Michael Keaton & Birdman Seem to be Likely Oscar Contenders in First "Birdman" Trailer

The buzzy "Birdman" finally has a trailer. Presumed to be one of the major Oscar players later in the season (specifically in Best Actor for Keaton), it certainly looks like a wild ride.

Watch the trailer below.
The film focuses on an actor famed for playing a superhero back in his heyday, but is currently experiencing a personal/professional crisis amidst being considered "washed-up".

The story isn't too far off from Keaton's own story, famed for playing Batman, his career never really took off in the same way after he hung up the cape and cowl. The meta aspect of the role should be enough to spark interest, but the trailer seems to be visually exciting on many different levels, and with Fox Searchlight behind it, you know there will be a campaign.

As if the buzzy casting of Keaton wasn't enough, Oscar winner Emmanuel Lubezki ("Gravity") is serving as the film's cinematographer. His gorgeous work is all over the trailer, with several shots particularly that stood out. A nomination in Cinematography is almost a sure thing at this point given Lubezki's credibility/status.

Though the film opted to skip the very busy Cannes Film Festival this year (where all of director Alejandro González Iñárritu's films have played), it's expected to make its debut at Venice, Telluride or Toronto. There are those few that have, allegedly, seen it, and according to them it's a great piece of work.

The film also stars Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Zach Galafanakis and Naomi Watts. If the film is a hit, don't be surprised if acting nominations are landed outside of Keaton (Norton and Watts are previous nominees, while Stone could surprise with a nomination if she's good enough, and remember when Galafanakis almost got nominated for "The Hangover"?).

"Birdman" will be officially released October 17th.