What is it? Drama based on a true story, following a journalist (Chris O'Dowd) who investigates famed cyclist Lance Armstrong (Ben Foster) over suspicion he may be using banned substances. Why is it a major player? Basically, Ben Foster's time has come; he's been a supporting player, a notable character actor and an also-ran for years now, but those who've been following his work know he's more than good enough to step up to the plate. As disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, who survived cancer only to go on to win the Tour de France before it was revealed he'd been doping to win races, Foster could be dealing with the role of a lifetime. The big question mark is Frears, who misses as often as he hits, and whether the focus is put heavily on O'Dowd's journalist - if Armstrong isn't the lead character as well as the film's main subject, Oscar voters may well lose interest, and Foster may miss out on that seemingly rock-solid Best Actor nomination. That said, when the Academy likes Frears, it really likes him - if Icon is any good, it could join Philomena and The Queen as another Frears Oscar fave.
Lover of film, writer of words, pretentious beyond belief. Thinks Scorsese and Kubrick are the kings of cinema, but PT Anderson and David Fincher are the dashing young princes. Follow Brogan on twitter if you can take shameless self-promotion: @BroganMorris1
