Just two weeks after Sony Pictures Classics acquired the critically-acclaimed drama Still Alice, starring Julianne Moore, the studio has announced that the drama will open in New York and Los Angeles for a one-week Oscar-qualifying run, before its wide release on January 16, 2015. Take a look at the official press release from SPC.

Sony Pictures Classics announced today they will open Still Alice in New York and Los Angeles in December for a one-week year-end awards qualifying run, with a regular film release to follow on January 16. The film reunites Co-Directors and Co-Writers Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland (The Last of Robin Hood) with Sony Pictures Classics, who worked together on Quinceañera. Based on the novel by Lisa Genova, Still Alice, a BSM Studio Presentation, is produced by Lex Lutzus, James Brown and Pamela Koffler and executive produced by Marie Savare, Christine Vachon of Killer Films, Maria Shriver, Emilie Georges, Nicholas Shumaker, Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler.

Alice Howland, happily married with three grown children, is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease, Alice and her family find their bonds thoroughly tested. Her struggle to stay connected to who she once was is frightening, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

The film premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival and will close the 2014 Hamptons International Film Festival on October 13.

The Oscar-qualifying run means Julianne Moore, who has been receiving rave reviews for her performance as Alice Howland, will likely be a contender for the Best Actress Oscar this year. Other potential awards season candidates include Reese Witherspoon for Wild (December 5), Rosamund Pike for Gone Girl (October 3), Amy Adams for Big Eyes (December 25), Felicity Jones for The Theory of Everything (November 17) and Jessica Chastain for A Most Violent Year (December 31).

What do you think of Julianne Moore's Oscar chances for Still Alice? Chime in with your thoughts below.