A Thanksgiving Feast: 7 Oscar-Caliber Films Out Now

Be grateful: It should be pretty easy to avoid a turkey at the movies this Thanksgiving weekend. Unlike the past few years, several Oscar-caliber movies are out before Christmastime.

 

The Family Film: Lincoln

Honestly, it’s worth the hype. Expect a political thriller, not an exhaustive biopic.

Award potential: May get more nominations than any previous film, and a likely win for Daniel Day-Lewis. Maybe one for Sally Field — who is really, really likable for redefining Mary Todd Lincoln.

The Drama: Flight

I thought this was going to be a typical airplane disaster film, but it was one heckuva different ride — with one heckuva performance from Denzel Washington.

Award potential: Denzel Washington outdoes even himself in this picture and you can expect him on the Best Actor shortlist. If the film sustains buzz, you can expect nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and some technical awards. Wild card pick: John Goodman (who’s also in Argo but better here) for Best Supporting Actor.

The Crowd Pleaser: Skyfall

It’s what you like about Bond, shaken slightly. Director Sam Mendes does a bang up job, as does Daniel Craig, Judi Dench and Javier Bardem.

Award potential: There’s buzz about Skyfall taking one of the top ten Best Picture slots, but Javier Bardem and Adele’s song are better bets.

The Thriller: Argo

Hold on tight for one of the best movies of 2012.

Award potential: Hollywood saves the world? Oscar is gonna love this: Best Picture, Best Director, Supporting Actor (Alan Arkin), Original Screenplay and other technical awards.

For Dessert: Life of Pi

Follow your pumpkin pie with the newest treat from director Ang Lee.

It’s expected to be faithful to the bestseller and it’s getting early raves after playing at the New York Film Festival.

Award potential:  It’s already on most Best Picture Oscar short lists.

Life of Pi opens in theaters on Nov. 21.

The Weepie: Silver Linings Playbook.

I loved the book, and can’t wait to see the film. Those who have seen it, can’t stop talking about it.

Award potential:  It’s in the top 3 of most Best Picture Oscar short lists.

Silver Linings Playbook opens in theaters on Nov. 21.

Don’t Take Your Mom: The Sessions

50 shades of uncomfortable, but you won't be bored by this tale of a man confined to an iron lung, and the sex therapist who helps him.

Award potential: I don’t think it’s going to live up to the Best Picture hype, but I do expect nominations for John Hawkes and Helen Hunt. It won’t be the first time Oscar notices an able-bodied actor playing a disabled character and an actress playing a hooker with a heart of gold.

BONUS:
 The homebody: Moonrise Kingdom/Beasts of a Southern Wild

Available on DVD or pay per view.

Award potential: Both have a chance at one of the ten Best Picture slots.