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Predicting the Winners: 96th Academy Awards

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 2, 2024
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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Events, Special Features

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Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

  • Bradley Cooper in “Maestro”
  • Colman Domingo in “Rustin”
  • Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers”
  • Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer”
  • Jeffrey Wright in “American Fiction”

Will Win: Cillian Murphy

Could Win: Paul Giamatti

Want to Win: Bradley Cooper or Jeffrey Wright

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

  • Sterling K. Brown in “American Fiction”
  • Robert De Niro in “Killers of the Flower Moon”
  • Robert Downey Jr. in “Oppenheimer”
  • Ryan Gosling in “Barbie”
  • Mark Ruffalo in “Poor Things”

Will Win: Rober Downey Jr.

Could Win: No Contest

Want to Win: Ryan Gosling

Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

  • Annette Bening in “Nyad”
  • Lily Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon”
  • Sandra Hüller in “Anatomy of a Fall”
  • Carey Mulligan in “Maestro”
  • Emma Stone in “Poor Things”

Will Win: Lily Gladstone

Could Win: Emma Stone

Want to Win: Carey Mulligan or Lily Gladstone

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

  • Emily Blunt in “Oppenheimer”
  • Danielle Brooks in “The Color Purple”
  • America Ferrera in “Barbie”
  • Jodie Foster in “Nyad”
  • Da’Vine Joy Randolph in “The Holdovers”

Will Win: Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Could Win: No Contest

Want to Win: Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

  • “The Boy and the Heron” Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki
  • “Elemental” Peter Sohn and Denise Ream
  • “Nimona” Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary
  • “Robot Dreams” Pablo Berger, Ibon Cormenzana, Ignasi Estapé and Sandra Tapia Díaz
  • “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Amy Pascal

Will Win: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Could Win: The Boy and the Heron

Want to Win: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Achievement in Cinematography

  • “El Conde” Edward Lachman
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Rodrigo Prieto
  • “Maestro” Matthew Libatique
  • “Oppenheimer” Hoyte van Hoytema
  • “Poor Things” Robbie Ryan

Will Win: Oppenheimer

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: Maestro

Achievement in Costume Design

  • “Barbie” Jacqueline Durran
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Jacqueline West
  • “Napoleon” Janty Yates and Dave Crossman
  • “Oppenheimer” Ellen Mirojnick
  • “Poor Things” Holly Waddington

Will Win: Barbie

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: Barbie

Achievement in Directing

  • “Anatomy of a Fall” Justine Triet
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Martin Scorsese
  • “Oppenheimer” Christopher Nolan
  • “Poor Things” Yorgos Lanthimos
  • “The Zone of Interest” Jonathan Glazer

Will Win: Christopher Nolan

Could Win: No Contest

Want to Win: Christopher Nolan

Best Documentary Feature Film

  • “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” Moses Bwayo, Christopher Sharp and John Battsek
  • “The Eternal Memory” Nominees to be determined
  • “Four Daughters” Kaouther Ben Hania and Nadim Cheikhrouha
  • “To Kill a Tiger” Nisha Pahuja, Cornelia Principe and David Oppenheim
  • “20 Days in Mariupol” Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner and Raney Aronson-Rath

Will Win: 20 Days in Mariupol

Could Win: Four Daughters

Want to Win: 20 Days in Mariupol

Best Documentary Short Film

  • “The ABCs of Book Banning” Sheila Nevins and Trish Adlesic
  • “The Barber of Little Rock” John Hoffman and Christine Turner
  • “Island in Between” S. Leo Chiang and Jean Tsien
  • “The Last Repair Shop” Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers
  • “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó” Sean Wang and Sam Davis

Will Win: The Last Repair Shop

Could Win: The Barber of Little Rock

Want to Win: The Last Repair Shop or The ABCs of Book Banning

Achievement in Film Editing

  • “Anatomy of a Fall” Laurent Sénéchal
  • “The Holdovers” Kevin Tent
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Thelma Schoonmaker
  • “Oppenheimer” Jennifer Lame
  • “Poor Things” Yorgos Mavropsaridis

Will Win: Oppenheimer

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: Oppenheimer

Best International Feature Film of the Year

  • “Io Capitano” Italy
  • “Perfect Days” Japan
  • “Society of the Snow” Spain
  • “The Teachers’ Lounge” Germany
  • “The Zone of Interest” United Kingdom

