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The Globes and Baftas have been completed, and the Critics Choices have concluded for another year. However, the highly anticipated Academy Awards are still on the horizon, and with it comes the highest honors that can be bestowed upon members of the film industry.
What is the current status of the top competitors in the quest for victory? We evaluate the potential of each nominee for the Academy Award for Best Picture and, if you still haven’t watched them all, offer suggestions on how to fill in any missing pieces of information.
American Fiction
Nominated for
The award for best picture was given to the film, along with best actor (Jeffrey Wright), best supporting actor (Sterling K Brown), best adapted screenplay, and best original score.
How is it performing?
In September, American Fiction made a strong debut at the Toronto film festival, winning the highly-regarded People’s Choice award. However, despite receiving nominations at the Golden Globes, it was not able to secure any wins. Writer-director Cord Jefferson was recognized 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
“Highly entertaining new literary comedy from film-maker Cord Jefferson, a TV writer making his feature directing debut with his own emollient adaptation of the metafictional masterpiece Erasure by Percival Everett … Jeffrey Wright is an excellent Monk: sensitive, morose, prickly and idealistic in a gloomily self-harming way.”
Further reading
Jeffrey Wright, who is now in the running for the best actor Oscar, previously expressed frustration but has since moved past it.
Cord Jefferson transformed a book about racial issues into this year’s most talked-about comedy.
How to view American literature.
Cannot reword
UK: in cinemas
USA: available in theaters; purchase on digital platforms
Explanation of a Tumble
Nominated for
The film received awards for best picture, best director (Justine Triet), best actress (Sandra Hüller), best original screenplay, and best film editing.
What is the current status?
During its initial release, Anatomy of a Fall received the Palme d’Or at the renowned Cannes film festival, a highly esteemed award in the film industry. (The dog Messi also won the Palme Dog, but that is a separate story.) Although success at Cannes does not guarantee success at the Oscars, the film did win six awards at the European film awards and was recognized for best original screenplay at the Globes and Baftas. Hüller, who is also recognized in the award-winning film The Zone of Interest, seems to have decreased her chances of receiving acting awards in either film. However, the film’s writing has a good chance at an Oscar, especially since France surprisingly chose The Taste of Things as its international Oscar entry.
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 accepted by the French film industry.
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Messi the dog, who previously caused emotional pain in Anatomy of a Fall, has now become a successful Hollywood A-lister.
How to watch
Aus: in cinemas
UK: Available in movie theaters; can be rented or purchased on digital platforms.
You can watch this in theaters or rent/buy it on digital streaming services.
Barbie
Nominated for
The top awards for the evening include Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ryan Gosling), Best Supporting Actress (America Ferrera), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Song (titled “I’m Just Ken and What Was I Made For”).
What is its current status?
Barbie has been a crowd favorite at the Oscars and is considered a symbol of feminism in Hollywood. However, it seems to be losing its popularity towards the end. Despite receiving numerous nominations, Greta Gerwig was not recognized for her directing skills at the Baftas or the Oscars. The film has mainly been recognized for its music, though its nomination for best song may open up opportunities for other films. It is likely to receive recognition for its production and costume design, as well as hair and makeup. However, its chances of winning big at the Oscars are decreasing.
What we said
This film has a kind-hearted but self-aware tone, where its humor stems from that self-awareness. It is frequently humorous, occasionally very humorous, but at times restrained and hesitant, as if being funny can only be done in a cruel and sarcastic manner.
Further reading
“It was absolutely crazy”: Greta Gerwig discusses the process of bringing Barbie to the big screen.
Jacqueline Durran, the costume designer for Barbie, revealed that Ryan Gosling inquired about obtaining Ken’s underpants.
“I was determined to do whatever task was assigned to me”: Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt discuss creating the soundtrack for Barbie.
How to watch
English: Showing in theaters; available for rental or purchase on digital platforms.
In the UK, you have the option to either rent or purchase content on digital platforms.
You can watch this movie in theaters, stream it on Max, or rent or purchase it on various 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” is the underdog in this year’s race, gaining recognition and praise for its talented cast. Paul Giamatti would likely be the top contender for best actor in any other year (although he may face competition from Cillian Murphy and Bradley Cooper), and Da’Vine Joy Randolph is a strong contender for best supporting actress, having already won numerous awards for her role. Although not nominated for an Oscar, Dominic Sessa has also been receiving attention. However, winning best picture seems unlikely.
