The entertainment blog, The Playlist is predicting that much-anticipated Genocide-themed film, “The Promise,” with its lead actors Oscar Isaac and Christian Bale, will be on a short list for Academy Award consideration in 2017.
“Right now, ’The Promise,’ from ‘Hotel Rwanda’ director Terry George, is a little under the radar, but we don’t expect that to last. Firstly, it’s a lavish period love triangle set against the Armenian genocide in the last days of the Ottoman Empire, a subject matter rarely examined on film but is long overdue for the big-budget treatment. Secondly, it has a heavyweight cast, particularly when it comes to its two male leads Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac, and we think either one could end up registering with the Academy. It’ll depend on which actor ends up campaigning for lead (assuming it’s picked up in time for an awards season release), but both are deserving: Bale earned his third nomination last year for ‘The Big Short’ (having won for ‘The Fighter,’ his first nod), while Isaac has never been recognized but is much more familiar to voters now after ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and likely stands his best chance yet. Either could follow in the footsteps of George’s ‘Hotel Rwanda’ star Don Cheadle for a nod,” wrote Oliver Lyttelton of the Playlist Blog, published on the entertainment website,
Golden Globe-winner Issac and Oscar winner Bale were announced as leads of “The Promise” in June when Survivor Pictures, founded by late-billionaire Kirk Kerkorian revealed the long-rumored film project.
Longtime Kerkorian attorney and spokesperson , “Survival Pictures was born out of Kirk Kerkorian’s unwavering dedication to telling inspiring human stories for audiences around the world. ‘The Priomise’ will be a wonderful love story and will open the door to the championing of human rights. This film fulfills a longstanding dream for Mr. Kerkorian, who was thrilled to participate in the development and casting process.”
After shooting was completed on the film, Survival Pictures co-manager and a producer of the film, Eric Esrailian told in an email that “Kirk will be proud,” referring to Kerkorian. “That makes all of the hard work even more special.”The film is slated for release in 2016.