Will Win: The Zone of Interest

Could Win: Society of Snow

Want to Win: The Zone of Interest

Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling

  • “Golda” Karen Hartley Thomas, Suzi Battersby and Ashra Kelly-Blue
  • “Maestro” Kazu Hiro, Kay Georgiou and Lori McCoy-Bell
  • “Oppenheimer” Luisa Abel
  • “Poor Things” Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston
  • “Society of the Snow” Ana López-Puigcerver, David Martí and Montse Ribé

Will Win: Maestro

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: Maestro

Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original score)

  • “American Fiction” Laura Karpman
  • “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” John Williams
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Robbie Robertson
  • “Oppenheimer” Ludwig Göransson
  • “Poor Things” Jerskin Fendrix

Will Win: Oppenheimer

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: American Fiction

Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original song)

  • “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
    Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
  • “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
    Music and Lyric by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt
  • “It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”
    Music and Lyric by Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson
  • “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon”
    Music and Lyric by Scott George
  • “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
    Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

Will Win: “What Was I Made For”

Could Win: “I’m Just Ken”

Want to Win: “I’m Just Ken”

Best Motion Picture of the Year

  • “American Fiction” Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Cord Jefferson and Jermaine Johnson, Producers
  • “Anatomy of a Fall” Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion, Producers
  • “Barbie” David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, Producers
  • “The Holdovers” Mark Johnson, Producer
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese and Daniel Lupi, Producers
  • “Maestro” Bradley Cooper, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers
  • “Oppenheimer” Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan, Producers
  • “Past Lives” David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, Producers
  • “Poor Things” Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, Producers
  • “The Zone of Interest” James Wilson, Producer

Will Win: Oppenheimer

Could Win: Barbie

Want to Win: Barbie or American Fiction

Achievement in Production Design

  • “Barbie” Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis
  • “Napoleon” Production Design: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Elli Griff
  • “Oppenheimer” Production Design: Ruth De Jong; Set Decoration: Claire Kaufman
  • “Poor Things” Production Design: James Price and Shona Heath; Set Decoration: Zsuzsa Mihalek

Will Win: Barbie

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: Poor Things or Barbie

Best Animated Short Film

  • “Letter to a Pig” Tal Kantor and Amit R. Gicelter
  • “Ninety-Five Senses” Jerusha Hess and Jared Hess
  • “Our Uniform” Yegane Moghaddam
  • “Pachyderme” Stéphanie Clément and Marc Rius
  • “WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko” Dave Mullins and Brad Booker

Will Win: WAR IS OVER!

Could Win: Letter to a Pig

Want to Win: WAR IS OVER or Our Uniform

Best Live Action Short Film

  • “The After” Misan Harriman and Nicky Bentham
  • “Invincible” Vincent René-Lortie and Samuel Caron
  • “Knight of Fortune” Lasse Lyskjær Noer and Christian Norlyk
  • “Red, White and Blue” Nazrin Choudhury and Sara McFarlane
  • “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” Wes Anderson and Steven Rales

Will Win: Red, White and Blue

Could Win: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Want to Win: Red, White and Blue

Achievement in Sound

  • “The Creator” Ian Voigt, Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic
  • “Maestro” Steven A. Morrow, Richard King, Jason Ruder, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic
  • “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” Chris Munro, James H. Mather, Chris Burdon and Mark Taylor
  • “Oppenheimer” Willie Burton, Richard King, Gary A. Rizzo and Kevin O’Connell
  • “The Zone of Interest” Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn

Will Win: Oppenheimer

Could Win: The Zone of Interest

Want to Win: Maestro

Achievement in Visual Effects

  • “The Creator” Jay Cooper, Ian Comley, Andrew Roberts and Neil Corbould
  • “Godzilla Minus One” Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima
  • “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot, Guy Williams and Theo Bialek
  • “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” Alex Wuttke, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland and Neil Corbould
  • “Napoleon” Charley Henley, Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet, Simone Coco and Neil Corbould

Will Win: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Could Win: Godzilla Minus One

Want to Win: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Adapted Screenplay

  • “American Fiction” Written for the screen by Cord Jefferson
  • “Barbie” Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach
  • “Oppenheimer” Written for the screen by Christopher Nolan
  • “Poor Things” Screenplay by Tony McNamara
  • “The Zone of Interest” Written by Jonathan Glazer

Will Win: Barbie

Could Win: American Fiction

Want to Win: American Fiction or Barbie

Original Screenplay

  • “Anatomy of a Fall” Screenplay – Justine Triet and Arthur Harari
  • “The Holdovers” Written by David Hemingson
  • “Maestro” Written by Bradley Cooper & Josh Singer
  • “May December” Screenplay by Samy Burch; Story by Samy Burch & Alex Mechanik
  • “Past Lives” Written by Celine Song

Will Win: Anatomy of a Fall

Could Win: Past Lives

Want to Win: May December

THE OSCARS ARE SET TO AIR LIVE, MARCH 10, ON ABC

Top 10 Best Films of 2023

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 30, 2023
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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Features

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10. The Persian Version

Director/writer Maryam Keshavarz pulls from her personal life to tell the story of an Iranian American woman, who has a strained relationship with her mom, until her unexpected pregnancy stirs up the past and reveals a big family secret. The film beautifully shows the strength, wisdom, and humor of Iranian women; while providing a compelling and entertaining portrayal of Persian culture.

9. Maestro

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this film, but it surprisingly hooked me from the start. Bradley Cooper directs, writes, and stars in the engaging love story of conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. Cooper pours his heart and soul into this project and Carey Mulligan leaves you breathless. Watch this one with no distractions and let yourself get fully immersed in this beautiful film.

8. Saltburn

Director/Writer Emerald Fennell won her first Oscar for my favorite film of 2020, the mystery and drama “Promising Young Woman”. Now she brings us another unique thriller; this time about a lower-class outsider, desperate to fit in with his rich classmates. “Saltburn” is not going to be for everyone. If you have a weak stomach, this probably isn’t the film for you. However, if you’re a fan of WTF moments, dry humor, and unpredictable twists and turns, you’ll love this film as much as I did.

7. The Holdovers

Quite possibly Alexander Payne’s best film yet. Paul Giamatti plays a cranky history teacher at a remote prep school who is forced to stay on campus over the holidays with troubled students who have nowhere to go. The biggest standout here is Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s performance as the witty cafeteria lady who’s still grieving the loss of her son. If she doesn’t win Best Supporting Actress this year I will riot! Giamatti is at his best and Dominic Sessa is a talent to watch out for. “The Holdovers” is a touching, bittersweet tale of complex and opposite characters who find family within each other.

6. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Based on Judy Blume’s best-selling novel, the film follows Margaret Simon, an 11 year-old going 12, who begins to learn more about herself as a friend, daughter, and grand-daughter. This film brilliantly stays wholesome and inclusive, while not shying away from sensitive subject matters like religion, racism, or sexual education. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a funny and charming, feel-good, coming of age movie the whole family can watch.

5. Barbie

Director/Writer/Actress Greta Gerwig is a force to be reckon with. Barbie broke box office records and held the #1 spot at the movies for weeks this past summer. Not only is the screenplay unbelievably clever but it’s hilarious, heartwarming, and shines an important light on gender roles in our society. Barbies were made to make women feel like they could do anything, and Ken’s were just their arm candy; but the same can’t be said for men and women in the real world. “Barbie” also features a brilliant production design, a scene stealing performance by Ryan Gosling, and an unforgettable monologue by America Ferrera.

4. American Fiction

Jeffry Wright plays a novelist who is fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment and to prove his point, he uses a pen name to write a book that frustratingly becomes a success. Director/Writer Cord Jefferson’s script is hilarious, timely, and authentic. Wright outdoes himself in a comical yet emotional role we have yet to see from him. “American Fiction” is a smart and inventive story about the idea of selling out while touching on issues of racisms. It’s sarcastic and painfully awkward at times, but I loved it.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” centers around the team working together to save Rocket and the world from a villain who’s looking to create what he defines as the “perfect” society. Out of all the Marvel characters, this group has always felt the most like family because they are each other’s chosen one. That bond is beautifully showcased in volume 3. We get to see Rocket’s backstory, which explains his attitude and why his family with the Guardians means so much. The entire cast lands the comedy and conveys the heart of the story exceptionally. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is a visually stunning perfect blend of humor, emotion, and fun!

2. May December

“May December” follows a married couple 20 years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, and an actress shows up to do research for a film about their past. This shocking plot is based on a true scandal where a 34-year-old teacher, who was married with kids had an affair with her 12-year-old student. Cringing, I know! I love how this film unpacks more of the psychology of this scandal and how those involved would be affected years later; while also digging into how a method actress would approach the role. The film is campy, uncomfortable, seductive, and haunting. Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore are of course great in this, but it’s Charles Melton who stands out with his breakthrough performance that should win Best Supporting Actor.

1. Air

This should come as no surprise since I haven’t been able to stop talking about my love for this movie. I don’t get why this isn’t showing up on more Best Picture lists or nominations. A big part of the reason why “Air” soars is because of the film’s authenticity. Ben Affleck wanted to do this story right. He met with Michael Jordan and made sure he approved of the facts, and what they would be portraying. Jordan’s only request was that Viola Davis play his mom. And who can blame him? She’s fantastic. Affleck continues to prove himself as a skilled director with his excellent focus and passion for storytelling. The film is an entertaining crowd-pleaser that moves quickly. It’s hilarious and has an inspiring message about following your instincts and taking risks. EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH!

The Rest of the Best:

11. You Are So Not Invited to my Bat Mitzvah

12. M3GAN

13. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

14. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

15. Past Lives

16. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

17. Nimona

18. Priscilla

19. Talk to Me

20. Quiz Lady

21. Somebody I Used to Know

Top 5 Worst Films of 2023

5. You People – The fact that they had to CGI a kiss between the leads lets us know it must have been just as bad behind the scenes.

4. Maybe I Do – BORING!!!

3. What Happens Later – An underwhelming return for Meg Ryan, who lacked any chemistry with David Duchovny.

2. Paint- About as entertaining as watching paint dry.

1. Ferrari – How was this film approved to been seen by any human ever? To say this crashed & burned is an understatement.

Trevor’s Top 10

10. Priscilla
9. Blackberry
8. Maestro
7. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
6. Dungeons & Dragons
5. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
4. Air
3. Oppenheimer
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
1. American Fiction

DFW Film Critics Association 2023 Award Winners

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 18, 2023
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Category: Movie Reviews

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SUMMARY OF AWARD WINNERS

2023 Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association

(Choices listed in order of votes received)

BEST PICTURE

Winner: THE HOLDOVERS

Runners-up: OPPENHEIMER (2); KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (3); POOR THINGS (4); AMERICAN FICTION (5); PAST LIVES (6); MAESTRO (7); ANATOMY OF A FALL (8); BARBIE (9); MAY DECEMBER (10)

BEST ACTOR

Winner: Cillian Murphy, OPPENHEIMER

Runners-up: Paul Giamatti, THE HOLDOVERS (2); Bradley Cooper, MAESTRO (3); Jeffrey Wright, AMERICAN FICTION (4); Leonardo DiCaprio, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (5, tie); Colman Domingo, RUSTIN (5, tie)

BEST ACTRESS

Winner: Lily Gladstone, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

Runners-up: Emma Stone, POOR THINGS (2); Carey Mulligan, MAESTRO (3); Greta Lee, PAST LIVES (4); Sandra Huller, ANATOMY OF A FALL (5)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Winner: Robert Downey Jr., OPPENHEIMER

Runners-up: Charles Melton, MAY DECEMBER (2); Robert De Niro, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (3); Mark Ruffalo, POOR THINGS (4); Dominic Sessa, THE HOLDOVERS (5)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Winner: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, THE HOLDOVERS

Runners-up: Danielle Brooks, THE COLOR PURPLE (2); Emily Blunt, OPPENHEIMER (3); Jodie Foster, NYAD (4); Julianne Moore, MAY DECEMBER (5)

BEST DIRECTOR

Winner: Christopher Nolan, OPPENHEIMER

Runners-up: Martin Scorsese, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (2); Alexander Payne, THE HOLDOVERS (3); Yorgos Lanthimos, POOR THINGS (4); Celine Song, PAST LIVES (5)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Winner: ANATOMY OF A FALL

Runners-up: THE ZONE OF INTEREST (2); THE TASTE OF THINGS (3); SOCIETY OF THE SNOW (4); FALLEN LEAVES (5)

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Winner: AMERICAN SYMPHONY

Runners-up: 20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL (2); STILL: A MICHAEL J. FOX MOVIE (3); THE DEEPEST BREATH (4); THE PIGEON TUNNEL (5)

BEST ANIMATED FILM

Winner: THE BOY AND THE HERON

Runner-up: SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE

BEST SCREENPLAY

Winner: David Hemingson, THE HOLDOVERS

Runner-up: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, ANATOMY OF A FALL

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Winner: Hoyte van Hoytema, OPPENHEIMER

Runner-up: Rodrigo Prieto, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

BEST MUSICAL SCORE

Winner: Robbie Robertson, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

Runner-up: Ludwig Goransson, OPPENHEIMER

RUSSELL SMITH AWARD (best low-budget or cutting-edge independent film)

Winner: THE ZONE OF INTEREST