After a tepid last couple of months, Hollywood is finally gearing up for award season, and with it comes a host of really promising films from the likes of Steven Spielberg, Joe Wright, David O. Russell and Ang Lee, many of which are already projected to land several Oscar nominations. But perhaps the most highly-anticipated release this November isn’t an award contender at all, but rather the long-awaited 23rd installment in the James Bond series, which looks to be Daniel Craig’s best 007 adventure yet.

Who: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Sarah Silverman and Jane Lynch
What: A video game villain sets out to fulfill his dream of being a hero, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.
When: November 2nd
Why: I was cautiously optimistic about “Wreck-It Ralph” when it was first announced, but after seeing the film, I can say unequivocally that it’s one of the best movies the studio has put out in years, and that includes the Pixar stuff as well. In fact, “Wreck-It Ralph” is the kind of film that you’d almost expect Pixar to make, because it’s a remarkably original idea that’s catered to both kids and the adults who grew up playing retro games. Director Rich Moore comes from a background that includes “Futurama” and “The Simpsons,” and it really shows in the type of humor on display, while John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman shine in their voice roles. The animation is also really gorgeous, especially the attention to detail between games, and the much-publicized cameos help bring an authenticity to the world that only makes it even more enjoyable.

Who: Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, John Goodman, Kelly Reilly and Melissa Leo
What: An airline pilot saves a flight from crashing, but an investigation into the malfunctions reveals that he may have been drunk at the time.
When: November 2nd
Why: After spending nearly a decade helping pioneer motion capture technology with movies like “The Polar Express,” “Beowulf” and “A Christmas Carol,” Robert Zemeckis marks his return to live-action filmmaking with something that has a little more bite to it. Early reviews have been almost unanimously positive, with Denzel Washington singled out for his amazing performance, and though he may be considered a bit of a dark horse with so much stiff competition this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Academy rewarded the actor with his first nomination since 2002’s “Training Day.” The subject matter certainly carries the danger of becoming too melodramatic, but between the interesting premise and excellent cast, “Flight” is exactly the kind of riveting character drama that should help remind audiences just how good Zemeckis’ movies used to be.

Who: RZA, Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu, Jamie Chung, Rick Yune and Dave Bautista
What: A humble blacksmith defends his village from a band of assassins and mercenaries when they come to town in search of a fabled treasure of gold.
When: November 2nd
Why: Anyone who knows anything about Wu Tang Clan founder RZA is that he loves kung fu cinema, so you can be sure that his directorial debut is going to be nothing short of a love letter to the genre, albeit one with a hip-hop soundtrack. The fact that he’s managed to attract the kind of talent that he has is certainly a sign of the film’s potential, because let’s be honest, Russell Crowe is the last person you’d expect to show up in this type of movie, even if it only ends up being an extended cameo. With that said, however, “The Man with the Iron Fists” looks every bit like the kind of chop-socky B-movies that RZA grew up watching, so if you’re expecting something more along the lines of “Kill Bill,” there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to walk away disappointed.

Who: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris
What: As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.
When: November 9th
Why: It may have taken a little longer than expected to arrive in theaters, but the MGM bankruptcy fiasco was almost a blessing in disguise, because “Skyfall” looks like the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of James Bond. Though Daniel Craig’s last outing as 007 left a lot to be desired following his fantastic debut, “Skyfall” could be his best yet thanks to the rather unconventional selection of Sam Mendes as the film’s director. Mendes brings a certain level of prestige to the proceedings that the series hasn’t had before, and while some were worried about his lack of experience shooting action, the trailers suggest that he’s done a more than capable job in that department. The cast is equally as exciting, from Javier Bardem’s platinum-haired villain to the underrated Ben Whishaw as a young Q. The only thing missing is Moneypenny, although if some sources are to be believed, that might be remedied by the end of this installment too.

Who: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Joseph-Gordon Levitt and Tommy Lee Jones
What: As the Civil War rages on, Lincoln fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.
When: November 9th
Why: Steven Spielberg’s passion project has been in development for years – so long, in fact, that its original intended star Liam Neeson was considered too old for the role by the time it went into production. (Strangely, Neeson is only five years older than his replacement, Daniel Day-Lewis). Though I probably would have been a lot more interested if Neeson was still involved, it doesn’t change the fact that this could be the film that finally ends Spielberg’s cold streak, because he hasn’t made a truly great movie since 2005’s “Munich.” The director always seems to excel at telling stories based in history (“Saving Private Ryan,” “Schindler’s List,” etc.), and he’s recruited an amazing ensemble cast of actors for his last epic. The list is too long to rattle off every name, but you can expect top-notch acting all around, starting with Day-Lewis, whose role as the 16th President is such blatant Oscar material that it’s his award to lose.

