My darling readers, what a long several months it has been. Yes, your girl has indeed been on a blogging hiatus, but I have still been cuisine-ing and screening as often as time permits. And fortunately, I've been able to carve out some time to screen a handful of this year's nominated films and performances. Awards show season has almost reached its pinnacle, and unlike previous years, I'm excited to watch a show without obvious winners (besides Jessie Buckley). It will be fun to keep guessing until they announce "...and the Oscar goes to..." this Sunday!
Best Picture
Bugonia
F1
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
The Secret Agent
Sentimental Value
Sinners
Train Dreams
Should Win: One Battle After Another. This film is an absolute masterpiece. The casting, story, cinematography - it hooks you in 30 seconds and doesn't let up until the end. Easily one of the best films I've seen in a long time. Lots of great films this year though - Bugonia, Marty Supreme and Sinners are my other favorites from what I've watched.
Will Win: One Battle.
Best Actress
Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
Emma Stone, Bugonia
Should Win: At the time of publication, your girl has only seen 2 of these (!) but Jessie Buckley has won every single award out there for Hamnet, so I'd be a darn fool to suggest anyone else take home the gold. She was outstanding - lots of tears and emotion in an utterly heart-wrenching role.
Will Win: Buckley.
Best Actor
Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent
Should Win: Timothée Chalamet. I was utterly entranced by his performance and was stressed during the entire movie (it had me feeling the same way "Uncut Gems" did - IYKYK. Thanks, Safdie). Chalamet transforms into this unlikable underdog that you can't help but root for. He (and Michael B. Jordan) are 2 of the greatest millennial actors today, and though I'd be happy for either of them (or Leo) to get the Oscar, this is Tim's year. Where is Jesse Plemons' nom though?!
Will Win: Chalamet.
Best Supporting Actress
Elle Fanning, Sentimental Value
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
Amy Madigan, Weapons
Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another
Should Win: Teyana Taylor. Her onscreen presence is electric. She immediately commands your attention and gives one of the bravest performances of the year. She made this movie for me. Madigan arguably had the more colorful role - her character Gladys was frightening and vivid and wild - so I can see the Academy giving her the Oscar simply for the character she portrayed, not necessarily her portrayal.
Will Win: It will likely go to the vet Madigan.
Best Supporting Actor
Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value
Should Win: I said it the moment I finished the movie - give Sean Penn the Oscar. His portrayal of Col. Lockjaw is stunningly realistic. This character is easy to loathe and Penn was perfectly cast. Delroy Lindo and Benicio del Toro gave outstanding, nuanced performances as well, but Penn's is the one that stuck with me.
Will Win: Another toss-up. I can see the Academy giving the vet Skarsgård the statue, but I am rooting for Penn.
Best Director
Chloé Zhao, Hamnet
Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
Ryan Coogler, Sinners
Should Win: Paul Thomas Anderson. He has 14(!) Oscar nominations and has taken home zero. This is by far my favorite film of his. It's close to perfect. Coogler and Safdie are tremendous filmmakers - they will have their day.
Will Win: Anderson.
