Nominees for the 93rd Annual Academy Awards

2020 was a strange year for movies with the majority of releases jumping ship for 2021 or beyond. A lot of movies went to streaming instead of theaters or after a shortened theatrical run. I’m praying movie theaters can make a comeback. There were also fewer major motion pictures released in 2020 and the first few months of 2021. This is a fact many people cite when discussing the Academy Awards. However, it’s not like the Oscars are scraping the bottom of the barrel (even though nominations for Hilbilly Elegy feel like it). The Academy still snubbed several amazing movies and performances. My beloved Tenet, my #1 movie of the year, only received two technical nominations. I had really hoped this would finally be Christopher Nolan’s year. One of my early picks for the Oscars this year were the performances in Never Rarely Sometimes Always which was completely ignored. One Night for Miami was snubbed for Best Picture and Best Director. Which is unbelievable given how much Hollywood loves Regina King. Da 5 Bloods was almost completely ignored with critics reeling that Delroy Lindo was denied a nomination. I really wanted to see Hugh Laurie get a Best Supporting Actor nomination for The Personal History of David Copperfield. And at least a screenplay nomination for Palm Springs. The plus side is that the Academy chose to honor smaller films this year and celebrate diversity.

Here are the nominees:

Judas and the Black Messiah

This movie is nominated for Best Picture, Actor in a Supporting Role (Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield), Original Song (“Fight For You”), Original Screenplay, and Cinematography. It will be hard for any picture to beat Nomadland, but this is the one that could do it. I knew it was going to make it to the Oscars from the powerful trailer alone. I was glad to see Stanfield finally pick up a nomination after being ignored the whole awards race. Kaluuya is a lock after winning the Golden Globe and Critic’s Choice awards for his portrayal of Black Panther chairman Fred Hampton.

Where to watch: In theaters and available to rent digitally.

Minari

This film is nominated for Best Picture, Actress in a Supporting Role ( Youn Yuh-jung), Original Screenplay, Actor in a Leading Role (Steven Yeun), Director (Lee Isaac Chung), and Original Score. This indie about an immigrant family chasing the American dream in the 1980s is the type of smaller film that might have been unduly ignored in a different year. Yeun is the first Asian American to be nominated for Best Actor. I’m glad to see Yuh-jung nominated for her role as the unconventional grandmother. She took home the SAG award for Best Supporting Actress and has a decent shot at the Oscar. Yeun doesn’t stand much of a chance against Chadwick Boseman’s final performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Where to watch: In theaters and available to rent digitally.

Nomadland

This film is nominated for Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, Actress in a. Leading Role (Frances McDormand), Director (Chloe Zhao), Cinematography, and Film Editing. This is the frontrunner for Best Picture. The movie follows people who live off the grid and travel seeking seasonal work. It’s based on a nonfiction book and several actors play versions of themselves. For the first time in history, there are two women nominated for Best Director. Chloe Zhao is one of them. With Nomadland being the frontrunner for Best Picture, Frances McDormand may take home another Oscar. If she can beat out Viola Davis.

Where to see it: In theaters and on Hulu.

Promising Young Woman

This film is nominated for Best Picture, Original Screenplay, Actress in a Leading Role (Carrie Mulligan), Director (Emerald Fennell), and Film Editing. This movie is a gut-punch of a revenge story with moments you don’t see coming. Fennell is the second female director nominated this year. The film’s best chance at a win is probably Best Original Screenplay. It would be a great way for the Academy to honor one of the most original scripts of the year.

Where to watch: In theaters and available to rent digitally.

Sound of Metal

This film is nominated for: Best Picture, Actor in a Supporting Role (Paul Raci), Original Screenplay, Actor in a Leading Role (Riz Ahmed), Achievement in Sound, and Film Editing. This is another film that might have fallen through the cracks in another year. Thankfully, the Academy sat up and took notice. Riz Ahmed is the first Muslim to be nominated for Best Actor. He plays a sober heavy metal drummer who is losing his hearing. The movie doesn’t hit the beats you would expect it to. It has a lot of genuine human moments. Like Sundance favorite CODA, this is one of the few films to shine a positive light on the deaf community. Paul Raci plays one of my favorite mentor characters of all time. I like to think he would have won in another year but this year he’ll most likely lose to Daniel Kaluuya. This movie probably won’t win Best Picture, but it’s definitely worth your time.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Amazon Prime.

The Trial of the Chicago 7

This movie is nominated for Best Picture, Actor in a Supporting Role (Sacha Baron Cohen), Original Song (“Hear My Voice”), Original Screenplay, Cinematography, and Film Editing. It’s only fitting that a film about protestors would come out in 2020. This is one of the strongest ensemble casts of the year. Sacha Baron Cohen is nominated for his turn as Abbie Hoffman but anyone in the cast could have gotten a nomination. It’s littered with past Oscar nominees. This is one of the smartest scripts of the year and also the nominee that is probably the most fun to watch. Sachar Baron Cohen is practically a lock for Best Supporting Actor. He took home the Golden Globe.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix.

One Night in Miami

This movie is nominated for Actor in a Supporting Role (Leslie Odom Jr.), Original Song (“Speak Now”), and Adapted Screenplay. The film features four powerhouse performances in a story about the night Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown were all together. This movie alone could have filled four of the five Best Supporting Actor slots. It is an outrage to me that David Fincher and Thomas Vinterberg were nominated over Regina King. Oscar is going to look back and cry some day that it didn’t give this movie more love. It could pull of a win for Best Song or Best Adapted Screenplay.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Amazon Prime

The Father

This movie is nominated for Best Picture, Actress in a Supporting Role (Olivia Colman), Adapted Screenplay, Actor in a Leading Role (Anthony Hopkins), Production Design, and Film Editing. One listener wrote in to the Little Gold Men podcast to ask “Is The Father a real movie?” With the heap of praise and award nominations heaped upon it long before the public finally got to see it a few weeks ago, it’s a valid question. Seeing as how you have to pay $20 to rent it online, I’d say it’s a real movie. Hopkins plays a man whose mind is deteriorating and Colman plays the daughter looking after him. I’m usually not a fan of movies about growing old and losing one’s mental faculties (Amour, Away From Her). However, The Father is more engaging than I expected it to be. It really puts you in the mind of the title character. As Anthony Hopkins’s character struggles to determine what is real and what isn’t, the movie becomes disorienting to the audience as well, playing with time, repeating dialogue from previous scenes, and switching out actors for the same character. Hopkins is so perfect in this. Every beat, every nuance rings true. He reminded me of my own father toward the end of his life. Olivia Colman is also very good. I’m not generally a fan of hers, but she gives a very sympathetic performance. Thanks to a later release date, this is probably one of the lesser seen nominees which may hurt its chance at any awards.

Where to watch: In theaters and available to rent digitally.

Mank

This film is nominated for Best Picture, Actress in a Supporting Role (Amanda Seyfreid), Actor in a Leading Role (Gary Oldman), Director (David Fincher), Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design, Achievement in Sound, Original Score, and Makeup and Hairstyling. Mank is a biopic about the screenwriter who wrote Citizen Kane and the scandal around it. I love Gary Oldman, I love David Fincher, and I love old Hollywood. But this movie just didn’t click for me. For one thing, all of the dialogue felt like it was over my head. And I’m a fan of smart movies. The one nomination I agree with is for Seyfreid who had one of the best scenes of the year. This could take home some technical awards.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

This movie is nominated for Actor in a Leading Role (Chadwick Boseman), Actress in a Leading Role (Viola Davis), Production Design, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling. This is the second adaptation of an August Wilson play in recent years. Boseman’s final performance is full of energy. But honestly the whole cast is awesome. I was glad to see it get a SAG nomination for Best Ensemble Cast because the supporting players really help make this movie. I love that Wilson’s 20th Century Cycle is getting adapted. I have a feeling all of the adaptations are going to be Oscar nominated. Especially with Denzel Washington producing. Viola Davis may be the one to beat after taking home the SAG award. Boseman is a lock for Best Actor after winning the Golden Globe and the BAFTA.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix

The United States vs Billie Holiday

This movie is nominated for Actress in a Leading Role. Andra Day proves she’s more than a singer with her performance as the late Billie Holiday. The fact that she is able to mimic Holiday’s speaking and singing voice is amazing. This movie was a hard sit but it makes a strong point about racial injustice that still exists today. Day took home the Golden Globe.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Hulu.

Soul

This movie is nominated for Animated Feature Film, Achievement in Sound, and Original Score. I applaud Pixar for having their first black protagonist and I like the jazz score for this film. However, it frustrates me that it’s another cartoon where a black character spends a significant part of the film as an animal. (Other offenders include Spies in Disguise and The Princess and the Frog.). I don’t know what is up with this trend but I really dislike it. Even though it’s universally critically acclaimed, I didn’t like the plot the film. This will probably win Best Animated Feature.

Where to watch: Disney+ and available to rent digitally.

Pieces of a Woman

This movie is nominated for Actress in a Leading Role (Vanessa Kirby). I’ve been avoiding this one because it looks like this year’s Marriage Story: sad and intense. It’s about a woman who’s caught up in grief after losing a child. The Best Actress race is hard to call this year but Kirby is probably an underdog.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix.

Borat Subsequent Movie Film

This movie is nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role (Maria Bakalova ) and Adapted Screenplay. While there are moments of this Borat sequel I wish I could erase from my memory (the father-daughter dance), Bakalova gives a strong performance, matches Sacha Baron Cohen for improv and outrageousness, and actually brings heart and genuine emotion to an extremely silly film. It’s rare for a comedic performance to get nominated, so this is something to celebrate. With the Best Supporting Actress race being so tight, Bakalova could pull off a win.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Amazon Prime.

Hillbilly Elegy

This movie is undeservedly nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role (Glenn Close) and Makeup and Hairstyling. I simply hated this movie. I detest Amy Adams’s character and can’t believe she actually got nominations for other awards. This is the first Amy Adams movie I’ve disliked. While Glenn Close is the best thing in this movie, it’s faint praise. It’s a depressing film that includes disturbing scenes of child abuse. I honestly don’t understand why it received a Makeup and Hairstyling nomination. Because they made actors look like “normal” people? If there’s any justice, this film won’t receive anything.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix (but not really worth watching).

Another Round

This movie is nominated for International Feature Film (Denmark) and Director (Thomas Vinterberg). This is another movie I was disappointed by. For a movie about a subject as serious as drinking, the film doesn’t come to any conclusions. Even after the main characters end their experiment with alcohol and one of them dies as a consequence of alcoholism, everyone keeps drinking heavily. I found that unbelievable. And after the one character’s death, I actually felt anxious any time someone took a drink, wondering if they’d be next. I can’t believe Tenet and One Night in Miami lost their chance at Best Director to this dreck. Sadly, it will probably take home the gold for International Feature Film.

Where to watch: On Hulu (but why bother?).

Better Days

This movie is nominated for International Feature Film (Hong Kong). This is the plot according to Google: “A bullied high school student and a small-time criminal become the prime suspects in the murder of a teenage girl.” I really love this trailer. I usually don’t get to all the nominees in this category. But I definitely want to make time for this one, even if it’s after the Oscars.

Where to watch: Available to rent digitally.

Collective

This movie is nominated for International Feature Film (Romania) and Documentary Feature. It would be interesting if it took them both. If Another Round doesn’t win International Feature Film, this well-reviewed documentary might. The film is about journalists at a Romanian newspaper uncovering health care fraud. This is another movie that looks amazing.

Where to watch: On Hulu and available to rent digitally.

The Man Who Sold His Skin

This movie is nominated for International Feature Film (Tunisia). This is the plot according to Google: “A Syrian refugee in Lebanon allows his back to become a canvas for a famous tattoo artist. Soon, collectors become interested in this work of art.” The movie features Monica Bellucci. This may be one of the most interesting line-ups for International Feature Film in years.

Where to watch: Available to rent digitally.

Quo Vadis, Aida?

This movie is nominated for International Feature Film (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Aida is a translator for the U.N. when the Serbian army takes over her town in Bosnia. Some are saying this may be the sleeping dragon of this category.

Where to watch: On Hulu and available to rent digitally.

Crip Camp

This movie is nominated for Documentary Feature. From the IMDB page: “Down the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed at a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement.” This movie was produced by Barack and Michelle Obama.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix.

The Mole Agent

This movie is nominated for Documentary Feature. According to Vox, “Documentarian Maite Alberdi lets us in on a bit of subterfuge as Sergio, an older Chilean man, is “cast” as a new nursing home resident by Detective Romulo, who’s been hired to investigate the facility.” The set-up sounds a little like Borat, someone pretending to be someone they’re not while everyone else on camera is being genuine. But this looks really cute and funny.

Where to watch: On Hulu and available to rent digitally.

My Octopus Teacher

This movie is nominated for Documentary Feature. Filmmaker Craig Foster began free diving then made a connection with an octopus. My girlfriend loves this movie. I haven’t seen it yet. But it does look fascinating, how close he was able to get with the octopus.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix.

Time

This movie is nominated for Documentary Feature. The film is about a woman who has spent 21 years petitioning for her husband’s release from prison. This looks quite dramatic and may have a good shot at the Oscar if Collective doesn’t take it.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Amazon Prime.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

This film is nominated for Original Song (“Husavik”). I can’t believe I hadn’t really heard of this one until recently. I think I passed it by on Netflix because I confused the band’s name with the Fyre Festival and thought it was a parody about that. I don’t think I’ve seen Rachel McAdams in this kind of comedy since Mean Girls. I’m mainly rooting for this one because it’s the lone comedic entry in its category.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix.

The Life Ahead

This movie is nominated for Original Song (“Io Sì”) Sophia Loren plays a woman who takes in a troubled orphan. This is her first performance in years. There was talk that she might get a Best Actress nomination.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix

Onward

This movie is nominated for Animated Feature Film. It’s rare for a Pixar film not to be nominated for an Oscar. While this was a fun film, it’s not one of Pixar’s best. And it wasn’t as critically acclaimed as sure-fire winner Soul.

Where to watch: Disney+ and available to rent digitally.

Over the Moon

This movie is nominated for Animated Feature Film. It was a fun movie with some Disney-esque hallmarks (catchy songs and cute sidekicks). I’m glad to see it nominated.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix.

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon

This movie is nominated for Animated Feature Film. I was pleasantly surprised that this beat out Trolls World Tour. My girlfriend and I laughed hard all the way through Shaun’s first theatrical outing. While this one doesn’t have as many laughs, it’s still a sweet story and a fun journey.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix.

Wolfwalkers

This movie is nominated for Animated Feature Film. This is the third and final installment of director Tomm Moore’ Irish Folklores Trilogy. Robyn, an apprentice hunter, comes with her father to Ireland to wipe out the last pack of wolves. But her friendship with a wild native girl complicates things. I haven’t seen Secret of Kells or Song of the Sea but all of Moore’s films have this beautiful look to them.

Where to watch: On AppleTV+ and briefly returning to theaters.

White Tiger

This movie is nominated for Adapted Screenplay. This looks interesting. But I know the physical abuse would enrage me. IndieWire has described the film as a rebuttal to Slumdog Millionaire. The driver for a rich Indian family uses his smarts to escape from poverty. For this of you interested in studying how novels are adapted for the screen, the audiobook version of the novel is on sale for $2.99 until April 29th.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix

News of the World

This movie is nominated for Production Design, Cinematography, Achievement in Sound, and Original Score. It was cool to see Tom Hanks in a western. The movie has a great action scene and some beautiful cinematography. Co-star Helena Zengel was nominated for a Gold Globe for Best Supporting Actress.

Where to watch: Available to rent digitally.

Tenet

This movie is nominated for Production Design and Visual Effects. This was my #1 movie of the year. It’s a new favorite. The pandemic hurt its box office which might have also hurt its chances for awards as the movie that was supposed to save theaters fell short. I was hoping director Christopher Nolan would get nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. I had also hoped John David Washington and Robert Pattinson would get nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively. I even could’ve seen nominations for Kenneth Branagh and Elizabeth Debicki as Best Supporting Actor and Actress. And the song “The Plan” by Travis Scott even could’ve gotten a Best Original Song nomination.

Where to watch: Available to rent or own digitally, my living room.

Emma

This movie is nominated for Costume Design and Makeup and Hairstyling. While the costumes are beautiful, I’m disappointed Anya Taylor-Joy was not nominated for Best Actress for this Jane Austen adaptation. But I know she has an Oscar in her future.

Where to watch: HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or available to own digitally.

Pinocchio

This movie is nominated for Costume Design and Makeup and Hairstyling. I’ll be honest. This trailer doesn’t do much for me and Pinocchio looks kind of creepy.

Where to watch: Available to rent digitally.

Mulan

This movie is nominated for Costume Design and Visual Effects. I’m in the camp that is not interested in a Mulan movie without Mushu. Especially one this long.

Where to watch: Disney+ and available to rent digitally.

Greyhound

This movie is nominated for Achievement in Sound. This is one of Tom Hanks’s passion projects. For the most part, I’m not big into WWII movies so I haven’t seen this one.

Where to watch: Exclusively on AppleTV+.

Da 5 Bloods

This movie is nominated for Best Original Score. One of this year’s major disappointments is that this film didn’t get more nominations. It’s one of Spike Lee’s best and most powerful films with a strong ensemble cast.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix.

Love and Monsters

This movie is nominated for Visual Effects. The creatures in this look cool. But it’s no Tenet.

Where to watch: Available to rent digitally.

The Midnight Sky

This movie is nominated for Visual Effects. This is a sci-fi film with a decent first half. I didn’t care for the plot twist though. And the ending is disappointing. It’s like a set-up with no real payoff. Clooney and his young co-star Caoilinn Springall are good.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Netflix.

The One and Only Ivan

This movie is nominated for Visual Effects. I felt like the book was kind of slow. Of course, it was written for children. I think I might enjoy the movie more. I hadn’t had much interest in it, but I like the preview.

Where to watch: Exclusively on Disney+.

NOTE: While I love the short films categories, I can’t find trailers for them on YouTube and I won’t be able to see any of them until the day before the Oscars. So if you’re interested in the shorts, I’d like to direct you instead to Shorts.TV where you can find out more about them and where to see them.

If you’re interested in seeing this year’s Best Picture nominees, certain theater chains like Cinemark are offering packages where you get to see all eight films at discounted prices. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Independent Spirit Awards on Thursday, April 22. For more Oscar coverage, check out my piece on RunPee.

All the Nominated Films You Need to See Before the Oscars Are Announced

I have worked hard on my favorite post of the year—the overstuffed Oscar prediction thread with every possible contender—but, frankly, 2020 happened.  With constantly changing movie release dates and other difficulties, I’m just not going to be able to do it this year.  Besides, the field of contenders has narrowed.  Both the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild have announced their nominations.  (So have the Film Independent Spirit awards but they have less bearing on the Oscars.)  Here is your guide to what’s been nominated so you can get caught up ahead of the Oscars and be in the know when the Oscar nominations are announced on March 15. . 

Another Round 

This film from Denmark is competing at the Globes for Best Motion Picture -- Foreign Language. It’s about a group of friends who begin experimenting with alcohol until it gets out of hand. Like most Americans, I became aware of Mads Mikkelsen when he played the villain in Casino Royale. And I’ve enjoyed him in many films since. This may be the most interesting film about alcoholism since Leaving Las Vegas. This was also shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. Available on demand.

Borat Subsequent Movie Film

Did Sacha Baron Cohen’s comedy affect the outcome of the election? We may never know. Actress Maria Bakalova is nominated for both a Golden Globe (Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy) and a Screen Actors Guild award (Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role). So she’s probably a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination. The film itself is running for Best Musical or Comedy and Cohen is nominated for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. While the Oscars generally tend not to honor comedies, who knows? Maybe this one will snag some nominations. The movie has been shortlisted for Best Original Song for “Wuhan Flu” at the Oscars. Available on Amazon Prime.

The Croods: A New Age

This movie is nominated for Best Motion Picture -- Animated at the Globes. Released in November in time for Thanksgiving, the movie has had a healthy box office return. A rare thing during the pandemic. I remember enjoying the first one with my girlfriend. I look forward to catching up with the sequel. The Croods experience culture shock when they meet a more modern family. Available to rent and own online. Available on DVD and Blu-ray February 23.

 Da 5 Bloods

Mark Hughes of Forbes speculates that Chadwick Boseman could be nominated for Best Supporting Actor for this film and Best Actor for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. A double Oscar nomination (and possible win) would be a fitting tribute to the late actor. He did score a SAG nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role. Other SAG nominations for the film include Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. Many have speculated that Delroy Lindo will get a Best Supporting Actor nomination from the Academy. Spike Lee, fresh off an Oscar win for Best Adapted Screenplay for BlacKKKlansman, may have another shot at Best Director. The movie has been shortlisted for Best Original Score at the Oscars. Five soldiers return to Vietnam decades after the war to search for treasure and the remains of their friend. This is a complex film about greed and the casualties of war, the cost of war, the long-lingering effects of war. Be forewarned: there are several emotional gut punches in this one. I was glad to see the entire cast nominated. This is a film where every one of the main actors gives a hell of a performance. Available on Netflix.

Emma 

Anya Taylor-Joy is wonderful in everything. I’m so glad to see her get a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy. 2020 was a great year to be a Taylor-Joy fan with the release of The New Mutants and Netflix’s series The Queen’s Gambit. Emma is a fun, romantic adaptation of the Jane Austen novel. I’ve loved Taylor-Joy ever since The Witch and would love to see her get an Oscar. The picture will probably also get nominations for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. It has been shortlisted for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the Oscars. Available on HBO Max or to own digitally.

The Father

This one looks like a hard, emotional watch. Olivia Colman plays a woman trying to care for her father as he he succumbs to dementia. Anthony Hopkins looks amazing in this. The movie has been nominated for Screen Actor Guild awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. It has been nominated for Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture -- Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, and Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Drama. Opens in LA and NY on February 26. Opens nationwide on March 12. Available for $19.99 on PVOD starting March 26.

