Ah, where to begin? Needless to say, as a film enthusiast I find the Oscars entertaining. Although I know that there isn’t any real meaning behind the awards, I think it’s fun to root for a film you enjoyed. This post is going to be dedicated on the most of the nominations for this year’s Academy Awards and while adding my personal take.
#1 – Lead Actor
Nominees: ANTONIO BANDERAS, LEONARDO DICAPRIO, ADAM DRIVER, JOAQUIN PHOENIX, and JONATHAN PRYCE
This one (along with many) will likely be the most controversial. After watching Joker (2019) I can’t say I would think of a more fitting winner than Joaquin. I’ve seen Marriage Story and Once Upon a Time…, while I think performances by both DiCaprio and Driver are above and beyond the average film, Phoenix’s performance in Joker is perhaps one of the best displays I’ve seen.
The Joker Non-troversy
Might as well address this before getting further into the nominees—as many of them feature Joker. There has been a lot of negative press surrounding the film. The media made it out to look like there would be a mass-shooting during the showings. Constant reporting about the “dangers” the film would cause to the point National Guard were almost stationed at theaters around the country. Nothing happened to anybody who watched the film. Nobody committed any crimes in the name of the movie, and nobody was murdered for it. Yet the media tried to sink the movie. The film is great—clearly because of its nomination status—but it doesn’t deserve the constant slander news outlets have been attributing to it.
#2 – Supporting Actor
Nominees: TOM HANKS, ANTHONY HOPKINS, AL PACINO, JOE PESCI, and BRAD PITT
While I do love Scorsese and The Irishman, I have been a long-time fan of Brad Pitt. His role in Hollywood as the reliable-yet-tough good guy sold me. Ever since I saw Fight Club I think Pitt has been an amazing actor. The chemistry he and DiCaprio have in the film is just enjoyable to watch. Even the scenes when Pitt is on his own he does a good job selling the character. I’ve seen a lot of scathing criticism about Hollywood, though many of the people arguing against it claim to have not seen the movie (a very common theme with Joker as well, unsurprisingly). Pitt is a great supporting and I personally think he deserves this award.
#3 – Lead Actress
Nominees: CYNTHIA ERIVO, SCARLETT JOHANSSON, SAOIRSE RONAN, CHARLIZE THERON, and RENÉE ZELLWEGER
Scarlett Johansson is a hit-or-miss actress for me. As I’m sure you have gathered by now, I am not a fan of many Marvel movies. I can appreciate why people like them, but I don’t think they’re anything more than what they claim to be—superhero movies. Johansson in Marriage Story to me helped elevate the film. I don’t think she would have the same chemistry with Driver as another actress in her place. While I have seen Little Women and I do agree it is worthy of nominations, I feel like the powerful performance of Johansson here should not go unnoticed.
Jumping ahead a few nominations…
#4 – Best Cinematography
Nominees: The Irishman, The Lighthouse, JOKER, 1917, and Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood
The Lighthouse is hands-down the most uniquely-shot and visually inspired film of the nominees. While I do think every single nominee on the list is worthy of the Oscar (and having seen all of them), I wholeheartedly believe Jarin Blaschke poured his heart into the film. If you want to see me gush more about The Lighthouse, feel free to read my review here. All this being said, I predict that 1917 will take home the award, unfortunately.
#5 – International Film
Parasite. Without a doubt. Can’t recommend it enough. No debating here. The film speaks for itself.
#6 – Best Director
Nominees: Martin Scorsese, Todd Philips, Sam Mendes, Quentin Tarantino, and Bong Joon Ho
As much as I would love to see a director like Ho take home the award, it will most likely go to Scorsese. Personally I am quite alright with any of these individuals taking home the academy award, as they all have amazing directing talents and their films this Oscar season are all worthy of the award.
#7 – Best Picture
Nominees: Ford v. Ferrari, The Irishman, Jojo Rabbit, JOKER, Little Women, Marriage Story, 1917, Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, and Parasite
This is one of the most controversial nominations yet, but it will be worth it in the end for whoever wins. The films nominated are all outstanding in their own ways and are all worthy of the title of best picture. That being said, my choice for the Best Picture in the 2020 Academy Awards is…
A Royale With Cheese 