As the precursor awards continue unabated until Oscar night, I’m going to be providing a weekly update highlighting the films that have won and lost momentum through the precursor awards (and in some cases other outside influences).

Nearly all of the film critics groups have announced their prizes and the results aren’t offering anything new or unusual.

But, before we get into this week’s winners and losers, let’s take a look at what’s coming up this week:

Week 6

Tuesday, Dec. 27 – North Carolina Critics Nominations (Official)
Tuesday, Dec. 27 – Online Critics Nominations (Official)
Wednesday, Dec. 28 – Austin Critics Awards (Official)
Monday, Jan. 2 – North Carolina Critics Awards (Official)

Big Winners

The Lobster has done incredibly well in recent weeks, nabbing even a Best Picture prize. While I doubt it helps the film move into a better position in many races, Best Original Screenplay is gaining some traction.
La La Land, and especially Emma Stone, had a strong week with several high profile wins. The film still seems to be chugging along as the Oscar frontrunner. Stone needed wins to stay in the race and she received three of them.
Moonlight has proven to be the most dominant indie force in the race. While Manchester by the Sea may be picking up all the Best Actor prizes and seems like it’s in a good position for Best Original Screenplay, it has no other options. Moonlight, on the other hand, got a boost by being pushed into Best Adapted Screenplay where competition is minimal and an Oscar win is no within its grasp.

Big Losers

Loving has gone from solid player to fading competitor. Ruth Negga is getting less recognition than expected and the film itself has gotten the short shrift from most precursors. This week hasn’t given it much more hope.
Fences is another film that seemed poised to do well with Academy voters, but the critics haven’t been very impressed with it, except for Viola Davis’ supporting turn. Beyond that, its chances are somewhat hindered.
Hacksaw Ridge might have come on strong, but critics haven’t been as favorable to it in the last week. That doesn’t mean its potential is spent, it just means that it might be a bit weaker than previously anticipated.
Silence has suffered greatly at the precursors this year. Even after having been seen, it still hasn’t picked up much support from critics, which is essential for Martin Scorsese’s latest film. It’s hopes are fading, but some well placed guild precursors could help.