Conventional wisdom at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival suggested that the Coen Brothers’ No Country for Old Men and Jason Reitman’s Juno deserved some Oscar love, but both would get the kiss off on nomination day. So much for being jaded. No Country picked up major trophies including best picture. Juno surprised many by earning four nominations including a best actress nod for Haligonian Ellen Page and an Oscar for Diablo Cody’s script. Other 2007 festival films Oscar honoured included Michael Clayton , Atonement , Elizabeth: The Golden Age , Eastern Promises and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford . Here is the Oscar tip sheet for this year’s festival, based on early previews and positive pre-release buzz. All of it offered with the understanding that sometimes wishful thinking just isn’t enough. The Secret Life of Bees Set in 1960s South Carolina, the film based on the popular book has a conscience and a voter-friendly point of view covering kindness and friendship in a cruel racist world. That might mean multiples in the nomination department with special attention going to Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson — again. The Duchess Keira Knightley must think nice Oscar thoughts when she shows up here. Previously, her performances in the festival’s Pride & Prejudice and Atonement went on to earn her best actress nominations. Looks like this charming period-piece adornment will make it thre ...
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