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And so we meet at the end ofa long battle.
The2022-23 Academy Awards seasonis nearly at its finish line, thoughOscar nightis sure to provide its share of surprises.
But before we get to the winners, lets slow down and appreciate the ballot in all its eccentricity.
The old adage that its an honor just to benominatedis actually true.
Not all 54 movies are great films.
(The Oscar voters track record is neverthatgood.)
Instead, some are great, some are good, and a small handful are genuinely terrible.
Cue the montage music; were starting from the bottom.
Those fears turned out to be wholly justified.
that wildly unearned ending!).
48.How Do You Measure a Year?
Ella seems fairly typical for a young girl aging into teenagerdom.
Its fun to watch her passions move fromHannah MontanatoRenttoTwilight.
But the film doesnt ultimately have a ton to say about this father-daughter relationship.
46.To Leslie
Directed by:Michael MorrisNominations:(1) Best Actress
Small film?
That said, Andrea Riseborough is quite good in it, as she typically is in just about anything.
Which gives you a sense of how disappointingEmpire of Lightultimately is.
Its absolutely the movie most likely to have you saying Well, then!
How is Sad Affleck the 21st centurys cheeriest Bruce Wayne?
(There are so many shots of Pattinson and Jeffrey Wright staring dumbfounded at evidence.)
The Oscar shorts willgetyou, every time.
The decision to evolve the films animation style (inspired byInto the Spider-Verse!)
to something closer to storybook illustrations gives the film a thrilling new identity.
Honestly, plot is not this films strong suit.
Jennifer Connelly looked stunning, though; can we like let her out from behind that bar?
This year, itsThe Elephant Whisperers, and honestly thats more than fine.
An Indigenous Indian man and his wife adopt baby elephants and take care of them inside a national park!
It is a balm for your poor battered psyche!
I want this girl and thePetite Mamangirl to have a quiet but meaningful conversation.
And there are plenty of times acrossBardos 159 minutes where the director takes that opportunity and runs with it.
If Edward BergersAll Quietis any indicator …
The Telugu-language maximalist action-drama was a surprise sensation this year, and its easy to understand why.
In a particularly strong Best Documentary Feature field, this one is the gem I hope more people discover.
Certainly thats the movie where Kate Winslet learning to hold her breath underwater served a narrative purpose.
Two and a half billion dollars couldnt buy that kind of movie magic.
Its only right that his first Oscar nomination should come for the quietest and most reflective of them all.
20.Le pupille
Directed by:Alice RohrwacherNominations:(1) Best Live Action Short
A hoot!
Harris Goes to Parisgets the truth-in-advertising award for delivering on every inch of its promise.
Mrs. Harris sure as hell goes to Paris in this one.
Theres more at play here than a manipulative gut-punch or even a buzzy issues drama.
But its a unique and captivating movie, telling a story more human than most this year.
But the real attraction here is the legitimately breathtaking footage of the walruses.
A cautionary tale about Nazis!
A sex talk from Dad that will strip the paint off your walls!
Its a total package.
Not me, though.
I always knew that shell would wreck me.
is there much point in being so cautious?)
tried to fatally poison him.
Its a thrilling movie while also being an urgent political call to action.
Its at turns unbearably uncomfortable, appallingly gross, and shamefully fun.
To borrow an overused phrase, Damien Chazelles Hollywood history did not need to go that hard.
(An understandable conundrum, but come on, people: Its Judith Ivey).
Among other things, the double-back reveal inGlass Onionputs Janelle Monaes nimble performance in the spotlight.
No nomination for it, which is a shame.
Comedy doesnt get the respect it deserves, andGlass Oniondeserves a ton of it.
Certainly, Sissy Spaceks dishes-smashing moment would be far wider appreciated as a reaction gif.
All art-house movies should be this fun.
And Barry Keoghans sweet little face wondering if you might fall in love with him.
Once again, the McDonagh/Farrell/Gleeson trio has done it.
What shouldnt come as a surprise is that the film is anchored by Michelle Yeohs towering performance.
(So much and when Under Pressure started.)
Its a masterpiece of intimacy, and I cried my face off.
