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The Golden Globes and BAFTAs have concluded, the Critics Choice Awards have come to an end for this year. However, the most prestigious one, the Academy Awards, is still to be held, along with the highest honors that the film industry can give to its colleagues.
What is the current status of the top contenders in the race for success? We examine the nominees for the Academy Award for Best Picture, evaluating their likelihood of winning and, in case you haven’t watched them all, where you can find them to fill in any missing pieces of information.
American Fiction
Nominated for
The top accolades include the best picture, best actor award for Jeffrey Wright, best supporting actor award for Sterling K Brown, best adapted screenplay award, and best original score award.
What is its current status?
The movie American Fiction made a strong debut at the Toronto film festival in September, winning the prestigious People’s Choice award. However, it did not have the same success at the Golden Globe awards. Writer-director Cord Jefferson received recognition for best adapted screenplay at the Critics Choice and Baftas, making it a top contender for an Oscar in the writing category.
What we said
“Cord Jefferson, a TV writer and filmmaker, has released a hilarious new literary comedy. This marks his first time directing a feature film, where he adapts Percival Everett’s metafictional masterpiece, Erasure. Starring as Monk is the talented Jeffrey Wright, who captures the character’s sensitivity, melancholy, and idealism in a self-destructive manner.”
Further reading
“I used to be frustrated about not being nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars, but now I am no longer frustrated.”
Cord Jefferson transformed a book about racial issues into the most talked-about comedy of the year.
Tips for viewing American literature
Aus: on Prime on 27 February
UK: in cinemas
USA: available in theaters; purchase on online platforms.
Explanation of a Descending Event
Nominated for
The best awards for this year’s picture, director (Justine Triet), actress (Sandra Hüller), original screenplay, and film editing.
What is its current status?
At its debut, Anatomy of a Fall received the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes film festival, one of the most esteemed accolades in the film industry. (Messi the dog also won the Palme Dog, but that’s a different story.) While success at Cannes does not always guarantee success at the Oscars, the film did win six awards at the European film awards and received the award for best original screenplay at both the Globes and Baftas. Hüller’s role in the competing film The Zone of Interest may have lessened her chances of winning an acting award in either ceremony; however, similar to American Fiction, she may have a better chance at winning a writing Oscar – especially since France surprisingly chose The Taste of Things as its submission for the international Oscar category.
What we said:
“Hüller’s calm directness as an actor is what gives the film its texture, substance and emotional force. She anchors it in a kind of accessible reality: we naturally sympathise with her, and yet Triet shows us that she is capable of transparent lies, lies which are almost credible because Hüller is such a plausible personality.”
Further reading
Filmmaker Justine Triet expressed that she did not feel welcomed by the French film industry.
Messi, the dog who caused you heartbreak in Anatomy of a Fall, has now risen to become a top Hollywood star.
How to watch
Aus: in cinemas
United Kingdom: available in theaters; can be rented or purchased on digital platforms.
You can watch this movie in theaters or rent/buy it on digital platforms.
Barbie
Nominated for
The top honors at the awards ceremony were given to: outstanding film, outstanding supporting male performer (Ryan Gosling), outstanding supporting female performer (America Ferrera), exceptional adapted screenplay, superb costume design, exceptional production design, and extraordinary original song (entitled I’m Just Ken and What Was I Made For).
What is its current status?
Barbie has been a major success in the Oscar race and a symbol of feminism in Hollywood, but it appears to be losing steam towards the end. Despite receiving numerous nominations, Greta Gerwig was overlooked for best director at both the Baftas and the Oscars. While it has had success in the music category (though its two Oscar nominations for best song could open the door for another film), its chances of winning craft awards for design and costumes seem strong. However, its momentum for the major Oscars seems to be fading.
What we said
This film is good-natured and self-aware, using its self-consciousness as a source of humor. It is often funny, with moments that are particularly hilarious. However, there are also times when it comes across as reserved and hesitant, as if being funny can only be achieved through being mean and satirical.
Further reading
Greta Gerwig shares her experience of bringing Barbie to the big screen, describing it as “totally bananas.”
Jacqueline Durran, the designer of Barbie costumes, revealed that Ryan Gosling once inquired about obtaining Ken’s underpants.
Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt discuss their experience creating the soundtrack for Barbie, stating that they were determined to fulfill any requests made of them.
How to watch
English: Showing in theaters; available for rent or purchase on digital platforms.
UK: rent or buy on digital platforms
You can watch in theaters, stream on Max, or rent or purchase on digital platforms.
The Holdovers
Nominated for
The film received awards for best picture, best actor (Paul Giamatti), best supporting actress (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), best original screenplay, and best film editing.
How is it performing?
