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Hugo (Best Picture and Director NBR)

After getting ignored by the NYFCC, Hugo looked like it might not be able to overcome the overwhelming love for The Artist, considering both films are about the magic of old movies. But after taking the two biggest categories from the NBR, Hugo has proven that it has what it takes to be a Best Picture nominee. Claims that it is too light, or too kiddie, can be ignored now. Hugo will need as much support as it can get, considering that it will likely get shut out by both the SAG and the WGA. But a good showing at the Globes (where it will likely be the favorite to win Best Picture: Musical/Comedy) on top of these wins, will mean very good things for Hugo's Best Picture chances.

Albert Brooks (Best Supporting Actor NYFCC, Nominated Best Supporting Actor Spirit Awards)

I'll admit, Brooks was not an easy sell for me as a Supporting Actor candidate for his performance in Drive. I thought that the film would be too violent and stylized for most people's tastes, and that all of the performances would be overlooked. But having the spotlight put on him by the NYFCC guarantees him a spot as the villain in this year's supporting race, and the villains very frequently win (Christoph Waltz, Heath Ledger, Javier Bardem). A Spirit win would be gravy, but regardless, Brooks must now be thought of as a favorite, along with Plummer, to win the award.

Tilda Swinton (Best Actress NBR, Nominated Best Actress Spirit Awards)

Swinton needed some big press to help her overcome how little attention her film has received, and she got it, thanks to the NBR. With Meryl Streep established as the rolling snowball in this category, anything that keeps her from gaining momentum helps the field. As the first woman to strike a blow against the Streep Goliath, Swinton has made a mark on the race, and allowed me to write these words: We Need to Talk about Tilda.

50/50 (Top 10 indie NBR, Nominated Best Feature, Supporting Female, and First Screenplay Spirit Awards)

This film got good reviews and solid box-office, but it needs precursor attention to lend it credibility. If the Oscars are not able to look past the fact that it is a comedy starring Seth Rogen, it will not be a contender for the only category where it really has a shot: Best Original Screenplay. But a mention from the NBR, and three nominations from the Spirit awards, will mean that Academy members might be able to give it more respect. If it gets a Globes Best Pic Mus/Com (writing out the whole thing takes a really long time, okay?!) and a WGA nom, it will be in a very good position heading into the Oscars.

Harry Potter and the Something Something Wizard Stuff (Top 10 NBR)

Despite having some of the best reviews of the year, and making approximately $80 bajillion worldwide (how badly does that statement reflect on the credibility of a box-office site?), Harry Potter is in the same boat as 50/50 and (before the NBR win) Hugo. It is still seen as a film for kids, not something that should be nominated for Best Picture. Does this mention by the NBR undo all of those assumptions? Of course not. HP7.2 will be a tough sell to Oscar voters no matter what, but this is, at the very least, a step in the right direction.

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