Jennifer Aniston usually isn’t a name we hear often during award seasons, but that could change thanks to Cake. The film, which earned buzz at the Toronto International Film Festival last month, finally scored a distributor.
The dark comedy was directed by Daniel Barnz and also stars Anna Kendrick, Sam Worthington, Britt Robertson and the late Misty Upham. While it has earned mixed reviews, Aniston and the rest of the cast earned some praise. Plus, as Vanity Fair points out, the role required Aniston to de-glamorize herself, which is always a positive for the Oscars.
Mark Canton and Courtney Solomon of Cinelou Films decided to pick up Cake for distribution and will make it the first release from their Cinelou Releasing label, reports Deadline. They will give the film a week-long run in New York and Los Angeles so it can qualify for the Oscars. A wide release will follow in January.
Unlike last year, when Cate Blanchett was seen as the only possible winner for the Best Actress Oscar, the race is wide open this year. That gives Aniston a perfect opportunity to slide in for her first ever nomination.
Other actresses expected to compete are Rosamund Pike from Gone Girl, Wild’s Reese Witherspoon and Julianne Moore in Still Alice.