Dustin Hoffman strolls into Oscar race with Overture Films' 'Last Chance Harvey' co-starring Emma Thompson

There's a new Harvey in this year's Oscar race and it's not Weinstein.

While uncertainty continues to hover over the prospect of the Weinstein Co. releasing "The Reader" in time for this year's awards eligibility, another 'Harvey' has just staked a place in the contest.

Overture Films was supposed to release the new comedy/drama "Last Chance Harvey" on Jan. 23 -- not exactly prime time for potential awards contenders. But buzz on this Dustin Hoffman/Emma Thompson romance has been so strong among those who have been given an early peek, the distributor has now decided to throw it into the heart of the holiday season and the Oscar race by opening it on Dec. 26.

Hoffman is said to be terrific in the role of a "rumpled" man who finds love when he travels to London for his daughter's wedding. Overture already has one major Best Actor contender in Richard Jenkins from last spring's surprise art house hit, "The Visitor."

Now according to those who have seen "Harvey," the distributor may have another horse in the race with Hoffman (right) who, of course already has two Oscars ("Kramer Vs. Kramer" in 1979 and "Rain Man" in 1988).

"Harvey" is said to have great adult appeal, and is described as an intelligent, entertaining movie along the lines of the kind they just don't make for mature audiences much anymore.

In a crowded actor race that already includes the likes of hot shots like Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr. and comeback kid, Mickey Rourke (more on Mickey here), it could be interesting to see what happens when another group of contenders whose names are often preceded with the words "veteran actor" are thrown into the mix. Think: Jenkins and Hoffman, as well as Clint Eastwood, who has directed himself in Warner's "Gran Torino," and Frank Langella reprising his Tony-winning role as Richard Nixon in "Frost/Nixon" - both December releases.

And then, should the distribution gods smile down on them, there are two orphan films which fared well in Toronto earlier this month also featuring vets who are getting the kinds of early notices that spell Awards buzz: Martin Landau who stars as an aging man opposite Ellen Burstyn in "Lovely, Still" and Michael Caine as a retired magician who befriends a 10 year-old boy in "Is There Anybody There" from director John Crowley ("Boy A"). The latter is one that Bob Berney, late of Picturehouse, told us is a real winner and a potential awards magnet for Caine. But without distribs, neither will be able to play in Oscar's very crowded sandbox, at least this year.

Certainly there's the possibility of sentiment rearing it's head in the older-skewing Academy actors branch despite the fact this group has a total of 9 Oscars between them already.

That's never stopped the Academy before who may feel it's 'Last Chance' Clint, Martin, Michael, Dustin and Frank.

-- Pete Hammond

Photo: Top, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson star in Overture Films' "Last Chance Harvey," which the distributor has indicated will participate in the upcoming Oscar race. Courtesy, Overture. Right, Hoffman at the premiere of "Kung Fu Panda" in June. AP Photo.

Comments

[Doug]

Am I missing something? What's the release date?