The Oscar Watch: Guns of ‘Talvisota’

While talking Oscars:

At press time, Warner’s “Batman” had gotten the biggest ad push--at least 41 full pages in Daily Variety and the Hollywood Reporter. “Driving Miss Daisy” checked in with 29. “Steel Magnolias” was at 28 (Sally Field was singled out as the star who should be considered for best actress, with the other five actresses being shopped in the supporting category.)

“When Harry Met Sally . . .” was running strong with 27 pages, five for director Rob Reiner, five for best-actress possibility Meg Ryan, three suggesting Billy Crystal as best actor.

“Crimes and Misdemeanors” was at 24, “sex, lies and videotape” at 23 (James Spader and Andie MacDowell for best actor and actress, Peter Gallagher and Laura San Giacomo for supporting actor and actress), “Lethal Weapon” and “War of the Roses” at 21.

Some individual campaigns shaping up: Bruce Willis for supporting actor has four of “In Country’s” 18 pages. Edward James Olmos (for supporting actor) has been singled out in six “Triumph of the Spirit” pages. Mary Stuart Masterson (supporting actress) has six of 15 pages for “Immediate Family.” “The Little Mermaid’s” getting lots of ads for its songs and score--as well as plugs for best pic. Jessica Lange (best actress, “The Music Box”) and Daniel Day-Lewis (best actor, “My Left Foot”) have notched five pages each.

Some of the ads appear to have been prompted by contractual or ego-soothing considerations given the films’ critical receptions: “Ghostbusters II” (two whole pages), “Old Gringo” (six) and “Harlem Nights” (five, with suggestions that Eddie Murphy be nominated for best actor/director/screenwriter.)

With Oscar nomination ballots going out this weekend (nominations will be announced Feb. 14), the race--and the ad glut--is just heating up.