Oscars Countdown: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Oscars+Countdown%3A+The+Grand+Budapest+Hotel

Fair use image courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

Patrick Commers, Arts Critic
February 16, 2015

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Wes Anderson fans have been behind this film for months. Released surprisingly early for a Best Picture Nominee—March last year—The Grand Budapest Hotel was one that was thought that could be left off the list. But, now with a Golden Globe for Best Picture, Musical or Comedy, the movie has picked up more steam.

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a story about a concierge, Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes), at one of the best hotels in Europe. It is told beautifully with extravagant, witty dialogue and superb acting performances from an A-Team of actors (the short list includes Edward Norton, Owen Wilson, Tilda Swinton, and F. Murray Abraham). Gustave H. and his lobby boy, Zero, go to extreme lengths to protect a priceless painting that was bequested to Gustave in one of the frequent visitors of the hotel’s will. Not only did it captivate the fans of Anderson, but newcomers to his style of film were wowed by the quality of the film. The Grand Budapest Hotel is tied with Birdman for the most nominations this year with nine nominations, including Best Director and Original Screenplay.

Reasons it could win:

  • It won the Golden Globe for Best Comedy or Musical, beating out Birdman who was expected to take home the prize.
  • New found steam after winning the Golden Globe.
  • If Oscar voters split on Birdman and Boyhood, this one could steal the victory.
  • It has the most nominations, including Best Director. Usually, if a film is considered for best picture, the director is nominated as well.

Reasons it wouldn’t win:

  • Birdman and Boyhood are too good to beat.
  • Ralph Fiennes didn’t get a Best Actor nomination.
  • It was expected to win the SAG award, which awards the whole cast for their performance, but it didn’t.
  • It came out at the wrong time of the year.

Possible outcome:

  • It would not be surprising if the film took home the most Oscars, but doubtful it will take home the night’s biggest one.

This piece is part of the series “Oscars Countdown” in anticipation of the 2015 Oscars. Arts Critic Patrick Commers reviews the Best Picture nominees daily. To read reviews a day earlier, check out his blog: Rated R for Reviewed.