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 often advise against becoming a celebrity and suggest staying true to oneself instead.”
“If nobody takes a flight, the money will not be given to you”: Alexander Payne discusses Marvel, outcasts, and the process of creating films.
How to watch
English: Available in theaters; can also be rented or purchased on digital platforms.
UK: Showing in theaters; available for rental or purchase on digital platforms.
USA: available in theaters; can be streamed on Peacock, rented, or purchased on digital platforms.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated for
The film received awards for 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)).
Could you please provide an update on its status?
Can you give me an update on how it’s doing?
With a well-funded production company backing it, renowned actors, and a strong reputation, Scorsese’s three-hour movie about real-life crime was expected to be a top contender for major awards. However, in a competitive year, it has received decent recognition but not outstanding success, with numerous nominations and only a few actual wins; it was completely shut out at the Baftas. The biggest accolade so far has been a Golden Globe for Lily Gladstone for her performance as best actress in a drama; as the first US-born Native American woman to be nominated for the best actress Oscar, she is receiving lots of praise, but is considered a long shot to actually win.
What we said
“Through his direction, Scorsese presents a grand narrative of insidious, philosophical terror surrounding the rise of America as a dominant global power. The story delves into the disturbing pattern of mass murders that mirror the systematic removal of Native Americans from their land in the United States. Ultimately, this film explores the universal theme found in all westerns and throughout history: the ruthless pursuit of land, wealth, and influence.”
Further reading
Lily Gladstone emphasizes the importance of having indigenous film-makers tell Native stories.
“Who was not involved?” The story of how Martin Scorsese gained the confidence of the Osage Nation.
Viewers from indigenous communities watching Killers of the Flower Moon.
Martin Scorsese discusses the enjoyment of sin, as well as themes of violence and love, and his newfound presence on TikTok.
How to watch
English: Available in theaters, streaming on Apple TV+, and for purchase on digital platforms.
In the UK, you can watch on Apple TV+ or rent/buy on various digital platforms.
US: Watch in theaters, stream on Apple TV+, purchase on digital platforms.
Maestro
Nominated for
Best picture, best actor (Bradley Cooper), best actress (Carey Mulligan), best original screenplay, best makeup and hairstyling, best cinematography, and best sound
What is its current status?
Maestro had a strong beginning with screenings at prestigious festivals such as Venice, New York, and London. There were high expectations for the film, but it has since lost ground in the betting world. While it received numerous nominations, it failed to secure any wins at both the Globes and Baftas. Despite this, Cooper is well-respected in Hollywood and may still have a chance at a surprise win in the acting categories for himself and his co-star Carey Mulligan. However, it appears to be a difficult challenge for them.
What we said
The success of Cooper’s Maestro lies in its honesty about the sacrifices that art requires from its creators, as well as the sacrifices that these creators demand from their loved ones. Bernstein was determined to stay true to himself, even if it meant causing strain in his marriage. There is a melancholy acknowledgement of this fact.
Further reading
Can Maestro uncover the true identity of Bernstein through wigs, kisses, and the pope’s jumpsuit?
How to watch
Translation: Available in theaters and streaming on Netflix.
UK: stream on Netflix
Watch in theaters or stream on Netflix.
Oppenheimer
Nominated for
The top awards for this film include: best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan), best actor (Cillian Murphy), best supporting actor (Robert Downey Jr), best supporting actress (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.
What is the status?
Oppenheimer’s association with Barbie during the highly-anticipated summer movie season gave it an advantage, despite being overshadowed by Barbie’s impressive performance at the box office. However, the film has steadily gained momentum and surpassed its competitors, receiving the most nominations at both the Baftas and Oscars. It has also been successful in winning awards, coming out on top at the Globes (five) and Baftas (seven), and is expected to do the same at the upcoming Academy Awards. Christopher Nolan is highly favored for best director, while Cillian Murphy has a good chance for best actor (in a competitive category). Overall, Oppenheimer is the frontrunner 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 on Oppenheimer, sex scenes and self-doubt: ‘I’m stubborn and lacking in confidence – a terrible combination’
Emily Blunt: Women are still expected to display warmth and likability, while men are not subjected to the same pressure.
How to watch
English: Available in theaters; can be rented or purchased on digital platforms.
