True Grit Buzzes Oscar

Jeff Bridges is pictured here posing with his "Best Actor" Oscar awarded for his performance in the 2009 film"Crazy Heart."  If the buzz is right, Bridges, or some of his supporting cast, could be on the red carpet again.  This time they would be celebrating an Oscar for Jeff Bridges' latest blockbuster, "True Grit."

The New York Times reports that box office success does not always influence nominations, but it sure doesn't hurt.

By Thursday, however, David Poland, yet another awards watcher, was sufficiently impressed by both the movie and its performance to write on his Movie City News that “True Grit” had “muscled its way into the frontrunner slot” in the best picture race. The box office, Mr. Poland argued, is a “major influencer” in the awards process.

Mr. Moore of Paramount stopped short of making Oscar predictions. But he noted that only two western dramas, “Dances With Wolves” and “Unforgiven,” had been major hits in the last 20 years.

“And both won best picture,” he said.

I have always preferred a good science fiction film over a western,  but the previews for this movie really have me wanting to see "True Grit" before it leaves the local cinema.  Jeff Bridges was excellent in the new Tron movie, and I have every reason to believe that he will be just as good in this John Wayne remake.

Read the whole story on how ‘True Grit’ Popularity May Generate Awards as Well as Dollars at NYTimes.com.