“Selma,” “Sniper” Shake Up Oscar Race
The Oscar race has been locked in place for at least a month, but, just in time for Thanksgiving, two pictures have been screened that are decidedly not turkeys. “American Sniper,” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper, and “Selma,” with David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King, Jr., are getting excellent reviews. (Here and here.) Both have strong chances to be nommed for Best Picture and for Best Actor. I don’t think either could win Best Picture: Clint has already had his share of Oscar gold, and I don’t believe for a second (alas) that Academy voters will give a black-themed movie Best Picture two years in a row. But who cares: the race has gotten interesting again.
