From Critics’ Choice To Golden Globes And Oscars, Why ‘La La Land’ Is The Front-Runner In The 2017 Awards Season

By Tony Park - 13 Dec '16 06:00AM

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has just released the nominees for the 2017 Golden Globes. The throwback musical "La La Land" garnered the most nods including best picture, actress (Emma Stone), actor (Ryan Gosling), and director (Damien Chazelle). The film emerges as an awards season juggernaut taking seven nominations.

"La La Land" is a romantic musical comedy-drama film that explores the joy and pain of pursuing one's dreams. Written and directed by "Whiplash's" Damien Chazelle, the candy-colored musical focuses on the story of an aspiring actress (Stone) and a jazz musician (Gosling). The film also stars John Legend and Rosemarie DeWitt.

The original musical has been a critics' darling since it premiered at the 2016 Venice Film Festival. "La La Land" rounded the film festival circuit and was screened at the Telluride Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and the BFI London Film Festival.

Critics' receptions to "La La Land" are all glowing. Variety's Owen Gleiberman describes the film as exquisitely controlled and an elating ramble of a movie. Vulture's David Edelstein shares his experience of rhapsodizing about the film. Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal commends the film for re-enacting an escapist entertainment in troubled times.

As of December 11, 2016, "La La Land" has a worldwide gross of $5.5 million. It had a limited theatrical release in five theaters in Los Angeles and New York on December 9. The film will have wider U.S. release on December 16.

The recently concluded Critics' Choice Awards named "La La Land" as Best Picture, with Chazelle getting the Direction and Original Screenplay honors. The movie also bagged the Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Art Direction, and Best Score Awards. "City of Stars," a song penned by Justin Hurwitz and performed by Pasek and Paul was adjudged as Best Song.

"La La Land" is expected to haul more awards at the Golden Globes and the Oscars. It is facing tough competition from indie favorites "Moonlight" and "Manchester By The Sea".

See the film's official trailer below. Share your thoughts below!