Okja.” The conversation never touched upon filmic style or technical matters; instead, they talked about music, through which Khondji was able to understand and visualize Bong’s effusive cinematic style.

“The rhythm of the scene and the way the actors and camera play the scene — it’s very much related to music and rhythm, which is why I love this director,” said Khondji. “His camera has a personality.”

Bong himself talks about the rhythms and pacing of his shots in terms of “energy,” specifically the clashing of energy from three different sources: blocking, the camera and the emotion of the scene. His goal as a director is to control all three and create one rhythm — or more specifically,

Four Canadian television and stage actresses have filed separate civil lawsuits against actor Albert Schultz, according to a report by the CBC. The suits allege 30 separate incidents of sexual assault or harassment over the course of a 13-year period from 2000 to 2013. The misconduct occurred while the women were acting in productions with Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre Company during Schultz’s tenure as artistic director. The actresses are “Orphan Black” star Kristin Booth, Diana Bentley (Netflix’s “Frontier”), Hannah Miller (“Saving Hope”) and Patricia Fagan (“Murdoch Mysteries”).

“Albert is a serial sexual predator who…had well-developed methods for targeting actresses and luring them into situations that he considered optimal for sexually harassing and assaulting them,” according to a copy of the lawsuits obtained by the CBC.

Read More:Dustin Hoffman Accusers Write Open Letter Thanking John Oliver For Confronting Actor Over Sexual Harassment

Fagan’s suit alleges Schultz created a climate of “mocking,

You can bank on “Dunkirk” and “Last Jedi” getting nominations here. Christopher Nolan’s films are almost regulars in this category (“Inception” won in 2011) and the last two “Star Wars” films also made the cut. Usually a popular prestige musical will also crack the field, but we’re not so sure about “Greatest Showman” this time around. [Posted Jan 3]

Frontrunners

“Baby Driver”

“Blade Runner 2049”

“Dunkirk”

“The Shape of Water”

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi”

Almost there

“Beauty and the Beast”

“Get Out”

“The Greatest Showman”

“War for the Planet of the Apes”

“Wind River”

“Wonder Woman”

Current predictions:

Best Picture

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Director

Original Screenplay

Adapted Screenplay

Editing

Cinematography

Production Design

Original Score

Best Song

Costumes

Sound Mixing

Sound Editing

Documentary

Foreign Language Film

Animated Feature Film

Makeup and Hairstyling

Visual Effects

Continue reading 2018 Best Sound Mixing Oscars Predictions at The Playlist.

It’s not that smart to pick the same nominees in the Sound Mixing and Sound Editing categories (they have never matched up with both categories having five nominees), but we’re at a loss here. At least at this stage of the game. [Jan 3]

Frontrunners

“Baby Driver”

“Blade Runner 2049”

“Dunkirk”

“The Shape of Water”

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi”

Almost there

“Beauty and the Beast”

“Detroit”

“Only the Brave”

“Get Out”

“Thor: Ragnarok”

“War for the Planet of the Apes”

“Wind River”

“Wonder Woman”

Current predictions:

Best Picture

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Director

Original Screenplay

Adapted Screenplay

Editing

Cinematography

Production Design

Original Score

Best Song

Costumes

Sound Mixing

Sound Editing

Documentary

Foreign Language Film

Animated Feature Film

Makeup and Hairstyling

Visual Effects

Continue reading 2018 Best Sound Editing Oscars Predictions at The Playlist.

For artists and creative types, despite all the year’s dark elements, there was reason for hope in 2017. Comedian Paul Scheer noted that although it was a tough year for many different reasons, there was plenty of amazing work to celebrate coming out of entertainment. He believes this historical moment will, at the very least, “breed good art.”

“Would I have preferred none of this to happen? Sure. But we’re in it, we’re dealing with it, and I feel there’s a passion coming out,” said Scheer, who noted that he is checking into this from the perspective of a straight, white male in this world. “This year, more than most, I’ve been so creatively excited by what I’ve seen — whether it’s Taika doing ‘Thor’ or the March on Washington.”

In a wide-ranging conversation at the end of the year with IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast,

Looking to stream some of the best movies of 2017 from the comfort of your own home? Netflix has you covered with a ton of great options.

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“The Walking Dead” is one of the most popular shows on television, but season eight has been a breaking point for many. Anecdotally, I have had people who still watch the show tell me the storytelling quality has dropped off dramatically, and it would seem that dissatisfied viewers are starting to tune out.

According to TVLine, last month’s episode “How It’s Gotta Be” was the lowest rated midseason finale since season 2.

Continue reading ‘The Walking Dead’ Producer Explains Why He’s Not Worried About Plummeting Ratings at The Playlist.

