Inherent Vice has also been given an Oscar friendly release date and will hit screens this December, just in time to put its main man, Joaquin Phoenix in Best Actor contention. The film, based on the novel by Thomas Pynchon, is a dark comedy crime drama and charts private investigator, Larry ‘Doc’ Sportello’s investigation into the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend.

BoyhoodRichard Linklater's 'Boyhood' has been heralded as a masterpiece

Joaquin Phoenix has an excellent film C.V to warrant an Oscar win but he’s also known to be quite prickly on the awards circuit - could that be his downfall?

Meanwhile, Boyhood is also proving a big hit and a cinematic landmark due to its original idea of depicting the life of a boy in real time. Written, co-produced and directed by Richard Linklater, the film spans 12 years in real time and charts the growth of its main character, Mason Jr played by Ellar Coltrane.

The film has received near unanimous praise from critics for its originality and for its best star, who could be in for an Oscar shout as a result.

The Best Actor Oscar looks to be hotly contested yet again and, if nothing else, will give the rest of us an excuse to watch some fantastic films.