It has begun.
The prologue has gone underway in this year’s Oscar collection. Hopefuls like Rush (a sure candidate in the sound editing category, perhaps even a screenplay nod), Captain Phillips (a film that is pushing for film editing, cinematography, and looking for Tom Hank’s sixth academy award nod- though I don’t think that will happen), and Gravity (some prediction sites include this in their best picture category, and we’re definitely looking for nods in visual effects, and possibly Ms. Bullock running in the best actress race).

But as the end of October is in sight, we have more Oscar prospects in sight.

12 Years A Slave: Steve McQueen, Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Paul Giamatti. Oct. 18

Soloman Northup is a slave that is kidnapped and made to work in a slave plantation in New Orleans. The buzz for this film is all over the place. Possibly looking for nods in at Best Picture, Best Director (McQueen), Best Actor (Chiwetel Ejiofor), and possibly an original screenplay nod for McQueen and co-writer John Ridley.

The Counselor: Ridley Scott, Starring: Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Cameron Diaz, and Penelope Cruz. Oct. 25

A respected lawyer’s one-time dalliance with an illegal business deal spirals out of control. This film is searching for possible acting recognition from Javier Bardem, and Michael Fassbender. Some prediction lists have this as a possibility of a Best Picture candidate, and it’s best to keep an eye open for Ridley Scott’s fourth Oscar nomination, and perhaps even a screenplay nod for first time screenwriter Cormic MaCarthy.

Nebraska: Alexander Payne, Starring: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, Bob Odenkirk, and Stacy Keach. Nov. 15

A black and white drama/comedy about a father who takes his son along with him on a road trip to Nebraska to collect his lottery winnings, that his son isn’t sure exists. This film is most likely looking for a Best Actor nod to an aging Bruce Dern, and maybe a Best Director nod to two-time Academy Award nominated Alexander Payne. There could be a spot for it in Best Picture, as an off beat father-son comedy is sure to stir up some good ol’ emotion.

Inside Llewyn Davis: Joel and Ethan Coen, Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, and John Goodman. Dec. 6

A struggling folk musician tries to make it in the New York winter of 1961. Ethan and Joel Coen have been popular in the oscar race before, we may expect them to get a nod for Best Director, and it’s got a good look at Best Picture as well. Joel Coen’s screenplay may get attention for Best Original Screenplay, and there is small buzz for Omar Isaac getting his own nomination for Best Actor.

Dallas Buyers Club: Jean-Marc Vallée, Starring Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner, and Dallas Roberts. Dec. 6

Based on a true story, Matthew McConaughey is Ron Woodroof, a homophobic Texas cowboy that becomes inflicted by AIDS, and has 30 days to live. Woodroof, without government aid, seeks any treatment around the world- legal, and illegal. When he realizes he can help others with his treatments, he forms the “Dallas Buyers Club.” The film has it’s chances in the Best Picture category, but look for nods for Matthew McConaughey in Best Actor, and Jared Leto in Best Supporting Actor. Best Adapted Screenplay could be an option as well.

Saving Mr. Banks: John Lee Hancock, Starring Emma Thomas, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, and Bradley Whitford. Dec. 13

Walt Disney pictures shows their own story of the making of “Mary Poppins.” When Mr. Walt Disney (Hanks) decides he wants to make the film, author P.L. Travers (Thompson) is less than enthusiastic. As the film progresses, their relationship builds. This is probably a lock for Emma Thomas in the Best Actress category. It’s also possible Tom Hanks could secure a Best Supporting Actor nod. This is especially interesting with his buzz for Captain Phillips. If there are enough films in the running this year, this could make its way to the list of Best Picture.

American Hustle: David O’Russell, Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jeremy Renner. Dec. 13

A can man (Bale) and his steamy partner (Adams) teams up with a wild FBI agent (Cooper) who gets them mixed up in the mafia, and dangerous brokers. O’Russell’s return from last year’s Oscar winning film “Silver Linings Playbook,” is sure to stir up buzz for O’Russell in the direction category, and Best Picture category.

The Monuments Men: George Clooney, Starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, and John Goodman. Dec. 18

The FDR appointed group of museum directors in WWII are assigned to suit up and take back art masterpieces from the Nazis who stole them- from across enemy lines. Written and directed by Clooney, expect him to get a nod for his screenplay, and possibly for his direction. There may be space in the Supporting Actor category with this ensemble, and we may see it fit into the Best Picture group.

Her: Spike Jonze, Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, and the voice of Scarlett Johansson. Dec. 18

A withdrawn, divorced writer begins to fall in love with his computer’s complex system. This is no staple for anything, as the Oscars almostly likes to avoid the obscure- but it has a place in the Original Screenplay category, and very distant chance at either a Best Picture nod or and acting nods.

August: Osage County: John Wells, Starring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Abigail Breslin, Misty Upham, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney, Julianne Nicholson, and Sam Shepard. Dec. 25

The Weston family has been divided until a family crisis brings them all together in this deeply dark comedy/drama based on Tracy Letts’ pulitzer prize winning play. This film is hoping to fire on all cylinders, and is looking for Best Picture, John Wells may receive a nod for his direction, Meryl Streep is sure to receive her eighteenth Oscar nomination, her fifteenth as Best Actress. With an ensemble like this one, be on the lookout for some supporting nominations as well. Adapted Screenplay could be in the mix for Tracy Letts as well.

The Wolf Of Wall Street: Martin Scorsese, Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, and Jonah Hill. Dec. ?

An adaptation of Jordan Belfont’s memoir revealing crooked bankers on Wall Street. There has been a bit of controversy over the release date, as it was said that Martin Scorsese would not make the editing deadline for its original Nov. 15 release date. Rumors are spreading that Scorsese is working hard to get the film out on time. Should it be released this year, we are looking for Scorsese to be nominated for Best Director, Leo DiCaprio may get the Best Actor nod that film-goers have thought he needed for a long time. Screenplay could be in the mix, and Best Picture could be a good possibility as well.