Once again, the Oscars are upon us. And while it might be because this is the first year I've tried to get ‘into’ movies, I'm actually excited for awards season, especially because of how amazing the films that came out last year were. Big blockbusters soared, and independent films were terrific, so it should be no shock to hear that I'm most looking forward to see what comes out of those categories.
It would be a delightful twist for the unique storytelling of something like “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” or “The Wild Robot,” clinch best animated feature for their storytelling, charming characters and inventive plots that brought a breath of fresh air to the category. Needless to say this would be a major win for creativity and especially originality, however (as they usually do) Disney seems to be favored to win for “Inside Out 2.”
Then there's “Conclave,” which (in case you're curious, the Scene section is eagerly rooting for) is poised to dominate this year's award ceremony. Personally, I wouldn't be shocked to see the film take home best actor (for Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, whose formation of a conclave and subsequent findings in the Church ground the film), writing for best adapted screenplay and best costumes. This is especially true when considering how, even when wearing traditional religious attire, each character manages to remain an individual and visually interesting, and becomes a testament to the project's unique storytelling.
Then there's the battle for best actress in a leading role, and between Demi Moore's jaw dropping performance in “The Substance” and Cynthia Erivo's gravity-defying portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked,” the race to find a winner is a nail-biting, edge of your seat battle. Individually, Moore provides so much of herself in her role in “The Substance,” that it’s almost impossible to not applaud her. Then “The Substance” takes her character a step forward with some of the most impressive special effects makeup in recent memory. Even with this, Erivo has breathed new life into a role that has been part of our musical landscape for nearly two decades, and her performance is truly something to be admired. She brings a subdued complexity to Elphaba that contrasts beautifully with Ariana Grande's Glinda. Additionally, if Erivo takes home the big prize on March 2, this would not only be the actress's first Oscar win and launch Erivo into an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony), but it would also make her one of the youngest to ever reach this achievement.
Best actress in a leading role isn't the only highly anticipated race though, Grande is joining the ranks of Lady Gaga as a pop idol whose acting is being recognized by the Academy; her performance as the future Good Witch of the North was terrific. Still, this year's supporting actress is a category that's shrouded in mystery, with no clear frontrunner. The suspense is palpable, and it's a race that's too close to call ahead of time.
Oddly enough, I feel the same way about production design. All the nominees (“The Brutalist,” “Conclave,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Nosferatu” and “Wicked”) were terrific. As much as I would love “Nosferatu” to win at least something, it’s another race that feels too close to call.
Of course, one film is haunting the Oscars, and that film is, of course, “Emilia Pérez.” Though widely praised by critics, Mexican audiences have made their frustrations with the film known, calling it a racist portrait of their country. Some have even gone on to create a parody film called “Johanne Sacreblu” meant as a kind of uno reverse card on the French director (it’s on YouTube, it’s hilarious, check it out).
Regardless of who reigns champion over this years awards, the Oscars in more ways than one are back and in full force. I cannot wait to see who wins. The Oscars will air live on Sunday, March 2 at 7 p.m.