French Exit

Michelle Pfeiffer looks elegant and funny in this comedy nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes. Plus, it’s always good to see Lucas Hedges in something. The plot is about a widowed New Yorker and her son who try to start over in Paris after she spends the last of her inheritance from her husband. Opens in NY and LA on February 12. Open nationwide on April 2.

Hamilton 

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip hop, multiracial musical about the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton is one of my two favorite musicals of all time. (The other is Rent.). One of the few bright spots of 2020 was Disney releasing this recording of the original cast. Unfortunately, Hamilton has been disqualified from the Oscars because it’s a recording of a show. (When someone eventually adapts it into a feature film, it will probably sweep the Oscars.). However, it has been nominated for Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy and Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s performance. Available on Disney+.

Hillbilly Elegy

Despite being roasted by the critics, Ron Howard’s film Hillbilly Elegy is doing well this awards season. Glen Close has been nominated for her supporting role for both a SAG award and a Golden Globe. Amy Adams has been nominated for a SAG award for her lead performance. The movie has also been shortlisted for an Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. The plot is about a Yale law student who is drawn back to his Appalachian hometown. Available on Netflix.

I Care a Lot 

I loved Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl and A United Kingdom. I can’t wait to see her in this dark comedy. Diane Wiest is going to be fun in this one. And Peter Dinklage playing a villain should be awesome. A legal guardian who commits her charges to nursing homes and then sells their houses finally meets her match. Pike has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy. Available on Netflix.

Judas and the Black Messiah 

This is a powerful film that is not to be missed. It’s one of the few films to live up to the power and promise of its trailer. LaKeith Stanfield plays Bill O’Neal who infiltrated and betrayed the Black Panthers. Stanfield gives an Oscar-worthy performance. But it’s Daniel Kaluuya as Black Panther chairman Fred Hampton who is getting all the (well-deserved) recognition for his supporting role. He has been nominated for both a SAG award and a Golden Globe. The song “Fight For You” has been nominated for a Golden Globe and has been shortlisted for an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. In theaters and on HBO Max until March 14.

La Llorona 

This horror film (not to be confused with 2019’s The Curse of la Llorona) is about a former dictator and his family who are haunted by victims of genocide. It’s rare for a horror film to get awards attention. This one has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture -- Foreign Language and shortlisted for an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film. Available on Shudder.

The Life Ahead

This is Sophia Loren’s first feature film in eleven years. It’s about woman who takes in a child with nowhere left to go. Foreign films with this type of plot often seem to get Oscar nominations (For example, 1997’s Kolya). The movie has been nominated for Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture—Foreign Language and for Best Original Song for “IO SI (Seen).” It has also been shortlisted for Best Original Score and Best Original Song at the Oscars. Available on Netflix.

The Little Things 

This disappointing crime drama has managed to nab SAG and Golden Globe nominations for Jared Leto’s supporting role. The movie has also been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Original Score. Denzel Washington plays a deputy haunted by a cold case he’s been trying to solve for five years. In theaters and on HBO Max until February 28.

Mank

Director David Fincher’s biopic about screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and the making of Citizen Kane has garnered several nominations. Gary Oldman has been nominated for a SAG award and a Golden Globe for his performance of the title role. The Golden Globes have also nominated the film for Best Motion Picture -- Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture (Amanda Seyfried), Best Director, and Best Original Score. The movie has also been shortlisted in three Oscar categories: Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score, and Best Visual Effects. Available on Netflix.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom 

This is the second play from August Wilson’s 20th Century Cycle to be adapted for film (after Fences). The late Chadwick Boseman’s lead performance has been nominated for both a SAG award and a Golden Globe. Viola Davis has also been nominated for both awards for her performance of the title role, blues signer Ma Rainey. I’m glad to see that the Screen Actors Guild nominated the film for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The unsung supporting actors are part of what really brings life to this film. The movie has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Available on Netflix.

The Mauritanian

Mauritania is a country in Africa. This movie is the true story of a detainee in Guantanamo who was suspected of being involved with 9/11 but was never charged. The film has been nominated for Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture (Jodie Foster) and Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Drama (Tahar Rahim). In theaters February 12.

The Midnight Sky

Why are all the recent space movies such downers? (I’m looking at you, Ad Astra and Lucy in the Sky.) One of the last survivors on Earth after an apocalyptic event tries to contact a crew of astronauts returning home. This film has a strong first half but ultimately disappoints. Still, it got a Golden Globe for Best Original Score and has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects . Available on Netflix.

Minari

Minari won both the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize and the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. The movie is about a Korean family in the 1980s trying to make it in rural America. The Golden Globes made a controversial decision to place the film in the Best Motion Picture -- Foreign Language category even though it’s an American film. The Screen Actors Guild has nominated the movie for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (Steven Yeun), Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (Youn Yuh-Jung), and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The movie has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “Rain Song.” In theaters February 12 and available to rent digitally starting February 26. A24 is also streaming the move in its screening room but all current showings have sold out.

Mulan 

The live-action remake of the ‘90s Disney classic has been nominated for a SAG award for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. The Oscars have shortlisted the movie for Best Original Score, Best Original song for “Loyal Brave True,” and Best Visual Effects. Available on Disney+.

Music

Singer Sia’s controversial directorial debut about autism garnered Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy and Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy (Kate Hudson). The film has come under fire for starring a neurotypical actor as a nonverbal autistic girl and for scenes depicting the use of restraint on autistic people. Sia has promised to recut the film to remove the restraint scenes. Available on demand.

News of the World 

In Tom Hanks’ first western, he plays a man who travels from town to town to read the news to packed houses. When he discovers a girl in the wilderness, he is tasked with returning her to her family. Actress Helena Zengel has been nominated for her supporting role for both a SAG award and a Golden Globe. The Screen Actors Guild has also nominated the movie for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. The Golden Globes nominated the film for Best Original Score. The movie has also been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Score. In theaters and available to rent online.

Nomadland

This movie is based on a non-fiction book and several real life people play versions of themselves. The movie is about a woman who suffers a major loss. She chooses a lifestyle of the modern nomad, people who live out of RVs and vans and travel the country doing seasonal work. This is the type of movie where a trailer can’t really do it justice. I was prepared to be let down after all the hype the film has received. I was pleasantly surprised to find it an engaging character study with subtle performances. Why David Strathairn isn’t a part of this year’s awards conversation I don’t know. The film shows the beauty and struggle of a lifestyle most of us probably would not choose, Frances McDormand has been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award and a Golden Globe for her lead performance. The Golden Globes have also nominated the movie for Best Motion Picture -- Drama, Best Screenplay, and Best Director. In theaters and on Hulu February 19.

One Night in Miami 

Oscar-winning character actor Regina King’s directorial debut is about a historic event when Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown were all together for one night. This is a film where all four actors deserve to be nominated. Kingsley Ben-Adir (playing Malcolm X) was the critical favorite predicted to get a nomination. But so far it’s been Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke that has racked up nominations including from SAG and the Golden Globes. I’m curious if the Academy would consider all four performances as supporting or if Ben-Adir would be seen as the lead. If all four filled the Best Supporting Actor category at the Oscars, it would be a pleasant surprise. I like that the movie shows a more vulnerable side to Malcolm X than we are used to seeing. The movie has been nominated for a SAG award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The Golden Globs have nominated the movie for Best Original Song for “Speak Now,” and Best Director. The movie has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Original Song. Available on Amazon Prime.

On the Rocks 

It’s nice to see Sophia Coppola and Bill Murray working together again. (Their 2003 movie Lost in Translation is one of my favorites.) Murray plays the father to Rashida Jones. The two follow her possibly cheating husband. Murray has been nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture at the Golden Globes. Available on AppleTV+.

Onward

Onward is set in a fictional world of fantasy creatures. It is about two elf brothers who go on a quest to spend one last day with their late father. It’s a Pixar film so of course it’s a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination. It’s been nominated by the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture -- Animated. Available on Disney+.

Over the Moon

For a non-Disney animated film, this movie is pretty decent. It has original songs. It has a story about family. It has adorable sidekick creatures (see the bunny below). It has been nominated by the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture -- Animated. Available on Netflix.

Palm Springs

This comedy was my #4 movie of 2020. If you’re a fan of Groundhog Day, you’ve got to see this one. It puts a fun spin on the whole time loop genre. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti make a cute couple as two wedding guests who are forced to relive the wedding day over and over and over. J. K. Simmons is excellent in a supporting role. This is one of the few digital releases to get a commentary track. (I really hope this becomes a trend.). The Golden Globes have nominated the film for Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy and Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy. Available on Hulu.

The Personal History of David Copperfield

This is a fun adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel. I had hoped Hugh Laurie might get some Best Supporting actor love. His eccentric character was my favorite thing about this movie. The Golden Globes have nominated Dev Patel for Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy. Available to rent or own digitally.

Pieces of a Woman

This movie is a character study about a woman in the aftermath of losing her baby. It looks to be a difficult watch. Vanessa Kirby has been nominated for a SAG Award and a Golden Globe for her leading performance. Available on Netflix.

The Prom

Meryl Streep made a movie this year. So an Oscar nomination is almost inevitable. Surprisingly, James Corden is the only actor from the entire ensemble to receive a Golden Globe nomination. It’s a shame Jo Ellen Pellman didn’t get nominated for her lead performance. This is an adaptation of the Broadway musical and has several great songs. It’s about four Broadway performers who come to a small town to bring justice when the local prom is cancelled to prevent a lesbian student from bringing her girlfriend to prom. The Golden Globes have nominated it for Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy. Available on Netflix.

Promising Young Woman 

I don’t want to say too much about this thriller because part of its effectiveness is the surprising plot. Cary Mulligan plays a woman bent on revenge. I’ll leave it for you to find out how, why, and who for. She has been nominated for her lead performance by the Screen Actors Guild and the Golden Globes. The movie has also been nominated for Best Motion Picture—Drama at the Golden Globes. Emerald Fennell wrote and directed the film and has been nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Director. In theaters and available to rent digitally.

Soul

Pixar’s second release of the year will most likely get an Oscar nomination and is more likely to win than Onward. The movie features Pixar’s first black main character. Jamie Foxx voices Joe, a music teacher who dies in an accident on the day he is about to get his big break as a musician. With the help of a defiant soul who refuses to be born, he attempts to return to his life. The movie has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture—Animated. It has also been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. Available on Disney+.

Sound of Metal 

Riz Ahmed has been getting rave reviews for his performance as a heavy metal drummer losing his hearing. He’s been nominated for a SAG award and a Golden Globe for his lead performance. The movie has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Song for “Green.” Available on Amazon Prime.

Tenet

This was my #1 movie of the year. I had hoped it would get a ton of Oscar nominations and Christopher Nolan might finally win his Best Director Oscar. Early signs are not positive. The Golden Globes only nominated it for Best Original Score. The Oscars have shortlisted it for Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. I’m still hoping John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Chris Nolan all get some Oscar love for this sci-fi epic. Available to rent or own digitally.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 

If I had caught this last fall instead of last week, it wold have made my top 10 list for 2020. Aaron Sorkin’s latest film features a great ensemble cast in the true story of protestors at the 1968 Democratic National Convention who were prosecuted by the government. Sacha Baron Cohen is sure to get an Oscar nomination for his turn as activist, comedian, and all around smartass Abbie Hoffman. He’s been nominated for a SAG award and a Golden Globe for his supporting turn. The movie has also been nominated for SAG awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. The Golden Globes have nominated the movie for Best Motion Picture -- Drama and Best Original Song for “Hear My Voice.” Aaron Sorkin was nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Director. The movie has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Once again, I’m glad to see the entire cast nominated. This is a movie that is full of amazing performances, any of which deserve to be signed out. Joseph Gordon Levitt averages about one amazing, must-see movie a year. For 2020, it was The Trial of the Chicago 7. Available on Netflix.

Two of Us 

This one looks heartbreaking. It’s about a lesbian couple in old age. It has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture -- Foreign Language. It’s also been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best International Feature Film. Available to rent digitally.

The United States vs. Billie Holiday

Singer Andra Day plays famous jazz singer Billie Holiday. She has been nominated for a Golden Globe for her lead performance. The movie has also been nominated for Best Original Song for “Tigers & Tweed.” Available on Hulu February 26.

Wolfwalkers

An apprentice hunter arrives in Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. She befriends another girl, a member of a tribe rumored to turn into wolves by night. This is the third and final film in Tomm Moore’s Irish Foklore Trilogy which also consists of The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. The movie has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture—Animated. Available on AppleTV+.

Wonder Woman 1984 

A lot of critics and audiences were disappointed with Wonder Woman’s sophomore effort. Still, the movie managed to get a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture.

In theaters and available to rent digitally.

There you have it. Everything that’s been nominated in two of the major awards races. Of course, a nomination by either of these bodies or even both of them does not guarantee an Oscar nomination. Oscar nominations will be announced on March 15 and I’m sure there will be plenty of snubs and surprises. Look for my upcoming blog posts on RunPee about the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, many films from which I’m hoping will have a shot at next year’s Oscar glory. You can find all my past RunPee blog posts here.

Top 10 Movies I’m Looking Forward to in 2021

It is perhaps an act of foolishness and short sightedness to make a list of anticipated 2021 films.  However, I starteda tradition last year and I’d like to keep at it.  Please note that I chose not to include movies that do not currently have a release date. (Sorry Dune, The French Dispatch, and Killers of the Flower Moon). I also opted not to include movies I will be seeing at the Sundance Film Festival soon.  (Check my Facebook page for coverage and updates.). This mainly rules out Judas and the Black Messiah which does look amazing.  Here are my favorites from what is left. 

10. Candyman 

While Jordan Peele didn’t direct this sequel to the ‘90s classic, he did co-write it and produce it.  And his reputation as a director and screenwriter is untarnished thus far.  He always brings something original to the table.  I’ll be honest, this is in the last slot because I partly dread seeing it.  I know it’s going to scare the hell out of me.  

9. BIOS 

This past year, Tom Hanks released his first Western (despite voicing a cowboy for four animated films).  While BIOS won’t be his first sci-fi film (that would be Cloud Atlas), it is a genre Hanks isn’t known for.  This is the plot according to Wikipedia:  “An ailing inventor, the last man on Earth, builds an android to keep him and his dog company and goes on a journey across the country.”  Faithful readers of this blog know by now that I would pay to watch Hanks read the phone book.  This sounds infinitely more interesting. 

8. Cinderella 

Pop star Camila Cabello stars in this new musical retelling of the classic fairy tale.  Kay Canon wrote and directed the film.  I love Cabello’s first album and I love musicals.  And this one features Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver, Pierce Brosnan, John Mulaney, James Corden, and the fabulous Billy Porter as the fairy godmother.  

Courtesy of Sony Pictures.

7. The Velvet Underground. 

I love Lou Reed.  So I’m excited for this documentary about his former band.  They were mainly active from 1964-1973.  I haven’t listened to as much Velvet Underground as I have Reed’s solo work.  So this should be a good introduction to the band and to Reed’s early days as a musician.  It will be great to see him again.  I can’t believe he’s been gone nearly eight years now.  

6. Halloween Kills

This year, I finally caught up with Hallowen (2018).  And I loved it.  It’s easily in my top 10 favorite horror movie endings next to Saw, Poltergeist, and Scream 3.  Jamie Lee Curtis is perfect in the film.  David Gordon Green and Danny McBride took the franchise to such an interesting new place.  I can’t wait to see how the rest of the trilogy plays out.  This is the movie most likely to make its release date.  Producer Jason Blum said it’s coming out come hell or high water.

SPOILER ALERT: The following preview contains spoilers for both Halloween and Halloween Kills.

5. The Unbearable Weighht of Massive Talent 

No one has a career like Nicolas Cage.  While I still need to catch up with his recent films like Mandy and Color Out of Space, his latest may be his most fun movie in a long time.  Nicholas Cage plays Nicholas Cage in an action comedy where he will recreate some of his most famous roles.  The script made the 2019 Black List, the annual ranking of the best unproduced screenplays.  My favorite Cage movie is probably Adaptation where he plays his own fictional twin.  This premise has that same meta Charlie Kaufman feel.  

4. No Time To Die 

While I’ve already forgotten important plot points from Spectre and will need to revisit it, I’m dying to see No Time To Die.  Especially with it being Daniel Craig’s last turn as Bond.  I’ve been a major fan of his tenure in the role and I love where the series has gone.  I’m sad to see Craig go but I’m excited to have one last adventure with him. I’m not really a Billie Eilish fan but I love the song she wriote for this one. Rami Malek looks like he’s going to be a wonderfully creepy villain. And I’m psyched to see Christoph Waltz return as Blofeld. I’m eager to see what director Cary Fukunaga does with a Bond film. I usually look forward to the opening scene (like Spectre’s epic Day of the Dead scene), but word has it the filmmakers are doing something different this time around.  I’m curious to see how you open a Bond film without a major action sequence.  On a bittersweet note, this will be the first Bond film I’ve watched without my Dad. 


3. Last Night in Soho

Edgar Wright has made several of my favorite movies including Scott Pilgrim and Baby Driver.  His latest is a horror film.  According to Wikipedia, the plot goes like this: “The film focuses on a young wannabe fashion designer girl who mysteriously enters the 1960s to encounter her idol.”  The cast is amazing featuring scream queen Anya Taylor-Joy, the underrated Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie (who ups the value of any movie she’s in), Matt Smith, Terence Stamp, and Diana Rigg.  Taylor-Joy is always amazing.  I can’t wait for this.  

Courtesy of Focus Features.

2. Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Elvis project

The director of Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, and Moulin Rouge is one of my favorites.  He hasn’t directed a feature since 2013’s The Great Gatsby.  While I’m not really an Elvis fan, I trust Luhrmann will do something amazing.  Plus, Tom Hanks is playing Colonel Tom Parker.  I’m hoping this film is full of that Red Curtain Trilogy magic. 

1. The Matrix 4 

Lana Wachowski returns to direct this installment of my favorite sci-fi series by herself.  Several major cast members are returning including Keanu Reeves as Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity.  Reeves told Empire he decided to make another Matrix film after reading the screenplay.  “Lana Wachowski wrote a beautiful script and a wonderful story that resonated with me.”  I saw the original Matrix movie countless times in the theater.  It shaped my spirituality.  It’s pretty much my favorite movie.  This is the film that’s both farthest away and hardest to wait for.  With a release date of December 22, I’m going to have to wait to unwrap my Christmas present.  

Fingers crossed none of these get pushed back to 2022. .  BIOS, Cinderella, Last Night in Soho, and No Time to Die all pushed their release dates back this week. (And I was so looking forward to Cinderella’s early February release.). Surprisingly, three of my picks this year are horror films.  And it was nearly four with the upcoming A Quiet Place: Part II.  Maybe it has something to do with the times we’re living in.  Stories of fear and survival may hold more appeal during dark times.  What movies are you looking forward to this year?  Let me know in the comments. I’ll be covering the Sundance Film Festival from January 28-February 3. Check the Facebook page for updates.


 

Top 10 Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2020

It’s February and I’m still catching up with the last few films from 2019 on my must watch list.  While I’m a little sad the coming year doesn’t have anything quite as epic as Avengers: Endgame or Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker to look forward to, I am excited about some new films and the return of some of my favorite filmmakers. Here’s my top 10: 

 10. The Prom

I love musicals.  I love positive LGBT representation.  And I’m glad I don’t have to wait to catch this Broadway hit on tour.  Netflix is releasing Ryan Murphy’s adaptation of the story about about four Broadway actors coming to the aid of a lesbian high school student banned from bringing her girlfriend to prom. With an all-star cast including Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Keegan-Michael Key, Kerry Washington, James Corden, and Andrew Rannells, this should be fun. It should come out sometime this fall.

9. Wonder Woman 1984

I can’t wait to revisit the ‘80s with one of my favorite superheroes.  The trailer looks like fun.  Hopefully, this sequel will be as empowering as the original. This will definitely be a highlight of my summer.  

 8. Ammonite

Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan play a sapphic couple in this British drama. The lesbian drama Carol got robbed at the Oscars.  Maybe this romance can make up for it. I love seeing Saoirse in love stories like Brooklyn. These are two of my favorite actresses. This should be one of the best dramas of the year.  

7. In The Heights

 Lin-Manuel Miranda, pre-Hamilton, first rose to fame for writing and starring in this Tony-winning musical.  I’ve seen the stage version before, but it will be fun to revisit the story.   And to see how the filmmakers adapt the material, liberating it from the stage and opening it up.  The trailer looks promising. The choreography looks amazing. This will be fun on a big screen.

 6. Black Widow/The Eternals

This one’s a tie because I can’t decide which Marvel film I’m more excited about. It’s going to be nice (and bittersweet) to see Black Widow again at least one more time. I also have to be excited about a film that makes Kumail Nanjiani and Angelina Jolie an official part of the MCU. I’m also very happy that The Eternals will feature Marvel’s first gay lead character and first same-sex kiss.

5. The King of Staten Island

I’m a Judd Apatow fan and this is his latest comedy dropping this summer. It stars Pete Davidson in a semi-autobiographical story about growing up in Staten Island, losing his father during 9/11, and entering the world of stand-up comedy. Davidson got rave reviews for the film Big Tim Adolescence which played the film festivals. He’s a constant highlight on Weekend Update on SNL. I think this will be one of the best comedies of the summer.

4. I’m Thinking of Ending Things 

This is the latest film from writer/director Charlie Kaufman.  I’ve loved him ever since Being John Malkovich.  From IMDB: “An unexpected detour causes a woman who is trying to figure out how to break up with her boyfriend to rethink her life.” The cast includes Jessie Buckley, Toni Collette, and Jesse Plemons.

