Oscars 2018: 10 Movies That Could Win Best Picture Next Year
5. Untitled Detroit Project
The Film
With a massive (and massively talented) cast, including John Boyega, Jack Reynor, Hannah Murray, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie, Jason Mitchell and many more, Kathryn Bigelow directs this tale of the Detroit riots.
Taking place in 1967, a police raid on a bar erupted into one of the most violent and destructive riots in United States history, lasting five days and resulting in 43 deaths, over 1000 injuries, and over 7000 arrests. Bigelow's regular collaborator Mark Boal has written the screenplay, with The Hurt Locker's Barry Ackroyd as DoP.
Why It Could Win
Bigelow's Hurt Locker was a big winner at the Oscars, and while Zero Dark Thirty didn't repeat the trick as such, it did receive a Best Picture nomination, establishing her as an awards force to be reckoned with - especially when in tandem with Boal. This is her first movie in five years, so it's likely to get plenty of attention.
The cast is very good indeed, and given the dramatic fare could well represent the best work of many of their still relatively young careers if it hits. The story is a powerful and important one, and in light of current race relations and general mood in the United States it's also one that will feel particularly relevant today.
It has an early release date (August), but with such a strong story and Bigelow in charge, it should have plenty of staying power with Academy members.