The Holdovers has been a low-key contender in this year’s race, gradually gaining recognition and credibility for its talented cast. In a different year, Paul Giamatti would likely be the top contender for best actor (and he may still beat out other strong contenders like Cillian Murphy and Bradley Cooper), while Da’Vine Joy Randolph is a strong favorite for best supporting actress, having already won 35 awards from critics and award organizations for her role. Despite also receiving attention, Dominic Sessa, who was not nominated for an Oscar, is unlikely to win best picture.
What we said
“A genial, gentle, redemptive dramedy from Alexander Payne which hits the happy/sad sweet spot with Payne’s sure aim. It is taken from TV writer David Hemingson’s impeccably crafted screenplay, a masterclass in incremental, indirect character revelations and plot transitions.”
Further reading
Dominic Sessa: “People are always saying not to become a celebrity and to remain true to yourself.”
Alexander Payne discusses Marvel, outcasts, and filmmaking by saying, “If nobody takes flight, they won’t provide the funds.”
How to watch
English: Available in theaters or for rental/purchase on digital platforms.
In the United Kingdom, the movie is available in theaters or for rental or purchase on digital platforms.
You can watch this in theaters or stream it on Peacock, or choose to rent or purchase it on digital platforms.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated for
The winners of the Academy Awards for 2020 are as follows: Best Picture, Best Director (Martin Scorsese), Best Actress (Lily Gladstone), Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song (Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)).
What is its current status?
With a well-funded production company, highly skilled actors, and a strong reputation, the three-hour crime drama directed by Scorsese appeared to be a top contender for major awards. However, in a competitive year, its performance has been respectable rather than exceptional, receiving numerous nominations but only a few wins. It was completely shut out at the Baftas. The only significant win so far was a Golden Globe for Lily Gladstone for her performance as the lead actress in a drama. As the first US-born Native American woman to be nominated for an Oscar in this category, she has received much praise, but she is not favored to win.
What we said
“Through his directing, Scorsese creates a sweeping and unsettling depiction of the rise of America, delving into the disturbing story of serial killings that reflect the larger genocide of Native Americans in the country… Ultimately, this movie explores the recurring theme of Westerns and history as a whole: the ruthless pursuit of land, wealth, and control.”
Further reading
Lily Gladstone emphasizes the importance of having Native stories told by indigenous filmmakers.
“How did Martin Scorsese earn the trust of the Osage Nation?”
Viewers who are Indigenous and watched “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Martin Scorsese discusses the enjoyment of sin, as well as violence and love, and his newfound presence on TikTok.
How to watch
Reworded: Available in theaters, watch on Apple TV+, purchase on online platforms.
In the UK, you can watch on Apple TV+ or rent/purchase through digital platforms.
You can watch in theaters, stream on Apple TV+, or purchase on digital platforms.
Maestro
Nominated for
“The winners for the top categories include: best picture, best actor (Bradley Cooper), best actress (Carey Mulligan), best original screenplay, best makeup and hairstyling, best cinematography, and best sound.”
How it’s doing
After successful screenings at prestigious festivals such as Venice, New York, and London, Maestro had a promising beginning and expectations were high. However, its reception has since declined, with only a few nominations among the top contenders and no wins at the Globes and Baftas. Despite this, Cooper is well-liked in Hollywood and could potentially surprise in the acting categories alongside co-star Carey Mulligan, but it appears to be a difficult feat to achieve.
What we said
“Cooper’s Maestro succeeds because it is candid about the sacrifices which art demands of its practitioners, and the sacrifices these practitioners demand of their families and partners. Bernstein was never going to compromise who he was, no matter how much he loved his wife. There is a sad, wintry acceptance of that.”
Further reading
Can Maestro uncover the true Bernstein through wigs, kisses, and the pope’s jumpsuit?
How to watch
English: Available in theaters and streaming on Netflix.
UK: Watch on Netflix
Watch in theaters or stream on Netflix.
Oppenheimer
Nominated for
The top awards for this year’s film include: best picture, best director (awarded to Christopher Nolan), best actor (won by Cillian Murphy), best supporting actor (presented to Robert Downey Jr), best supporting actress (earned by Emily Blunt), best adapted screenplay, best costume design, best makeup and hairstyling, best cinematography, best production design, best sound, best film editing, and best original score.
How is it performing?
Oppenheimer’s connection with Barbie during the summer blockbuster season gave it an advantage, despite being overshadowed at the box office by Barbie’s impressive performance. However, it has gained momentum slowly but surely, like a supertanker, and has surpassed its competition by receiving the most nominations at the Baftas and the Oscars. It has also been successful in winning awards, leading the pack with five wins at the Globes and seven at the Baftas. It is expected to continue this trend at the Academy Awards, with Christopher Nolan likely to win best director, Cillian Murphy in a strong position for best actor, and Oppenheimer as the front-runner for best picture.
What we said
“[Oppenheimer is] a gigantic, post-detonation study, a PTSD narrative procedure filling the giant screen with a million agonised fragments that are the shattered dreams and memories of the project’s haunted, complex driving force, J Robert Oppenheimer, a brilliant physicist with the temperament of an artist who gave humanity the means of its own destruction.”
