We had two films releasing this weekend with the potential for Oscar nominations.

The Croods

Even in years where DreamWorks has seemingly lost the faith of the critics, it manages to pick up one or more nominations with the Oscars. In spite of the weak reception from critics, never count out a DreamWorks film. Best Animated Feature is typically filled with works from Disney, Pixar and DreamWorks with all other studios fighting for the crumbs. The Croods won’t be their key contender, that banner goes to Turbo later this year, but if DreamWorks can pull multiple slots for nominations for the likes of Puss in Boots and Kung Fu Panda 2 in the same year, then DreamWorks could get both Turbo and The Croods nominated.

The Sapphires

Harvey Weinstein has the rights to this film and although critics are supportive, it doesn’t have quite the success you might typically expect. Additionally, Weinstein released the film too early in the year to be of much hope. Those facts along with the likely Oscar contender he’ll have with August: Osage County, he may have his hands too full to help The Sapphires along. However, never underestimate Harvey. This period musical drama could be just the kind of film that sticks around through the year and surprises everyone. While I don’t know how many of the creative categories this one can pick up, might a darkhorse candidacy for Chris O’Dowd be in the works? He’s gotten a lot of work in the last few years and many will recognize him from Bridesmaids. However, his is the kind of performance that gets ignored more often than it gets rewarded, so for now, chalk The Sapphires up as a non-contender with the option to change tacks late in the year if conditions change.