3. No Time To Die

My original #3 was Paul Thomas Anderson’s untitled next project, however it’s been pushed back to 2021. So, my new #3 is the latest Bond film. It’s Daniel Craig’s last turn as Bond. I’ll be sad to see him go. He’s one of my favorite Bonds. But I’m excited to have one last adventure with him. Rami Malek looks like he’s going to be a wonderfully creepy villain. While I’m not really a Bllie Eillish fan, I love the song she wrote for the film. And I’m psyched to see Christoph Waltz return as Blofeld. I’m eager to see what director Cary Fukunaga does with a Bond film. It’ll be hard topping the Day of the Dead opening scene from Spectre. I can’t wait to see what they come up with.  

 2. The French Dispatch 

Wes Anderson has been a favorite director for a long time.  His quirky films are one of my favorite things in life.  From IMDB:  “A love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional 20th-century French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in "The French Dispatch" magazine.” As always, Anderson has assembled an impressive cast. This looks like a fun follow up to The Grand Budapest Hotel.

1. Tenet 

This is the movie i’m dying for.  The trailer makes me salivate.  It simply looks like one of the coolest sci-fi films since The Matrix, since Christopher Nolan’s own Inception.  I love the whole time running backward thing.  It’s visually stunning.  I simply can not wait for this.  I’m so grateful it’s releasing at summer and not Christmas.  

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Favorite Movie Scenes of 2019

2019 was an eclectic year for movies. I want to end 2019 and the awards season by sharing some of my favorite scenes. Not all of my favorite movies are represented. But these are some of the scenes that will stick with me the longest. I thought about making this a Top 10 list but decided not to restrict myself. There were just too many good scenes this year.

1. Parasite, “Mission Impossible”.  

In Parasite, a poor family slowly insinuates themselves into a rich family’s lives.  One of the movie’s most suspenseful scenes involves the poor family framing the maid so that they can replace her.  The way they pull it off is precise and ingenious.  

2. Ford v Ferrari, fight scene

Matt Damon and Christian Bale have the most hilarious fist fight.  The longer this scene goes on, the better it gets.  There’s much to love about this film, but this scene is the reason I’ll own a copy of the Blu-ray.  

3.  *SPOILER* in Yesterday 

Robert Carlyle has a surprise cameo as John Lennon.  We get to find out what John Lennon would be like at 78, if he had lived, if he hadn’t been assassinated.  This is the kind of magic that only the movies can give you.  

4. The opening of Marriage Story

The movie starts with both characters stating what they love about each other.  The dual montage is beautiful and tells not only a love story but the story of a marriage and a family.

5. Judy, the finale

At my showing, one poor lady got up and left the theater as Renée Zellweger began to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”  First of all, why did you come to this movie if you didn’t want to hear Judy Garland’s most popular song?  But more importantly, she missed one of the greatest movie endings of the year.  Judy gets choked up and can’t finish the song.  So the audience sings it to her.  It’s so emotional and beautiful.

6. Avengers: Endgame, “Avengers, assemble!”

 Marvel fans waited over a decade to hear Cap utter that classic battle cry from the comics.  And the wait was worth it.  Seeing every Marvel hero together on the battlefield was amazing.   

7. Brittany Runs a Marathon, Meet Brittany

In her first scene, clowning around as an usher at a theater, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Jillian Bell.  She has you in her pocket for the rest of the film.  You can’t help but root for her on her journey.    

8. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Mr Rogers comes to visit

Fred Rogers was a humble man.  But he had to know what his presence meant to people.  The scene where Mr. Rogers visits journalist Larry Vogel and his father Jerry at Jerry’s deathbed is simply heartwarming.  The entire family is starstruck.  Mr. Rogers spends the day visiting with them, taking pictures, even finding words to give Jerry’s experience meaning.  It is a kind act that makes a huge difference to the Vogel family.  And pethaps it is a reminder of the power of kindness.   

9. John Wick 3, knife fight

The knife fight in this movie is worth the price of admission alone.  It’s fast paced, intense, and insane.  It’s everything you want in an action film.  And they don’t save it for the final battle.  They bust it out early in the movie.  It’s the highlight of the entire film.  

10. Us, the mirror scene

Elisabeth Moss is like a child seeing a mirror for the first time, taken with her own beauty, then horrified.  Her character is so human in that scene.  You could start to have pity for the Tethered.  

11. 1917 SPOILER  

 Corporal Blake’s death scene stood out as one of the saddest, most shocking, realest moments on screen all year.  It’s every bit as shocking as *SPOILER* Janet Leigh’s death in Psycho.  We are left without our hero, the character we’ve been rooting for. The floor has been pulled out from under us.  The scene drives home the horrors and randomness of war while also moving the plot forward.  The mission is now more important than ever and it rests in the hands of poor, unfortunate George Mackay.  Mackay will get a Best Actor nomination some day.  It’s a shame it won’t be for this role.  

12. Frozen II, Olaf recaps Frozen

Olaf gets some of the best scenes in the movie, including his solo number “When I Am Older.”  However, my favorite is his one-snowman reenactment of the entire first movie.  Like so much of what comes from Olaf, it’s funny and unexpected.  And a movie moment I’ll remember for a long time.  (After the credits, he does one for Frozen II.  If you used the RunPee, app, you’d know that already.)  

13. Teen Spirit, the walk to the stage.  

This was the first scene of the year I fell in love with.  Elle Fanning is about to compete for the last time on a singing competition. We feel every suspenseful step from the dressing room to the stage because we take it with her.  A wonderfully shot sequence.  

14.. The end of Toy Story 4

 It’s a bittersweet end to the beloved series.  Woody, Forky, and Gabby Gabby all find the place they each belong though it’s not where either of them thought.   

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The Film Independent Spirit Awards 2020

Aubrey Plaza hosted the Film Independent Spirit Awards again this year. I think she’s a fun host. She opened with a Judy Garland inspired sketch bemoaning the death of independent cinema.thanks to streaming sites It wasn’t as good as last year’s Suspiria parody, but it was cute.

Plaza entered belting out the Judy Garland standard “Get Happy” and delivered the opening monologue. She teased the head of Netflix, Reed Hastings. And she said,“We recognize female directors.”

Scarlett Johansson and Laura Dern presented the award for Best Supporting Male to Willem Dafoe for The Lighthouse. It was his second win and his fourth nomination. He previously won for Shadow of he Vampire. He thanked Robert Eggers for and spoke about the beautiful, elevated language of the script and the fierce experimentation of the filming process. He also said, “I share this with Rob Pattinson.” After all my griping, you know I’m glad to see Dafoe get an award.

Director Olivia Wilde and Beanie Feldstein and Caitlin Deaver from Booksmart presented Best Editing to Uncut Gems. Ronald Bronstein thanked Adam Sandler for never giving a bad take.

Giancarlo Esposito and Bob Odenkirk presented Best Documentary to American Factory. It was produced by the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground Productions. Co-director Julia Reichert said,“Our film tries to ask questions about working people around the world.”  

During a segue to commercial, Aubrey Plaza said, “I promise I won’t sing again.  I might pole dance, but only to show J. Lo how it’s done.” 

America Ferrera presented the Bonnie Award to Kelly Reichardt. The Bonnie Award is named after Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo who became the first female pilot to fly for a major U.S. airline (American). According to the official website, the award “recognizes female directors with a remarkable body of work that demonstrates their uniqueness of vision and groundbreaking approach to film.” Reichardt’s filmography includes Wendy and Lucy, Certain Women, Meek’s Cutoff, and Old Joy.

St. Vincent and Carrie Brownstein presented Best Cinematography to The Lighthouse. It was the first nomination and win for Jarin Blaschke. This was a category where I loved all the nominees.

John M. Chu and Alfre Woodard presented he Truer Than Fiction Award to Jaddoland.

Margaret Qualley and Joey King presented the John Cassevetes Award. Named after filmmaker John Cassavettes, this award goes to the best picture made for less than $500,000. Give Me Liberty was the winner. The movie was based on the director’s own experiences as a van driver for people with disabilities. He mostly used non-actors from his own Russian-American community. Kirill Mikhanovsky said,“Everything we do...It’s important that it’s personal.  That’s the only way to do good work.”    

Taylor Russell and Noah Jupe presented Best First Screenplay to See You Yesterday.

Elisabeth Moss and Jim Gaffigan spoke about the first films they appeared in (she was in Suburban Commando with Hulk Hogan!) before presenting Best First Feature. Booksmart won, which makes me very happy. Beanie Feldstein and Caitlin Deaver became roommates for 2 months and developed a relationship for the film.

Aubrey Plaza starred in a Lighthouse parody featuring Michael Shannon that was hilarious.

Zazie Beetz and John M. Chu presented Best International Film. Chu said, “The beauty of cinema knows no boundaries.” Parasite won, which made me happy. It was the second nomination and first win for Bong Joon-ho.

Aubrey Plaza introduced the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles to celebrate LGBTQ moments in films that were not primarily LGBTQ. It’s kind of a weird gag that becomes inspired by the end.

Alfre Woodard and John M. Chu presented the Producers Award to Mollye Asher.

Mindy Kaling and Nick Kroll presented Best Screenplay to Marriage Story. It was Noah Baumbach’s first win. He said,“Writing is hard.  It’s agony.  And i’m in awe of all the screenwriters here and elsewhere who essentially devoted their lives to something that gives us no pleasure and makes us feel bad.” 

Idina Menzel and Alfre Woodard presented Best Supporting Female. It was the first time at the Spirit Awards in an acting category that all five nominees were women of color. Shuzhen Zhao won for The Farewell. Director Lulu Wong accepted on her behalf.

Nicholas Cage presented the Robert Altman award to Marriage Story. He said that the “award is about honoring ensemble work that captures the truth.  And this cast comes together in an extraordinary way to tell the truth about how families sometimes fall apart yet somehow find a way to move forward.”

In a film clip, director Noah Baumbach said, “There’s a point where the actor knows more about the character than you do and those are the best moments.”  

Rashadd Ernesto Green won the Someone to Watch Award for Premature.

Don Cheadle presented Best Director. He quoted the late, great John Singleton who said, “Any fool can point a camera but you’ve got to have a story to tell.” The Safdie Brothers won for Uncut Gems. They read their acceptance speeches simultaneously.

Rachel Brosnahan and Octavia Spencer presented Best Male Lead to Adam Sandler for Uncut Gems. It was his first nomination and win. He shadowed jewelers in their personal and professional lives for the role. Sandler gave the most Sandler-esque speech imaginable even doing a kooky voice for much of the speech.

Naomi Watts presented Best Female Lead to Renée Zellweger for Judy. It was her first win and third nomination.

Robert De Niro presented the final award of the afternoon, Best Feature. The Farewell won. It was Lulu Wong’s first nomination and win.

I enjoy the Spirit Awards for several reasons. The love is spread around to several different films. Movies that Oscar ignored often get recognized here. And I usually end up with a lot of new movies on my “to watch” list, films that were not on my radar before.

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The Academy Awards 2020

Parasite nearly swept the Oscars. Courtesy of Neon Entertainment.

I was happy to see so many movies I loved this year nominated across so many different categories. Not every year is like this. It was a strong class of Best Picture nominees this year. It was a fun, eclectic group of films.

Before I dive into the Oscar ceremony, I’d like to share a few of my favorite moments from the red carpet.

Billy Porter asked Janelle Monáe about her role in the movie Harriet. He said, “What do you feel is the most important takeaway from the movie?”

She said, “I think the important takeaway is to listen to black women.  When we are in positions of leadership, when we have your support, we can do the unthinkable, we can do the impossible.” 

Lin-Manuell Miranda revealed he is writing four new songs for The Little Mermaid live action movie. He also said that Andrew Garfield will be playing RENT creator Jonathan Larson in Miranda’s directorial debut, an adaptation of Larson’s autobiographical musical Tick, Tick…Boom. He also mentioned that HBO has acquired the rights to the Sundance documentary Siempre Luis about the work of his father. (Oh, and if you haven’t heard yet, Disney is releasing Hamilton to theaters on Oct 15, 2021. Mark your calendars! I smell a Best Picture contender.). About his father, Miranda says “I’m the slacker.” Hard to believe.

Lilly Aldridge interviewed Renée Zellweger, asking her what drew her to the role of Judy Garland. Zellweger said, “I didn’t know so much about the circumstances of her life and her early life...and this film was an opportunity to sort of contextualize those circumstances, to sort of subvert the notion that her life was tragic.  When you look at what she overcame again and agsin, her tenacity, that she was able to give on such high levels and perform on such high levels for such a sustained period of time, she’s heroic.” 

Aldridge asked her how it felt singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and if she was nervous doing it.

Zellweger replied, “Sure.  Oh gosh, yeah.  Sure.  But by the time we filmed that, we had been working at the Hackney Empire with all the actors who play the audience for a week.  And we shared stories about Judy and what her legacy meant to each of us and how she touched each of us personally.  And so, in that momemt, that was sort of like the confluence of all of that love that we had sort of been throwing around about Judy.  And it was very moving to think about her singing that song in her younger days as a child.  And then later on in her life how she’s still singing about hope but that it’s a more courageous hope.  It just moved me tremendously.”  

The ceremony opened with Janelle Monáe dressed as Mr. Rogers and singing the theme song. She then burst out into a more lively number with back up dancers including clowns, pimps, and others. She made references to films that had been snubbed, including Midsommar, Dolemite Is My Name, Us, and Hustlers.

Steve Martin and Chris Rock delivered the opening monologue. Rock said he loved the first season of The Irishman. He also said Cynthia Erivo did such a good job hiding all the black people in Harriet, the Academy got her to hide all the black nominees. They wrapped up by saying, “Well, we’ve had a great time not hosting tonight.”

Regina King presented Best Supporting Actor. For the acting categories, they did a neat thing this year, where they showed an extended montage of scenes of the different films blended together. It showed the way that some of the performances complemented and spoke to each other. It was really very cool. Brad Pitt won for Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood. It was his second Oscar win. In his speech, he told Tarantino, “I love the ethos you gave Cliff Booth.  Look for the best in people.” He also told the audience “.Give a little love to our stunt coordinators and stunt crews. “

Beanie Feldstein introduced Mindy Kaling who presented the animated film awards. Toy Story 4 won Best Animated Feature Film. So I did not have to walk around my house smashing things. Seriously, though, Pixar did an amazing job on this film. Dreamworks did an equally amazing job on How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. I’m glad one of them got to take home the Oscar.

Jonas Rivera said, “Toy Story 4 is a love letter to our families.”

Josh Cooley said, “We want to thank the movie going audience so much, especially those who grew up with Toy Story.  We hope that your adventures with Woody and Buzz made growing up a little bit easier.”

Hair Love won Best Animated Short Film. It was the first nomination and win for the filmmakers.

Producer Karen Rupert Toliver said, “There were so many filmmakers that worked so hard on this and it was a labor of love.  And it was because we have a firm belief that representation matters deeply.  Especially in cartoons.  Because in cartoons, that’s when we first see our movies and that’s how we shape our lives and think about the world.”

Director Matthew A. Cherry called for the Crown Act, a bill first passed in California last year to protect Black people from hair discrimination, to be enacted nationally. DeAndre Arnold, a teenager from Texas who refused to cut his locs to be allowed to walk at graduation, was a special guest of the filmmakers.

Josh Gad introduced Idina Menzel and a cast of Elsas voice-over artists from around the globe singing “Into the Unknown.”

Kelly Marie Tran introduced Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves who presented Best Original Screenplay. Parasite won. This was the first ever Oscar for South Korea. This win made me so happy. I could breathe a little easier knowing at least Parasite got something. Little did I know.

Timothée Chalamet and Natalie Portman presented Best Adapted Screenplay. Portman’s dress supposedly featured the names of snubbed female directors.

Taika Waititi won for Jojo Rabbit. It was his first Oscar win. He is the first indigenous director to ever win an Oscar. This also made me very happy. I love Taika. If you haven’t seen any of his films, you’re in for a treat. I was glad to see Jojo Rabbit pick up an award.

Shia LaBeouf & Zack Gottsagen presented the award for Best Live Action Short. This was a special treat for fans of The Peanut Butter Falcon. It was heart warming to hear the cheers for the duo as they took the stage. The Neighbors’ Window won. I had been rooting for the more intense A Sister, but I enjoyed The Neighbors’ Window. I think it’s one my father would have liked too. It’s like a modern day O. Henry story.

Comedians Maya Rudlolph and Kristen Wiig showed off their acting chops while presenting the award for Best Production Design. Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood won. Which I can’t really argue with. In addition to recreating Hollywood in the ‘70s (people actually tried to walk into the fake store fronts), all the fake movie posters and magazine covers they had to mock up for Leo’s character were pretty awesome. I liked the MAD Magazine cover quite a bit myself.

Little Women won Best Costume Design. I was disappointed by this. I was hoping Jojo Rabbit would take this one.

Chrissy Metz performed “I’m Standing With You” from the movie Breakthrough.  

There was a brief montage on documentaries.

Mark Ruffalo presented the documentary awards. Four of the nominated films in the Best Documentary Feature category were directed or co-directed by women. American Factory won Best Documentary Feature. It was the first win for all three filmmakers. Julia Reichert was similarly eloquent as she was at the Spirit Awards talking about the plight of workers.

Learning to Skateboard in a War Zone (If You’re a Girl) won Best Documentary Short. Director Carol Dysinger said Frank Capra handed her a student Academy Award in 1977.  She also said this movie is her love letter to the brave girls of Afghanistan.

Mahershala Ali presented the award for Best Supporting Actress to Laura Dern. It was her first Oscar win and her third nomination. She said, “Some say, 'Never meet your heroes.' I say if you're really blessed, you get them as your parents. I share this with my acting hero, my legends, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern.”

Anthony Ramos introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda who presented a music montage of memorable Oscar-winning songs. The montage ended with a live performance of Eminem performing “Lose Yourself” live. This was an awesome surprise as Em originally opted not to perform his hit song in 2003 when it was nominated (and won!). “Lose Yourself” was the first hip-hop song to win an Oscar.

Oscar Isaac and Salma Hayek presented the sound editing and mixing awards. Ford v Ferrari won Best Sound Editing. This made me happy. I was so glad to see Ford v Ferrari get some recognition. Donald Sylvester mentioned that it was probably the last film made by 20th Century Fox (sadly). He also gave a shout out to director James Mangold and said he should have been nominated for Best Director. I agree.

1917 won Best Sound Mixing. Although I wasn’t rooting for 1917 in this category, it’s nice that this is one of the few awards the movie walked away with. I like that this is a year where the love was spread around to several different films. 1917 was a good movie and it deserves recognition.

Randy Newman performed “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” from Toy Story 4.

Utkarsh Ambudkar from Brittany Runs a Marathon did an improv rap recapping the first half of the ceremony. It was impressive!  

Will Ferrel and Jullia Louis Dreyfus sp? presented Best Cinematography. They thought the cinematographer did the catering and fetched the actors and brought them to the set in golf carts. Roger Deakins won for 1917. It was his second win and fifteenth nomination. (What a prestigious career!). He gave a humble speech for such an accomplished man.

Will and Julia also presented the award for Best Film Editing, agreeing that film editors were the worst and had cut out all their best work. Ford v Ferrari won which made me happy. Andrew Buckland said, “James Mangold, it’s my great, great pleasure to have sat and watched you become one of the best directors in this business in the last fifteen years.”

David Rubin, the president of the academy, talked about the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and introduced Tom Hanks. Hanks talked further about the museum and claimed he was putting up drywall for it earlier that morning. He made the announcement that the museum would open its doors on on December 14.

Zazie Beetz introduced the orchestra and the conductor and then introduced Cynthia Erivo who performed “Stand Up” from Harriet.

James Corden and Rebel Wilson came out in poor looking cat costumes and said that they more than anyone understood the importance of good visual effects before presenting the award for Best Visual Effects to 1917. Before reading the name of the winner, they both batted the microphone with their paws for a while.

Ray Romano and Sandra Oh presented the award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling to Bombshell. Which is pretty undeniable. Kazu Hiro thanked his mentor, makeup legend Rick Baker. He said, “We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Charlize Theron. You’re amazing. You’re an amazing actor and producer. And your compassion, love, and care made this film possible. And because of your bravery and passion, we are able to set a new bar in the makeup industry and create a new way to tell stories.”

There was a montage of foreign/international films with voice-over by Penelope Cruz. “We all ask ourselves the same questions.  And sometimes the answer could be hidden in a film that represents our global language of cinema.” Cruz then presented the award for Best International Film to Parasite. This was South Korea’s first nomination and win in this category, South Korea’s second ever Oscar win. (After winning Best Original Screenplay earlier in the evening.) I was so happy Parasite won. Bong Joon-ho expressed gratitude at being the first recipient of the award under the new category title.

Elton John performed “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman.

Taika Waititi took a moment to acknowledge our Native American ancestors before recapping the Governors Awards recipients. He said, “The academy would like to acknowledge that tonight we have gathered on the ancestral lands of the Tongva, the Tataviam, and the Chumash. We acknowledge them as the first peoples of this land on which the motion pictures community lives and works.”

Gal Gadot, Sigourney Weaver, and Brie Larson came out to present the music awards. “All women are superrheroes.  For first time, a female conductor will be conducting best original scores.” Maestra Elmear No-one conducted a Best Original Score medley. Joker won Best Original Score. It was Hildur Guðnadóttir’s first nomination and win.  She said, “To the girls, to the women, to the mothers, to the daughters who hear the music bubbling within, please speak up. We need to hear your voices.”  

Elton John won Best Original Song. I was so happy for Rocketman to win in the only category it was nominated.

Spike Lee presented Best Director to Bong Joon-ho for Parasite. This was an upset. After the Golden Globes, Sam Mendes was favored to win, especially since 1917 was favored to win Best Picture. Joon-Ho said, “I thought I was done for the day and ready to relax. He quoted Scorsese “The most personal is the most creative.”

Steven Spielberg somberly introduced the In Memoriam segment. Singer Billie Eilish sang “Yesterday” as tribute was paid to stars including Kobe Bryant, Rip Torn, Terry Jones, Agnes Varda, Danny Aiello, Buck Henry, Robert Forester, Robert Evans, Peter Mayhew, Doris Day, Rutger Hauer, John Witherspoon, Peter Fonda, John Singleton, and Kirk Douglas.

