The Dark Knight Rises tipped to win an Oscar

The Dark Knight Rises is on track for a Best Picture nomination and possible win at next years' Academy Awards, if you believe the feverish buzz from early reviews of the epic conclusion to the Christopher Nolan trilogy.

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A select audience of 40 to 50 critics and fans attended a US preview screening a few days ago, and while they were given an embargo on publishing reviews, some took to social media to describe the experience.

"If this does not break the mould and win Best Picture, no comic book movie ever will. #TDKR," an anonymous reviewer was quoted as saying on actor Marco Gennuso's Twitter page.

"The Dark Knight Rises has just finished screening for the press and critics, receiving a STANDING OVATION!!!" YouTube reviewer Lauren Hiestand wrote.

Huffington Post's David Germain argues a strong case for the film's Oscar chances.

"The film is the last in a celebrated trilogy that elevated comic-book movies to operatic proportion, and Hollywood likes sending finales out with a lovely door-prize (Peter Jackson's first two Lord of the Rings films were Oscar also-rans before the trilogy's conclusion won Best Picture," Germain writes.

He makes another point that the snubbing of 2008's The Dark Knight in the Best Picture category helped spur the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' decision to allow 10 instead of five Best Picture nominees at the following year's ceremony.

That being said, The Dark Knight was nominated for eight Academy Awards and took home two, including Best Supporting Actor posthumously given to Heath Ledger, and a trophy for sound editing.

Plus, Christopher Nolan has yet to be nominated for Best Director. Will 2013 be the Inception director's Oscar year?

His on-screen Catwoman Anne Hathaway thinks he's got it in the bag.

"I'm not saying this as a cast member. I'm saying this as a member of the Academy. So far, it's the best film I've seen all year," the Oscar-nominated actress said.

"He's transcended the genre now. I think he's shown that a comic-book movie can actually be epic, extraordinary cinema."

Not to mention the votes coming from Academy members Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine and Gary Oldman.

The Dark Knight Rises hits cinemas July 19.

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