For those of you who don't know, the Academy is voting on their Oscar nominations this week. You'll probably see some last minute pushes for various films that need a little help heading into the last part of Phase 1. I'm working with Amazon right now to interview the team behind "Beautiful Boy" as well as its star... although the close we get to the 14th with nothing scheduled I'm a bit apprehensive.
You might also see some last minute scandals, but those usually wait to surface or resurface during voting for the actual awards. We had a few already earlier in the game, but they didn't have much traction. A word of advice...stay away from those sites. They aren't in it for the movies...they are in it for the stats.
Every once in a while I like to publish something that might help a film, hence...this "Beautiful Boy" piece that may or may not happen. I like to publish a Documentary Feature and Foreign Language Film piece during the voting process of Phase 2. And last year I wrote about "Call Me By Your Name." This year feels different, which makes sense after the last two years with my favorites in contention. Although last year wasn't too bad because I knew "Call Me By Your Name" didn't have a chance and even though the two frontrunners - "The Shape of Water" and "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri" along with "Get Out" were in my Top 10...I just didn't have a horse in the race as they say.
This year is similar. My top 4 films certainly aren't vying for a Best Picture nomination. My favorite film, "Suspiria" may walk away without any nominations at all. "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" should be in for Animated Feature. And "Burning" should get in for Foreign Language Film...although that's not a sure thing. Also not sure things are my favorite performances of the year. Timothee Chalamet in "Beautiful Boy" has a strong chance, but it's more than likely for the 5th slot. Rosamund Pike in "A Private War" is probably in the Top 10...but such a long shot at this point.
I could probably write for ages about the films and performances I think should be nominated, but let's look at a few, who may really have a shot even if they are outliers.
Timothee Chalamet, "Beautiful Boy" - Best Actor in a Supporting Role
It's my favorite performance of the year in a film that is incredibly misunderstood by people who don't understand addiction, recovery, treatment, relapse, etc. I don't need to rehash everything about why it's a great performance...although you can read it (and about Rosamund) here:
Best Performances of 2018
I will say this - Dear Academy, even if you didn't like "Beautiful Boy" you can nominate Timothee. You can even give him the win considering you didn't last year when he also deserved it.
Rosamund Pike, "A Private War" - Best Actress
Dear Academy, I won't even begin to tell you who to leave off this list because you better keep in Glenn Close, Melissa McCarthy and Lady Gaga...but can you please consider Rosamund. She plays a read, honest, edgy, bad ass, damaged woman. And it is amazing. If you are going to consider someone else who does something screamy and showy for that last spot, I ask that you consider going a different direction.
"Suspiria" - Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling
OK...so only about 3 critics and myself loved this movie, and that's ok, but the work Sayombhu Mukdeeprom does as the DP on "Suspiria" deserves recognition. This is a LONG SHOT, I know...so if you loved the film, his work in it, and wished he got a nomination last year for "Call Me By Your Name," now is your chance. Also, don't forget Best Makeup and Hairstyling. There is a reason people weren't sure Tilda was playing Klemperer until it was officially announced. And finally, Production Design. The Art Directors Guild didn't seem to go for it, but Dear Academy, you can right that wrong!
"Annihilation" - Best Original Score and Best Production Design
As soon as I left my screening of "Annihilation" almost a year ago, I thought, wow. That score!!! Ben Salisbury & Geoff Barrow made the short list of 9, to the surprise of some, it seemed. But keep going for it!!! Nominate this film!! And while you're at it....look at that picture above and tell me it shouldn't be a contender for Production Design
Marielle Heller, "Can You Ever Forgive Me" - Best Director
"Can You Ever Forgive Me" - Best Picture
Finally, Dear Academy - please consider nominating "Can You Ever Forgive Me" for Best Picture and even more importantly Marielle Heller for Best Director. I had hoped she might win the Dorian Award, but that went to Cuaron. Cuaron is unstoppable at this point. Even Spike Lee will have to (I HOPE!) settle for a nomination. BUT...Academy...that doesn't mean that you can't put Marielle in your Top 5. And please...put her up there...way up there...number 2, perhaps?!
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