Highbrow films (such as 'Frost/Nixon') wait and see

“I’ve Loved You So Long” is the kind of acclaimed foreign-language movie that should do solid business in unprovincial locations such as New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Nashville and St. Louis. Ten weeks after Sony Pictures Classics first released the film, though, the Kristin Scott Thomas drama still hasn't reached any one of those cities. ¶ The holdup? The awards season. ¶ Hollywood's annual self-celebration carnival kicks into high gear this weekend with the Golden Globe awards, followed by Jan. 22's nominations for the Oscars. As soon as the dust settles, the makers of some of the year's best-reviewed films will see what commercial benefits they stand to reap. ¶ Much of the chatter around town has focused on predictable award issues: Will Sean Penn from “ Milk” prevail over " Frost/Nixon’s” Frank Langella, or will voters figure out if they prefer Kate Winslet for being emotionally naked in “Revolutionary Road” or physically naked in “The Reader.”

By John Horn

January 8, 2009