By Will Mavity
After coming close to a Best Picture nomination last year with “Mudbound” and bringing on a new team of awards publicists to handle their campaigns this year, Netflix is prepared to tackle this awards season harder than they ever have before. Today, Netflix officially launched its awards campaign site and it tells us a wealth of information about who they are campaigning, and what their priorities will be this Oscar season.
Their films are listed not in alphabetical order, but rather, presumably in order of priority this Oscar season.
Roma
Unsurprisingly, “Roma” is listed first. As one of the best-reviewed films of the year, it is Netflix’s best shot at a Best Picture nomination. Netflix has yet to reveal official categories for Alfonso Cuaron’s latest.
22 July
Paul Greengrass’s latest film “22 July,” may have gotten overwhelmed in the hoopla of other festival films, but still managed to receive solid reviews. It appears to be Netflix’s second-biggest push. They are campaigning it for every category it could be eligible for. It is notable, although this is an ensemble piece, Netflix is campaigning Anders Danielsen Lie, the film’s terrorist, as lead, while everyone else is running supporting.
The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs
Although the Coen’s “The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs” has a massive ensemble cast and rumors about campaigns for Tim Blake Nelson and Zoe Kazan had floated around, Netflix is apparently opting out from campaigning any of the film’s cast. There is, however, an Original Song on display that could factor into the race.
The Kindergarten Teacher
Netflix looks to be preparing for a serious campaign for Maggie Gyllenhaal for a Lead Actress for “The Kindergarten Teacher.”
Girl
Netflix has not yet released categories for this one yet.
Shirkers
Apparently, this Sundance hit will be Netflix’s top documentary push this year. Not only is Netflix campaigning the film in Best Documentary, but it is also running the film in Picture, Director, Screenplay, and Cinematography.
Private Life
Notable takeaway: Paul Giamatti (A true co-lead in the film) is running in Supporting.
Quincy
The main takeaway here is that “Quincy” has an Original Song by a multi-Grammy winning Legend. Also, Rashida Jones would get an Oscar nomination if this gets in for Best Documentary Feature.
Dumplin’
No categories listed, but expect several Dolly Parton song contenders from here.
The Other Side Of The Wind
Netflix has finally answered a few questions about Orson Welles’ last film. Frank Marshall, who oversaw the film’s restoration would be nominated for Best Picture. Welles would be nominated for Best Film Editing. John Huston is running in Lead Actor.
Reversing Roe
No major takeaways
The Bleeding Edge
No major takeaways
The Land Of Steady Habits
No major takeaways
A 12 Year Night
No categories listed
The Resistance Banker
No categories listed
They’ll Love Me When I’m Dead
No major takeaways
Roxanne, Roxanne
No major takeaways
Seeing Allred
No major takeaways
Bird Box
Despite a recently announced AFI Fest premiere, this appears to be about as far down on Netflix’s priorities as it can go based on its list placement. No categories are listed so far.
Outlaw King
No takeaways. But we do now know who composed the score: Grey Dogs
So, it appears Netflix’s biggest narrative pushes are for “Roma,” “22 July,” “The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs” and “The Kindergarten Teacher.” Their biggest documentary push appears to be “Shirkers.” Notable absences from the list include Jeremy Saulnier’s “Hold The Dark,” Gareth Evans’ “Apostle,” and rumored animated contender, “White Fang.”
See the full FYC site here. How many of these films have you seen? How do you think Netflix will do in the awards season this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
You can follow Will and hear more of his thoughts on the Oscars and Film on Twitter at @mavericksmovies