At this time last year, “The Post” wasn’t even on the radar. But within a couple of months, the project would be announced, and with an efficiency that would impress Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg knocked out “The Post” and got his latest ready for Oscar contention before you could flip the calendar to 2018. The turnaround on the movie was incredible, and it’s a point that’s underlined in a chat between Spielberg and Patty Jenkins.

Continue reading Steven Spielberg Talks Speedy Production Of ‘The Post’ & More With Patty Jenkins at The Playlist.

Newly minted Palm Springs resident and likely Best Actor nominee Gary Oldman has nothing but love for the Palm Springs Film Festival. “It’s got a bit of Cannes Film Festival about it,” said Oldman, who was on the red carpet before accepting his Desert Palm Achievement Award Tuesday night. “The outside, the lights, the palm trees… everyone and its mother comes here.”

Read More:2017 Palm Springs International Film Festival Honors Isabelle Huppert, ‘Toni Erdmann’ and More

With less than two weeks before Oscar nominations close January 12, it’s also one of the season’s biggest moments for contenders to strut their stuff. While there’s no questioning the merit of those honored at the Psff’s annual Film Awards Gala — including Saoirse Ronan (“Lady Bird”), Timothée Chalamet (“Call Me by Your Name”), Oldman (“Darkest Hour”), Holly Hunter (“The Big Sick”), Mary J. Blige (“Mudbound”), and the creative team behind

This is seemingly one of the more set fields. If “Blade Runner,” “Darkest Hour,” “Dunkirk” or “Shape of Water” are somehow snubbed it will be eye-brow raising. “Phantom Thread,” on the other hand, could easily be overlooked for another potential player. [Posted Jan. 3]

Frontrunners

“Blade Runner 2049”

“Darkest Hour”

“Dunkirk”

“Phantom Thread”

“The Shape of Water”

Almost there

“All the Money in the World”

“Battle of the Sexes”

“Beauty and the Beast”

“Downsizing”

“Get Out”

“The Greatest Showman”

“Mother!”

“The Post”

“Thor: Ragnarok”

“Wonderstruck”

Current predictions:

Best Picture

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Director

Original Screenplay

Adapted Screenplay

Editing

Cinematography

Production Design

Original Score

Best Song

Costumes

Sound Mixing

Sound Editing

Documentary

Foreign Language Film

Animated Feature Film

Makeup and Hairstyling

Visual Effects

Continue reading 2018 Best Production Design Oscars Predictions at The Playlist.

There are likely only three locks this year and that’s Alexandre Desplat for “Shape of Water,” Hans Zimmer for “Dunkirk” and Jonny Greenwood for “Phantom Thread.” The rest? John Williams work for “The Post” is a good bet, but there could be a number of surprises. [Posted Jan. 3]

Frontrunners

Alexandre Desplat, “The Shape of Water”

Jonny Greenwood, “Phantom Thread”

Dario Marianelli, “Darkest Hour”

John Williams, “The Post”

Hans Zimmer, “Dunkirk”

Almost there

Hans Zimmer, Benjamin Wallfisch, “Blade Runner 2049”

Carter Burwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Carter Burwell, “Wonderstruck”

John Williams, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”

Michael Giacchino, “Coco”

Thomas Newman, “Victoria & Abdul”

Rupert Gregson-Williams, “Wonder Woman”

Current predictions:

Best Picture

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Director

Original Screenplay

Adapted Screenplay

Editing

Cinematography

Production Design

Original Score

Best Song

Costumes

Sound Mixing

Sound Editing

Documentary

Foreign Language Film

Animated Feature Film

Makeup and Hairstyling

Visual

There are a lot of nervous consultants working this race this season. “Remember Me” from “Coco” and “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman” are the only givens. Everything else is up in the air and its absolutely possible an unheralded entry from the list of 70 submitted songs could surprise too. [Posted Jan 3]

Frontrunners

“Home” from “Ferdinand”

“Mighty River” from “Mudbound”

“The Mystery of Love” from “Call Me By Your Name”

“Remember Me” from “Coco”

“This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman”

Almost there

“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” from “Fifty Shades Darker”

“Evermore” from “Beauty and the Beast”

“Stand Up for Something” from “Marshall”

“The Star” from “The Star”

“Visions of Gideon” from “Call Me By Your Name”

Current predictions:

Best Picture

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Director

Original Screenplay

Adapted Screenplay

Editing

Cinematography

Production Design

Original Score

Best Song

Costumes

Sound Mixing

Sound Editing

You can put money down that Mark Bridges work in “Phantom Thread” will get in. The rest? Educated guesses although do we really think Jacqueline Durran can secure two nominations in one year? Sandy Powell did it two years ago, but that was historic… [Posted Jan 3]

Frontrunners

Alexandra Byrne, “Murder on the Orient Express”

Mark Bridges, “Phantom Thread”

Jacqueline Durran, “Beauty and the Beast”

Jacqueline Durran , “Darkest Hour”

Luis Sequeira, “The Shape of Water”

Almost there

Renée April, “Blade Runner 2049”

Stacey Battat, “The Beguiled”

Consolata Boyle, “Victoria & Abdul”

Lindy Hemming, “Wonder Woman”

Jennifer Johnson, “I, Tonya”

Michael Kaplan, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”

Ellen Mirojnick, “The Greatest Showman”

Sandy Powell, “Wonderstruck”

Mayes C.

