Holiday movie preview: Directors bring their best for awards season

Ho, ho, ho, says Hollywood, as it gears up for its holiday movie season.

We’ll see the return of such pedigreed directors as Steven Spielberg, Luca Guadagnino (”Call Me by Your Name”), James Cameron (”Avatar”), Damien Chazelle (”La La Land”) and Darren Aronofsky (”Black Swan”), as we head into Oscar season.

But it’s not all serious business. Here’s a look at what’s coming through the end of the year. (Release dates and titles are subject to change.)

NOV. 23

“Bones and All” Oscar nominee Luca Guadagnino reteams with his “Call Me by Your Name” star Timothée Chalamet for this tale of a young woman on the margins of society and a disenfranchised drifter who embark on a 3,000-mile odyssey through the backroads of America.

“The Fabelmans” Steven Spielberg directs and co-writes this semi-autobiographical tale of a young man named Sammy Fabelman growing up in post-World War II-era Arizona who discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of film can help him see the truth.

“Strange World” This Disney animation follows the legendary Clades, a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest and most crucial mission.

“Devotion” A pair of U.S. Navy fighter pilots risk their lives during the Korean War and become some of the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen.

DEC. 2

“Violent Night” When a group of mercenaries attack the estate of a wealthy family, Santa Claus (David Harbour, “Stranger Things”) must step in to save the day — and Christmas.

DEC. 9

“The Whale” Adventurous director Darren Aronofsky (”Black Swan,” “The Wrestler”) delivers this tale of a reclusive, obese English teacher (Brendan Fraser) who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption. Fraser received a standing ovation at the film’s premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and is generating Oscar buzz.

“Spoiler Alert” Writer Michael Ausiello (Jim Parsons) embarks on a roller-coaster ride of emotions when his partner gets diagnosed with terminal cancer.

DEC. 16

“Avatar: The Way of Water” James Cameron’s much hyped, long-awaited sequel picks up with Jake Sully living with his newfound family formed on the planet Pandora.

DEC. 21

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” The famed overly charming pussycat discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll: He has burned through eight of his nine lives. So he sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical “last wish” and restore his nine lives. Antonio Banderas, of course, returns as the voice of our hero. Just don’t look in his eyes! Avoid the eyes!

DEC. 23

“Babylon” Oscar winner Damien Chazelle follows up “La La Land” and “First Man” with this tale of decadence, depravity and outrageous excess that leads to the rise and fall of several ambitious dreamers in 1920s Hollywood. Starring Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, Samara Weaving, Tobey Maguire and Jean Smart.

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” This biopic about the wondrous Whitney Houston stars relative newcomer Naomi Ackie in the starring role, who is sure to get raves.

DEC. 25

“Women Talking” Actress/director/writer Sarah Polley (”Away from Her”) returns with this tale based on the novel by Miriam Toews set in 2010, where the women of an isolated religious community grapple with reconciling their reality with their faith. Sounds great for a Christmas debut.

This story was originally published November 20, 2022 at 5:47 AM.