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10 Upcoming Movies That Will Be Serious Oscar Contenders

We've seen some truly brilliant films so far this year, but whether any of them scream "Oscar" is debatable. Out of what has hit screens so far in 2014, the only movie I really expect will be getting some serious attention on that front is Wes Anderson's whimsical period piece The Grand Budapest Hotel (for its visuals, his direction, Ralph Fiennes' performance and possibly Best Picture). The Lego Movie is a lock for Best Animated Feature, and "Everything is Awesome" should earn a nomination for Best Original Song, but I don't imagine that the Academy will honor it elsewhere. And Noah is divisive, but not in a way that has anyone claiming it will hold a place as a cinematic classic.

8. Big Eyes

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No Tim Burton movie has ever earned a Best Picture nomination, but Big Eyes might be his best shot yet. The biopic centers on the creative awakening of famed painter Margaret Keane (Amy Adams), the success of her work in the 1950s, and her bitter relationship with her husband (Christoph Waltz), who claimed credit for her later work. This is the other major Weinstein Company release, so expect Harvey to get really active in campaigning for Big Eyes in every category.

I’m predicting Best Picture, Best Actress for Adams (who is said to do some of the best work of her career) and Best Supporting Actor (for Waltz). The supporting cast includes Krysten Ritter, Jason Schwartzmann, Terence Stamp and Danny Huston, any of whom could also stand a shot at getting nominated. I’m also betting on Best Cinematography (for Bruno Delbonnel) and Best Original Score (for Danny Elfman).

Big Eyes opens December 25th.