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Archives for : Susan Kamyab Stephens

Predicting the Winners: 98th Academy Awards

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 12, 2026
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Category: Movie Reviews

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This year’s Oscars ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second year in a row.

The 98th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

The awards will be televised live on ABC and streamed live on Hulu beginning at 7 p.m., ET.

Best Picture

  • “Bugonia”
  • “F1”
  • “Frankenstein”
  • “Hamnet”
  • “Marty Supreme”
  • “One Battle After Another”
  • “The Secret Agent”
  • “Sentimental Value”
  • “Sinners”
  • “Train Dreams”

Will Win: Sinners

Could Win: One Battle After Another

Want to Win: Sinners

Best Supporting Actress

  • Elle Fanning, “Sentimental Value”
  • Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, “Sentimental Value”
  • Amy Madigan, “Weapons”
  • Wunmi Mosaku, “Sinners”
  • Teyana Taylor, “One Battle After Another”

Will Win: Amy Madigan

Could Win: Teyana Taylor

Want to Win: Amy Madigan, Teyana Taylor, or Wunmi Mosaku

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”

Will Win: Michael B. Jordan

Could Win: Timothee Chalamet

Want to Win: Michael B. Jordan or Timothee Chalamet

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”

Will Win: Jessie Buckley

Could Win: Rose Byrne

Want to Win: Rose Byrne

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”

Will Win: Delroy Lindo

Could Win: Sean Penn or Stellan Skarsgard

Want to Win: Delroy Lindo or Stellan Skarsgard

Best Director

  • Chloé Zhao, “Hamnet”
  • Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme”
  • Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another”
  • Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value”
  • Ryan Coogler, “Sinners”

Will Win: Paul Thomas Anderson

Could Win: Ryan Coogler

Want to Win: Ryan Coogler

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

  • “Frankenstein”
  • “Kokuho”
  • “Sinners”
  • “The Smashing Machine”
  • “The Ugly Stepsister”

Will Win: Frankenstein

Could Win: Sinners

Want to Win: Frankenstein

Best Original Score

  • “Bugonia” — Jerskin Fendrix
  • “Frankenstein” — Alexandre Desplat
  • “Hamnet” — Max Richter
  • “One Battle After Another” — Jonny Greenwood
  • “Sinners” — Ludwig Göransson

Will Win: Sinners

Could Win: Frankenstein

Want to Win: Sinners

Best Live Action Short Film

  • “Butcher’s Stain”
  • “Jane Austen’s Period Drama”
  • “A Friend of Dorothy”
  • “The Singers”
  • “Two People Exchanging Saliva”

Will Win: Two People Exchanging Saliva

Could Win: A Friend of Dorothy

Want to Win: A Friend of Dorothy

Best Adapted Screenplay

  • “Bugonia” — Will Tracy
  • “Frankenstein” — Guillermo Del Toro
  • “Hamnet” — Maggie O’Farrell and Chloé Zhao
  • “One Battle After Another” — Paul Thomas Anderson
  • “Train Dreams” — Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar

Will Win: One Battle After Another

Could Win: No Contest

Want to Win: One Battle After Another

Best Original Screenplay

  • “Blue Moon” — Robert Kaplow
  • “It Was Just an Accident” — Jafar Panahi
  • “Marty Supreme” — Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie
  • “Sentimental Value” — Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt
  • “Sinners” – Ryan Coogler

Will Win: Sinners

Could Win: No Contest

Want to Win: Sinners

Best Animated Short Film

  • “Butterfly”
  • “Forevergreen”
  • “The Girl Who Cried Pearls”
  • “Retirement Plan”
  • “The Three Sisters”

Will Win: Butterfly

Could Win: Forveregreen

Want to Win: Butterfly

Best Casting

  • “Hamnet” — Nina Gold
  • “Marty Supreme” — Jennifer Venditti
  • “One Battle After Another” — Cassandra Kulukundis
  • “The Secret Agent” — Gabriel Domingues
  • “Sinners” — Francine Maisler

Will Win: Sinners

Could Win: One Battle After Another

Want to Win: Sinners

Best Original Song

  • “Dear Me” from “Diane Warren: Relentless”
  • “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters”
  • “I Lied to You” from “Sinners”
  • “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from “Viva Verdi!”
  • “Train Dreams” from “Train Dreams”

Will Win: Golden

Could Win: I Lied to You

Want to Win: Golden

Best Documentary Feature Film

  • “The Alabama Solution”
  • “Come See Me in the Good Light”
  • “Cutting Through Rocks”
  • “Mr. Nobody Against Putin”
  • “The Perfect Neighbor”

