The usual
note – these are my picks, not my predictions.
In the categories I focus on, there was only one film I didn’t get a
chance to see (Never Look Away) and
one I chose not to see (Green Book,)
so I had a chance to get to almost everything.
Some strong categories this year.
Best Picture:
BlacKkKlansman – Honestly, it was
between this one and Black Panther
for me, and I was strongly tempted by Black
Panther (I’m positive it’s not going to win, but that’s not the point of
this post.) The care, creativity, and
passion that went into that movie is off the scale, I love the story, and the
whole cast is incredible. But in the
end, I think BlacKkKlansman is a bit
stronger on the whole, and I think, once Ryan Coogler has a second Black Panther movie under his belt, he
might get there. (Note: I haven’t seen Green Book.)
Best Leading Actor: Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) – You’ll find I agree with most of the acting
frontrunners this year. The contenders
are strong all-around here, and Christian Bale is every bit as excellent as
you’d expect him to be in Vice, but Rami
Malek had the edge for me. (Note: I haven’t seen Viggo Mortensen in Green Book.)
Best Leading Actress: Glenn Glose (The Wife)
– This category is painful, because it’s full of such strong performances, but
I’ve got to go with the general consensus on this one. Close is just phenomenal in The Wife, and I’m still thinking about all
she brought to that movie.
Best Supporting Actor: Adam Driver (BlacKkKlansman) – Can’t go with
the prevailing opinion here, since Mahershala Ali’s was the one performance in
this category that I didn’t see. I
debated hard between Adam Driver and Richard E. Grant in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, but I think Driver has the more
challenging role of the two, and he pulls it off expertly; I wish John David
Washington had been nominated for Leading Actor, so both guys from this film
could’ve gotten some recognition.
(Note: I haven’t seen Mahershala
Ali in Green Book.)
Best Supporting Actress: Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk) – My other main contender here was Rachel
Weisz in The Favourite, but I’ve
gotta give it to Regina King. Really
wonderful performance in a beautiful film.
Best Director:
BlacKkKlansman – Yep, this is Spike
Lee’s for me. He directs with such style
and flair, he brings both tension and humor, and the look of the film is
amazing. Slam dunk.
Best Original Screenplay: Vice – I know it’s not for
everyone, but Adam McKay’s quirks work for me.
I wouldn’t have thought to do such an unconventional biopic for someone
like Dick Cheney, but I thought the way they did it was really inventive and
effective. (Note: I haven’t seen Green Book.)
Best Adapted Screenplay: Can You
Ever Forgive Me?
– Yikes, this was a tough one. I also
really loved BlacKkKlansman and If Beale Street Could Talk, but I think
this one is the best at what it sets out to do.
A really solid film that flows perfectly, imbuing unlikable characters
with sympathy and turning out a fascinating yarn. Kudos to Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty.
Best Cinematography: Roma – Alfonso Cuarón knows
his way around camera work, that’s for sure.
The way he sets up his shots is just gorgeous. I’m still bummed that If Beale Street Could Talk didn’t get nominated here, but Cuarón’s
work is impeccable.
From a bunch-less ceremony to arguable nominees, right here's what to expect at ... Here's Everything You Need to Know About the 2019 Oscars.
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