Oscars 2018 race begins, release date of Darren Aronofsky's new Jennifer Lawrence-starrer announced

The Black Swan filmmaker has an impressive track record with directing actors to award wins

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This year's Academy Awards hasn't even taken place and the buzz surrounding the 2018 ceremony has kicked into gear following the release date announcement of Darren Aronofsky's new film.

The Black Swan director will bring fans mother! this coming October with Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) starring in the lead role.

Its plot is decidedly enigmatic: “A couple whose relationship is tested whe uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence.”

Also starring in mother! is Michelle Pfeiffer, Javier Bardem, Domhnall Gleeson and Westworld actor Ed Harris. The film's October release date hints at possible festival appearances considering Toronto, Telluride and Venice all take place around that time.

It seems likely that the film could throw Lawrence's name into the awards ring for the 2017-18 season considering Aronofsky has an impressive track record in steering performances to award wins and nominations. Black Swan scored Natalie Portman a Best Actress trophy, something she's hoping to scoop again later this month following her nomination for Jackie (which Aronofsky produced).-

While The Wrestler only earned Mickey Rourke a Best Actor nomination, the film is attributed with providing the actor with a Hollywood comeback.

The filmmaker, whose previous credits include Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain and Noah, has also produced the thriller Aftermath starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

This year's Academy Awards takes place on 26 February - La La Land leads the nominations pack with a grand total of 14 matching the record previously held by All About Eve and Titanic.