Sony Pictures Worldwide is releasing independent distributor A24’s summer film “Eighth Grade” internationally, as they plan for a full-fledged awards campaign.
The film follows Kayla through her last week of middle school. It’s a mundane, slice of life film that progresses slowly, but it places audiences directly in Kayla’s point-of-view. The plot is light and some have criticized the film as slow, but it’s an especially realistic look at modern public school.
Written and directed by Youtube star and comedian Bo Burnham, “Eighth Grade” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this past January, before playing the festival circuit until its theatrical release in July, grossing $13.5 million.
Since its release, many have questioned whether “Eighth Grade” would receive any award nominations. With the news that it will be released internationally, more people will have a higher chance of seeing the film, which would of course improve its chances comes awards season.
Elsie Fisher stars as Kayla in Bo Burnham’s directorial debut “Eighth Grade.” Courtesy of Sundance Institute
However, I’m still hard pressed to believe “Eighth Grade” will receive any major Oscar nominations. If anything, I could see it getting a Best Original Screenplay nomination for Burnham, due mostly to one especially amazing monologue towards the film’s conclusion. I still don’t think star Elsie Fisher will be nominated, nor do I predict it will be nominated for Best Picture.
I think the Independent Spirit Awards will be where “Eighth Grade” will flourish. While these are obviously less high-profile awards than the Academy Awards, they’re still prestigious, as recent winners include Frances McDormand, Timothee Chalamet and Jordan Peele.
Personally, I thought “Eighth Grade” was a brutally honest depiction of growing up in the modern age of social media, and regardless of whether it gets any Oscar nominations or not, I believe it’s definitely worth watching. It’s coming to Blu-Ray and DVD on October 9, and I strongly recommend checking it out.
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