With that expected Oscar win now out of the way, it’s time for Octavia Spencer to map out a high-profile career. One of the first steps will, in all likelihood, be Fruitvale, a developing drama set to be helmed by Ryan Coogler. Based on true events, Fruitvale focuses on Oscar Grant, a then-22-year-old black male killed by Bay Area police on New Year’s Day 2009, following an alleged altercation on a train. His death raised considerably controversy regarding police actions and conduct, though this specific story hasn’t received the same public attention as a few other recent, simliar cases. If producer Forest Whitaker has his way, things will change. [THR]

Michael B. Jordan (Chronicle) is negotiating to take the lead role, while Spencer is close to grabbing the part of Grant’s “tough and protective mother.” Unfortunate circumstances surrounding this story make it seem as though the latter would be Fruitvale‘s guiding force; wouldn’t you say she at least makes it a reasonable choice? Lord knows the right material could assist her when it comes to avoiding the post-Oscar curse that’s plagued so many of her acting brethren. (I’d also say roles in Snowpiercer, Smashed, and Diablo Cody‘s Lamb of God help matters, too.)

So, we’ve got a solid one-two punch of actors, a (possibly) incendiary topic, and a high-profile producer working behind the scenes. With a July shoot in the cards, Fruitvale might be compelling food for thought when 2013 hits.

Is Fruitvale a proper choice for Spencer? How do you take this project, as a whole?