Who: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Kelly Macdonald
What: Set in late 19th century Russia, aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky.
When: November 16th
Why: I’m a sucker for anything that Joe Wright does, especially when it involves Keira Knightley, but even I’m a little worried about his version of “Anna Karenina.” The literary classic has been adapted for the screen so many times before that it seems pointless for someone to do it again, despite the fact that Wright has taken a big risk by staging the movie in a way unlike any other. It’s exactly the kind of outside-the-box thinking that the story needed in order to prevent it from feeling stale, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to work. The ingredients are all there, with a strong cast led by Knightley, Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and a screenplay by Tom Stoppard, the Oscar-winning writer of “Shakespeare in Love,” but whether that translates into a success remains to be seen.

Who: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver
What: After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and meets a mysterious girl with problems of her own.
When: November 21st
Why: The last time that director David O. Russell got this much talent together, it resulted in a movie that earned seven Oscar nominations (including two wins in the Supporting Actor and Actress categories) and landed on just about every Top 10 list in the country. But for as great as “The Fighter” was, “Silver Linings Playbook” looks even better. Based on the 2008 novel by Matthew Quick, the film has all the ingredients of a Best Picture contender, beginning with its excellent cast. Bradley Cooper has already cemented himself as a legitimate leading man, but this could be the role that finally proves he’s a serious actor, while Jennifer Lawrence looks to continue to build on her impressive career. Perhaps more exciting than the two leads, however, is the prospect of seeing Robert De Niro in a role that could mark a return to form for the aging actor.

Who: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Adil Hussain and Tabu
What: The son of a zookeeper is deserted on a lifeboat with a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and Bengal tiger after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean.
When: November 21st
Why: Hollywood has been trying to bring Yann Martel’s best-selling novel to the big screen for several years, with M. Night Shyamalan, Alfonso Cuaron and Jean-Pierre Jeunet all attached to direct at some point, only to move on to other projects. And just when it seemed like Ang Lee might be the latest casualty, Fox finally gave the director the greenlight, although he didn’t make it easy on himself by rolling every filmmaking vice – kids, animals, water and 3D – into one production. Of course, based on the early buzz, it seems to have paid off, because even if the film doesn’t dominate in the major award categories, it’s sure to land a few technical awards for the stunning visuals and incredible animal effects. (That Bengal tiger is entirely computer generated, you know).

Who: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Biel
What: A love story between influential filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville during the filming of “Psycho” in 1959.
When: November 23rd
Why: HBO’s recent biopic about Alfred Hitchcock and the making of “The Birds” was a dull, melodramatic affair that just didn’t sit right with me, so I’m really hoping that Sacha Gervasi’s take on the famed director during his time filming “Psycho” fares much better. At the very least, it appears to be a little more playful and lighthearted, tapping into Hitchcock’s darkly comical side, and the fact that it boasts such a great cast doesn’t hurt. Anthony Hopkins was an excellent choice to play the Master of Suspense (barely recognizable under all the make-up), and Helen Mirren is the perfect complement as his wife Alma. What remains to be seen, however, is whether “Hitchcock” can be as engrossing as the movies that made him one of cinema’s most respected filmmakers.

Who: Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, Scoot McNairy and James Gandolfini
What: Jackie Cogan is a professional enforcer who investigates a heist that went down during a mob-protected poker game.
When: November 30th
Why: I wasn’t a fan of Andrew Dominik’s slow-moving Western “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” so I’m understandably a little hesitant about his follow-up, which is based on George V. Higgins’ crime novel “Cogan’s Trade.” With that said, however, Dominik has assembled an impressive group of actors yet again (including gangster film perennials like Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini), and Brad Pitt obviously sees something in the director to be teaming up with him for a second time. Having already played at a number of film festivals (most notably Cannes) and opening in other countries prior to its U.S. release, reactions to the movie have been extremely positive, although it’s still hard to tell whether it will appeal to a mainstream audience.

Who: John Cho, Kal Penn, Paula Garces, Thomas Lennon and Neil Patrick Harris
What: After Harold and Kumar accidentally set fire to Harold’s father-in-law’s prize Christmas tree, the duo embark on yet another weed-fueled adventure to replace it.
When: November 4th
Why: Though I refuse to believe that the 3D revolution is going to stick around for much longer, this is one of those times where I actually don’t completely hate the idea. That’s probably because director Todd Strauss-Schulson is really embracing the gimmicky nature of the technology, but who doesn’t love making fun of 3D? Though Harold and Kumar’s last adventure was a bit ridiculous for its own good, writers Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg appear to have reined things in for the third (and likely final) installment in the stoner bud series. Toss in some Claymation and the return of Neil Patrick Harris and there’s no reason why this shouldn’t be a fun theater experience.

