Often, I like to go into a movie as blind as possible. I do this even more for Oscar-contending films, which are traditionally more artsy, independent, symbolic, innovative, or daring. It can be hit or miss. When it hits, it’s unforgettable. When it misses, I spend my time glancing at the time on my phone, wondering when the borefest will finally end. I am glad I didn’t approach Jonathan Glazer’s (Under the Skin, Birth) fearless The Zone of Interest.
Category Archives: Academy Award Nominees
American Fiction (2023)
While 2023 has been an excellent year for films. Sadly, as has been the case in most recent years, the movies that receive nominations for the big awards, specifically the Oscars, haven’t been my favorite. This year continues the trend. At the time of this post, I have three of the predicted ten Best Picture nominated movies in my Top 10 movies of 2023, with that number more likely to go down than up as I revisit my thoughts. The same can said of the nominations in the other awards, specifically the other Big Five. It has felt as if the voters are more interested in rewarding actors who traditionally get nominated or are due for their first nomination, and the nomination is a longevity award rather than an outstanding performance that year.
Anatomy of a Fall (2023)
Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall could be the Oscar darling of 2023. The film has received a lot of awards season buzz. While mainly shown in art house-type theaters, this tour de force has sustained a long theatrical run. Positive critic reviews and word-of-mouth conversations have helped the film tremendously and at the right time. A lock to be nominated for Best International Film, Anatomy of a Fall has a chance to receive nominations for Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress in a Lead Performance (Sandra Hüller), and Best Picture. Far from an earth-shattering film, or even one that you’ll think about much after your viewing, it is a worthwhile watch that will have your mind switching back and forth through its 150-minute run-time, anticipating how it might end.
All of Us Strangers (2023)
Dark. Mysterious. Unsettling. Romantic. Poetic Prophetic. Andrew Haigh’s (Leon on Pete, 45 Years) All of Us Strangers is an imaginative, transcendent love story with two Oscar-deserving actors portraying empathetic characters searching desperately for human connection. This idyllic love story gives a glimpse from its first scenes that our two leads are destined for something beautifully tragic.
Maestro (2023)
Each year, a handful of movies are made in a way that is less interested in audience consumption or interest and more in earning awards. The term for this is “Oscar bait.” The 2023-released movie most associated with this term is Bradley Cooper’s (A Star Is Born) sophomore directorial effort, Maestro. It will earn a few Oscars. Cooper might even earn one for Best Director. He’s likelier to earn one for Best Lead Actor for portraying the title character, Leonard Bernstein.