Gary Oldman says he has doubts over Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' Oscars chances - specifically those of Andy Serkis, who plays ape leader Caesar. The movie is comfortably one of the most critically acclaimed cinematic offerings of the year, though Serkis' co-star Oldman is wary of the O-word.

Andy SerkisAndy Serkis [R] on the set of 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' 

"There isn't a review that hasn't said how wonderful he [Serkis] is," Oldman told Digital Spy, "The audiences and critics acknowledge the work but I just don't know if it's the sort of thing that the Academy will accept."

Serkis plays Caesar through advanced performance capture technology though the form is yet to be truly acknowledged by the Academy.

"He's [Serkis] one of the best actors I've ever worked with, I think he's amazing," said director Matt Reeves. "If you're responding emotionally to Caesar, you're responding emotionally to Andy as he's giving that emotional performance."

Co-star Keri Russell argued that Serkis' performance in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes "shouldn't be separate" from more traditional forms of acting.  "It's Andy, his every nuance," she said. "He's just a great actor."

Dawn of the Planet of the ApesAndy Serkis stars in 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes'

"It's incredible. It sets the standard for blockbuster action movies, and manages to be even better than its predecessor," wrote critic Dave McGinn of the Globe and Mail.

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is the best and brainiest blockbuster of the summer, the kind of movie you hope for when you pay your money and buy your popcorn," said Peter Howell of the Toronto Star.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hits theaters in the UK today (July 17, 2014). 

Watch the trailer for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes':