“Beasts of the Southern Wild,” the first feature film from writer/director/composer Benh Zeitlin, was one of this year’s indie darlings. The film garnered praise from reviewers and audiences alike, inspiring speculation early on about its award-season prospects.

Quvenzhané Wallis stars as Hushpuppy, a young girl caught up in the turmoil of the big storm that hits her bayou community. As she and her friends struggle to hold onto their home even as the floodwaters rise, Hushpuppy goes on a search for her lost mother and copes with her father’s failing health. Despite being touted as a thrilling directorial debut featuring award-worthy performances from Wallace and the rest of the cast, “Beasts” hasn’t won any major nominations so far. It was ineligible for the Screen Actors Guild Awards because it was produced without an actor’s union contract; the nominations for the Golden Globes completely passed over the movie.

What’s ahead for “Beasts of the Southern Wild” and director Benh Zeitlin as Oscar nominations approach? Does the film deserve any Academy Awards? Zeitlin joins Larry to discuss his work.  

Guest:

Benh Zeitlin, Director, co-writer and co-composer of “Beasts of the Southern Wild”