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If recent Oscar history tells us anything, it’s that late-breaking contenders (i.e.: movies releasing in December without pre-screening at major fall festivals) typically have a tough time generating major traction in major categories. That could change with Theodore Melfi’s timely Hidden Figures, which held an industry preview Sunday in Los Angeles, and early reactions appear strong enough to push star Taraji P. Henson to a prominent position amid the atypically contentious Best Actress conversation.

Fox presented the film to various members of the film industry and press Sunday night on the studio lot, with stars Janelle Monáe, Octavia Spencer, and Kevin Costner in attendance. The prospective awards player has been on the radar for several months, following a high-profile concert by Pharrell Williams, who composed original material for the film’s soundtrack, accompanying sneak-peek footage shown at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

“I would not be surprised if [Hidden Figures] landed in the Best Picture race, and if Taraji P. Henson broke through in Best Actress, or if Janelle Monáe or Spencer made it into supporting,” wrote Oscar pundit Sasha Stone of Awards Daily, witholding a full review, as critical reactions are currently under embargo. ”Hidden Figures is one of those films that gives back more than it takes and I have to say, it is one of the things people need to see, especially people of color and especially young women of color.”

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SOURCE: EW – Joey Nolfi

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