Venice Film Festival Kick-Starts Oscars Speculation

German-Canadian film ‘A Dangerous Method’ starring British actress Keira Knightley is the 5/1 favourite with Irish bookmaker Paddy Power to win this year’s Golden Lion Award at The Venice Film Festival.
Other movies in the running to impress the judges and pick up the prestigious prize include Tomas Alfredson’s ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’ and George Clooney’s ‘The Ides of March’ both at 6/1.
Of the twenty plus films vying for the top award, some will more than likely progress for Oscar glory and Paddy Power have already opened betting on what film will win the Oscar for Best Film next February.
Steven Spielberg’s ‘War Horse’, due for release this December, is the short 5/2 favourite to win Best Picture followed by silent movie ‘The Artist’ at 4/1 and Clint Eastwood’s J.Edgar also at 4/1. Clooney’s ‘The Ides of March’ and Stephen Daldry’s ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’, starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and English rose Kate Winslet are next on Paddy Power’s list at 6/1.
Sharon McHugh, spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “The Venice Film Festival is very exciting not only for the films taking part and hoping for recognition but also for movie buffs hoping to spot a potential Oscar winner!”
As for who will host the star-studded red-carpet Oscar ceremony on February 26, Paddy Power make chat show Queen Oprah Winfrey their 6/1 favourite for the gig.
(BMcN/GK)