Nuremberg’s Race to Best Picture Has Begun 

By:Dominic La-Viola

It’s only November, but the race to the Oscars has already begun. 

Now there are a lot of great films that have come out this year. Some of which audiences are already pegging as top Oscar contenders. 

“Weapons” and “Sinners” have been two of the most talked-about movies of the year, and since their release, social media has been dubbing them Oscar contenders. 

Personally, I loved both films; however, I don’t think either one of them is a serious contender for the Oscars in any of the more known categories . Directing, acting, picture, or screenplay. 

There was a time, not so long ago, when these styles of blockbuster films would be serious contenders. However, I feel like that small window of time might have passed. 

As of now, there are two films that have taken the initiative to make their  position known and their voices heard: “Blue Moon” and “Nuremberg”.

“Blue Moon” had a mini ad out yesterday in the Dailies. With a sponsorship saying for your consideration. Bland, but there.

Not really highlighting what it was going for or what you should consider it for. Just that you should consider it. 

Today, ”Nuremberg” had its own email sent out, not only promoting its consideration for the Oscar’s. But which nominations it was seeking. Including best picture, best actor Russell Crowe & Rami Malek. Best supporting actor Leo Woodall & Michael Shannon. Best director and best adapted screenplay for James Vanderbilt. Best cinematography for  Dariusz Wolski, ASC, best production design Eve Stewart, and best original score: Brian Tyler.

I can’t help but wonder, did these two films spend more money on their Oscar campaign than the marketing of the films themselves ?

For the marketing of both of these films, there was slim to none. “Blue Moon”; I just happened to come across it. There was no marketing for it, no trailers before film screenings, or promotions. 

As far as “Nuremberg” goes, I’ve seen exactly two trailers for it, and I go to the movies 3-5 times a week. Whereas I’ve seen “The Running Man” trailer at least 2-3 times a week, for the past 6 weeks or so. (Just to put things in perspective.) 

I have no data to back this theory, although it does seem that studios are banking on Oscar nominations rather than standard marketing , almost as if they’re betting on a nomination to lead to a spike in ticket sales and VOD once the nominations are announced. 

My theory, given the box office, the little money used for marketing, and this being the studios’ first film, “Christy” is going to be next for your consideration sponsorship. That theory is backed by the big winner of last year being “Anora”. 

A film the studio spent more on the Oscar campaign than the budget for the film itself. Leading me to believe that the nominations are the new, old strategy to bank on story driven films.