The movie is available in UK cinemas and can also be rented or purchased on digital platforms.
Watch in theaters, stream on Peacock, or rent/buy on digital platforms.
Past Lives
Nominated for
The top image and the most unique written script.
How its doing
This year’s indie sensation, Past Lives, has been praised by critics and even won the Guardian’s film critics poll. However, unlike other highly acclaimed films like Nomadland and Moonlight, it is not likely to receive major awards. Although director Celine Song has received several awards for best first film, the Oscars do not have a category for this. The film’s best chance for an award is in the best original screenplay category, but it faces tough competition.
What we said
“This emotionally powerful and bittersweet film, created by Korean-Canadian playwright and filmmaker Celine Song, left me emotionally drained yet strangely elated. It felt as though I had experienced an 18-month long affair in just an hour and forty-five minutes. It is truly remarkable to consider that this is Song’s first feature film.”
Further reading
Greta Lee expressed her feeling of seeing a 15ft tall Asian woman as radical and potentially dangerous.
Why Asian immigrant filmmakers are redefining the concept of home.
How to watch
Reworded: Available in theaters and for purchase or rental on digital platforms.
The show can be watched on Netflix or purchased/rented on various digital platforms in the UK.
You can currently watch this in theaters, stream it on Paramount+, Fubo, or Showtime, or purchase or rent it on digital platforms.
Poor Things
Nominated for
The top awards in the film industry include Best Picture, Best Director (awarded to Yorgos Lanthimos), Best Actress (presented to Emma Stone), Best Supporting Actor (given to Mark Ruffalo), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Additional categories include Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score.
How it’s doing
Like Anatomy of a Fall, Poor Things made a splashy festival debut (winning the Golden Lion at Venice), but initially looked a bit of a dark horse in the American awards race. Lead Emma Stone has dominated best actress prizes this year, taking a Globe and a Bafta, and looks likely to add a second Oscar to her collection. Its heavily processed visuals could lead to recognition in the craft Oscars, and it looks like a strong proposition in the best picture race – though it may not have enough to get past the Oppenheimer behemoth.
What we said
“Poor Things is a steampunk-retrofuturist Victorian freakout and macabre black-comic horror … [Director Yorgos] Lanthimos shows us an extraordinary, artificial, contorted world, partly shot in monochrome, sometimes bulging out at us through a fish-eye lens, elsewhere lit from within in richly saturated tones, like an engraved colour plate.”
Further reading
Yorgos Lanthimos: ‘My films are all problematic children’
Is Poor Things a feminist work of art, or a derogatory male sexual fantasy? The woman in the story is restrained and silenced for entertainment.
The intimacy coordinator for “Poor Things” discusses consent, orgies, and Emma Stone in relation to striving for oblivion through orgasm.
How to watch
Aus: in cinemas
In the United Kingdom, the film will be available in theaters and for rental or purchase on digital platforms starting on February 26th.
US: in cinemas
The Region of Interest
Nominated for
The top accolades include best picture, best director (awarded to Jonathan Glazer), best adapted screenplay, best sound design, and best international feature film.
Could you clarify what is the current status or progress?
The Zone of Interest had a promising beginning, coming in second place to Anatomy of a Fall at Cannes. With its esteemed director and serious subject matter, it has been a strong contender, although it is not expected to win the top awards. However, with its predominantly German and Polish dialogue, it is dominating the foreign-language categories. Since France did not submit Anatomy of a Fall for the international film Oscar, The Zone of Interest is the leading favorite for this award. Any additional recognition would be a bonus.
What we said
The movie depicts the idyllic and peaceful life of Rudolf Höss (played by Christian Friedel), the commander of Auschwitz concentration camp. He and his family live in a luxurious home just outside the camp’s walls, with servants at their disposal. His wife, Hedwig (played by Sandra Hüller), takes great pride in the beautiful garden she has been given permission to oversee, even dubbing herself the “Queen of Auschwitz”. Just this description alone is enough to elicit a sickening feeling that could rival that of a thousand films.
Further reading
Jonathan Glazer stated that the focus is on the present rather than the past.
“The Zone of Interest” stars Sandra Hüller and Christian Friedel discuss how the film aims to unsettle viewers and provoke thought while watching in theaters.
Why the Holocaust Continues to be a Persistent Theme in Cinema: It Will Always be Less Horrifying than Reality.
How to watch
Source: theguardian.com