George McKay introduced Olivia Coleman who presented Best Actor to Joaquin Phoenix for Joker. It was his first Oscar and fourth nomination. He said, “We share the same love, the love of film, and this form of expression has given me the most extraordinary life. I don’t know what I’d be without it.” He went on to speak about how all the celebrity causes are really the fight against injustice. He also talked about how we have become disconnected from the natural world.  

Rami Malek presented Best Actress to Renée Zellweger for Judy. It was her second Oscar win and her fourth nomination. She said, “Our heroes unite us, the best among us who inspires us to find the best in ourselves. They unite us. When we look to our heroes, we agree…When we celebrate our heroes, we’re reminded of who we are.”  

Jane Fonda presented Best Picture to Parasite. It was a major upset and a pleasant surprise. 1917 had been the front runner. Parasite is the first non-English speaking film to win Best Picture. As a lover of foreign films, this is so exciting. Plus, I’m always happy when the movie I’m rooting for wins. Parasite was my #1 movie this year so I’m excited it took home the gold. This is such a 180 from Green Card’s win last year.

That’s a wrap on this year’s awards season. I’ll be posting early contenders for next year’s Oscars soon. To stay in the know, sign up for the newsletter and like the Facebook page.

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2020

Please note that while the SAG Awards honor achievement in film and television, for our purposes, we will only be focusing on the awards given out in the film categories.

At this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards, Eugene Levy’s “I am an actor” speech went three times longer than everyone else’s and they had to cut Tom Hanks. See the hilarious footage below.

It was then revealed that Eugene and Dan Levy were delivering the opening monologue.

Laura Dern won Best Supporting Actress for Marriage Story. She hugged her dad Bruce Dern on the way to the stage. In her speech, she said, “And to all you actors. I literally, literally would not be here if it were not for actors, so thank you Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd. And thank you for raising me in the community of your friends, on your movies, doing your plays and getting to know the wealth of these extraordinary people.”

The cast of Parasite introduced their film. It was cool to see them reunited on stage. They said, “Watching the film, you may find your loyalties to our characters shifting and questioning who, exactly, are the heroes and who are the villains? And when you leave the theater, you still may not have decided on an answer.”

Brad Pitt won Best Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood. It was his second win and his ninth nomination. He began his acceptance speech by saying, “I’ve got to add this to my Tinder profile.” He went on to add, “Now, we all know what we do is a team sport and we elevate each other, and I got to work with some amazing, amazing people.” Watch Pitt’s humorous acceptance speech below.

The president of the SAG-AFTRA, Gabrielle Carteris, gave a brief speech, saying “Art is magic. Art is power. And the magic and power of what we do together can and will shape a better future.” There was a montage focusing on heroes. Taika Waititi, Scarlett Johansson, and Roman Griffin Davis introduced Jojo Rabbit. Roman Griffin Davis pumped his fists after getting his line reading correct. It was adorable.

Leonardo DiCaprio presented Robert De Niro with the Lifetime Achievement award. In his introduction, DiCaprio described De Niro’s collaborations with Scorsese as “career long explorations of the human condition.” De Niro spoke about the importance of unions and voting for leaders who support unions and spoke out against blatant abuse of power.

Anna Paquin, Ray Romano, and Harvey Keitel introduced The Irishman. Romano said, “I just want to say that if you told me some day I would get to play a mob lawyer opposite De Niro, Pacino, and Harvey Keitel, I wouldn’t, I still can’t believe it.”

“We can’t believe it either, Ray” Harvey Keitel replied, razzing him.

“That’s not up there,” Romano said.

“It is now,” Keitel replied.

Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman, and Charlize Theron introduced Bombshell. Charlize Theron said, “The film is also a reminder that you don’t have to agree with a person’s point of view to approach them and their story with empathy.”

Joaquin Phoenix won Best Actor for Joker. It was his first win and his fifth nomination. He praised the other actors in his category. He ended his speech by saying, “I’m standing here on the shoulders of my favorite actor, Heath Ledger.”

Renée Zellweger won Best Actress for Judy. it was her fourth win and her sixth nomination. She expressed her gratitude at being part of a family of storytellers that gets to push history a little bit closer to the light.

Parasite won Best Ensemble Cast, becoming the firs foreign film ever to win the Screen Actors Guild’s highest honor. Star Kang-ho Song talked about how the story is about co-existence and how we can all live together.

I’m very excited about Parasite’s win. I hope it bodes well for its chances at the Oscars.

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Academy Award Nominations 2020: Snubs and Surprises

Courtesy of Neon.

Could Parasite win Best Picture?

The Oscar nominations have been announced, bringing with them snubs, surprises, and reasons to celebrate. So let’s go ahead and dive right in.

Adam Driver in Marriage Story. Courtesy of Netflix.

Performance by an actor in a leading role:

Antonio Banderas in PAIN AND GLORY 

Leonardo DiCaprio in ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD 

Adam Driver in MARRIAGE STORY 

Joaquin Phoenix in JOKER 

Jonathan Pryce in THE TWO POPES 

It’s unbelievable that we have two heavyweights celebrating their first Oscar nominations in this category. Antonio Banderas gives a nuanced, lived-in performance as a gay filmmaker looking back at his life in Pain and Glory. Jonathan Pryce plays an unconventional cardinal in a role that’s hard not to like in The Two Popes. I’m pretty torn because I love Pryce as an actor and I was rooting for him to get a nomination last year for The Wife. I can’t deny The Two Popes is a good movie and Pryce and Hopkins are both good in it. (Granted, I like the beginning of it more than the second half.). However, there are movies and performances I liked a lot better this year that I’d rather have seen nominated. Once Upon a Time is overrated and it’s some of Tarantino’s lesser work. The Academy loves it because it’s about Hollywood. Besides, DiCaprio already has his Oscar. Even if it is for one of his worst movies. I’ve been an Adam Driver fan for a long time and I’m glad to see him get his second nomination, his first for a lead performance. Joaquin Phoenix is favored to win and I would be fine with that. He was amazing in Joker. And he was overlooked for Inherent Vice and Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot, both wonderful performances.

Snubs in this category include:

Taron Egerton in Rocketman

Eddie Murphy in Dolemite Is My Name

Roman Griffin Davis in Jojo Rabbit

Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems

Kang-ho Song in Parasite

Robert Downey Jr in Avengers: Endgame

Christian Bale in Ford v Ferrari

Matt Damon in Ford v Ferrari

George MacKay in 1917

Robert De Niro in The Irishman

Michael B. Jordan in Just Mercy

The one that makes me angriest is Taron Egerton. He did just as well as Rami Malek in bringing a rock icon to life onscreen. And he did his own singing! Eddie Murphy is having an amazing career comeback. Maybe that’s its own reward, but it still would have been nice to have some official recognition. When it comes to child actors, the Academy tends to honor young women instead of young men so it’s not surprising Roman Griffin Davis didn’t make the cut. But his work in Jojo Rabbit is nothing short of astounding for a young actor. Adam Sandler gets the same raw deal that Jim Carrey always got. Because he’s a comedian and the Academy doesn’t approve of his sillier films, they won’t reward his more artistic ones. Man on the Moon and Punch Drunk Love both should have gotten Best Actor nominations. Parasite is riding a wave of so much love, I’m surprised it didn’t bleed into any of the acting categories. There was a group of dedicated Marvel fans hoping Robert Downey Jr might get a nomination for his final role as Iron Man in Endgame. Sadly, we did not get our wish. Christian Bale and Matt Damon were my second favorite couple on screen this year after Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever in Booksmart; their chemistry was simply magic. George MacKay carries most of 1917 and some day he’ll probably carry an Oscar home. Sadly, it won’t be this year. Somehow, everyone from The Irishman got nominated but De Niro. Like clockwork, about every two years or so Michael B. Jordan gets robbed of an Oscar nomination (Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther).

Brad Pitt. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. Photo Credit: Andrew Cooper.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role:

Tom Hanks in A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD 

Anthony Hopkins in THE TWO POPES 

Al Pacino in THE IRISHMAN 

Joe Pesci in THE IRISHMAN 

Brad Pitt in ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

After years of amazing work (Captain Phillips, Bridge of Spies, Sully, Charlie Wilson’s War, Saving Mr. Banks), Tom Hanks is finally, FINALLY nominated again. I was starting to think it would never happen again no matter what he did. So I am OVERJOYED simply at his being nominated. I am frustrated, however, that this is the only nomination for Marie Heller’s powerful film. Pacino and Pesci were both great in The Irishman. I’m so happy Pesci came out of retirement to do this role. He steals the entire film. This is often my favorite category at the Oscars and these three nominations make me happy. I like Pitt’s character in Once Upon a Time. But I’d like to see an upset in this category and see someone else take the gold home.

Snubs include:

Sam Rockwell in Jojo Rabbit and Richard Jewell

Willem Dafoe in The Lighthouse

Jamie Foxx in Just Mercy

Bill Hader in It: Chapter 2

Shia LaBeouf in The Peanut Butter Falcon

Shia LaBeouf in Honey Boy

Noah Jupe in Honey Boy

Robert Carlyle in Yesterday

Hey, Academy, I thought we had an unspoken agreement that Sam Rockwell was going to be in this category every year from now on! Otherwise, what was that nomination for Vice all about? I’m sad to see Willem Dafoe break his two year streak as well. It was fun watching his vicious monologues in The Lighthouse. Jamie Foxx was amazing in the important and sadly under seen film Just Mercy. Bill Hader was the surprising heart of It: Chapter 2. Shia LaBeouf is one of those people who deserves an award for just having an amazing year. He turned in two of the best performances of his career. Noah Jupe is the other child actor who blew me away this year. And yes, I’m still banging a gong for Robert Carlyle in Yesterday. Attention must be paid.

Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland. Courtesy of LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions.

Photo Credit: David Hindley

Performance by an actress in a leading role:

Cynthia Erivo in HARRIET 

Scarlett Johansson in MARRIAGE STORY 

Saoirse Ronan in LITTLE WOMEN 

Charlize Theron in BOMBSHELL 

Renée Zellweger in JUDY 

This is a pretty solid category. There are a few dark horse candidates I wish I had made it in, but I can’t really argue with this line-up. Cynthia Erivo is powerful as Harriet Tubman and has a great speech at the end of the film. Scarlett Johansson finally gets her first (and with the following category her second) Oscar nomination. She acts her guts out against Adam Driver in Marriage Story. Saoirse Ronan is the mischievous, independent soul of Little Women. Charlize Theron was unrecognizable in Bombshell, completely transforming herself.  Renée Zellweger gave a touching, empathetic performance in Judy.

Snubs include:

Awkwafina in The Farewell

Beanie Feldstein in Booksmart

Kaitlyn Dever in Booksmart

Jillian Bell in Brittany Runs a Marathon

Lupita Nyong’o in Us

Awkwafina was a major snub. A lot of people expected her to get a nomination. I believe she has a long, successful career ahead of her and will get one eventually. Beanie Feldstein managed to snag a Golden Globe nomination but my Booksmart girls couldn’t get any Oscar love. I am deeply saddened that the talented Jillian Bell was not honored by any awards body this year. If you haven’t seen Brittany, rent it. It’s one of the year’s best. Lupita belongs in this category hands down. She gave a tour de force in a double role. I blame the academy’s bias against horror films.

Scarlett Johansson and Roman Griffin Davis. Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

Photo Credit: Kimberley French

Performance by an actress in a supporting role:

 Kathy Bates in RICHARD JEWELL 

Laura Dern in MARRIAGE STORY 

Scarlett Johansson in JOJO RABBIT 

Florence Pugh in LITTLE WOMEN 

Margot Robbie in BOMBSHELL 

Kathy Bates is good in Richard Jewell but is she Jennifer Lopez in Hustlers good? Is she Annete Bening in The Report good? I don’t think so. I liked Laura Dern in Marriage Story but she’s not my favorite in this category. I’m so incredibly happy to see Scarlett Johansson nominated for Jojo Rabbit. I was afraid it wouldn’t happen. Her performance is so full of life. She joins the ranks of those few actors who have run in both acting categories in the same year. Florence Pugh is good in Little Women but what she really should have been nominated for was Midsommar. Margot Robbie was powerful as a fictionalized character in Bombshell. I’m rooting for Scarlett Johansson.

Snubs include:

Jennifer Lopez in Hustlers

Nicole Kidman in Bombshell

Annette Bening, The Report

Elisabeth Moss in Us

Bryce Dallas Howard in Rocketman

Zhao Shuzhen in The Farewell

Thomasin McKenzie in Jojo Rabbit

J. Lo was considered a front runner for the Oscar since Hustlers came out. Her snub was a major surprise. Nicole Kidman was the only actress from Bombshell not to get nominated. Annette Bening’s scenes with Adam Driver in The Report were electric. I still think Elisabeth Moss was masterful in Us. Bryce Dallas Howard gave a stunning portrayal as Elton John’s emotionally abusive mother in Rocketman. Zhao Shuzhen was lovable as the grandmother in The Farewell. The performance in Jojo Rabbit that is so essential but that has been overshadowed by all the others is that of Thomasin McKenzie. She has such perfect chemistry with Roman Griffin Davis. She’s been doing solid work since her heartbreaking turn in Leave No Trace.

A still from I Lost My Body. Courtesy of Netflix.

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year:

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD

Dean DeBlois, Bradford Lewis and Bonnie Arnold 

I LOST MY BODY

Jérémy Clapin and Marc du Pontavice 

KLAUS

Sergio Pablos, Jinko Gotoh and Marisa Román 

MISSING LINK

Chris Butler, Arianne Sutner and Travis Knight 

TOY STORY 4

Josh Cooley, Mark Nielsen and Jonas Rivera 

Again, Missing Link?! Really?! Is this movie that good? I’m going to have to sit down and watch it soon and see for myself. I can’t believe it beat out Toy Story 4 and How to Train Your Dragon at the Globes. Netflix managed to get two films in this category with Klaus and I Lost My Body. I haven’t seen either of them yet but have heard good things about both. The major surprise snub here is Frozen II. Despite a winning soundtrack and emotional and daring storytelling, this wintery sequel was left out in the cold. Seriously, though, if Toy Story 4 or How to Train Your Dragon doesn’t win this category, I’m going to be seriously pissed off.

Courtesy of Universal

Achievement in Cinematography:

THE IRISHMAN

Rodrigo Prieto 

JOKER

Lawrence Sher 

THE LIGHTHOUSE

Jarin Blaschke 

1917

Roger Deakins 

ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

Robert Richardson 

These are all worthy nominees. It’s nice to see The Lighthouse nominated. It’s always good to see Roger Deakins nominated. He does good work. While I’m not rooting for Once Upon A Time in most categories, I’d be okay if it takes this one. The movie does look great.

Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, and Roman Griffin Davis. Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

Photo Credit: Larry Horricks.

Achievement in Costume Design:

THE IRISHMAN

Sandy Powell and Christopher Peterson 

JOJO RABBIT

Mayes C. Rubeo 

JOKER

Mark Bridges 

LITTLE WOMEN

Jacqueline Durran 

ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

Arianne Phillips 

 I’m rooting for Joker or Jojo Rabbit. Dolemite Is My Name was definitely snubbed here.

Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in The Irishman. Courtesy of Netflix.

Achievement in Directing:

THE IRISHMAN

Martin Scorsese 

JOKER

Todd Phillips 

1917

Sam Mendes 

ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

Quentin Tarantino 

PARASITE

Bong Joon Ho 

If the third time is the charm, Tarantino might finally get his Best Director Oscar. But it’s really not his best film. I’m glad to see Bong Joon Ho nominated. I’d love to see him or Scorsese take home the gold. Parasite was my #1 film of the year. The Irishman may be my favorite Scorsese film I’ve ever seen. (Caveat: there’s a lot of Scorsese’s work I haven’t seen.). I really like Joker. And I really like 1917. This is a tough category.

Snubs:

Marie Heller, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Greta Gerwig, Little Women

James Mangold, Ford v Ferrari

Jordan Peele, Us

The Russo Brothers, Avengers: Endgame

Taika Waititi, Jojo Rabbit

Noah Baumbach, Marriage Story

Olivia Wilde, Booksmart

Lulu Wang, The Farewell

Alma Har’el, Honey Boy

I’m upset that A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood didn't score a Best Picture nom but I’m downright angry that its genius director Marie Heller still can’t get a nomination after making three brilliant pictures. There has been controversy over the fact that the directing category is all males this year. Greta Gerwig, Olivia Wilde, Lulu Wang, and Alma Har’el all made eligible films that were part of the awards conversation. Ford v Ferrari was one of the most surprisingly entertaining films of the year, on and off the track. Jordan Peele impressed with his sophomore effort, creating a film that rewards repeat viewings. The Russo Brothers tied up an eleven year saga in the most satisfying way possible. Taika Waititi took very fragile subject matter and made a tender, hilarious comedy out of it. Noah Baumbach directed the most romantic, bittersweet montage that opens Marriage Story. If you don’t even watch the whole movie, you should watch the first ten minutes or so just to watch this scene. It made my Top 10 Scenes of the Year list (coming soon).

Best Documentary Feature:

AMERICAN FACTORY

Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert and Jeff Reichert 

THE CAVE

Feras Fayyad, Kirstine Barfod and Sigrid Dyekjær 

THE EDGE OF DEMOCRACY

Petra Costa, Joanna Natasegara, Shane Boris and Tiago Pavan 

FOR SAMA

Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts 

HONEYLAND

Ljubo Stefanov, Tamara Kotevska and Atanas Georgiev 

I’m sad to see none of this year’s amazing music documentaries made the cut (David Crosby: Remember My Name, Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, Echo in the Canyon, etc.). American Factory is the only nominee I’m familiar with. Apollo 11 was snubbed.

Best documentary short subject:

IN THE ABSENCE

Yi Seung-Jun and Gary Byung-Seok Kam 

LEARNING TO SKATEBOARD IN A WARZONE (IF YOU’RE A GIRL)

Carol Dysinger and Elena Andreicheva 

LIFE OVERTAKES ME

John Haptas and Kristine Samuelson 

ST. LOUIS SUPERMAN

Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan 

WALK RUN CHA-CHA

Laura Nix and Colette Sandstedt 

 I have absolutely no knowledge in this area.

Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

Achievement in film editing:

FORD V FERRARI

Michael McCusker and Andrew Buckland 

THE IRISHMAN

Thelma Schoonmaker 

JOJO RABBIT

Tom Eagles 

JOKER

Jeff Groth 

PARASITE

Yang Jinmo 

The Irishman sure as hell deserves it. I’m rooting for Ford v Ferrari. Little Women was snubbed with its jumps in time.

Yeo-Jeong Jo in Parasite. Courtesy of Neon Entertainment.

Best international feature film of the year: 

CORPUS CHRISTI 

Poland 

Directed by Jan Komasa 

HONEYLAND 

North Macedonia 

Directed by Ljubo Stefanov and Tamara Kotevksa 

LES MISÉRABLES 

France 

Directed by Ladj Ly 

PAIN AND GLORY 

Spain 

Directed by Pedro Almodóvar 

PARASITE 

South Korea 

Directed by Bong Joon Ho 

Parasite is the front runner and the film I’m rooting for. Pain and Glory could pull an upset, especially since it failed to garner a Best Picture nod. I haven’t seen the other three nominees unfortunately. Festival favorite Portrait of a Lady on Fire was snubbed. Japan’s first anime film ever to be submitted for consideration, Weathering With You, was also snubbed.

Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie in Bombshell. Courtesy of Lionsgate.

Photo Credit: Hilary Bronwyn Gayle SMPSP

Achievement in makeup and hairstyling:

BOMBSHELL

Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker 

JOKER

Nicki Ledermann and Kay Georgiou 

JUDY

Jeremy Woodhead 

MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL

Paul Gooch, Arjen Tuiten and David White 

1917

Naomi Donne, Tristan Versluis and Rebecca Cole 

 I haven’t seen the Maleficent sequel but the rest are worthy nominees. It’s a hard choice between Bombshell, Joker, and Judy.

Courtesy of Netflix.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (original score):

JOKER

Hildur Guðnadóttir 

LITTLE WOMEN

Alexandre Desplat 

MARRIAGE STORY

Randy Newman 

1917

Thomas Newman 

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

John Williams 

I don’t have any major opinions here. I do tend to root for Randy Newman. I see him as kind of an underdog.

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (original song):

"I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" from TOY STORY 4

Music and Lyric by Randy Newman 

"(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from ROCKETMAN

Music by Elton John 

Lyric by Bernie Taupin 

"I'm Standing With You" from BREAKTHROUGH

Music and Lyric by Diane Warren 

"Into The Unknown" from FROZEN II

Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez 

"Stand Up" from HARRIET

Music and Lyric by Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Erivo 

Randy Newman’s song is very catchy. I’d love for Rocketman to win something! I had almost forgotten what Breakthrough was. (Can that song really be as good as Taylor Swift’s “Beautiful Ghosts”?). Snubs include the Beyonce song “Spirit” from The Lion King and the song “When I Am Older” from Frozen II.

Thomasin McKenzie, Roman Griffin Davis, and Taika Waititi in Jojo Rabbit. Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox. Photo Credit: Kimberley Fremch

Best Motion Picture of the Year: 

FORD V FERRARI

Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping and James Mangold, Producers 

THE IRISHMAN

Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Producers 

JOJO RABBIT

Carthew Neal and Taika Waititi, Producers 

JOKER

Todd Phillips, Bradley Cooper and Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Producers 

LITTLE WOMEN

Amy Pascal, Producer 

MARRIAGE STORY

Noah Baumbach and David Heyman, Producers 

1917

Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Jayne-Ann Tenggren and Callum McDougall, Producers 

ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

David Heyman, Shannon McIntosh and Quentin Tarantino, Producers 

PARASITE

Kwak Sin Ae and Bong Joon Ho, Producers 

Ford v Ferrari: tell me this, Academy; how does one of the year’s best pictures not have any of the year’s best performances in it? At least you recognize it’s a great film. Again, Once Upon a Time is overrated. I’ll be disappointed if it takes Best Picture. I liked Little Women. I didn’t love it. Everything else on the list, I’m pretty happy with. I still feel like 1917 is a spoiler that came late to the party, though. My personal prejudice. I feel like if I’d been allowed to see it earlier in the year and fall in love with it around the same time as the rest of these films, I might have warmer feelings for it. Having to wait until after the Globes to see it has soured me on it a little. I’m happy to see Parasite in the Best Picture race. It’s not always easy for a foreign film to get into this category.