Continue reading 2018 Best Costume Design Oscars Predictions at The Playlist.

As discussion of the best performances of the year continues into award season, there is one name that will undoubtedly crop up: Daniela Vega. As the lead of Sebastian Lelio’s excellent “A Fantastic Woman,” Vega animates the fantastical drama with a beguiling warmth and raw tenacity, igniting this film about love, loss, and human connection with a fiery heart. If she did receive an Oscar nomination, it would be a historic first as a transgender person has never before been recognized in an acting category.

A relative newcomer to film acting, Vega was a singer and stage actress in Chile when she received an unexpected call from Lelio, one of her country’s greatest filmmaking talents. He wanted to write a film with a transgender character, and asked her to consult on the script. As he got to know Vega better, he asked her to play Marina, the character she had helped develop.

In a New York Times interview alongside her “The Post” co-star Tom Hanks, actress Meryl Streep further reckons with questions about her reaction to the widespread allegations against former super-producer Harvey Weinstein, with whom the Oscar-winning actress worked with on a number of occasions. Although Streep has become increasingly more vocal since what was assumed to be initial silence, the questions have not abated, though she’s now eager for other women — specifically Melania and Ivanka Trump — to speak out next.

When asked about the expectation that Streep needed to say something when the Weinstein allegations first broke, she told the outlet, “I found out about this on a Friday and went home deep into my own life. And then somebody told me that on ‘Morning Joe’ they were screaming that I haven’t responded yet. I don’t have a Twitter thing or – handle, whatever. And I don’t have Facebook.

A year ago, no one thought that Disney would buy Fox. Well, except for one guy. Bank giants Citi started off 2017 by laying down 30% odds that the mouse house would scoop up Rupert Murdoch‘s company. Whoever took those odds walked away with a nice bundle of change. Now, they’re making another prediction.

Citi analysts Jim Suva and Asiya Merchant are saying that there’s a 40% chance of Apple buying Netflix, with Donald Trump‘s corporate tax cuts making the path to that kind of deal that much easier.

Continue reading Wall Street Taking Odds On Apple Buying Netflix at The Playlist.

There was a time when documentary filmmaking felt a little bit like the red-headed stepchild of the film industry, and, to be sure, they still tend not to challenge fiction features at the box office unless they’re furiously topical political manifestos like “March of the Penguins,” awe-inspiring testaments to the grandeur of nature like “Jackass 3D” or gross-out slapstick like “Fahrenheit 9/11.” But the rise of streaming services, and the fall of Western democracy, have given non-fiction filmmaking a new lease on life: not only are the incisive and dedicated perspectives of documentarians of all stripes more necessary than ever now to help us make sense of an increasingly senseless world, they also tend to be more available to us than ever before.

Continue reading The Best Documentaries Of 2017 at The Playlist.

Paul Sorvino has a message for Harvey Weinstein: “I will kill you motherfucker.” The “Goodfellas” actor threatened the disgraced former head of The Weinstein Company to TMZ, telling the outlet that he hopes Weinstein goes to jail or worse for his alleged behavior. Over 90 women have come forward to accuse Weinstein of sexual harassment and/or abuse, including Sorvino’s daughter, actress and Oscar winner Mira Sorvino.

Read More:Peter Jackson Reveals Harvey Weinstein Blacklisted Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino From ‘The Lord of the Rings’

“If I meet [Weinstein] on the street — he oughta hope that he goes to jail, because if we come across, I think he’ll be lying on the floor, somehow, magically,” Paul Sorvino said. “He’s going to go to jail. Oh yeah. That son of a bitch. Good for him if he goes, because if not, he has to meet me. And I will kill the motherfucker.

Why not pair, rather than pit against one another, the great films of a given year? This was the question that led me to reconsider the year-end top-10 list in terms of double features. In 2016 and 2015 I ranked my favorite double features of the year on this very site. I love the double bill for its flexibility. You can pair films based on any connective tissue: style, setting, subject matter, theme, time period, director, star. Viewing and thinking about films this way urges you to consider them anew. What do we think of the suburban woes of Lady […]