The 2018 Academy Awards have been announced, and I have a few things to say.
Every January, the World Series of film releases its picks, and a fiery discussion follows. Who got in? Who was snubbed? Part of what makes film so unique is its ultimate scrutiny: the ability for one person to love a film and the next person to find it just okay. It's an everlasting conversation, and this year is no different.
While I have a few gripes, I applaud the versatility and bold flavor of this year's picks. Voters took chances, got a lot of things right, and should be commended.
The Shape of Water received the nominations with 13, and I can see why: Guillermo Del Tor's visionary flick reminded you of the magic in film. Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk took an unconventional route to a World War II flick, scoring eight nominations, while Martin McDonagh's powerfully taut Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri grabbed seven picks.
However, a few people didn't get recognized, so here are my five Oscar snubs.
5) Steven Spielberg for The Post. First, this was the most important film of 2017. A journalism film for the ages that took viewers back to the Pentagon Papers controversy and the Washington Post's bravery in putting the people first over the government's feelings. Spielberg shot and finished the film in under a year, and oversaw a stellar cast, and touchy subject. The attention to detail was simply magnificent. With no offense to the other picks, Spielberg should have gotten in.
4) Hugh Jackman for Logan. It doesn't matter what you think of comic book flicks. Jackman was extraordinary as an aging not so gracefully Wolverine. You forgot this was an X-Men film due to how masterful James Mangold's stroke was. Jackman doesn't get enough love for his versatility. He can play Wolverine and P.T. Barnum in the same year, and receive little accolades. When you talk about giving a character everything you have, physically and mentally, Jackman's dedication to Logan should be up there.
3) The Big Sick for Best Picture. Blending comedy and drama is far from easy, and Michael Showalter's true love story made you feel something and laugh out loud. Luckily, Kumail Nanjuani and Emily V. Gordon's beautifully honest and hilarious script was recognized, but the Oscars continue to have a problem with comedies. No other film in 2017 caught me off guard like this one.
2) Blade Runner: 2049 deserved top category consideration. This goes out to the attention span lacking crowd. People complained that Denis Villenueve's groundbreaking and boldly rendered sequel was too long, but these are the same people who want six more Avatar films. Please. This was an art house film wrapped in big budget blockbuster clothing, and Hampton Fincher and Michael Green went somewhere thankfully different with the script. I'm talking Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. This movie was something else.
1) Holly Hunter for Best Supporting Actress. She made The Big Sick something special with her ferocious portrayal of a mom who had no pity for sorry boyfriends, underperforming hospitals, and flawed husbands. Hunter hasn't worked a ton in the last decade, and that fueled her work here. Equal parts funny and heartbreaking, Hunter should have been recognized.
Final thoughts. James Franco got snubbed for his sexual assault allegations and not his performance. Christopher Plummer's nomination for All The Money in the World is clearly a gift to the Me Too movement and not for a great performance. I'm Denzel Washington's biggest fan, but he wasn't Oscar worthy in Roman J. Israel. Call Me By Your Name is overrated. Lego Batman was sadly overlooked for Animated film.
I have more, but for now, that will be it. Expect more in the coming weeks before the show on March 4th.