Further reading
Cillian Murphy discusses his role in Oppenheimer, his approach to sex scenes, and his struggles with self-doubt. He admits to being stubborn and lacking confidence, which he believes is a challenging combination.
Emily Blunt stated that there is still a societal expectation for women to be friendly and pleasant, while men are not held to the same standard.
How to watch
Translation: Available in movie theaters; available for rental or purchase on digital platforms.
The film is currently playing in theaters and is available for rent or purchase on digital platforms.
The movie is currently available in theaters. You can also stream it on Peacock or rent/buy it on various digital platforms.
Past Lives
Nominated for
Top image and top script
How its doing
Past Lives is this year’s indie darling (and winner of the Guardian’s film critics poll) but unlike Nomadland and Moonlight it’s not looking like turning critical acclaim into major awards. Director Celine Song has won quite a few best first film prizes, but the Oscars don’t have one; the film’s best chance is best original screenplay, but the competition is tough.
What we said
I was deeply moved by this emotionally charged and bittersweet film by Korean-Canadian playwright and director Celine Song. It left me feeling drained and strangely elated, as though I had experienced a year and a half-long romance in just an hour and forty-five minutes. It is remarkable to consider that this is Song’s first feature film.
Further reading
Greta Lee described the experience of seeing a 15ft tall Asian woman as radical and potentially dangerous.
“Unsettling Homecoming: How Asian Immigrant Film is Disrupting the Concept of “Home””
How to watch
English: Available in theaters; purchase or rent through digital platforms.
In the UK, you can watch a show or movie on Netflix or purchase/rent it on various digital platforms.
You can watch this film in theaters, stream it on platforms such as Paramount+, Fubo, or Showtime, or purchase or rent it on digital platforms.
Poor Things
Nominated for
Best picture, best director (Yorgos Lanthimos), best actress (Emma Stone), best supporting actor (Mark Ruffalo), best adapted screenplay, best costume design, best makeup and hairstyling, best cinematography, best production design, best film editing and best original score
What is its current status?
Poor Things made a big impact at festivals, just like Anatomy of a Fall did. It even won the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. However, at first, it didn’t seem like a strong contender for American awards. But with lead actress Emma Stone winning numerous best actress awards this year, including a Globe and a Bafta, it’s highly likely that she will also add a second Oscar to her collection. The film’s impressive visual effects could also earn recognition in the technical categories at the Oscars. It’s also a strong contender for the Best Picture category, although it may have tough competition against the massive success of the Oppenheimer film.
What we said
“Director Yorgos Lanthimos presents a unique and bizarre world in Poor Things, blending elements of steampunk, retrofuturism, Victorian era, and macabre black comedy. The film features stunning visuals, with a mix of monochrome and fish-eye lens shots, as well as vibrant colors that resemble an illuminated engraving.”
Further reading
Yorgos Lanthimos described his films as challenging offspring.
Is Poor Things a feminist triumph or a demeaning male sexual fantasy? The woman in the story is portrayed as helpless and objectified for humor.
The intimacy coordinator for “Poor Things” discusses consent, orgies, and Emma Stone’s role in the movie, stating that during orgasm, people seek to forget everything else.
How to watch
Aus: in cinemas
In the United Kingdom, the film will be available to watch in movie theaters and for rental or purchase on digital platforms starting on February 26th.
US: in cinemas
The Zone of Interest
Nominated for
The top honors for this year’s awards ceremony include the best picture, best director (Jonathan Glazer), best adapted screenplay, best sound, and best international feature film.
What is its current status/condition?
The Zone of Interest had a strong beginning, coming in second place to Anatomy of a Fall at the Cannes Film Festival. With its renowned director and serious subject matter, it has been a serious contender, although it is not expected to win the top prizes. However, due to its predominantly German and Polish dialogue, it is dominating the foreign language categories. As Anatomy of a Fall was not submitted by France for consideration in the international film category at the Oscars, The Zone of Interest is the frontrunner for this award. Any additional recognition would be a pleasant surprise.
What we said
The movie portrays the idyllic rural happiness enjoyed by Rudolf Höss (played by Christian Friedel), the commandant of Auschwitz, who lives with his family in a luxurious home with servants just outside the barbed-wire fence. His wife, Hedwig (played by Sandra Hüller), takes great pleasure in overseeing the beautiful “paradise garden” at the back of their home, complete with a greenhouse. She proudly refers to herself as the “Queen of Auschwitz,” and this one line alone is enough to make The Zone of Interest nauseating enough to equal a thousand films.
Further reading
Jonathan Glazer stated that the focus of his work is on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past.
‘This is a film to make us unsafe in the cinema. As we should be’: Sandra Hüller and Christian Friedel on The Zone of Interest
Why does the Holocaust continue to be a recurring theme in cinema, despite the fact that it will never fully capture the true horrors of the event?
How to watch
Source: theguardian.com