Snubs include:

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

The Peanut Butter Falcon

Brittany Runs a Marathon

Booksmart

Avengers: Endgame

Us

The Report

The Two Popes

Bombshell

The Farewell

Richard Jewell

Honey Boy

I’ve made my case for most of these films already. The others are movies that are nominated in other categories but somehow not worthy of a Best Picture nomination. If you haven’t seen The Peanut Butter Falcon, it’s the sleeper hit of the year and it’s a real hart warming comedy. Please seek it out. It’s a lot of fun.

Achievement in production design:

THE IRISHMAN

Production Design: Bob Shaw 

Set Decoration: Regina Graves 

JOJO RABBIT

Production Design: Ra Vincent 

Set Decoration: Nora Sopková 

1917

Production Design: Dennis Gassner 

Set Decoration: Lee Sandales 

ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

Production Design: Barbara Ling 

Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh 

PARASITE

Production Design: Lee Ha Jun 

Set Decoration: Cho Won Woo 

These are all worthy nominees. I’m rooting for Parasite. The look of that house was perfect.

Best animated short film:

DCERA (DAUGHTER)

Daria Kashcheeva 

HAIR LOVE

Matthew A. Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver 

KITBULL

Rosana Sullivan and Kathryn Hendrickson 

MEMORABLE

Bruno Collet and Jean-François Le Corre 

SISTER

Siqi Song 

Dcera is an avant-garde film from the Czech Republic that I was not impressed with. Hair Love is a cute, funny cartoon about a father trying to learn how to take care of his daughter’s hair in the mother’s absence. Kitbull is an adorable, heartwarming tale from Pixar about a cat and dog that become friends. (You can watch it on Disney Plus.). Memorable is a bittersweet film about an artist losing his memory to dementia and the wife that has to take care of him. Sister is a man’s recollections about his younger sister but the film has a dark twist to it. I’m rooting for Hair Love or Kitbull.

Best live action short film:

BROTHERHOOD

Meryam Joobeur and Maria Gracia Turgeon 

NEFTA FOOTBALL CLUB

Yves Piat and Damien Megherbi 

THE NEIGHBORS’ WINDOW

Marshall Curry 

SARIA

Bryan Buckley and Matt Lefebvre 

A SISTER

Delphine Girard 

Brotherhood is about a man who betrays his family out of prejudice. Nefta Football Club is a comedy about two young boys who stumble onto a stash of drugs. The Neighbors’ Window is sort of like an O. Henry story about two couples. Saria is based on a real life tragedy that claimed the life of 41 orphan girls. A Sister is about a a woman who has been abducted and calls an emergency line while pretending she is calling her sister. I’m rooting for A Sister to win.

Christian Bale in Ford v Ferrari. Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox. Photo Credit: Merrick Morton.

Achievement in sound editing:

FORD V FERRARI

Donald Sylvester 

JOKER

Alan Robert Murray 

1917

Oliver Tarney and Rachael Tate 

ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

Wylie Stateman 

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

Matthew Wood and David Acord 

 I’m rooting for Ford v Ferrari.

Achievement in sound mixing:

AD ASTRA

Gary Rydstrom, Tom Johnson and Mark Ulano 

FORD V FERRARI

Paul Massey, David Giammarco and Steven A. Morrow 

JOKER

Tom Ozanich, Dean Zupancic and Tod Maitland 

1917

Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson 

ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

Michael Minkler, Christian P. Minkler and Mark Ulano 

 I’m rooting for Ford v Ferrari in this category too. I liked Ad Astra and even found it cathartic but not Oscar-worthy.

Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in The Irishman. Courtesy of Netflix.

Achievement in visual effects:

AVENGERS: ENDGAME

Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Matt Aitken and Dan Sudick 

THE IRISHMAN

Pablo Helman, Leandro Estebecorena, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser and Stephane Grabli 

THE LION KING

Robert Legato, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. Jones and Elliot Newman

1917

Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler and Dominic Tuohy 

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

Roger Guyett, Neal Scanlan, Patrick Tubach and Dominic Tuohy 

 It would be nice for Avengers: Endgame to win something.

Roman Griffin Davis and Taika Waititi in Jojo Rabbit. Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

Photo Credit: Kimberley French

Adapted screenplay:

THE IRISHMAN

Screenplay by Steven Zaillian 

JOJO RABBIT

Screenplay by Taika Waititi 

JOKER

Written by Todd Phillips & Scott Silver 

LITTLE WOMEN

Written for the screen by Greta Gerwig 

THE TWO POPES

Written by Anthony McCarten

I love Joker, The Irishman, and Jojo Rabbit. It’s hard to choose who to root for. All three stories were challenging to bring to the screen. Taking a fan favorite villain from the comics and grounding him in the real world. Condensing a narrative that spans decades into a cohesive drama. Balancing dark comedy with tragedy.

Snubs include:

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, written by Michael Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harvester

Avengers: Endgame, written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was simply one of the most beautiful scripts of the year. It was touching, human, and humane. The framing device was genius: an episode of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood for adults. Avengers: Endgame brilliantly brought an eleven year saga to a close. That’s no easy feat.

So-dam Park and Woo-sik Choi in Parasite. Courtesy of Neon Entertainment.

Original screenplay: 

KNIVES OUT

Written by Rian Johnson 

MARRIAGE STORY

Written by Noah Baumbach 

1917

Written by Sam Mendes & Krysty Wilson-Cairns 

ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

Written by Quentin Tarantino 

PARASITE

Screenplay by Bong Joon Ho, Han Jin Won 

Story by Bong Joon Ho 

I’m not a huge fan of Knives Out. I’m glad to see Parasite, Marriage Story, and 1917 in this category. I’m rooting for Parasite to win.

Snubs include:

Us, written by Jordan Peele

Rocketman, written by Lee Hall

Dolemite Is My Name, written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski

Ford v Ferrari, written by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Jason Keller

Toy Story 4, written by Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom

The Report, written by Scott Z. Burns

Midsommar, written by Ari Aster

Us is more than a movie with a great concept and a great twist. It has layers of meaning and symbolism. I also love the symbolism in Rocketman, how Elton John’s costume comes apart as he becomes more vulnerable. Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski are two of my favorite biopic writers and they made another masterpiece with Dolemite Is My Name. Ford v Ferrari was emotional and thrilling and it started on the page. Toy Story 4 brought a bittersweet end to a beloved series. The Report is a necessary political outcry. Midsommar opened up new possibilities to what a horror film could be.

And there you have it, your Oscar class of 2020. One journalist called it very early in the season and I wish I could give credit where it’s due but I have lost the article. Anyway, they declared the theme of this year would be class. And indeed, the unifying theme that can be found in each of this year’s Best Picture nominees is class. Whether it’s the obvious class struggle in Parasite or something more subtle like the Hollywood caste system in Once Upon a Time. The soldiers in 1917 are young men fighting an old man’s war. Christian Bale’s character in Ford v Ferrari, hell, the entire Ford company is looked down upon even, as being lower class. The same goes for Joaquin Phoenix’s character in The Joker who struggles to afford medicine and mental healthcare. In The Irishman, Pacino plays Jimmy Hoffa who becomes a hero to the working man by helping him unionize. In Little Women, the March girls scrape to get by. In Jojo Rabbit, a line is drawn between the Germans and the Jews. In Marriage Story, Adam Drivers’ lack of money puts him at a disadvantage during the divorce. These are all unique, original films, but they all deal with class in some way. Something to think about.

Tune into ABC on Sun Feb 9 at 8 pm EST to see who takes home the gold.

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The Golden Globes 2020

Note: While the Golden Globes celebrate excellence in both film and television, for the purposes of this blog, I’ll only be focusing on the categories related to film.  With one exception. 

Ricky Gervais has been threatening that this will be his last time hosting The Golden Globes.  He certainly tried to go out in a blaze of “Aw, fuck it.”  His opening monologue included jabs at Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy and Jeffrey Epstein.  He accused the Hollywood Foreign Press Association of being racist.  And he even managed to work in a Sophie’s Choice joke.  Poor Tom Hanks’ uncomfortable facial expressions were priceless.  About the only decent joke (in all senses of the word) in Gervais’ monologue was this: 

"Martin Scorsese — the greatest living director — made the news for his comments about Marvel.  He said they’re not real cinema, and they remind him of theme parks.  I agree.   Although I don't know what he's doing hanging around theme parks.  He's not big enough to go on the rides.”   

Elton John and Bernie Taupin presented footage of competing film Rocketman.  It was cool to see the songwriting duo appear together in public. 

Parasite won Best Foreign Language Film.  Director Bong Joon-ho said, “Once you overcome the one inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.  Just being nominated along with fellow, amazing international filmmakers was a huge honor. I think we use only one language: the cinema.”  I couldn’t agree with this sentiment more.  There are so many foreign films that I love and Parasite is the latest.  I sometimes feel sad I can’t share certain films with my sister who refuses to read subtitles. 

I’m glad to see Parasite honored.  It’s easily one of the best films of the year.  I hated Snowpiercer, but I am willing to admit when I am wrong about a director.  Bong Joon-ho created a masterpiece with an all-around talented cast in Parasite.  Pain and Glory is also good.  Antonio Banderas gives one of his best performances as a doppelgänger of director Pedro Almodóvar.  Sadly, I haven’t seen the rest of the movies in this category. 

Ellen DeGeneres  was awarded the Carol Burnett Award for excellence in television.  Kate McKinnon presented her with the award.  She said DeGeneres  had given her  “a road map for a way to be funny that is grounded in an expression of joy.”  In her moving introduction, she also said that DeGeneres had made her feel that, as an LGBTQ person, she deserved to be on TV and to simply be alive.  “She risked her entire life and her entire career in order to tell the truth, and she suffered greatly for it. Of course attitudes change, but only because brave people like Ellen jump into the fire to make them change. And if I hadn't seen her on TV, I would've thought 'I could never be on TV. They don't let LGBTQ people on TV.' And more than that, I would've gone on thinking that I was an alien and that I maybe didn't even have a right to be here.”  That is the importance of representation. 

Quentin Tarantino won Best Screenplay for Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood.  He dedicated the award to his favorite screenwriter John Milius and to Milius’ favorite screenwriter Robert Bolt.  “When you write it by yourself, you kind of don’t have anybody to thank,” Tarantino mused.  “I did it.”  However, he went on to thank his exceptional cast for bringing the script to life.   I was disappointed in this win.  Somehow, Once Upon a Time...just doesn’t feel complete to me, especially compared to other Tarantino films.  I was rooting for Parasite or The Irishman to win.  Even Tarantino said he couldn’t believe he beat Steve Zaillian for The Irishman. 

Snubs in this category this year include: 

Us by Jordan Peele  My favorite movie of the year to dissect.  It has endless symbolism and layers of meaning. I saw this twice the week it opened.     

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood by Noah Harpster and Micah Fitzerman-Blue  The frame story device was genius.

 Rocketman by Lee Hall  Again, the frame story device was brilliant as was the symbolism—John’s costume coming apart as he became more vulnerable.

Dolemite Is My Name by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski  Two of the best bio pic writers in the biz keep impressing.

Jojo Rabbit by Taika Waititi  Wacky and surreal comedy with heart.

Toy Story 4 by Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom   A surprisingly touching story about finding one’s place in the world.

Ford v Ferrari by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Jason Keller  A surprising, exciting, heartbreaking story.

Joker by Todd Phillips and Scott Silver  A thrilling character study.

The Report by Scott Z. Burns  A damning political drama.   

I would take any of these two scripts over Once Upon A Time… and The Two Popes. 

Missing Link won Best Animated Film in one of the most surprising upsets of the night.  Granted, I haven’t seen Laika’s newest production.  (It was in and out of theaters in no time this summer.)  And I loved their last film, Kubo and the Two Strings.  However, I strongly doubt, especially from the trailer, that Missing Link can hold a candle to either How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (a gorgeous film on the big screen) or Toy Story 4, both of which bring their series to satisfying conclusions.  The Lion King didn’t deserve to be in this category as I don’t consider it to be animated.  However, putting that aside, Missing Link will have a difficult time making me laugh as hard as the Timon and Pumba scenes in that remake.  The only thing I see that Missing Link has going for it is that it’s not a sequel or a remake but a completely original property.    

Laura Dern won Best Supporting Actress for Marriage Story.   In her speech, she said, “I just want to say I feel so blessed to be part of a film that, yes, tells the story of a family finding their way for their child through the end of a marriage, but the global look that Noah takes at what divisiveness is and how we must all come together as one for the sake of something greater.  Perhaps our planet, even. So thank you so much, Noah, for the most incredible ride ever. All my love. Thank you all.”

After all the buzz, I had figured J. Lo was the frontrunner to win.  I was rooting for Annette Bening for The Report.  Out of the nominees, her performance was my favorite.  She’s powerful and her scenes with Adam Driver are electric. 

Snubs in this category include:

Elisabeth Moss in Us  That scene with the mirror! 

Kaitlyn Dever in Booksmart  The movie doesn’t work without its reluctant other half. 

Bryce Dallas Howard in Rocketman as an emotionally abusive mother.

Any of the actresses in Parasite 

Scarlett Johansson in Jojo Rabbit as the life affirming mother.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin won Best Original Song for “I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from Rocketman.  Taylor Swift graciously stood and applauded.  Taupin described his relationship with John as something rare in Hollywood: a fifty-two year old marriage.  This is the first award the two of them have ever won together.   As a Swiftie, I was rooting for “Beautiful Ghosts” to win but I’m also happy Elton and Bernie won.  I’m greatly disappointed that the Oscars have already removed “Beautiful Ghosts” from the running. 

Charlize Theron presented Tom Hanks with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.  She said, “While Tom does give us the chance to see ourselves on screen, he also presents a vision of who we could be.  He stands for all the qualities we aspire to, both onscreen and off. He gives us enough laughter to weather our storms.”

The ever humble Hanks said “Most of these people I would pay to see get their car washed.”  He got choked up as he said, “A man is blessed with a family like that,” indicating his wife and children.  He spoke about his influences, from his contemporaries to his predecessors. 

He said, “A movie is made shot by shot. And at that moment what is required is everybody has to do their job to their perfection. They have to hit a mark, and they have to go there. Sometimes the movie rests on the shoulders of the makeup artists who put on Stella Skarsgard’s eyebrows. Sometimes it’s the focus puller that if it isn’t sharp, you don’t have it, and it shows up and you have to do it all over again.  But it’s those moments as an actor where everybody I’ve ever worked with has helped me get to that place. Sometimes it’s three o’clock in the morning, and sometimes it’s 11 at night in which you just have to somehow put it all together, have faith in what the process is and go there.   

A thousand years ago, in 1977, when I was an intern at the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival, my first professional job, we all got yelled at by Dan Sullivan, the director. We had partied a little bit too much the night before, we were showing up for rehearsals, and he screamed at us, well he did actually scream at us. He said, "Hey, look, you guys, you guys, you actors, you know what your job is? You know what your job is? You have got to show up on time, and you have to know the text, and you have to have a head full of ideas. Otherwise I can't do my job." That was the greatest lesson a young actor could possibly ever get. First of all, the head full of ideas. Bring anything, try anything. They might not use it. If it stinks, they won't use it. Am I right, Marty Scorsese? If it's not good—boy, let's see the outtakes from that movie, by the way.

Knowing the text, and it's not just your lines, it's the whole thing, it's the red dot, it's the theme of the movie. You've got to know it. You might not be right in what the opinion that you bring to it, but you've got to come at it with some direction. And as Charlize might know, and some of the other people who've worked with us through the Playtone galaxy of stars, showing up on time is one of the greatest liberating acts you can give yourself in a movie. That means those people with radios in the ears don't need to knock on your door and say, "They're ready for you." You're actually already ready, and you have the liberty and you have the freedom of being there early enough to settle down because when the time comes, you have to hit the marks, and you have to go there.”

Sam Mendes won Best Director for 1917.  I consider this an upset.  The movie doesn’t open until later this week, so I haven’ t had a chance to see it yet. And I love Sam Mendes as much as the next guy.  I was a huge fan of American Beauty and I love the Bond films Skyfall and Spectre.  Speaking of Tom Hanks, I also love Road to Perdition.   (You need to see it if you haven’t)  However, I can’t imagine that 1917 is as moving and original as Parasite or as awesome as The Irishman.    

Snubs in this category include:

Marie Heller, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

There were several notable women mentioned as contenders for Best Director (Greta Gerwig for Little Women, Alma Har’el for Honey Boy) but this is the one I’m going to bat for. Heller is building quite an impressive filmography as the HFPA and the Academy openly ignore her.  Each of her films is significantly different from the other.  The fact that Scorsese made another three hour plus gangster epic surprises exactly no one.  That Heller chose a biopic of Mister Rogers as her next project after the darkly comic Can You Ever Forgive Me? is more of a creative leap.  Here’s hoping she gets her comeuppance soon.  Similarly, I’m not sure Tarantino made me feel anything half as tender as A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood did.  And he had three hours to get across whatever emotions he wanted to convey.  

Jordan Peele, Us  See my previous comments. 

Anthony and Joe Russo, Avengers: Endgame  They masterfully brought a twelve year saga to a close. 

Taika Waititi, Jojo Rabbit  He found the perfect tone for this darkly funny yet sweet film. 

James Mangold, Ford v Ferrari   Those amazing, suspenseful car races didn’t direct themselves. 

Joker won Best Original Score.  I don’t have strong feelings about this category.  It would have been nice for Motherless Brooklyn to win something.  Hildur Guðnadóttir became the first solo female to win Best Original Score. 

Brad Pitt won Best Supporting Actor.  I’d rather have seen Tom Hanks win for his gentle turn as Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood or Joe Pesci for The Irishman.  In his acceptance speech, Pitt thanked Leonardo DiCaprio and said, “I would’ve shared the raft.”  He also said, “If you see a chance to be kind to someone tomorrow, take it.  I think we need it.”  Pitt also won for Best Supporting Actor in 1996 for 12 Monkeys. 

Snubs in this category include:

John Lithgow’s understated turn in Late Night 

Robert Carlyle’s surprising and delightful cameo in Yesterday 

Rob Brydon who’s a father figure to the main character in Blinded by the Light 

Shia LaBeouf who tugs at your heartstrings in The Peanut Butter Falcon

Jamie Bell as faithful friend and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin in Rocketman 

Bill Hader who is the surprising heart of It Chapter Two 

Willem Dafoe who entertainingly chews the scenery in The Lighthouse 

Sam Rockwell as a darkly funny Nazi who commits one kind act in Jojo Rabbit 

Shia LaBeouf for his cathartic turn playing his own father in Honey Boy 

Noah Jupe for the other most impressive child acting job I’ve seen all year in Honey Boy 

Taron Egerton won Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for Rocketman.  It was his first nomination and win.  He thanked Elton John for the music and for living a life less ordinary.  I’m pretty satisfied with this win.  I’d have been okay with Eddie Murphy winning for Dolemite Is My Name or Roman Griffin Davis for Jojo Rabbit. 

Daniel Craig did not belong in this category.  His performance was okay.  I wasn’t bowled over by it.  And his supposedly southern accent grated on my girlfriend’s nerves. 

Snubs in this category include:

Himesh Patel in Yesterday, a true new talent 

Viveik Kalra in Blinded by the Light, the heart of this film 

Zack Gottsagen in The Peanut Butter Falcon, one of the year’s true discoveries 

Awkwafina won Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for The Farewell.  It was her first nomination and win.  She was the first person of Asian descent to win Best Actress in a Comedy.

 “If I fall upon hard times, I can sell this,” she said.  She dedicated the award to her family.  “To my grandma, my best friend, the woman who raised me.  I’d love to dedicate this to my dad, Wally. I told you I’d get a job, Dad.  And to my mother, Tia, who I always hoped was watching from somewhere above.  I hope that she’s watching now.”  I’m glad to see Awkwafina recognized.  She was one of my favorite things about the movies in 2018. 

This was one of my favorite categories this year.  I was so glad to see Beanie Feldstein nominated for Booksmart and Emma Thompson nominated for Late Night.  My major disappointment is that Jillian Bell was not nominated for Brittany Runs a Marathon which was one of my favorite performances of the year. 

Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood won Best Comedy or Musical even though I consider it to be neither.  Same with Knives Out which is a mystery/drama.  The following films are all funnier than either of these movies and more deserving to be in this category:

Booksmart  The funniest duo on screen this year.  I was in love from the trailer.

The Peanut Butter Falcon  I don’t want to ruin this for you.  Just watch it.  Trust me. 

Brittany Runs a Marathon  This is Jillian Bell’s coming out party.  She’s simply amazing. 

Blinded by the Light  This tribute to Bruce Springsteen is full of humor and heart.

Yesterday  A smart, fun, love letter to the Beatles with a great cast.  

Long Shot  Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron make rom-coms fun again. 

JoJo Rabbit is one of the best comedies of the year.  You can find my review of it here.  Rocketman was an amazing biopic that used Elton John’s songs in ways that weren’t obvious and pandering. You can find my review of it here.   Dolemite Is My Name is a fun and entertaining biopic that kicks off Eddie Murphy’s comeback.  All three would have been worthy of a Globe.  

Joaquin Phoenix won Best Actor in a Drama for The Joker.  He told his fellow actors that he felt honored to be mentioned with them.  He thanked the HFPA for serving a vegan meal and acknowledging the link between animal agriculture and climate change.  He also encouraged the audience to do more than just vote and donate where issues like the fires in Australia, global warming, politics, etc were concerned and to take real action instead.  I’m pretty satisfied with this win.  I would have been satisfied with Christian Bale winning for Ford v Ferrari as well. 

