Distributor 2016: Disney

zootopia_picA still from Byron Howard and Rich Moore’s Zootopia

The subversive Zootopia may land nods for original screenplay and picture – and animated feature, obviously – if Disney throws its muscle behind it. But does the Mouse House even have an awards biggie this year?* The Light Between Oceans and The Queen of Katwe look and sound baity, but the former has a bad release date, while the latter could be your average Disney sports flick… with chess. There are also Moana and Finding Dory to consider.

*I still think they should date Beauty and the Beast for Christmas to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the animated film’s release, but what do I know?

Top Priorities (We’re Guessing)

  • Zootopia (Byron Howard and Rich Moore (and Jared Bush); Mar. 4, 2016)
  • The Light Between Oceans (Derek Cianfrance; Sept. 2, 2016)
  • The Queen of Katwe (Mira Nair; Sept. 23 2016 – limited; Sept. 30, 2016 – wide)
  • Moana (Ron Clements and Jon Musker; Nov. 23, 2016)

Potential Players

  • The Jungle Book (Jon Favreau; Apr. 15, 2016)
  • Captain America: Civil War (Anthony Russo and Joe Russo; May 6, 2016)
  • Alice Through the Looking Glass (James Bobin; May 27, 2016)
  • Finding Dory (Andrew Stanton (and Angus MacLane); June 17, 2016)
  • The BFG (Steven Spielberg; July 1, 2016)
  • Pete’s Dragon (David Lowery; Aug. 12, 2016)
  • Doctor Strange (Scott Derrickson; Nov. 4, 2016)
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Gareth Edwards; Dec. 16, 2016)

Other Releases

  • The Finest Hours (Craig Gillespie; Jan. 29, 2016)
  • A Beautiful Planet (Toni Myers; Apr. 29, 2016)