After “Les Mis” premiered last week, a lot of pundits — including our own Kris Tapley — installed the film as the Best Picture frontrunner, but I’m not so keen to jump the “Argo” ship. The potential Oscar narrative for Ben Affleck is an attractive one for his Academy peers, and he’s sure to receive a lot of honors and accolades over the next few weeks — beginning with the handy publicity boost of Entertainment Weekly’s Entertainer of the Year title. I’d have bet on Jennifer Lawrence taking that one, but this is a reminder of just how well-regarded Affleck is in showbiz circles: “Argo” producer George Clooney, naturally, leads the cheers in the magazine’s tribute to him. Lawrence is also featured in the issue, of course, alongside Anne Hathaway, Seth MacFarlane and Channing Tatum, all of whom have enjoyed similarly bang-up years. [EW]
In case you missed it, the Sundance competition lineup was announced yesterday, and Daniel Radcliffe is among its star attractions. [HitFix]
Nathaniel Rogers considers a Best Actress race that looks a lot more crowded now than it did at the start of the season. He’s also hearing Academy support for Emmanuelle Riva. Huzzah. [The Film Experience]
So, Matthew Vaughn has been confirmed as the Chosen One to direct the next “Star Wars” movie. Or not, as the case may be. [Cinema Blend]
Steve Pond looks over the high and low points in the colorful history of Oscar campaigning. [The Wrap]
“The Hobbit” may be under critical embargo after its premiere yesterday, but you can silence Twitter. Or Bryan Singer. [Screen Crush]
R. Kurt Osenlund considers the Oscar prospects of “The Impossible,” which could still be a spoiler if Academy members see it in time. [Slant]
Here’s a list I can jive with: the greatest jackets in the movies. Astonishingly enough, Bane’s flea-market sheepskin coat doesn’t make the cut. [The Guardian]
Leo Barraclough examines the crossroads the European Film Awards find themselves at on their 25th anniversary. Look out for my coverage from Malta over the weekend, by the way. [Variety]
And to close on a solemn note, famed Broadway producer Martin Richards — who also won a Best Picture Oscar for “Chicago” — passed away earlier this week. RIP. [The Inquisitr]