Snubs in this category include:

Matt Damon for Ford v Ferrari as a fast talking, fast driving charmer

Robert Downey Jr. for Avengers: Endgame, “Proof that Tony Stark has a heart.”

Ed Norton for Motherless Brooklyn as a detective saddled with Tourettes 

Kang-ho Song for Parasite as a scheming father who’ll do anything to help his family

Renee Zellweger won Best Actress in a Drama for Judy.  It was her fourth win and seventh nomination.  She said, “It’s the journey that matters and the work that matters.”  She talked about how many people have come up to her to share their memories of Judy Garland and what it has meant to her and taught her.  “And the conversations that I have had with people internationally who just want express their love for Judy Garland, and tell about the great personal significance of her legacy and her humanity has been a great reminder that the choices that we make matter, what we make matters, and how we choose to honor each other in our lifetimes can matter a great deal down the road. Thank you so much, everybody."  I’m satisfied with this win.  Zellweger was amazing as Judy Garland. 

Snubs in this category include:

Lupita Nyong’o for Us 

The women in Parasite

1917 won Best Drama in the night’s final upset.  Again, how this movie can touch The Irishman is beyond me.  I can understand that people may not be ready to give a comic book movie Best Picture yet.  I feel like The Two Popes took the slot of other more deserving films. 

The Irishman is a masterpiece.  You can find my review of it here.  Marriage Story is one of Noah Baumbach’s strongest films.  Joker was a striking character piece and conversation starter.  1917 won’t open in my neck of the woods until Friday. The Two Popes seems like a weak pick  in a year full of strong movies.

Movies that should have taken The Two Popes’ slot include :

Avengers: Endgame  Marvel wrapped up a 12-year saga beautifully.

Us  This symbolic horror film has infinite layers of meaning.

Ford v Ferrari  Damon and Bale bring depth to one of the year’s most exciting films.

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood  Tom Hanks brings to life the gentle spirit of Fred Rogers.

The Report  A necessary drama about government corruption

Motherless Brooklyn  Ed Norton gives a powerful performance

We will find out in a few days what this all means for The Oscars when the nominees are announced. What I love about the Globes is that there are more categories and thus a chance to honor more performances. Best Actor and Best Actress get reduced to five slots for The Oscars. 1917 seems to be a surprise spoiler. Will it get as much love from the Academy? Will Tarantino finally win Best Director and/or Picture? Subscribe to the newsletter and like the Facebook page for the answers to these and other burning questions.

The Second Annual Overstuffed Oscar Prediction/Fall Preview Post

The fall film festivals are kicking Into high gear and Oscar buzz is already generating around several movies. It’s time to check out this season’s class of Oscar potentials. To save time, space, and my sanity, I’m omitting some movies that have already come out this year. You can read about them in 2020 Oscar Contenders and The Best Movies of 2019 So Far. So without any further ado, let’s jump into this fall’s crop of movies.

Echo In the Canyon (available on digital)

This documentary celebrates the music that came from Laurel Canyon in the mid-60s from bands like The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, and The Mamas and The Papas. The film features performance footage from the actual bands as well as new concert footage featuring Jakob Dylan and friends such as Fiona Apple and Beck covering the timeless tunes. It’s heartwarming to see one of Tom Petty’s final interviews as well. This is one of several rock documentaries that could make its way into the Best Documentary category.

Brittany Runs a Marathon (now playing)

Jillian Bell’s performance is a triumph. It’s impossible not to fall in love with her in the first few minutes. This original, feel-good comedy deserves some recognition. I’d love to see it cross the finish line with Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay nominations.

David Crosby: Remember My Name (now playing)

Even if you don’t know much about Crosby going in (guilty), Cameron Crowe’s critically acclaimed documentary is still fascinating. (I loved seeing the house that inspired favorite song “Our House.”). It is a tribute to Crosby but also a cautionary tale. It may score a Best Documentary nod.

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice

This is another amazing rock doc with an amazing soundtrack. It’s quite a journey and one I highly recommend. This is a crowd-pleaser that leaves audiences in tears.

The Goldfinch (now playing)

This one is pretty much DOA after fizzling out at TIFF. The critical consensus is that the adaptation of Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel is too emotionally muted. Which is a shame. I loved Ansel Elgort in Baby Driver and had been looking forward to his performance in this movie. And possibly some recognition from the Academy for his talents. But he’ll have to wait a while longer for his first Oscar nomination.

Hustlers (now playing)

The hype is that one of the five Best Actress slots already belongs to Jennifer Lopez. With a current Rotten Tomatoes score of 87%, maybe the hype is true.. So far, this appears to be one of the rare movies that’s popular with both critics and audiences.

IT Chapter Two (now playing)

Critics agree that Bill Hader is the best thing about this overlong sequel. I feel like he’s a dark horse candidate for Best Supporting Actor. Funny and surprisingly touching, he steals the show. A nomination would make up for being overlooked for The Skeleton Twins.

Official Secrets (now playing)

IFC Films bought this drama at Sundance. The movie stars Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, and is based on British secret service officer/whistle blower Katherine Gunn, who tried to stop the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It seems to be getting lukewarm reviews unfortunately. This is disappointing after the academy ignored Knightley in Colette.

The Peanut Butter Falcon (now playing)

This comedy was one of my favorite surprises of the summer. Shia LaBeouf’s performance makes me so excited to see Honey Boy. The movie is about Zak, a 22-year-old with Down syndrome, who escapes from a nursing home and tries to make his way to a wrestling school in Florida. It’s one of the best movies you’ll see all year. Seek it out. I’d love to see this at least get a Best Original Screenplay nomination.

The Sound of Silence (now playing)

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions picked up the rights to this one ahead of Sundance. It’s about a “house tuner” in New York City who calibrates the sound in people’s homes to adjust their moods until he meets a client with a problem he can’t solve. It stars Peter Sarsgaard, Rashida Jones, and Austin Pendleton. Pendleton was so good in the only recently released 5-25-77 that I’ve been wanting to see more of him. This one is probably a dark horse but something about it speaks to me so I’m keeping it on my radar.

The Truth (now playing )

Director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s film Shoplifters was nominated for Best Foreign Film at this year’s Oscars. The Truth is his first English language film. It stars Juliette Binoche as a woman who returns to France after her mother (Catherine Deneuve) publishes a controversial autobiography. The film also stars Ethan Hawke.

Ad Astra (September 20)

This sounds like the best film Christopher Nolan never made. From the IMDB page: “Astronaut Roy McBride travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet.” Director James Gray has the chops to do it too. He did an excellent job with the indie The Lost City of Z. This sic-fi flick stars Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones. As if I wasn’t already sold. UPDATE: I stand corrected. While I personally had a cathartic moment while watching the film, it’s ultimately earned its nickname “Sad Astra.” Pitt is more likely to earn an Oscar nom for Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood.

Downton Abbey (September 20)

The beloved BBC show gets the big screen treatment in one last hurrah. With Oscar winning writer Julian Fellowes attached, this has Oscar potential even if it is tied to a TV series and is not a stand-alone film.

Judy (September 27)

Renée Zellweger received standing ovations at Telluride and TIFF for her performance as Judy Garland toward the end of her life. The movie may not get a Best Picture nod but Zellweger is a lock for a Best Actress nomination.

The Current War (October 4)

This long-delayed drama will finally see the light of day. Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon) battle to see whose electrical system will power the world. It has a low Rotten Tomatoes rating from those who’ve seen it but you can’t put two powerhouse actors in a movie together without generating some Oscar buzz.

Joker (October 4)

Joker won the Gold Lion at the Venice International Film Festival. It generated a lot of buzz at TIFF. It’s also causing a lot of controversy. (Will this inspire copycat violence? Should we be celebrating a villain when there’s so much violence going on in our country? Will people identify with this character in a dangerous way?) It’s quickly becoming one of the most interesting movies of the year and inspiring plenty of dialogue. Joaquin Phoenix may become the second actor to be nominated for playing the Joker on screen.

Lucy in the Sky (Oct ober4)

Natalie Portman stars in this movie about an astronaut who starts to unravel and lose touch with reality after returning to Earth from a mission. Director Noah Hawley is known for television work, for writing, directing, and producing episodes of Fargo, Legion, and Bones. As I’ve said before, movies where the main character may be losing their mind freak me out. But I am a Portman fan. So I’ll be in line to see this but torn about it. This could land her her fourth Oscar nomination. UPDATE: This movie fizzled at the Toronto International Film Festival and is no longer in the Oscar race.

Pain and Glory (October 4)

Pedro Almodóvar’s newest film may be his most personal yet. The semi-autobiographical film could land Antonio Banderas his first Oscar nomination. The movie has already been chosen as Spain’s submission for Best Foreign Film.

Parasite (October 11)

Some people loved Snowpiercer. It made me feel uneasy and it freaked my girlfriend out. Joon-ho Bong’s newest one isn’t going to let me off the hook either. His darkly comic meditation on class is also supposed to have creepy undertones. It won the Palme d’Or this year. Look for it to get a Best Foreign Film nomination if not Best Picture.

Jojo Rabbit (October 18) (wide release Nov 1)

This one divided critics at TIFF and I’ll probably be one of the people in the audience laughing less and checking their watch more. Which is disappointing because I love Taika Waititi’s films. But I’ve pretty much been out from the premise of a boy whose imaginary friend is Hitler. And the first teaser trailer didn’t do much to allay my concerns. Maybe Scarlett Johansson’s performance can save the film? We’ll see.

The Lighthouse (October 18) (wide release Nov 1)

Am I going to include a Willem Dafoe picture every year? Why yes, yes I am. Until he wins his damn Oscar. This year’s film is The Lighthouse. He and Robert Pattinson slowly go mad in isolation. Despite my earlier comments about main characters losing their minds, I can’t wait for this one.

Dolemite Is My Name (streaming October 25)

Eddie Murphy’s comeback begins with this biopic from Netflix. It was a huge crowdpleaser in Toronto. He will probably be part of the Best Actor conversation this year.

The Last Full Measure (October 25)

Here is what I know about this movie: nothing. But the plot and cast scream Oscar bait. From the IMDB page: “Thirty-four years after his death, Airman William H. Pitsenbarger, Jr. ("Pits") is awarded the nation's highest military honor, for his actions on the battlefield.” The cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Bradley Whitford, Sebastian Stan, Ed Harris, Christopher Plummer, Peter Fonda (RIP), and William Hurt.

Harriet (November 1)

The critics all agree that Cynthia Erivo gives a great performance as Harriet Tubman. The movie itself seems to be more bland. Erivo could snag a Best Actress nomination.

The King (November 1)

This adaptation of Henry V features an all-star cast including Ben Mendelsohn, Timothée Chalamet, Robert Pattinson, Joel Edgerton, Lily-Rose Depp, and Thomasin McKenzie. This is one of Netflix’s entries into the Oscar race this year.

Motherless Brooklyn (November 1)

Edward Norton directs and stars in this 1950s noir about a detective with Tourette’s Syndrome out to solve the murder of his friend. This movie received mixed reviews at Telluride. I’m a huge Ed Norton fan though and I love detective movies so I can’t wait for this.

Waves (November 1)

This movie from A24 was the sleeper hit of Telluride. It deals with the disintegration of a family. With all the hype it’s getting, I kind of want to go in cold, knowing as little as possible about this one.

Doctor Sleep (November 8)

This movie is a sequel to The Shining and is based on Stephen King’s 2013 novel. Yes, it’s a horror film and Oscar doesn’t have the best history with horror. But there’s something about the ambition it takes to make a sequel to The Shining after all these years that I can’t ignore. Plus, it stars Ewan McGregor, one of my favorites. Maybe he’ll finally get an Oscar nomination. Or maybe it will just be a really good horror flick.

Honey Boy (November 8)

Shia LaBeouf wrote this movie about his childhood and plays his own father. He channelled his own demons into creating this. I can’t wait to see it, especially after he did such great work in The Peanut Butter Falcon. He’s having such an amazing year. Hopefully the Academy will take notice.

Midway (November 8)

This year’s obligatory war film is about the Battle of Midway. It stars Luke Evans, Patrick Wilson, Mandy Moore, Dennis Quaid, Woody Harrelson, and Aaron Eckhart. Wilson looks good in the preview.

Ford v Ferrari (November 15)

Christian Bale is getting strong reviews for his performance as a race car driver who helped Ford develop a new race car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

The Good Liar (November 15)

A career con artist sets his sights on a widow. Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren star in this romantic drama. Both actors continue to be at the top of their game. I wouldn’t count either one out of the running.

The Report (November 15)

Adam Driver stars as a Senate staffer leading an investigation into the CIA’s post 9/11 interrogation tactics. Annette Bening co-stars as Senator Dianne Feinstein. Both are getting good reviews and could get nominations. This could be a major awards contender for Amazon. Driver may stand a better chance at being nominated for the popular and more emotional Marriage Story however.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (November 22)

Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers? This one was a home run the moment it was announced. This might finally be the film that scores Hanks another Oscar nomination. (In my opinion, he deserved them for Captain Phillips, Sully, and Bridge of Spies.). Director Marielle Heller may get her first directing nomination after being overlooked for The Diary of a Teenage Girl and Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Dark Waters (November 22)

Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway star in this psychological thriller from director Todd Haynes. I was a huge fan of the movie Carol so I’m curious to see what Haynes does with this material. I actually got to watch them film part of a scene in Cincinnati. (I didn’t get to see any celebrities.). Watching the extras move like clockwork was cool. The trailer is gripping. I’ve kind of been rooting for Ruffalo to pick up an Oscar since Foxcatcher. Maybe this is the one.

Frozen 2 (November 22)

With any luck, Anna and Elsa’s new adventure will be as magical as their first one. And the songs will be just as catchy. And there’d better be plenty of Olaf or I’ll have one unhappy girlfriend on my hands. This is probably going to get a Best Animated Picture nomination.

The Irishman (November 27)

Netflix took a big gamble on Scorsese’s long-delayed, most expensive film yet. Hopefully it will pay off. The cast is impressive. Robert De Niro and Al Pacino together for the first time since Heat, Harvey Keitel, Joe Pesci, Anna Paquin, Jesse Plemons, Bobby Canavale, and Ray Romano. Definitely one to catch on the big screen.

Knives Out (November 27)

Rian Johnson’s whodunnit garnered great reviews at TIFF. He’s already talking about a potential sequel(s) featuring Daniel Craig’s detective. Even though Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express failed to garner any Oscar love, Johnson’s mystery film may sway Academy voters.

Queen and Slim (November 27)

I knew this movie would be part of the awards conversation when I read a description of it months ago, long before the trailer dropped. A first date becomes a cross country car chase when two lovers shoot a cop in self-defense during a traffic stop. Police violence is a relevant topic right now. It’s nice to see Daniel Kaluuya’s career keeps progressing. I’m glad to see him playing a good guy again though. This movie will probably get the attention that The Hate U Give deserved. Yeah, I’m still mad.

Marriage Story (December 6)

I sort of hate December sometimes. I hate waiting for my favorite movies to come out. I love Noah Baumbach. I love Adam Driver. I love Scarlett Johansson. And they made a movie together! This drama about a couple getting a divorce and fighting over custody of their child got amazing reviews out of Telluride. Driver just looks heartbreaking at the end of the preview. This one may be really emotional but I’m still excited for it.

Uncut Gems (December 13)

I probably haven’t been this excited for an Adam Sandler movie since Punch Drunk Love. (Maybe he should only make movies that are three syllables long?). He’s getting some career best reviews for his performance. The movie is not supposed to be as good.

A Hidden Life (December 13)

This looks to be Terrence Malick’s comeback film. (Hey, I liked Song to Song!). A conscientious objector refuses to fight for the Nazis during World War II. The preview alone looks visually breathtaking.

Richard Jewell (December 13)

Clint Eastwood’s late entry into the Oscar race is definitely a spoiler. The trailer only dropped recently. This one definitely has the potential to steal some nominations out from under other expectant films.

Seberg (December 13)

Kristen Stewart plays actress Jean Seberg who got involved with the Black Panthers. The movie is receiving fair reviews. But you know I can’t count K-Stew out during awards season.

Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker (December 20)

Consider this the Return of the King of the Star Wars movies. This is the Academy’s last chance to truly honor the series. Yes, there will be more Star Wars films. But not with these actors and characters. So if the Academy wants to do more than throw a few technical nominations their way, this is the year to do so.

Bombshell (previously Fair and Balanced) (December 20)

What hath Adam McKay wrought? First Vice, now Jay Roach is taking on Fox News with this picture. Perhaps Christian Bale’s proposed Mitch McConnell movie actually is next. Margot Robbie stars as a fictional Fox producer, Charlize Theron plays Megyn Kelly, Nicole Kidman plays Getchen Carlson, John Lithgow plays Roger Ailes, and Malcolm McDowell plays Rupert Murdoch. If the movie is anything like Vice, it could be an awards juggernaut.

1917 (December 25)

This year’s other obligatory war film. At least it’s directed by Sam Mendes. Also, it’s made to look like one uncut tracking shot. From the IMDB page: “Two young British soldiers during the First World War, are given an impossible mission: deliver a message, deep in enemy territory, that will stop their own men, and Blake's own brother, from walking straight into a deadly trap.” It stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Richard Madden.

Just Mercy (December 25)

Civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson fights to free a prisoner on death row. Micheal B. Jordan may finally get an Oscar nomination for his performance. The Washington Post has speculated this movie could be the next Green Book.

Little Women (Dec 25)

Yes, there was a TV miniseries in 2017 and a modern day adaptation in 2018. But this is the first major Hollywood adaptation with an A-list cast since 1994. Director Greta Gerwig’s cast includes Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Meryl Streep, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Bob Odenkirk, Chris Cooper, and Tracy Letts. This is Gerwig’s first film since Ladybird.

Clemency (Dec 27)

This movie won the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at Sundance this year. Alfre Woodard plays a death row prison warden who starts to have second thoughts about her occupation. I’ve been waiting for this one all year. I’m glad it finally has a release date.

Unknown/Spoilers

The following films do not have release dates yet. Some of them may be late entries into the race.

By the Grace of God (unspecified)

This won the Silver Berlin Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Based on an ongoing scandal, the movie tells the story of three adult men who band together to expose the code of silence that continues to enable a priest who abused them as boys. It’s this year’s Spotlight. The trailer alone is powerful. Look for it in the Best Foreign Film category. Could it pull off a Best Picture nom as well?

Greed (US release unspecified) premiered at TIFF

According to Wikipedia, Greed is a satire on wealth, centered around a billionaire high-street fashion mogul’s 60th birthday on the Greek island Mykonos. When you put actor Steve Coogan and and director Michael Winterbottom together, good stuff happens. (See 24 Hour Party People.). This one’s a dark horse, but still one to watch.

My Zoe

Julie Delpy wrote, directed, and stars in this movie about a single mother raising her daughter. When this triple threat from the Before Trilogy is involved with a project, it’s worth taking note.

Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band

This rock doc opened the Toronto International Film Festival this year. One more entry in what has been an amazing year for rock and roll documentaries.

There you have it. Excluding any last minute entries, these are the final contenders for the 2020 Oscars. Exciting, isn’t it? We now have an Oscar race and it’s pretty wide open. We’ll see which films’ fortunes rise and fall as the weeks go by. Remember to sign up for the newsletter and like the Facebook page to stay up to date on everything.

Toronto International Film Festival Highlights

Courtesy of Fox Searchlight

The Toronto International Film Festival built on the excitement of Telluride and furthered the Oscar buzz and awards conversations. Jojo Rabbit won the People’s Choice Award. Last year, Green Book won the same award and went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Since 2011, every People’s Choice Award winner has at least received a Best Picture nomination. Jojo Rabbit is director Taika Waititi’s WWII satire about a German boy whose imaginary friend is Hitler. Scarlett Johansson plays the mother who hides a Jewish girl in their home. The movie is based on a novel by Christine Leunens. Marriage Story came in second place for the coveted prize. Parasite came in third.

Joker’s surprising Golden Lion win at the Venice Film Festival was followed by more rave reviews and Oscar buzz at TIFF.

Jennifer Lopez received Oscar buzz for her performance in the movie Hustlers playing a character inspired by real-life stripper Samantha Barbash.

Jennifer Lopez at the premiere. Photo: Lionel Hahn.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood received rave reviews snd speculation that director Marie Heller may receive her first Oscar and star Tom Hanks may finally win his third.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

Just Mercy received a standing ovation. The Washington Post has speculated it could be the next Green Book. Based on a true story, Michael B. Jordan plays attorney Bryan Stevenson who takes on the case of Walter McMillan (Jamie Foxx) who is wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of a white woman. I’m excited that Jordan might finally get an overdue Oscar nomination.

The whodunnit Knives Out killed, opening to great acclaim. Rian Johnson is already considering making a sequel starring Daniel Craig’s character. It has the potential to become a franchise.

The Goldfinch and Lucy in the Sky failed to soar and are officially out of the Oscar race. Steven Soderbergh’s new film starring Meryl Streep, The Laundromat, was also a wash with critics.

Hugh Jackman got good reviews for his new drama Bad Edication. Riz Ahmed is also a strong contender for Best Actor with his portrayal of a heavy metal drummer losing his hearing in Sound of Metal.

The Lighthouse got good reviews, setting Willem Dafoe up for a possible Oscar nomination for the third year in a row. Fingers crossed.

Amazon’s Honey Boy, which Shia LaBeouf wrote about his childhood and stars in as his father, got favorable reviews. Could he get dual Oscar nominations? (BTW, if you haven’t seen him in The Peanut Butter Falcon, put it on your must-see list.)

Eddie Murphy got a standing ovation at the screening of Netflix’s biopic Dolemite Is My Name. I’m a big fan of screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karassewski, so I’m looking forward to this one. This is the kick-off of Murphy’s career comeback that continues with a Saturday Night Live appearance, next year’s Coming 2 America, and a rumored Beverly Hills Cop 4.

