Lionsgate pursues a smart reward strategy in hopes of becoming a dark horse Oscar contender.
Francis Lawrence “Long walk” will campaign against the entire main cast of boys, including Cooper Hoffman and David Johnson in the supporting acting categories of all major awards bodies, Diversity learned exclusively.
The dystopian drama Lionsgate, adapted by JT Mollner from an early Stephen King novel, centers on the emotional dynamics among a group of teenage rivals forced to walk until only one remains. The filmmakers believe that the film's strength lies not in the traditional leads, but in the collective experience – a choice they believe is best reflected by presenting the ensemble together.
While it may appear that Hoffman's Raymond Garraty (#47) and Jonsson's Peter McFries (#23) are key characters in the narrative, the film will relegate all nine boys to supporting categories throughout the world. OscarGolden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Awards, BAFTA and Independent Spirit Awards. Judy Greer, who plays a key adult figure in the story, will also be involved in the actresses' race campaign.
The introduction of the entire cast underscores the filmmakers' confidence in casting director Rich Delia, whose work in bringing together a tight-knit ensemble of young talent is expected to be a focal point of the campaign. The young actors react differently to the cruel marathon of history.
With its ensemble structure and bold category placement, The Long Walk joins a growing trend of awards contenders challenging traditional definitions of leading and supporting roles.
Along with the ensemble campaign, The Long Walk will compete in all major craft and custom categories, including:
Best Picture: Roy Lee, Stephen Schneider, Francis Lawrence, Cameron McConomy
Best Director: Francis Lawrence
Adapted Screenplay: Screenplay by J. T. Molner.
Supporting actors: Cooper Hoffman, David Johnson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Newoth, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang
Supporting Actress: Judy Greer
Best Casting: Rich Delia
Cinematographer: Joe Willems
Costume Design: Heather Neal
Editor: Mark Yoshikawa
Makeup and hair: Doug Morrow, Zinka Tuminski.
Production designer: Nicolas Lepage; Set Decoration by Scott Rossell
Sound: supervision of sound editors Jeremy Perison, Thomas Jones; production sound designer Jeffrey Murias; re-recording mixers Jeremy Perison, Carlos Sanchez
Original score: Jeremiah Frates
