The Dog Days of summer are often dismissed as a time when Academy voters are lounging by the beach rather than thinking about Oscar nominations. However, in the past fifteen years, this period has seen the emergence of several Best Picture nominees, defying expectations. Movies released during this time, such as Oppenheimer, have managed to not only secure nominations but also win awards, proving that the Dog Days should not be underestimated.
Films released in the Dog Days tend to resonate with the general audience, engaging with a wider demographic than just film enthusiasts. These movies, often considered audience favorites, manage to capture the attention of the movie-hungry middle, propelling them into the Oscar race. The success of films like The Help showcases the impact of these nominations, as it spent weeks at the top of the summer box office before receiving multiple Oscar nominations.
Movies like BlacKKKlansman, Dunkirk, and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood follow a narrative set by Saving Private Ryan in 1998, establishing a pattern of success during the Dog Days. These films generate momentum just before the awards season kicks off, appealing to a broader audience before the more elite film professionals take charge. This formula has proven successful with a range of films, from Inglourious Basterds to Little Miss Sunshine.
In recent years, the landscape of the Dog Days has shifted. While previously this period was filled with potential Best Picture nominees and interesting near-misses, the current summer seems less promising. With movies like Inside Out 2 and It Ends With Us vying for attention, the traditional sense of anticipation for Oscar contenders during the Dog Days is lacking this year.
As the season progresses, the focus will shift towards the awards professionals who will dictate the conversation surrounding potential nominees. Audience favorites like Deadpool & Wolverine may generate buzz, but their true Oscar prospects remain uncertain. Films like Sing Sing, while favored by Oscar pundits, struggle to make an impact at the box office, signaling a shift in the traditional narrative of Dog Days success.
While the Dog Days have historically been a period of unexpected success for Oscar contenders, this year presents a different landscape. The traditional formula of capturing audience momentum before the awards season is no longer as prevalent, with potential nominees facing challenges in generating widespread enthusiasm. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these films navigate the changing dynamics of the Oscar race.
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