Musicals in this years Oscars.

Musicals this decade has had its fair share of Oscar flops, hopefuls and hits. In 2000, Bjork's original song from the musical "Dancer in the Dark" called "I've Seen it All" managed to get a nomination (though not a win). In 2001, musicals was Oscar born again when Baz Luhrmann's "Moulin Rouge!" was released. It managed to get a Best Picture nomination and 6 more. And in my opinion, it should have won all of what it was nominated for. 2002 was an amazing year for screen musicals, when "Chicago" took home the Oscars for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Catharine Zeta-Jones) amongst others. Everyone thought musicals was back in action, but when huge Oscar hopeful "The Phantom of the Opera" (2004) only managed to get technical nominations, and "Rent" (2005) and "The Producers" (2005) got nothing at all, Producers (real ones) kinda backed out of musical projects, afraid they were to become "expensive flops". So in 2006, only one musical was released..."Dreamgirls". When a preview of "Dreamgirls" went out, it instantly became a "lock" for a Best Picture WIN, online and got nominated for almost every major Best Picture award. But when the Academy got their hands on the movie, they gave the film a total of 8 nominations...but NO BEST PICTURE, BEST DIRECTOR and BEST SCREENPLAY. "Dreamgirls" was considered as a sad "truth" in this Oscars. This year, however, we have 4 screen musicals and 1 TV musical, and all 4 of the movies were (or still is) a Oscar hopeful/contender. Since our TV musical (which is kinda annoying), "High School Musical 2" is definitely not running for any Oscars (well, duh, its a TV movie) this year, Zac still has a good year though with all the buzz around "Hairspray" and because of his hit "HSM2". Let's break down each and every movie musical this year and look at their chances at Oscar gold:

Across the Universe

When people heard that popular female director Julie Taymor was creating an original musical using Beatles songs, the Academy wasn't as excited as the Beatles fanboys out there (which includes me). Throughout production, a lot of controversies were heard, including a certain "editing" scandal. Controversies were the best things to catch Oscars attention (remember "Brokeaback Mountain" (2005)?) After those died out, no real buzz ever surrounded the movie until Roger Ebert gave the film a 4 star rave. Right after that, the film received nothing more from critics then mix reviews and a few "good but not great" reviews (despite the fact that right now, it scores higher on IMDb then the Best Picture nominated musical "Moulin Rouge!" (2001)). Right now, the best thing for "Across the Universe" to make a hella good campaign and hopefully score a few critics awards and Golden Globe wins. At thing moment, I'm even worried about this film not getting any technical awards. Sigh...

Enchanted

In a week year for Best Actress, Disney has done a pretty good job by choosing recent "Junebug" (2005) Oscar nominee Amy Adams. The movie looks hilarious and I have a good feeling about this movie. If I enjoy the film, I will support Adams (I know she's gonna get a lot of bashing for this movie) for this. I want a change in the race (that's another advantage for her actually). Apart from that, the film doesn't have any real major (like Picture and Screenplay) and tech buzz, but as for Adams...she's still going strong. Let's just wait and see if she can go all Julie Andrews on us...

Hairspray

When "Hairspray" was released this summer it was a huge hit...just wait till the DVD sales! When a lot of Oscar contenders failed to make it this season, "Hairspray", I think has a very big chance. Yes, the film is wacky and bright; something the Academy doesn't usually take...but for some reason I have a big and good feeling about this movie. It's already a lock for the Golden Globe I think. "Hairspray" also won some critics awards already. It took home Best Production, Best Supporting Actor (John Travolta) and Best Ensemble Cast in the Hollywood Film Festival. It's biggest chance in Oscar is Best Picture, Best Supporting (I actually think he's gonna get nominated for this "change in character" performance) and a lot of technical awards. I'm just glad that there wasn't huge hype around this movie before it was released, now its deserving the buzz its receiving. Let's hope "Hairspray" will pull of "big" one on us.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber from Fleet Street

When it comes to the last musical on the list (and the last one to be released), "Sweeney Todd" is creating a lot of commotion in the online Oscar world. People think its gonna get noms (and maybe even a win) in most categories. I dunno about this though, I'm not making any "big" moves like some bloggers and predictors are because this might be this year's "Dreamgirls" (2006). But I do have some hopes for this movie though. Because I do think Depp, Carter and Burton is due for their very own Golden man. BELIEVE ME THOUGH, I AM NOT A FANBOY. I just can't put this as a lock for a nomination though. I do believe its being overhyped though. It's kinda mean to say, but I think I'm gonna laugh if this doesn't make it.