Top 10 Most Anticipated Oscar Season Films of 2013

Well, we are just about getting to it. The fall festival circuit kind of begins in Venice but really starts in Toronto, and with that it is generally accepted that the first day of TIFF is also the first official date of Oscar season. That date, ladies and gentlemen, is September 5th. Start your engines.
Here, LCA Film presents our top 10 most anticipated films of Oscar season. Most have serious awards prospects, and all have the pedigree to become instant classics. This is one of the more exciting posts we write, because it is becoming more and more real: the heartbeat of the Academy Awards is audible, and there are few things so exciting. Let's start our Oscar season here at LCA Film with this article, and we will start this article at #10. Keep in mind that this was a very difficult list to compile, and I would see any one of these at any given time if given the opportunity.

10. The Monuments Men- With a cast that includes Murray, Clooney, Blanchett, Damon, Dujardin and Goodman you scream "Oscar!" Hopefully, it'll be as good as it's heist-driven plot insinuates. Directed by Clooney, this has a real shot at Oscar in multiple categories. I'm not sure if it could bring in the gold, but the season is oh so young. My head says "yes," but my gut is wary. In any case, I'll be on line opening night.

9. August: Osage County- This has Meryl Streep. Oscar. This has Julia Roberts. Oscar. This is based on a universally loved play and has a supporting cast to make you cry with joy. Oscar. Drugs and death are involved. Oscar. Also, these are all reasons why I want to see this as well. It is a powerhouse of talent and will certainly move most audience members to tears.

8. The Counselor- Cormac McCarthy wrote No Country for Old Men (my second favorite movie ever), and wrote this script. I instantly want to see it. It's directed by Ridley Scott and stars one of my favorite actors working today: Michael Fassbender. Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz are all fantastic. I can't wait for this, truly.

7. American Hustle- David O. Russell is on an incredible hot streak and he assembled a hell of a cast for this film. I loved Silver Linings Playbook so much, and it surprised how Russell could tap into the genuine emotions of his characters. Add to the mix that the recently released trailer for this looks like a load of fun, and I am in 100%.

6. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty- I was absolutely floored by this trailer. For 2 minutes and 30 seconds I was transported, engulfed in a beautiful and fantastical world crafted by a master. Did I mention it was directed by Ben Stiller? I can't wait to spend more time in this world, and a wonderfully crafted world at that.

5. Inside Llewyn Davis- The Coen Brothers. That is all.

4. Her- Spike Jonze is one of the most underrated directors working today. His name rarely comes up in a conversations on the "greats" and it most certainly should; his body of work is more than enough proof at his insane creative talent. This movie, as evidenced by the trailer, will make you feel something in a totally unique way. Also, one of the best actors ever, Joaquin Phoenix, is the lead actor. What's there not to like?

3. The Wolf of Wall Street- I'll see anything done by Scorsese, and I'll see anything with DiCaprio, so I will certainly be first on line to see something with the both of them involved. The trailer promises zany fun with a necessary layer of drama, and a film that will be remembered for years to come.

2. Gravity- Alfonso Cuaron shooting in 3D with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney about getting lost in space that promises to be unlike anything that anyone has ever seen before? This is not just going to be a film, but a cinematic experience unlike any other and one that may very well put 3D back into the conversation of serious cinema.

1. 12 Years a Slave- Steve McQueen is one of the most brutal directors working today; his honesty with the camera leaves an audience torn and scathed yet changed and fulfilled. Shame was a masterpiece, Hunger was incredibly brave, and this looks to be a challenging yet masterful combination of the two. The cast (Fassbender, Pitt, Ejiofor, and Dano among others) will shine, and McQueen's steady yet unforgiving hand will force us into what will certainly be one of the best films of the year.