December brings Oscar contenders

We’re finally entering Oscar season, and with December comes a slew of golden-statue hopefuls…. We’re finally entering Oscar season, and with December comes a slew of golden-statue hopefuls. From the fall of empires to dark sci-fi, December will offer high-quality entertainment for all tastes.

Dec. 1 “The Nativity Story” Following on the success of “The Passion of the Christ,” this film chronicles Mary and Joseph as they journey to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. Interestingly, the girl who plays Mary, Keisha Castle-Hughes, is only 16, which will help give a more realistic feel to the film. Castle-Hughes is no stranger to the Oscars, as she was nominated at age 13 for Best Actress for her role in “Whale Rider.” If “The Nativity Story” is less controversial, it could attract the Oscar attention that “The Passion” wasn’t able to.

Dec. 8 “Apocalypto” Speaking of “The Passion,” Mel Gibson is back with his directorial follow-up to his box office sensation. But those who didn’t enjoy the subtitles and violence of his last effort would be wise to stay away: “Apocalypto” is in Mayan, and promises a fairly gruesome depiction of the mysterious fall of the Mayan empire. The cinematography and makeup look gorgeous, and Gibson has to hope the Academy and audiences will ignore his recent off-set activities.

“The Good German” Steven Soderbergh comes back into form after a few years of directing bubblegum (the “Ocean’s 11” films) and low-budget indies (“Full Frontal”). In this post-World War II thriller, an American journalist (George Clooney) attempts to find his former mistress in Berlin and becomes entangled in a murder mystery. Clooney is coming off an incredible year, and Soderbergh is no slouch, either: He previously directed “Erin Brockovich” and “Traffic” in the same year. With a seasoned cast that also stars Cate Blanchett and Tobey Maguire and an apparent throwback to films like “Casablanca,” “The Good German” is playing its Oscar cards right.

Dec. 15 “Dreamgirls” Director Bill Condon (“Kinsey”) has seen “Dreamgirls” grow a reputation as one of the films to beat for the Oscars. Based on the Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls” follows the story of a group of soul singers who cross over onto the pop charts in the 1960s. Backed by Jamie Foxx and Danny Glover, Eddie Murphy might even have a return to form. Although diva Beyonce Knowles hasn’t yet convinced anyone that she’s anything more than a singer, Jennifer Hudson – of American Idol fame – might do more than enough for the both of them.

“Blood Diamond” And the award for a director most likely to make a film about another race from a white protagonist’s point of view goes to? The new film by Edward Zwick (“Glory,” “The Last Samurai”) concerns African diamond mines as told through the eyes of Leonardo DiCaprio. Although “Blood Diamond” could easily take the political route, its marketing as more of an action-adventure film could ultimately hurt its chances come Oscar time. But the high-caliber cast, which also includes Oscar-winner Jennifer Connelly and the always strong Djimon Hounsou – previously nominated for Best Supporting Actor – could increase those chances.

“The Pursuit of Happyness” Will Smith stars in this drama about a middle-aged man who takes custody of his 5-year-old son – played by Smith’s actual son Jaden – while he attempts to get an internship and begin a late-life job search. Sentimentality is sure to pervade as Smith’s character attempts to stay above the poverty line, which will probably hurt its chances with the cold-hearted Academy voters: They’re not known for choosing tearjerkers. Of course, the fact that Smith finally subdued his tired “Big Willie” schtick might help his chances.

Dec. 22 “The Good Shepherd” Robert De Niro’s directorial follow-up to his 1992 debut, “A Bronx Tale,” focuses on the birth of the CIA as seen through the eyes of Edward Wilson (Matt Damon). It has an all-star Oscar lineup, including Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, William Hurt, De Niro and apparent cinematic hermit Joe Pesci. The combination of a solid director, great cast and a straightforward concept might spell nominations across the board for “The Good Shepherd.”

“Children of Men” It’s 2027, and there hasn’t been a baby born for 18 years now that women are sterile. When a woman miraculously becomes pregnant, a former activist (Clive Owen) attempts to save the woman by getting her to scientists. “Children of Men,” also starring Julianne Moore and Michael Caine, is helmed by Alfonso Cuaron, director of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” Although the Academy is unlikely to award sci-fi films, there’s always hope for a project that moves beyond the limits of its genre.