When it came time for the critics’ groups to start announcing their year-end awards, we learned thatStar Wars: The Force Awakenswould most likely not be among them. Not because the film isn’t good, but because Disney was unwilling to risk leaks by screening the movie before most of the groups’ voting deadlines. One group opted to push its own deadline back, resulting in the firstStar WarsBest Picture mentionfor the AFI Awards earlier this week, and now it appears that the filmalsohas a shot at landing on the list of nominees for the Critics’ Choice Awards—which have already been announced.
In an unprecedented move, the Broadcast Film Critics Association has contacted its members to ask if they would like to addThe Force Awakensto their already-turned-in ballots. Indeed, the BFCAannounced its list of nominations this past Monday, but now is offering its members the opportunity to retroactively addThe Force Awakensas an 11th Best Picture nominee.
Per a statement obtained byTHR, the group claims this action is being taken “in the wake of an unprecedented cry out” from its members, and so is simply asking ifThe Force Awakenswould have made their Best Picture ballot had they seen the film before voting. I’m dubious as to this “unprecedented” demand to addStar Warsto the list—most likely the BFCA just wants to bask in some of theForce Awakenszeitgeist love—but this action is being taken nevertheless, so we could indeed seeJ.J. Abrams’ sci-fi sequel land among the Best Picture nominees during the awards show on January 17th.
In terms of Oscar prospects for Abrams’ pic, I’m not incredibly optimistic when it comes to a Best Picture nomination. Voters have already been deliberating and poring over their screeners for the past month, and commercial favorites likeMad Max: Fury Road,Creed,Straight Outta Compton, andThe Martianhave already emerged as serious contenders. I’m not sure voters will be so eager to change things up so late in the game, especially sinceThe Force Awakensis an enjoyable yet unremarkable follow-up—Abrams isn’t breaking new ground here.
To those of you who have seenStar Wars: The Force Awakens, wouldyouconsider it one of the best films of 2015? If you had a Critics’ Choice Awards ballot and had to list your Top 5, would it make the cut? Sound off the in the comments below, butplease refrain from getting into spoilersfor those that haven’t seen the film. If you want to talk openly,go to our spoiler-filled “What Did You Think?” page.
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