Who: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck and Téa Leoni
What: A group of employees at a luxury condominium enlist the aid of a career criminal to help them steal $20 million from the investor that emptied out their pension plans.
When: November 4th
Why: When I first heard that Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy were teaming up with director Brett Ratner for what can be best described as a blue-collar “Ocean’s 11,” I responded accordingly, with a witty comment and a cynical roll of the eyes. But something strange happened between then and now – I saw the trailer for the film, and amazingly, it doesn’t look half-bad. Perhaps it’s just because my expectations are so low for those involved in the movie, but this actually looks like it could be pretty enjoyable, and even somewhat of a return to form for Murphy, who hasn’t been funny in a really long time.

Who: Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts and Judi Dench
What: A biopic about the founder of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover, whose 50-year reign as the face of law enforcement was threatened by the many secrets in his personal life.
When: November 9th
Why: Everything about this film has “future Oscar nominee” written all over it, including star Leonardo DiCaprio, director Clint Eastwood and co-star Armie Hammer, who’s landed the plum role of Hoover’s lifelong friend and rumored lover Clyde Tolson. It’ll be interesting to see how a mild conservative like Eastwood handles the mysterious relationship between the two men, especially with gay screenwriter Dustin Lance Black behind the script, because dodging the issue completely won’t sit well with the usually liberal-minded Academy. The person that stands the most to gain from all of this, of course, is Hammer, who is pretty much a lock for a Best Supporting Actor nomination after just barely missing out last year for his incredible work in “The Social Network.”

Who: Henry Cavill, Frieda Pinto, Luke Evans, Kellan Lutz and Mickey Rourke
What: Zeus calls on the mortal Theseus to lead the fight against King Hyperion, who is on a rampage across Greece to obtain a weapon that can destroy humanity.
When: November 11th
Why: If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that the movie is going to look incredible. Tarsem Singh may not be the most prolific filmmaker in Hollywood (he’s only made three movies in 11 years), but he already has a reputation for creating some lusciously gorgeous cinematography. Though some have been quick to criticize the film as a “Clash of the Titans” clone that unabashedly mimics Zack Snyder’s slo-mo camera technique from “300,” I think we can all agree that both movies could have been better. There’s no telling if Singh succeeded in making a superior film, but at the very least, audiences will get their first look at new Superman Henry Cavill in action hero mode.

Who: George Clooney, Judy Greer, Matthew Lillard, Robert Forster and Beau Bridges
What: A father tries to reconnect with this two estranged daughters after his cheating wife falls into a coma following a boating accident.
When: November 18th
Why: After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, the general consensus was that the movie was going to be a major contender in the Best Actor, Best Director and Best Picture categories at this year’s Oscars. Though it’s been a while since Alexander Payne’s last film (2004’s “Sideways”), early buzz suggests that the director is still at the top of his game. It certainly seems to follow in the footsteps of Payne’s previous work, which were all dependent on enlisting a top actor who can handle the dramatic material as well as the quirky comedy that his movies tend to exhibit. And is there anyone in Hollywood that does that better than George Clooney?

Who: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy
What: With the help of three fans, Kermit the Frog gets the gang back together to put on a show to save their old theater from a greedy oil tycoon.
When: November 23rd
Why: It’s been six years since the last Muppets movie, and even longer since one was actually released in theaters, but if the new film does well enough, it might just be the final push that Disney needs to finally commission a new Muppets TV series. The talent behind the movie is certainly encouraging, with self-proclaimed fan Jason Segel (who demonstrated the extent of his puppet love in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) co-writing the script and starring alongside Amy Adams, “Flight of the Conchords” co-creator James Bobin making his feature film directorial debut, as well as oodles of guest cameos including Billy Crystal, Ricky Gervais, Zach Galifianakis, Emily Blunt, and many more. If that’s not enough to get you excited about the Great Muppet Revival, then nothing will.

Who: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen and Ben Kingsley
What: Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
When: November 23rd
Why: Though Martin Scorsese has compiled a great cast for his adaptation of Brian Selznick’s award-winning bestseller, “The Invention of Hugo Cabaret” (a title they should have kept intact), I can’t help but feel like the material is beneath him. While it’s always refreshing to see a director that’s willing to work outside his comfort zone, the 3D looks gimmicky and the sounds like something that Steven Spielberg would be more attracted to than Scorsese. If anyone can make this interesting, however, it’s him, although don’t be surprised if this turns out to be the director’s first misstep in years.

Who: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, Penelope Ann Miller and John Goodman
What: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he falls in love with a young dancer set for a big break.
When: November 23rd
Why: It received rave reviews at Cannes – winning Best Actor and a nomination for the prestigious Palm d’Or along the way – and has continued to gain steam as one of the must-see movies of awards season. The fact that it’s a black and white silent film won’t do it any favors in appealing to a mainstream audience, but art house fans will likely show up in droves. Though it helps to have recognizable names like Penelope Ann Miller and John Goodman in the cast, the movie supposedly belongs to French actor Jean Dujardin with his star-making performance. I’m still not crazy about how much the trailer gives away, but if it gets people to go see the film, then it was a job well done.