Oscar season is still months away, but autumn is traditionally the time of year when movie studios start to release the films they feel have the best shot at Oscar gold. This year, a whole slew of new movies are based on books (all of which you can find in your friendly neighborhood library). Want to be ahead of the game?
Then put these books on hold pronto:
“If Beale Street Could Talk” by James Baldwin
Barry Jenkins already got his own Oscar when “Moonlight” pulled out its surprise win. Now he’s turned to a James Baldwin classic, and the film festival circuit is already in love. Expect major buzz about this movie and soon.
“Beautiful Boy” by David Sheff
David Sheff’s gutting tale of his son’s battle with methamphetamines isn’t the only addiction film out this year, but it may well be the best. Starring young Timothée Chalamet, last seen in another literary adaptation, “Call Me By Your Name.”
“Can You Ever Forgive Me? Memoirs of a Literary Forger” by Lee Israel
Melissa McCarthy takes on a serious role as a sympathetic novelist who gets caught up in forgeries gone too far. It’s a departure for the usually goofy Ms. McCarthy, and may well end up granting her some Oscar attention.
“The Children Act” by Ian McEwan
Plenty of copies of this book are on our shelves, so don’t hesitate to pick one up. Emma Thompson stars in this tale of a leading high court judge who must render a verdict when a teen boy refuses medical treatment on religious grounds.
“First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong” by James R. Hansen
Ryan Gosling makes a break for the Best Actor category in his performance as the first man to walk on the moon.