In this second part of my retrospective Oscar Outlook, I’ll be eliminating a couple of films that simplify the complicated, and a monstrosity from the 1950s that amounts to very little.
We’ve reached the big category. Best picture winners of the past have rarely aligned with my tastes, but I’m fairly confident that my favorite film of the year will match up with the Academy’s choice. One thing I love is a list, so I’ve decided to talk about this year’s best picture nominees in the reverse order of my preference. However, let’s keep it positive. Every movie on this year’s list has merit.
Many moons ago, in 1929, the first best director prize was handed out to Frank Borzage. He directed the best picture nominee “7th Heaven” that year. A few years later, he won the same award for directing “Bad Girl,” another best picture nominee.
I think the best actress category is the one I have the most opinions about this year, but I’ll try to keep myself composed. It’s a pretty strong group of performances, where two nominees stand tall above the rest. Even those I am less enthused about are really good. Anyway, here’s why Emma Stone should win and why.
In one week from now, these writings might already be a little outdated, but the people and films we’re discussing in them will still be relevant. This Oscar week, let’s remember that the point of this isn’t the horse race and the competition. What we’re attempting to do is celebrate films in an organized format. That being said, when someone becomes an Oscar nominee or winner, their title and reputation change forever. Four of the best supporting actor nominees this year will have the chance to change their title from “nominee” to “winner,” while the fifth guns for their third career trophy.
One of the most difficult categories to predict going into the Oscar nominations was best supporting actress. There appeared to be two or three safe slots, and then a basket of other options that could break a seemingly infinite number of ways. I think the Academy could have gone with some edgier choices, but these five make up an interesting collection. Four first-timers and a two-time winner make up the nomination list this year. Let’s meet the contestants.
Here’s a fun little factoid: This year is the first year that multiple best picture nominees are international films. “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest” found their own, distinct fans in the Academy and made history together. Oddly, you won’t see “Anatomy of a Fall” on the nominee list for best international film. That’s because “Anatomy” director Justine Triet is just a little too cool for the French nominating committee. But as it goes with other snubs discussed, our main focus should be on the films that are nominated.
Animation isn’t just for kids! The winners this decade have dealt with topics like pre-existence, transgenerational trauma and the frailty of our free will. These movies mean more to 27-year-old me than they would have to 7-year-old me. While this year’s nominated films could probably be enjoyed by most children, I feel they were probably made with a wider audience in mind.
