In what is shaping up to be a rather thin season, could a small but formidable film, written and directed by a filmmaker with three Oscar winners in his family, find its way into contention? That’s what is betting on in acquiring the U.S. distribution rights for ’s impressive directorial debut , a black-and-white indie about a once-renowned boxer — played by Huston’s former costar — as he takes a redemptive journey through his past and present on the day of his first fight since he was released from prison.
Indeed, the upstart distributor has already begun mounting an awards campaign for the film, which also stars , , , , (another alum) and — coming out of retirement to make a brief but shattering appearance — Oscar winner . The vets at Perception PR, who helped Neon guide to the best picture Oscar, have been hired to coordinate the effort. And Huston’s reps at CAA have been rallying grassroots support for months, going back to a star-studded March 26 screening at the agency, attendees of which included , , and the filmmaker’s uncle, .
strikes me as having real breakout awards potential. Huston has a great shot at noms for the best breakthrough director Gotham Award and best first feature Spirit Award. ’s monochrome lensing will surely contend for various best cinematography honors.
And, above all, the performance by Pitt — long a great actor but one who has struggled to find roles worthy of his talents — could land recognition, certainly in the gender.