I had planned on putting together a Holiday Movie Preview, in the fashion of last year’s Fall preview, unfortunately I have been a bit preoccupied and had downgraded it to more of a post to discuss awards possibilities and some films that are likely to get looked over because of genre or box office shortcomings. Five films have emerged as front runners in several major categories: The Departed, The Queen, Dreamgirls and Letters from Iwo Jima and Babel. Dreamgirls was the early frontrunner because of the clout it carries from its Broadway run and it is one of the most popular shows of the last two decades. Critics are touting some surprisingly soulful turns by American Idol (if WTF is what you’re thinking, you’re not alone) contestant Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce Knowles and Eddie Murphy. It is also helmed by Oscar darling Bill Condon of Gods and Monsters and Chicago. Never underestimate the power of a well staged show-stopper because if awards voters are feeling light-hearted, this will snag the top awards this year. The Departed was anticipated highly but with Scorsese being arguably Oscar’s most famous bridesmaid, many thought it would as an entertaining return to form, instead of the devastating and brilliant thriller that it turned out to be. Many now think that Scorsese will finally pick up his long coveted prize. With 6 Golden Globe nominations and a slew of critic’s awards, if Scorsese doesn’t take home the prize this year at the Oscars, he will have a hard time in the future. The Queen is a film that has built itself rather quietly, which is commonly the case with the critical darling of nominees; early buzz completely surrounded the embodiment of Queen Elizabeth II by Helen Mirren. Since its premier at the Venice Film Festival though, nothing but praise has been heaped upon this film that looked at the actions of the Queen after the untimely death of Princess Diana. It now looks like The Queen will also grab some awards for director Stephen Frears, Michael Sheen as Tony Blair and some best film awards. Letters from Iwo Jima is also garnering last minute accolades. Iwo Jima was scheduled for release early next year but after the mediocre reviews of Flags of Our Fathers, Warner Bros. moved up the release to amp up Oscar consideration for both films. In an unexpected twist, Letters is completely overshadowing Flags and has pretty much squelched any chance of large awards for Flags of Our Fathers. With this reception comes a rematch of the Eastwood-Scorsese battle of the 2004 season, when Million Dollar Baby came out of nowhere to wallop The Aviator. Told from the Japanese viewpoint, Letters is said to be different from any war film we have seen stateside in years. Lastly, we have Babel, an international story told by Alejandro González Iñárritu starring Brad Pitt, Kate Blanchett and Gael García Bernal. Expansive stories that embrace diversity always make awards votes feel noble to recognize and nominations will help to atone for the shameful under recognition of Iñárritu’s brilliant Amorres Perros. Hopefully this will open of more doors to the supremely talented Iñárritu and some other amazing Mexican directors including Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuarón. These five films will likely lead Oscar nominations on January 23, 2007.

Now there are even more films that will be overlooked undeservedly. These include Pan’s Labyrinth, The Good Shepherd, The Painted Veil, Catch a Fire, The Fountain, Children of Men and V for Vendetta. V for Vendetta, Pan’s Labyrinth, Children of Men and The Fountain are al members of the wrong genre to fit into the Oscars narrow definition of brilliant films. Return of the King has been the only film to cross the sci-fi barrier and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. Also standing in the way of The Fountain is extreme polarization. Many love it, many hate it, and no one is ambivalent. This is also the problem with The Good Shepherd, Robert DeNiro’s telling of the creation of the CIA. Slow pace has never been something that the Oscars find desirable. The Painted Veil has not had a push from Warner Bros. that an Edward Norton film is deserving of. A December release date is indicative of awards contention, but the advertising just has not been present. Hopefully this will change in the next two-three weeks because Edward Norton is one of Americas most adventurous and talented actors and studios need that thought beat into their heads lest they forget. In the documentary category it looks as if An Inconvenient Truth will likely clean up this season because of its staggering importance. Unfortunately this wipes away all chances of Shut Up and Sing being recognized, the documentary chronicling the making of the Dixie Chicks latest album, Taking the Long Way, likely the best country album to be released in years. Everyone but the Academy Awards will probably recognize Spike Lee’s documentary, When the Levees Broke, an opus that looks at the government response to Hurricane Katrina. The Oscars will not allow any film, regardless of the type or quality, to compete if it airs on TV before cinema screens, a stupid and segregating rule.

All in all, there is much to look forward to with films being released this year. There are some very unconventional stories being told, as well as some simpler ones told extraordinarily well. Take your pick.