© 2024 Aspen Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

28th Annual Academy Screenings Offers Sneak Peek Into Several Potential Oscar Contenders

Aspen Film

At the 28th annual Academy Screenings, which run Saturday through Tuesday, Aspen audiences can catch films likely to be Oscar contenders this year.

The festival opens Saturday with “Bombshell,” starring Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie as news anchors who came forward about sexual harassment by Fox News creator Roger Ailes.

While that hit theatres in December, Aspen Film’s executive and artistic director Susan Wrubel says Academy Screenings offers an early look at a number of other films. 

"We try to get as many films as we can that have not been out in the marketplace already," she said.  

Those include the World War 1 epic “1917” and “Just Mercy,” a look at racial bias in the American legal system starring Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan. 

Credit Aspen Film
/
Aspen Film
A scene from "Just Mercy," the true story of young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) and his history-making battles for justice in Alabama. The film closes out this year's Academy Screenings.

The festival moved dates this year. In the past, it’s been held between Christmas and New Years Day. 

Wrubel says the change in schedule was driven by how crowded with events the holidays have become. 

"We just decided to try it out. I know from locals and second homeowners who stay for six weeks, they’re thrilled because they’ve said, there’s way too much going on, we can never make it to screenings," she said.

She says Aspen Film has heard from others who aren’t as pleased with the shift to the New Year and that the organization will gather input via a survey after the festival’s conclusion. 

This year’s Academy Screenings offers an array of buzzy films like “Uncut Gems,” starring Adam Sandler, as well as foreign language films and documentaries. Screenings take place at the Wheeler Opera House and Isis Theatre in Aspen. 

 

Contributor Christin Kay is passionate about the rich variety of arts, cultural experiences and stories in the Roaring Fork Valley. She has been a devotee of public radio her whole life. Christin is a veteran of Aspen Public Radio, serving as producer, reporter and interim news director.