Fox Searchlight and the Oscars

Fox Searchlight gets ready for the Oscars with a very distinct lineup. With a track record of Best Picture nominations that include Black Swan, 127 hours, Sideways and Little Miss Sunshine, there is no doubt that this studio will have at least one in the top 5-10 Best Picture nominations this year.

First and foremost, their film The Tree of Life, out now won the Palm d'Or and is at this moment Fox Searchlights best bet to claim gold come February. Terrence Malick is beloved by Hollywood and has an impeccable track record. The Academy may want to reward him after 5 great films. In any case other than The Tree of Life, Fox Searchlight has three other films that are potential to get Best Picture nominations.


On July 22, Another Earth which premiered at Sundance, opens in limited release. The film is about the discovery of a duplicate planet in the solar system, and an ambitious young student and an accomplished composer crossing paths in a tragic accident. The film is directed by Mike Carhill. 

On October 7, Martha Marcy May Marlene opens and it stars Elizabeth Olsen. The premise of the film is of a damaged woman who struggles to re-assimilate with her family after fleeing an abusive cult. Also premiering at Sundance, the film opened to rave reviews especially for its star Elizabeth Olsen. Sean Durkin directs.

Finally on December 16 The Descendants staring George Clooney opens. The films is directed by Alexander Payne and it is the first film by Payne since Sideways. The film is about a land baron who tries to re-connect with his two daughters after his wife suffers a boating accident. This is probably Fox Searchlight second best option for the best picture nomination.