NOVEMBER’S OSCAR FILMS

BY: Amanda Jane Stern

It seems like awards season is just around the corner. Well, with the film festivals back in almost full swing, awards season really is on the horizon. And November looks poised to see quite a few prestige releases. Let’s take a look at some potential Oscar contenders coming out this November.

 

Spencer

Pablo Larraín’s biographical drama about Princess Diana focuses on one specific Christmas for Lady Di (Kristen Stewart). It is during this holiday away at Sandringham House that Diana realizes she must leave her husband. Larraín focuses on the overwhelming sense of dread and claustrophobia that Diana feels in the marriage, turning the movie into a psychological thriller instead of a standard biopic. Spencer hits theaters November 5, 2021.

 

Belfast

Kenneth Branagh’s new directorial effort is a semi-autobiographical film that follows a working class family and their young son during the tumultuous 1960s in Northern Ireland. The film stars Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, and Ciarán Hinds. Belfast comes out November 12, 2021.

 

The Power of the Dog

Jane Campion returns with her first film in 12 years. Charismatic and mercurial rancher Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch), finds himself at odds with his brother George (Jesse Plemons) when George brings home a new wife (Kirsten Dunst). However, Phil finds himself falling for his new sister-in-law’s son (Kodi Smit-McPhee). The Power of the Dog comes out November 17, 2021.

 

C’mon C’mon

Joaquin Phoenix stars in Mike Mills’ new film, C’mon C’mon. Phoenix plays Johnny, a radio journalist who finds himself the caretaker of his precocious young nephew Jesse (Woody Norman). While on a cross-country road trip, the journalist and his nephew begin to bond. The film also stars Gaby Hoffmann, Scoot McNairy, Molly Webster, and Jaboukie Young-White. This is Mills’ fourth feature film in the director’s chair. It comes out November 19, 2021.

 

King Richard

This biographical movie stars Will Smith as Tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams’ father, Richard. The film showcases his unconventional methods as he raises his two daughters and coaches them to be two of the most extraordinary tennis players of all time. The film also stars Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, Jon Bernthal, and Dylan McDermott. It will be released November 19, 2021.

 

Bruised

Halle Berry makes her directorial debut in this film about a disgraced MMA fighter who is given an opportunity for redemption. It’s not only back in the ring where she will have to prove herself though, she must also contend with the return of her 6-year-old son, on whom she walked out years prior. Berry also starred in the film in addition to directing it. Bruised comes out on November 24, 2021.

 

House of Gucci

Based on the journalist Sara Gay Forden’s book of the same name, Director Ridley Scott tells the notorious crime story of Maurizio Gucci ‘s murder with a star studded cast featuring Adam Driver as Maurizio Gucci, and Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani. The killer ensemble also includes Al Pacino as Aldo Gucci, Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci, Salma Hayek as Pina Auriemma, and Jeremy Irons as Rodolfo Gucci. It will come out November 24, 2021.

 

Licorice Pizza

Set in the San Fernando Valley in 1973, we follow along as teenagers Alana Kane (Alana Haim) and Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) come of age and fall in love over the summer, seeing all of the ups and downs of that memorable adventure that is first love. The film was written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. It is set to come out on November 26, 2021.