Renee Zellweger got standing ovations again for Judy.

Photo credit: : David Hindley Courtesy of LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions

Cynthia Erivo was praised for her performance as Harriet Tubman in Harriet. However, the general consensus is that her performance is better than the film. She has a strong shot at a Best Actress nomination but that may be the only nomination the movie receives.

The Oscar race is finally taking shape. Several movies and performances are starting to take their place ahead of the pack. But there are still movies that haven’t premiered yet and plenty of surprises left in store. Keep up with all the latest movie news and reviews by subscribing to the newsletter and liking the Facebook page. The Annual Overstuffed Fall Preview post will be coming soon and you won’t want to miss it.

Telluride Film Festival Highlights

The Telluride Film Festival just wrapped up, meaning Oscar season has officially begun.  Here is a look at the films that generated buzz at this year’s festival.

Premieres:

Marriage Story

Noah Baumbach’s new film, which some are calling his greatest work so far, may earn Netflix a place in the Oscar race like Roma did last year.  Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver star as a couple divorcing and fighting over custody of their child.  Driver is getting lots of praise for his performance.    

Two Popes

Netflix’s other major entry is this drama from Fernando Meirelles starring Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis and Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict.    

Ford v Ferrari

Christian Bale is getting strong reviews for his performance as a race car driver who helped Ford develop a new race car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. 

Judy

Renee Zellweger got standing ovations for her performance as Judy Garland in this biopic about the end of the entertainer’s life.

Uncut Gems

Adam Sandler is receiving some career best reviews for this uneven crime thriller from the Safdie brothers. Punch Drunk Love is one of my favorite movies so I’m excited to see what he does here.  

The Report

Adam Driver stars as a Senate staffer leading an investigation into the CIA’s post 9/11 interrogation tactics.  Annette Bening co-stars as Senator Dianne Feinstein.  Both are getting good reviews and could get nominations. This could be a major awards contender for Amazon.

Waves

This movie from A24 was the sleeper hit of the festival.  It deals with the disintegration of a family. 

Motherless Brooklyn

Edward Norton directs and stars in this 1950s noir about a detective with Tourette’s Syndrome out to solve the murder of his friend.  This movie received mixed reviews.  I’m a huge Ed Norton fan though and I love detective movies so I can’t wait for this.      

Aeronauts

This hot air balloon adventure film stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.  It failed to make much of a splash. 

The Assistant

This movie about a day in the life of an assistant to a Harvey Weinstein-esque executive received a positive response but is still seeking distribution.

Previously screened at Cannes:

Pain and Glory

Pedro Almodóvar’s autobiographical film continues to generate Oscar buzz.  Antonio Banderas may finally get his first Oscar nomination. The Spanish Academy has selected the movie as it submission for Best Foreign Film.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

This movie may get Noemie Merlanta a Best Actress nomination.  It could also get a Best Foreign Film nomination.  (Between Pain and Glory and Parasite, it’s a category that is filling up fast.)

Parasite

Winner of the Palm d’Or.  This is Joon-ho Bong’s creepy, darkly comic meditation on class. 

A Hidden Life

Terrence Malick returns with what looks like a visually breathtaking film.  (Just look at the preview.)  A conscientious objector refuses to fight for the Nazis during World War II. 

If you’re as excited as I am about these movies, sign up for the newsletter and check out our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/EtchedinGold) to stay up to date on all the latest movie news and reviews. Watch for future posts on the Toronto International Film Festival and the Annual Overstuffed Oscar Prediction Post/Fall Preview.

The Best Movies of 2019 So Far...According to Everyone Else

2019 has been a strange year for movies.  Last year was a huge year for diversity.  This year, no major themes or patterns have emerged outside of the feel-good rock’n’roll movie (Rocketman, Teen Spirit, Yesterday, Blinded by the Light) and the continued reign of the superhero movie.  Hopefully the fall will shed some light on what is still a wide open Oscar race.  In the meantime, here are a few of my thoughts on the best movies of the year.  And, more importantly, here are the best movies of the year so far according to everyone else, all the websites and publications that are much more prestigious than mine.    

Booksmart

I was happily surprised to see Booksmart not only on so many Best of lists but at the #1 slot on many of them.  I fell in love with these characters from the first trailer and the movie totally delivered.  Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein are hilarious as two nerds trying to cram four years of partying into one wild night.  I can’t wait to see what these actresses do next, but I hope they work together again some day.  I’m also excited for debut director Olivia Wilde’s future projects.  The movie has plenty of jokes about sex and drugs but some of my favorite laughs come from the sweeter moments between the two friends when they are dancing together or showering each other with outlandish compliments.  This underseen film was truly one of the gems of the year.  It would be wonderful if all this critical love turned into some Oscar nominations.  Maybe a director nod for Wilde?  At the very least, I’d like to see it honored in the Best Original Screenplay category. 

High Life

As much I dread the thought, I may have to revisit this movie some day.  Everyone else sees something in it that I clearly missed.  It was a dark hearted, bleak, unredeemable sci-fi flick that ultimately left me cold.  And I’m not someone who has anything against Robert Pattinson.  I love the Twilight films.  I just felt this was an ugly movie with none of the wonder or poetry that I expect from science fiction.  Where’s a Kristen Stewart love triangle when you need it? 

 John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

How long can they continue making John Wick movies?  Probably forever since Part 4 has already been greenlit.  And maybe that’s a good thing.  This entry was more fun than Part 2, but nothing will ever be as surprising as being introduced to John and his world in Part 1.  The knife fight alone in this one is worth the price of admission and will be my main reason for owning the blu-ray.  Even though this film almost felt like it was jumping the shark (punching the horse?) at moments, it was still violent fun and there’s plenty more story worth telling. 

Toy Story 4

Speaking of Keanu Reeves, his role as Duke Caboom helped make Toy Story 4 one of the most entertaining entries in the series.  (Keye and Peele as Ducky and Bunny are a highlight as well.)  Woody’s journey to help new friend Forky accept his place as a toy leads him to a reunion with Bo Peep and a new understanding of home.  Once again, Pixar manages to find the perfect balance of humor and heart.    

Avengers: Endgame

This is the #1 movie on several lists.  There is some hopeful Oscar buzz for a Best Picture nod and a nomination for Robert Downey Jr.  Marvel and the Russo Brothers completed a near-impossible feat.  They brought an eleven-year-long story arc to a satisfying conclusion.  That’s a hard landing to stick.  They deserve all the accolades coming their way.

Rocketman

Even though it hasn’t made as big a splash as Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman is one of the best movies of 2019.  Taron Egerton deserves to be remembered at the end of the year for his performance as Elton John.  I would’ve bet there wasn’t a man alive that could have played John convincingly, yet Egerton does it perfectly and without any ego.  I’ll be crushed if this one doesn’t get nods for Best Picture and Best Actor.    

Us

Similarly, I’ll be disappointed if Jordan Peele’s latest horror flick doesn’t garner nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.  This isn’t just one of my favorite films of the year, it’s one of my favorite horror movies of all time.  It’s about more than just a clever concept or a twist ending.  The symbolism in this movie is so rich that repeat viewings just make the experience even better.  It’s a movie you can explore and talk about endlessly.   

Midsommar

This is 2019’s other essential horror film.  While I wasn’t a fan of Ari Aster’s film Hereditary, Midsommar was an amazing, unique experience unlike anything else.  He also pulled off one of my favorite things in horror that I haven’t seen since The Host—scares in broad daylight.  Jordan Peele talked about the imagery and the visual language of the film while interviewing Aster and it truly has to be seen to be believed.  Midsommar isn’t your typical horror movie full of jump scares.  It’s more like a fever dream you’re sharing with the characters.  It’s a very slow burn but it’s hard to shake afterwards.   

The Farewell

I was disappointed in this one.  It’s okay.  I didn’t laugh and cry like I did at Little Miss Sunshine or The Big Sick.  The large cast does a good job and I’ll always line up for Awkwafina.  I wanted bigger laughs like the cemetery scene.  The interactions between Awkwafina and the actress playing her grandmother are the best parts of the film.  This will probably be overshadowed by showier films during the second half of the year.

Yesterday

One of the most satisfying movie going experiences of the year.  I still stand by that statement.  I don’t care that it failed to make it on anyone’s best of the year list.  It’s still on mine.  This love letter to the Beatles was one of the brightest spots of my summer. 

Late Night

Another movie that is probably out of the Oscar race is Late Night.  Even though I thoroughly enjoyed it and was hoping for some love for Emma Thompson, only Town and Country included it on their best of list.  It’s a shame.  It really is a solid, original comedy.  Thompson and John Lithgow do some great work in it.  Sadly, they won’t be recognized for it.  Mindy Kahling will probably also not get a writing nomination either.

Blinded By the Light

This movie only appeared on one or two lists, probably partly due to its late release in August.  It is a fun, joyous film.  It’s also a must for any Bruce Springsteen fan.  The movie is about a Pakistani teenager living in England who becomes empowered once he discovers the music of Springsteen.  It’s this year’s Sing Street.  I would love to see this movie get some recognition.   

Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood

Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film is also one of his most controversial.  From his portrayal of Bruce Lee to Margot Robbie’s limited dialogue to that ending, there’s been plenty of discussion about this movie.  Of course, Hollywood loves movies about itself.  And Once Upon a Time…recreates Hollywood in the ‘60s.  Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt’s performances have Oscar potential.  Could this be the movie that wins Tarantino his Best Director Oscar?  We’ll see.  The coming months may bring some steep competition. 

Apollo 11

This you-are-there documentary featured previously unseen footage of the Apollo 11 launch and moon landing. It made it onto a lot of “best of the year” lists and will probably score an Oscar nomination. I regret not getting to see it on an IMAX screen.  

Under the Silver Lake

 David Robert Mitchell’s follow up to the buzzy horror film It Follows is a neo noir that sharply divided critics. It still found its way onto many people’s lists as one of their favorite movies of the year so far. Andrew Garfield stars as a man searching for a missing girl who uncovers a larger conspiracy. I still haven’t seen this one yet. I love detective stories. But movies where the main character may be losing their mind freak me out.

Amazing Grace

This Aretha Franklin concert film has been held up by red tape and legal battles for a long time. This year, it finally saw the light of day. Critics and audiences alike have rejoiced at getting to finally experience one of Aretha’s most powerful performances. This one may well get a Best Documentary nomination too.  

Alita: Battle Angel

Despite a disappointing box office that seems to prohibit a sequel, this sci-fi film full of eye candy made it onto a lot of people’s lists. It will probably get nominated in some technical categories. I had hoped this fun movie full of strong performances would find a larger audience and give birth to a series.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

The final chapter of the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless is also the most emotional and the most visually breathtaking. It will definitely be nominated for Best Animated Feature. (Unfortunately, it will be competing against Toy Story 4.)

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Director Joe Talbot wrote and stars in this movie with his friend and co-writer Jimmie Fails. The movie is about gentrification and deals with Talbot’s attempt to restore and move back into his childhood home. The movie received a standing ovation at Sundance and won the Directing Award for U.S. Dramatic Film. I still need to catch up with this one.

The Beach Bum

Director Harmony Korine directs Matthew McConaughey as a Hunter S. Thompson type on a misadventure full of drugs and alcohol. The movie has a fun supporting cast including Snoop Dogg and Jimmy Buffett. This may pop up at the Independent Spirit Awards.

The Dead Don’t Die

Jim Jarmusch celebrates and parodies the zombie flick in his latest film. Bill Murray, Adam Driver, and Chloë Sevigney are just the tip of the iceberg of this impressive cast. This metaphysical dark comedy was one of the highlights of the summer for me.

Gloria Bell

Julianne Moore is getting great reviews for this character piece about a woman in midlife who is different things to different people in her life.

Her Smell

Elisabeth Moss (who was so good in Us!) plays a punk rocker in a downward spiral. This is supposedly one of her strongest performances. I can’t wait to see it.

The Souvenir

A film student begins to find her voice while navigating a turbulent relationship. It won the World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.

The Best Movies of 2019 I Haven’t Heard Of

I love my local art house theater (www.kentuckytheater.com).  But it only has two screens.  So it can only show so many movies a year.  And when something becomes popular, it can show even fewer movies.  For instance, Once Upon a Time…is in its 5th week and The Farwell is in its 3rd.  I think Wild Rose just got cancelled due to the holdovers.  For this reason, there are movies I not only don’t get to see, there are some I never even hear about.  Here are some of the recurring titles from the best of lists that are completely new to me. 

Ash Is Purest White

IMDB describes this movie as “A story of violent love within a time frame spanning from 2001 to 2017.” It sounds pretty epic.

Birds of Passage

Google describes this as “The origins of the Colombian drug trade, as seen through eyes of an indigenous Wayuu family that becomes involved in the booming business of selling marijuana to American youth in the 1970s.” This sounds like a different take on the traditional drug-themed thriller.

Black Mother

Filmmaker Khalik Allah’s experimental film about Jamaica and a tribute to its women.

Climax

Cult film maker Gaspar Noe’s latest horror film is about a dance troupe whose rehearsal descends into a nightmare thanks to drug-laced sangria.

Diane

This is a character piece from Brazil about a self-sacrificing woman fighting an internal battle.

Dragged Across Concrete

According to Google, the plot of this movie is “Police partners descend into the criminal underworld after they are suspended for assaulting a suspect on video.” Vince Vaughn and Mel Gibson star. I’m still not comfortable with Gibson’s comeback. But the movie and Gibson have gotten good reviews.

Fast Color

A woman with supernatural powers must go on the run when her abilities are discovered. This sounds a little bit like Midnight Special. I’m very interested.

High Flying Bird

According to Google, the plot of this movie is, “A sports agent pitches a controversial business opportunity to a rookie basketball player during a lockout.” How did I miss a Soderbergh film produced by Netflix?! I’m surprised they didn’t save such a high profile project for Oscar season.

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

No, this isn’t another adaptation of the Eugene O’Neill play. According to Google, the plot of this movie is, “A man returns to his hometown after a long absence and searches for a woman he has never been able to forget.”

Sorry Angel

According to Rotten Tomatoes, “Well cast and beautifully filmed, Sorry Angel explores a young man's sexual awakening with wit, empathy, and a satisfying depth.”

Standoff at Sparrow Creek

After a mass shooting at a police funeral, a reclusive ex-cop comes out of retirement to solve the case. Wow! This looks intense! Very Reservoir Dogs/Usual Suspects.

Transit 

This movie showed up on a LOT of lists. This may be THE foreign film to see. Here’s the plot according to Google: “In an attempt to flee Nazi-occupied France, Georg assumes the identity of a dead author but soon finds himself stuck in Marseilles, where he falls in love with Maria, a young woman searching for her missing husband.”

And now, the best movies of the year so far…according to everyone else.

A.V. Club

(https://film.avclub.com/the-best-films-of-2019-so-far-1835652186/amp)

selected by A.A. Dowd, Katie Rife, Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, Mike D'Angelo, Jesse Hassenger, and Lawrence Garcia as of June 20 

The Standoff at Sparrow Creek

The Image Book

Cold Pursuit

Grass and Hotel by the River

High Flying Bird

Sorry Angel

Apollo 11

Climax

Transit

Ash Is Purest White

Relaxer

Sunset

Us

Slut in a Good Way

Amazing Grace

High Life

Her Smell

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

Little Woods

Under the Silver Lake

Asako I & II

John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

The Souvenir

Booksmart

Too Late to Die Young

Chicago Sun Times

(https://chicago.suntimes.com/platform/amp/2019/7/5/20545403/best-movies-2019-so-far-year-worst-half-keanu-reeves-richard-roeper)

selected by Richard Roeper as of July 5

Avengers: Endgame

Booksmart

Captain Marvel

Echo In the Canyon

Fast Color

Gloria Bell

John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

Rocketman

Toy Story 4

Us

Cinemablend

(https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2477484/the-top-10-films-of-2019-so-far-according-to-cinemablend)

selected by Eric Eisenberg

1. Avengers: Endgame

2. Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood

3. Booksmart

4. Toy Story 4

5. Tied:  The Farewell/Midsommar

7. Rocketman

8. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

9. Tied:  The Art of Self-Defense/Crawl

Collider

(http://collider.com/best-movies-2019-so-far/?amp)

selected by Dave Trumbore, Adam Chitwood, Matt Goldberg, Haleigh Foutch, Vinnie Mancuso,

as of June

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Funan

Long Shot

Us

High Flying Bird

Always Be My Maybe

The Kid Who Would Be King

Apollo 11

Under the Silver Lake

Fast Color

Booksmart

Rocketman

Toy Story 4

Climax

High Life

Her Smell

John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

Avengers: Endgame

The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience

Complex

(https://amp.www.complex.com/pop-culture/best-movies-2019/)

selected by Khal, Frazier Tharpe, Dria Roland, Brenden Gallagher, Nate Houston, Damien Scott, Zach Frydenlund, Angel Diaz as of June 19

1. John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

2. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

3. Avengers: Endgame

4. Us

5. Booksmart

6. Deadwood: The Movie

7. High Flying Bird

8. Amazing Grace

9. Godzilla: King of the Monsters

10. High Life

11. Little Woods

12. The Beach Bum

13. Homecoming

14. Captain Marvel

15. Triple Frontier

16. Gloria Bell

17. Always Be My Maybe

18. Long Shot

19. The Dead Don’t Die

20. Pokemon Detective Pikachu

21. Greta

22. Starfish

23. Fyre/Fyre Fraud

24. Alita: Battle Angel

25. Shazam!

Den of Geek

(http://amp.denofgeek.com/us/movies/282640/best-movies-2019)

selected by David Crow as of August 5

1. Booksmart

2. Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood

3. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

4. Us

5. The Farewell

6. Midsommar

7. Toy Story 4

8. Avengers: Endgame

9. Luce

10. The Peanut Butter Falcon

Entertainment Weekly

(https://ew.com/movies/the-10-best-movies-of-2019-so-far/amp/)

selected by Leah Greenblatt and Chris Nashawaty as of June 7

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Apollo 11

Avengers: Endgame

Gloria Bell

Transit

Us

Amazing Grace

Everybody Knows

Booksmart

John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

Esquire

(https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/gmp24561951/best-movies-of-2019/)

selected by Nick Schager as of August 9

1. Transit

2. Under the Silver Lake

3. Climax

4. The Beach Bum

5. Hagazussa

6. Gloria Bell

7. An Elephant Sitting Still

8. The Souvenir

9. Apollo 11

10. Long Day’s Journey Into Night

11. Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood

12. Diane

13. Shadow

14. Ash Is Purest White

15. Birds of Passage

16. John Wick: Chapter 3--Parabellum

17. The Edge of Democracy

18. High Life

19. Plus One

20. The Mountain

21. Skin

22. The Great Hack

23. The Burial of Kojo

24. Avengers: Endgame

25. Fast Color

26. Her Smell

27. The Dead Don’t Die

28. The Art of Self Defense

29. Greta

30. Toy Story 4

Film school rejects

(https://filmschoolrejects.com/best-movies-2019-mid-year/?amp)

selected by Brad Gullickson, Rob Hunter, Luke Hicks, Kieran Fisher, Hayden Cormell, Meg Shields, Sam Olthof, Matthew Monagle, Fernando Andres, Hans Qu, Anna Swanson, Christina Smith, Ciara Wardlow, Jacob Trussell, and Kristen Reid

1. Booksmart

2. Us

3. High Life

4. John Wick: Chapter 3--Parabellum

5. Apollo 11

6. Under The Silver Lake

7. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

8. Fast Color

9. Avengers: Endgame

10. Transit

11. Rocketman

12. Deadwood: The Movie

13. Her Smell

14. Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé

15. The Perfection

16. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile

17. I Am Mother

18. High Flying Bird

19. Hagazussa

20. Climax

21. The Standoff at Sparrow Creek

22. Piercing

23. Paddleton

24. Aniara

25. Shazam!

Filmspotting podcast

(www.filmspotting.net)

as of June 28, 2019

 Adam Kempenaar:

1. Her Smell

2. Apollo 11

3. Transit

4. Us

5. High Life

Josh Larson:

1. Us

2. The Souvenir

3. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

4. High Life

5. Diane

GQ

(https://www.gq.com/story/the-best-movies-of-2019-so-far/amp)

selected by Max Cea, Codie Steensma, Tom Philip, and Brennan Carley as of June 7 

Booksmart

Gully

The Beach Bum

Her Smell

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Bros: After the Screaming Stops

Cold War

High Flying Bird

The Souvenir

High Life

Climax

Transit

Ma

Detective Pikachu

Us

The Lonely Island Presents: The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience

Hollywood Reporter

(https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/10-best-films-2019-1218725)

selected by Jordan Mintzer, John DeFore, Todd McCarthy, Jon Frosch, Caryn James, and David Rooney as of June 17

Birds of Passage

Booksmart

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

Non-Fiction

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese

Sorry Angel

The Souvenir

Toy Story 4

Us

Indiewire

(https://www.indiewire.com/2019/06/best-movies-2019-so-far-booksmart-the-beach-bum-1202146819/amp/)

selected by Eric Kohn, David Ehrlich, and Kate Erbland as of June 3

Diane

Diamantino

Her Smell

Apollo 11

The Souvenir

High Life

The Beach Bum

Us

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

Booksmart

LA Times

(https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-best-films-so-far-kenneth-turan-justin-chang-20190705-story.html?_amp=true)

selected by Justin Chang and Kenneth Turan as of July 5

Birds of Passage

Maiden

Peterloo

Toy Story 4

Working Woman

Ash Is Purest White

Her Smell

High Life

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

The Souvenir

Mashable

(https://mashable.com/article/best-films-2019-so-far.amp)

selected by Angie Han as of June 26

1. Booksmart

2. Avengers: Endgame

3. Us

4. Apollo 11

5. Toy Story 4

6. Under the Silver Lake

7. Climax

8. Shazam!

9. The Souvenir

10. John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

New Yorker

(https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/2019-has-already-been-an-exceptional-year-in-movies/amp)

selected by Richard Brody as of March 30

 Ash Is Purest White

Birds of Passage

Black Mother

The Burial of Kojo

The Competition

An Elephant Sitting Still

The Gospel of Eureka

High Flying Bird

Hotel By the River

The Image Book

Pig

3 Faces

Two Plans & a Fancy

Us

New York Times

(https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/26/movies/best-films-of-2019.amp.html)

selected by A.O. Scott and Manohla Dargis as of June 26

The Souvenir

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Her Smell

Gloria Bell

Booksmart

Rolling Thunder Revue

The Edge of Democracy

Transit

Paste magazine

(https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2019/06/best-movies-2019-so-far.html)

selected by Andy Crump, Dom Sinacola, Tim Grierson, Shannon M. Houston, Kyle Turner, Ellen Johnson, Will Leitch, Joelle Monique, Cole Henry, Michael Burgin as of June 12

