Some Oscar contenders skipped Toronto for various reasons — perhaps they weren’t ready, or their producers didn’t want to subject them to early scrutiny. Here’s a rundown of some of the most prominent ones:
* J. EDGAR: Based on his track record (two pairs of Best Picture/Best Director Oscars), Clint Eastwood’s biopic about the FBI’s founder is a presumptive nominee in the top category, with Leonardo DiCaprio (three previous nods) gunning for Best Actor in the title role and Judi Dench (six nods, one win) in contention as his mother. (Nov. 9)
* WAR HORSE: Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the acclaimed play has a World War I setting — never a bad thing. It’s being tipped for Best Actor (Jeremy Irvine), Best Supporting Actor (David Thewlis) and Best Supporting Actress (Emily Watson). (Dec. 28)
* EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE: Stephen Daldry’s adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer’s 9/11-themed novel is considered a Best Picture candidate, with Sandra Bullock up for her second Oscar, in support, as a widow. (Dec. 25)
* THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO: David Fincher, who came thisclose to winning Best Picture last year with “The Social Network,” tries again with this would-be blockbuster based on the best seller. Will It girl Rooney Mara get a Best Actress nod as a hacker who joins the search for a long-missing woman? (Dec. 21)
* YOUNG ADULT: Jason Reitman goes for three Best Picture nominees in a row (after “Juno” and “Up in the Air”) with a story by his “Juno” writer, Diablo Cody, about a divorcée (Charlize Theron) who tries to rekindle a romance with her now-married hometown sweetheart (Patrick Wilson). (Dec. 9)
* TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY: There was Best Picture buzz out of the Venice Film Festival for this big-screen adaptation of John Le Carre’s novel, famously adapted as a TV miniseries, with Gary Oldman in Alec Guinness’ old role as a retired spy called back into action. (Dec. 9)
* THE IRON LADY: Meryl Streep, who holds the record for most acting nods (16), goes for her first win since 1983’s “Sophie’s Choice” as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Jim Broadbent, already an Oscar winner in a supporting role, has a shot as Thatcher’s husband, Denis. (Dec. 16)
* MY WEEK WITH MARILYN: Two-time nominee Michelle Williams impersonates the legendary Monroe in this fact-based drama about the troubled making of her 1957 film “The Prince and the Showgirl.” She’s being touted for a nomination, as is Kenneth Branagh, in support as his role model Laurence Olivier. (Nov. 4) — Lou Lumenick