The period vaguely known as the Dog Days of summer, spanning from mid-July to mid-August, has proven to be an unexpected breeding ground for Best Picture nominees in recent years. While one might assume that Academy voters would be basking in the sun or enjoying tropical beverages during this time, the reality is quite different. Films released during this period have defied expectations and made their mark in the Oscar race.
The movies that emerge as nominees during the Dog Days tend to resonate with the general audience, rather than film professionals. These are the crowd-pleasers, the films that capture the hearts of moviegoers and propel themselves onto the Oscar stage. They may not always align with the more art-house sensibilities of the industry insiders, but they cannot be ignored.
A Different Breed
Movies like “BlacKKKlansman”, “Dunkirk”, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”, and “Inception” have all followed in the footsteps of the original Dog Day nominee, “Saving Private Ryan”. These films manage to generate buzz and momentum with audiences just before the awards season officially kicks off. They steal the spotlight before the more serious contenders take the stage at prestigious festivals like Telluride.
In the years before the Covid lockdowns, the Dog Days of summer were a vibrant time for cinema. Films like “The Butler”, “Blue Jasmine”, “Straight Outta Compton”, and “Eat Pray Love” all made a splash during this period, either as Oscar nominees or as notable contenders. However, this year seems to be different. While there are still notable releases, the usual excitement and anticipation for potential award winners seem to be lacking.
A Quiet Summer
Movies like “Inside Out 2” and “It Ends With Us” may have their merits, but they have been around for too long to be considered true Dog Days releases. On the other hand, films like “Deadpool & Wolverine” cater more to a mainstream audience looking for entertainment rather than critical acclaim. “Sing Sing”, although released early in the Dog Days period, has failed to make a significant impact at the box office.
As we move forward, the focus will shift from the Dog Days releases to the more carefully curated Oscar contenders. Films like “Joker: Folie à Deux” and “Gladiator II” will emerge within a highly managed Oscar context, with industry experts, promoters, and the media weighing in on their potential long before the average moviegoer has a chance to see them. The Dog Days, once a time of unexpected surprises and sleeper hits, now seem to be just another part of the long road to Oscar glory.