1. John Wick: Chapter 3--Parabellum

2. Us

3. Avengers: Endgame

4. High Flying Bird

5. High Life

6. Long Day’s Journey Into Night

7. Diamantino

8. The Beach Bum

9. Ash Is Purest White

10. The Souvenir

11. Under the Silver Lake

12. The Wild Pear Tree

13. Booksmart

14. Climax

15. Homecoming

16. Transit

17. The Farewell

18. Shadow

19. Knife + Heart

20. Little Woods

21. Black Mother

22. Non-fiction

23. Dragged Across Concrete

24. Her Smell

25. In Fabric

Polygon

(https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/2019/3/1/18240450/best-movies-2019)

selected by Karen Han as of July 4

Alita: Battle Angel

Amazing Grace

Apollo 11

Arctic

Ash Is Purest White

The Beach Bum

Booksmart

Cold Pursuit

The Changeover

Dragged Across Concrete

Fast Color

High Flying Bird

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

The Lonely Island Presents: The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience

Midsommar

Pokemon Detective Pikachu

Spider-Man: Far From Home

Toy Story 4

Us

Woman At War

Pop Crush

(https://popcrush.com/best-movies-2019/)

as of June 14

Pokemon: Detective Pikachu

Giant Little Ones

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Wine Country

Fighting With My Family

Glass

Captain Marvel

Us

Someone Great

Rolling Stone

(https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-lists/best-movies-2019-so-far-travers-848881/)

selected by Peter Travers as of June 24

Amazing Grace

Avengers: Endgame

Booksmart

Diane

An Elephant Sitting Still

High Flying Bird

John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

Knock Down the House

Rocketman

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese

The Souvenir

Us

ScreenCrush

(https://screencrush.com/best-movies-of-2019/)

selected by Matt Singer as of June 13

1. 3 Faces

2. High Flying Bird

3. Apollo 11

4. Us

5. Shazam

6. Homecoming

7. Avengers: Endgame

8. Under the Silver Lake

9. Booksmart

10. Triple Frontier

ScreenRant

(https://screenrant.com/best-movies-2019-so-far/amp/)

selected by James Hunt as of June 28

1. Us

2. Booksmart

3. Toy Story 4

4. Avengers: Endgame

5. Rocketman

6. Detective Pikachu

Slashfilm

(https://www.slashfilm.com/ethan-andertons-10-best-movies-of-2019-so-far/)

selected by Ethan Anderton as of July 31

1. The Report

2. Us

3. Avengers: Endgame

4. The Farewell

5. John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

6. Booksmart

7. Honey Boy

8. Blinded by the Light

9. Toy Story 4

10. Brittany Runs a Marathon

Slant

(https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-best-films-of-2019-so-far/amp/)

selected by Sam C. Mac, Peter Goldberg, Chris Barsanti, Christopher Gray, Chuck Bowen, Ed Gonzalez, Steve Mcfarlane, Jake Cole, Carson Lund, and Diego Semerene as of June 21

3 Faces

Ash Is Purest White

The Beach Bum

Birds of Passage

Black Mother

Carmine Street Guitars

Climax

Diane

Dragged Across Concrete

The Eyes of Orson Welles

Her Smell

High Flying Bird

High Life

Hotel by the River

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

Pasolini

The Plagiarists

Sorry Angel

The Souvenir

Transit

Taste of Cinema

(http://www.tasteofcinema.com/2019/the-20-best-movies-of-2019-so-far/)

selected by Shane Scott-Travis as of June 13

1. In Fabric

2. Us

3. The Beach Bum

4. Dragged Across Concrete

5. Birds of Passage

6. Knife + Heart

7. Ash Is Purest White

8. High Life

9. Booksmart

10. The Wild Pear Tree

11. John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

12. The Art of Self Defense

13. Hellboy

14. Aniara

15. The Dead Don’t Die

16. All the Gods in the Sky

17. Brightburn

18. Shadow

19. Non-fiction

20. Starfish

Time

(https://time.com/5586670/best-movies-of-2019-so-far/?amp=true)

selected by Stephanie Zacharek as of May 25

The Mustang

Gloria Bell

They Shall Not Grow Old

High Life

Birds of Passage

The Beach Bum

Amazing Grace

Us

The Souvenir

Tokien

Town and country 

(https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/gmp27795810/best-movies-of-2019/)

as of June 15

Greta

Everybody Knows

Us

Booksmart

Rocketman

Late Night

Never Look Away

The Souvenir

Transit

Avengers: Endgame

Her Smell

Thrillist

(https://www.thrillist.com/amphtml/entertainment/nation/best-movies-of-2019)

selected by Dan Jackson as of August 16

1. High Life

2. The Souvenir

3. Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood

4. Ash Is Purest White

5. Peterloo

6. High Flying Bird

7. The Farewell

8. Birds of Passage

9. John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

10. The Nightingale

11. Transit

12. Amazing Grace

13. Us

14. Her Smell

15. Crawl

16. An Elephant Sitting Still

17. Non-fiction

18. Toy Story 4

19. Gloria Bell

20. The Standoff at Sparrow Creek

21. Shadow

22. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

23. The Dead Don’t Die

24. Fyre

25. Velvet Buzzsaw

26. Booksmart

27. The Hole in the Ground

28. Alita: Battle Angel

29. Hail Satan?

USA Today

(https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/1567424001)

selected by Brian Truitt as of June 27

1. Booksmart

2. Us

3. Wild Rose

4. Avengers: Endgame

5. Long Shot

6. See You Yesterday

7. High Life

8. Fast Color

9. Apollo 11

10.  John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

Vanity Fair

(https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/06/best-movies-2019-so-far)

selected by Richard Lawson and K. Austin Collins as of June 26

Alita: Battle Angel

Ash Is Purest White

Black Mother

Her Smell

High Life

Peterloo

Sorry Angel

The Souvenir

Toy Story 4

Transit

Variety

(https://variety.com/2019/film/news/the-best-films-of-2019-mid-year-1203244466/amp/)

selected by Peter Debruge and Owen Gleiberman as of June 15

Avengers: Endgame

Birds of Passage

Booksmart

Carmine Street Guitars

Diane

Gloria Bell

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Leaving Neverland

Non-fiction

Our Time

Sauvage

Shazam!

Toy Story 4

Wild Rose

Woman at War

Vox

(https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/culture/2019/6/28/18759856/best-movies-2019-so-far-first-half)

selected by Alissa Wilkinson as of June 28

1. The Souvenir

2. Her Smell

3. Peterloo

4. Black Mother

5. Us

6. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

7. Apollo 11

8. Wild Nights With Emily

9. Under the Silver Lake

10. 3 Faces

11. Wild Rose

12. Fast Color

13. John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

14. Booksmart

15. Avengers: Endgame

Vulture

(https://www.vulture.com/amp/article/best-movies-2019.html)

selected by David Edelstein, Emily Yoshida, Angelica Jade Bastién, and Bilge Ebiri as of August 10

Arctic

Birds of Passage

Escape Room

Fighting With My Family

Transit

Climax

Diane

The Brink

Ash Is the Purest White

Us

Amazing Grace

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote

Trial By Fire

Souvenir

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Midsommar

Wild Rose

Domino

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood

Crawl

Firecrackers

For Sama

Marianne & Leonard

Whatculture.com

(https://whatculture.com/amp/film/15-best-movies-of-2019-so-far)

selected by Josh Brown and Simon Gallagher as of July 11

1.   Avengers: Endgame

2. Booksmart

3. Toy Story 4

4. Paddleton

5. Burning

6. Us

7. Midsommar

8. Long Shot

9. The Art of Self Defense

10. Spider-Man: Far From Home

11. The Last Watch

12. Climax

13. Fighting With My Family

14. Hail Satan?

15. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

It’s September and Oscar season has begun. The Telluride Film Festival is over and the Toronto International Film Festival ends tomorrow. The Oscar buzz is starting. To stay in the loop with all the movie news and reviews, sign up for the newsletter and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EtchedinGold/

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood Review

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

Those that watch Tarantino for the gore and the shock value are going to be greatly disappointed with his ninth film. It's a two hour slog for them to get to their sick candy. For the rest of us, Tarantino has crafted a cool, retro love letter to Hollywood that mostly goes down smoothly. The film follows fictional actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) and real-life actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) during the days before the Manson Family Murders. Is this one of Tarantino's revisionist histories? I'll never tell. Besides, the movie may build towards an inevitably violent ending however it's the journey that matters, not the destination.

Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate (Credit: Andrew Cooper)

Rick Dalton's star is on the wane as neighbor Sharon Tate's is on the rise. Meanwhile Charles Manson and his followers have taken up residence at Spahn Ranch. Tarantino has fun blending these three storylines but not always in the ways you'd expect. Manson, such a fascinating figure to so many, is virtually absent from the film. Tate is seen but rarely heard in Robbie's exuberant performance. The majority of the film centers on Dalton and Booth.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton (Credit: Andrew Cooper)

DiCaprio's Dalton is a former 1950s TV star whose movie career is in danger. He's mostly playing supporting roles as villains on TV shows. (We get to watch a day of shooting in one of the film's best sequences.) He's a masculine actor in the Steve McQueen mold (who he even loses a significant role to). Brad Pitt's Booth is an out of work stuntman who functions as Rick Dalton's driver and confidant. Tarantino painstakingly recreates 1960s Hollywood. (Like most Tarantino films, the soundtrack is amazing.)

Other stand-out performances include Margaret Qualley as a hippie that Booth has a crush on, Timothy Olyphant as the star of the show Dalton guest stars on, and Julia Butters as a young method actress who bonds with Dalton on set.

Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth (Credit: Andrew Cooper)

Despite critical acclaim, it's hard to say whether this will be an Oscar contender. I'd love to see a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Butters. I wish DiCaprio hadn't won his Oscar for the boring mess that is The Revenant. This movie is much more fun. Pitt may have a better chance at being nominated for the upcoming sci-fi drama Ad Astra. Margot Robbie's role here is probably too small to merit awards attention. Hollywood does love movies about itself so this could get a Best Picture and/or Best Director nomination. The surest bet is probably a Best Original Screenplay nomination.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

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The Farewell Review

A movie can be a Rorschach test. When I invited my friend to see The Farewell, she said, "I don't think I can watch a movie about a woman dying from cancer tonight." But to me, that's not what it's about. It's about the love between a grandmother and her grandchild. At least, it is in its best moments. Which is why the trailer appealed to me.

Awkwafina was a comedy MVP last summer, appearing in Ocean's 8 and Crazy Rich Asians. Here she gets to show a broader range of emotion as Billi, who wears her heart on her sleeve yet must somehow keep the secret that her grandmother is dying. The scenes between Billi and her Nai Nai (Shuzhen Zhao) are by turns tender and funny. Nai Nai is a lovable yet controlling matriarch which sometimes makes it difficult keeping her own diagnosis from her.

The movie has a strong ensemble cast. There aren't as many big laughs as I'd have hoped for. A scene where the family visits the grandfather's grave and leaves him food, arguing over how to prepare it, is hilarious.

Alternately, the movie doesn't become the cathartic tearjerker I'd hoped for either. I was hoping to have more of an emotional rollercoaster experience with the film. I wanted to feel more than I did.

Ultimately, it's a worthwhile experience. Awkwafina gives a great performance and I hope to continue seeing more from her. A new Awkwafina movie every summer would be a welcome trend. It's more original than a lot of what you'll see on the commercial theater screens. But frankly, I didn't enjoy it as much as Yesterday. Awkwafina and director Lulu Wang will probably get some love at the Independent Spirit Awards. Wang could score a Best Original Screeplay nod.

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Yesterday Review

Usually, I have my fingers crossed each summer for one really good indie comedy. This year, there seems to be an embarrassment of riches with Late Night already released The Farewell yet to go wide and Brittany Runs a Marathon still to come. However, Yesterday is the one to beat. For my money, it's simply one of the most satisfying moviegoing experiences I've had all year.

Himesh Patel is a great new discovery in the lead as Jack Malik, the only man on earth who remembers the Beatles after a freak power outage. He has the blessing and curse of reintroducing their music to the world as his own. A lot of the fun of the movie comes from the premise of, "How would the Beatles fare in 2019 as newcomers?" The cringe-inducing moment at the end of the trailer has Ed Sheeran talking Malik into changing "Hey Jude" to "Hey Dude.”

Himesh Patel and Lily James at the London Premiere (Credit: James Gillham / StillMoving.net)

Lily James is sweet as Jack's platonic friend and manager who longs to be more. The entire cast is excellent. I'm rooting for Robert Carlyle to get a Best Supporting Actor nomination for a surprise scene that is one of my favorites of the summer. Unfortunately, it's a major spoiler so I don’t want to say much about it. It's also a scene that is dividing audiences. However, to me, it is nothing short of magical and a reminder of why I go to the movies, the type of magic you can only experience on the silver screen.

The movie is a love letter to the Beatles with plenty of good music. It's also a feel-good romance. With anything Danny Boyle is involved in, you keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, some moment of terror or violence. It never comes here. Between Rocketman, Yesterday, and the upcoming Blinded by the Light, it’s been a rather rock ‘n’ roll summer at the movies and I, for one, have been enjoying it.

Joel Fry, Kate McKinnon, Ed Sheeran and Lily James at the London Premiere (Credit: James Gillham / StillMoving.net)

Yesterday will probably fare well at the Independent Spirit Awards. I'd like to see it get an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. If it's still playing near you, I highly recommend it.

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Toy Story 4 Review

Toy Story 2 is considered one of the few sequels that equals, if not surpasses, the original. Toy Story 3 is one of the few animated films to be nominated for Best Picture alongside Beauty and the Beast and Up. (I still say Wall-E got robbed.) Toy Story 4 may well join this list. It will definitely run for Best Animated Film where poor How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World probably no longer stands a chance of winning now despite its beautiful graphics.

For a while, Pixar movies had become emotional landmines, not so much tear jerkers as tear rippers. The Brave Dinosaur is a good example with several tissue-worthy scenes. Thankfully, that era seems to be over. Toy Story 4 strikes a nice balance of emotion and humor. The movie picks up where Toy Story 3 left off, with the toys belonging to Bonnie now. When Bonnie makes a new toy named Forky out of items fron the trash, he becomes very special to her. Only he doesn't identify as a toy. He identifies as trash. Woody makes it his mission to watch over Forky and keep him close to Bonnie.

A lot of the movie is about Woody dealing with change. What does it mean for him to no longer be the favorite toy? What is his purpose?

His adventures this time take him to a creepy antique shop and to a carnival. He gets to meet fun new characters like scene stealers Ducky and Bunny (played by Keye and Peele) and the villainous Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) and her ventriloquist dummy henchmen. Keanu Reeves as Canadian daredevil Duke Caboom is a highlight. Most importantly, Woody is reunited with his love interest, Bo Peep (Annie Potts).

One complaint is that Woody doesn't get as much screen time with Buzz.
Overall, this is a fun romp that is more poignant than expected. The ending is touching and emotional in a way only Pixar could pull off and it validates making one last sequel.

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Late Night: An Oscar Nomination for Emma?

Courtesy of Amazon Studios.

Late Night was one of the hottest properties to come out of this year's Sundance Festival. It's easy to see why. It's the smartest comedy you'll see this summer. (Yesterday is the most magical. Good Boys is the raunchiest.) Mindy Kaling is a triple threat as star, writer, and producer. She plays a diversity hire who is brought onto Emma Thompson's late night show writing staff. Thompson is in danger of being replaced and the show needs a female voice.

Credit: Emily Aragones, Courtesy of Amazon Studios

Aside from the recent Beauty and the Beast remake where she played Mrs. Potts, I hadn't seen Emma Thompson in anything since Saving Mr. Banks six years ago. In Late Night, she is reborn. She looks amazing. She plays the boss from hell a la The Devil Wears Prada. But she also has some good scenes with her husband played by John Lithgow. She gets to do something she’s never done before—an American dark comedy. And she’s brilliant. With Kaling’s writing and Thompson’s performance, what could have been a one-note character becomes a complex performance. I think Thompson has an early shot at Best Actress. She manages to go from a villain to someone you’re rooting for by the end.

Credit: Emily Aragones, Courtesy of Amazon Studios

Kaling is fun in the role of the naïve newcomer who has to fight for her place in the boys club. The writers room is so white, I actually couldn't keep two of the characters straight. And they were significant to the plot. But I think that only makes the film's point even more.

Emma Thompson doing a “man on the street” bit. Credit: Emily Aragones, Courtesy of Amazon Studios

While the movie doesn't ultimately capture your heart the same way as The Big Sick did, it still sets itself apart from the rest of the summer comedies. I wouldn't be surprised to see it get a Best Original Screenplay nod for Kaling. It may have steep competition though. The Farewell and Brittany Runs a Marathon, also Sundance darlings, have yet to be released. And new release Yesterday may steal some of Late Night's thunder. Stay tuned for that review coming soon.

Reid Scott and Mindy Kaling. Credit: Emily Aragones, Courtesy of Amazon Studios

Rocketman: Our First Best Picture Nominee?

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

Last year, rock ‘n’ roll biopic Bohemian Rhapsody broke records at the box office, won Best Actor at the Oscars, and nearly won Best Picture.  Could Rocketman, the new biopic about Elton John, pull off the same feat?  It may not pull in the same numbers.  It made half of what Bohemian Rhapsody did on opening weekend.  However, it definitely has a shot at the Oscars.  With the exception of Jordan Peele’s Us and the extreme longshot of Captain Marvel or Avengers: Endgame getting a nomination, Rocketman is probably the first Best Picture nominee of the year.  At least, the first one available for regular Joes like us to see.  Plenty of potential nominees have already screened at Sundance, Cannes, and other festivals by now.  So what makes Rocketman special?

A Strong Script

The script by Lee Hall ditches the paint by numbers formula of most biopics.  The film uses an outer frame story of John attending an AA meeting and telling his story to jump back and forth in time.  It also contains fantastical moments such as when everyone in the room is lifted into the air during “Crocodile Rock.”  As the tagline for the movie says, “The only way to tell his story is to live his fantasy.” 

Taron Egerton’s Performance

If you had asked me if I had seen a living actor who could play Elton John, I would have told you no.  Until I saw Taron Egerton in the previews for this movie.  He looks and sounds like Elton.  And he gives an amazing performance.  This is his graduation from genre films.  From now on, he is a force to be reckoned with.  And if he is snubbed by the Academy, it’s a damn shame.  Whatever the next six months hold, this IS one of the best performances of the year and deserves to be celebrated. 

Authenticity

The filmmakers went for an R-rating so they could be true to John’s story and include drugs, alcohol, and gay sex.  Bohemian Rhapsody made Freddie Mercury a scapegoat and was almost afraid to focus on his gayness.  Rocketman is a lot more fearless.  It shows Elton kissing men, making love, even an uncomfortable moment with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin.  I know it may seem odd to compare Bohemian Rhapsody to Rocketman since they have the same director, Dexter Fletcher.  However, they have different screenwriters, Fletcher only took over Boho Rhapsody after Bryan Singer was fired from the project, and Mercury was not around to have a hand in his own movie while Elton John was.  The difference this makes is significant.   

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

It’s Not a Jukebox Musical

While Bohemian Rhapsody felt like it was rushing from hit to hit, Rocketman uses Elton John’s songs out of chronological order and in surprising ways.  It’s a child version of Elton, not an old queen, who sings “The Bitch Is Back.”  The title song is not a hard rocking spectacle like it has become in concert but is a devastating song of desperation (which it has always been).  The songs are made to fit the narrative rather than used for audience nostalgia.  (If you need that, rent Almost Famous or 27 Dresses, both of which have epic Elton sing-alongs.)  The dignity of the director’s vision is amazing.  Where one might expect a show stopping number,  many of the songs are used in a more subtle and unexpected manner.   

A Strong Supporting Cast

My jaw dropped when I saw the end credits.  I did not realize how much Jamie Bell had grown.  He plays Elton John’s songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, the lyricist responsible for many of his most well-known hits.  Bell could score a Best Supporting Actor nomination for this role.  Everything feels genuine.  From his platonic love for his friend to his excitement at their rising fame.  There’s a moment when he’s watching Elton put his words to music to complete “Your Song” that feels rather sweet. 

On the other side of the coin is Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s neglectful mother.  She remains a negative presence in his life throughout the film and delivers one of the movie’s most devastating emotional blows.  Her performance might merit a Best Supporting Actress nomination. 

It’s a Contender

 Honestly, this film is a contender.  I can see it running for Best Director for Fletcher and Best Screenplay for Hall.  If it weren’t relegated to the credits, the new song “I’m Gonna Love Me Again” would be a strong contender for Best Original Song.  While I’m still in complete awe of Us and hope it will go to the Oscars in several categories (Actress, Screenplay, Director, Picture), I can say without a doubt that the cast of Rocketman will be on the red carpet.  I’m so excited.  It feels like Oscar season has finally begun.  Festival favorites are slowly beginning to creep into theaters.  Next stop:  Late Night.