Lee Daniels’ The Butler
(Aug 16 2013; The Weinstein Company)

Summary: As Cecil Gaines serves eight presidents during his tenure as a butler at the White House, the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and other major events affect this man’s life, family, and American society.

Oscar Prospects: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Costume Design,

Runner Up: Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Long Shots: Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Production Design

IMDB

Status: After a bizarre title controversy and a sugar-coated trailer it was hard to see “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” as an awards contender. But after the mostly-positive reviews, the strong box-office, and backing from The Weinstein Company it is hard not to see some strong award potential.

MetaCritic: 66

The Players

Director: Lee Daniels
Writer: Danny Strong, Wil Haygood
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Cuba Gooding Jr., James Marsden
Cinematographer: Andrew Dunn
Production Designer: Tim Galvin
Editor: Joe Klotz
Original Music: Rodrigo Leao

• Alan Rickman Alex Manette Alex Pettyfer Aml Ameen Andrew Dunn Buddy Patrick Cassian Elwes Chloe Barach Colin Walkter Colman Domingo Cuba Gooding Jr. Danny Strong David Banner David Oyelowo Forest Whitaker James Marsden Jane Fonda Jesse Williams Joe Klotz John Cusack Laura Ziskin Lee Daniels Lee Daniels' The Butler Lenny Kravitz Liev Schriber Mariah Carey Melissa Leo Michael Rainey Jr. Minka Kelly Nelsan Ellis Oprah Winfrey Pam Williams Robin Williams Rodrigo Leao Terrence Howard Tim Galvin Vanessa Redgrave Wil Haygood