The Golden Globes on 5 January will serve as an excellent indication of Le Mans 66's chances at the Oscars. Its nominations derive from votes submitted by journalists stationed in the U.S. working for foreign publications who are members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Le Mans 66 was strategically released in early November to be eligible for Golden Globe and Oscar nominations, and James Mangold's film is looking good to take home one or more trophies at the 92nd annual Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday 9 February.

The American director has worked with many of Hollywood's A-list stars – in addition to Matt Damon and Christian Bale in Le Mans 66 – such as Russell Crowe, Tom Cruise, John Cusack, Robert De Niro, Cameron Diaz, Hugh Jackman, Angelina Jolie, Harvey Keitel, Jared Leto, Ray Liotta, Alfred Molina, Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Redgrave, Meg Ryan, Sylvester Stallone, Patrick Stewart and Reese Witherspoon among others.

It seems the Oscar for Best Actor often goes to stars in roles that required some form of physical transformation, so the stunning natural resemblance between Christian Bale and driver Ken Miles, expertly accentuated by the British actor, could play in his favor not only at the Golden Globes but for an Oscar nomination as well. Remember that in 2005, when Mangold directed Walk The Line, Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Johnny Cash earned him an Oscar.

Although less publicized, the Technical Oscars are also important for their winners' reputations in Hollywood. In 1967, Grand Prix won Oscars for sound, editing and special effects. Directed by John Frankenheimer, the movie was filmed during the 1966 Formula 1 season. The running of the 24 Hours that same year is at the heart of Le Mans 66 whose technical achievements and production design (especially in its dedication to recreating the time period and the grandstands at the circuit) could earn it several Oscar nominations. James Mangold may even receive his first for Best Director.

The 77th annual Golden Globes ceremony will be held Sunday 5 January and the Oscar nominations will be announced eight days later.

 

PHOTO (Copyright - 20TH CENTURY FOX): For the 2019 Golden Globes Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama, Christian Bale is up against some stiff competition, namely Joaquin Phoenix for his title role in "Joker."