The Oscars' eligibility period is already half over and "the past six months have offered fewer potential contenders than any January-June period in memory," harrumphs Variety.

Nonetheless, " The Visitor" may be serious Oscar fare, notes the trade paper, citing the acting, directing and writing of this drama starring of Richard Jenkins as a college professor who suddenly ends up with surprise roommates.

Variety also maps out the release dates of major contenders — CLICK HERE!