Will Win: The Perfect Neighbor

Could Win: Mr. Nobody Against Putin

Want to Win: The Perfect Neighbor

Best Documentary Short Film

  • “All the Empty Rooms”
  • “Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud”
  • “Children No More: ‘Were and Are Gone'”
  • “The Devil is Busy”
  • “Perfectly a Strangeness”

Will Win: All the Empty Rooms

Could Win: Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud

Want to Win: All the Empty Rooms

Best International Feature Film

  • Brazil, “The Secret Agent”
  • France, “It Was Just an Accident”
  • Norway, “Sentimental Value”
  • Spain, “Sirât”
  • Tunisia, “The Voice of Hind Rajab”

Will Win: The Secret Agent

Could Win: Sentimental Value

Want to Win: The Secret Agent or It Was Just an Accident

Best Animated Feature Film

  • “Arco”
  • “Elio”
  • “KPop Demon Hunters”
  • “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain”
  • “Zootopia 2”

Will Win: KPop Demon Hunters

Could Win: Zootopia 2

Want to Win: KPop Demon Hunters

Best Production Design

  • “Frankenstein”
  • “Hamnet”
  • “Marty Supreme”
  • “One Battle After Another”
  • “Sinners”

Will Win: Frankenstein

Could Win: Hamnet

Want to Win: Frankenstein

Best Film Editing

  • “F1” — Stephen Mirrione
  • “Marty Supreme” — Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie
  • “One Battle After Another” — Andy Jurgensen
  • “Sentimental Value” — Olivier Bugge Coutté
  • “Sinners” — Michael P. Shawver

Will Win: One Battle After Another

Could Win: F1

Want to Win: F1 or Sinners

Best Sound

  • “F1”
  • “Frankenstein”
  • “One Battle After Another”
  • “Sinners”
  • “Sirât”

Will Win: F1

Could Win: Sinners

Want to Win: F1

Best Visual Effects

  • “Avatar: Fire and Ash”
  • “F1”
  • “Jurassic World Rebirth”
  • “The Lost Bus”
  • “Sinners”

Will Win: Avatar: Fire and Ash

Could Win: No contest

Want to Win: Avatar: Fire and Ash

Best Cinematography

  • “Frankenstein”
  • “Marty Supreme”
  • “One Battle After Another”
  • “Sinners”
  • “Train Dreams”

Will Win: Sinners

Could Win: Train Dreams

Want to Win: Sinners

Best Costume Design

  • “Avatar: Fire and Ash” — Deborah L. Scott
  • “Frankenstein” — Kate Hawley
  • “Hamnet” — Malgosia Turzanska
  • “Marty Supreme” — Miyako Bellizzi
  • “Sinners” — Ruth E. Carter

Will Win: Frankenstein

Could Win: Hamnet

Want to Win: Frankenstein

Movie Review: “Project Hail Mary”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 10, 2026
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Project Hail Mary is the second film adaptation of a book by Andy Weir and is directed by the hilarious dynamic duo, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Their comedy is prevalent throughout the film, but the whopping two hour and 36-minute runtime needs more than humor to keep audiences engaged.

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, a science teacher who has woken up alone on a spaceship light-years away from earth with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As he slowly starts to remember his mission, he learns he must stop a mysterious substance from killing the sun and save Earth from extinction. Thankfully, an unexpected friendship with an alien life form leads to a touching bond that just might be the key to saving the world. Read full review here.

Rating: B-

“Project Hail Mary” opens in theaters March 20, 2026.

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Movie Review: “I Can Only Imagine 2”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 22, 2026
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Category: Movie Reviews

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I Can Only Imagine 2. Photo Credit: Jake Giles Netter

It has been 8 years since the release of “I Can Only Imagine”, the story of Bart Millard, a young musician who came from an abusive childhood and went on to become the lead singer of the hit band MercyMe. But is this sequel another musical hit?

“I Can Only Imagine 2” picks up long after the death of Bart’s father, with whom he had reconciled after years of trauma. His band MercyMe is hot off the heels of their breakout success from their record-breaking song and are currently living the dream. But Bart’s world stumbles when he discovers his son, Sam, has a life-threatening illness. His obsession to consistently monitor Sam negatively weighs on him and his family. When newcomer Tim Timmons joins the band on their biggest tour, yet he forms an immediate and uplifting bond with Sam. Tim’s faith in Sam and his fresh outlook on life inspires Bart to regain the relationship with his son he had always hoped for with his own father. Read full review here.

Rating: C

“I Can Only Imagine 2” opens in theaters February 27, 2026.

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GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE Interview w/ Academy Award Winner Sam Rockwell

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 12, 2026
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Category: Movie Reviews

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“A man claiming to be from the future takes the patrons of an iconic Los Angeles diner hostage in search of unlikely recruits in a quest to save the world.” Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell stars in the new sci-fi comedy, “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die”. I had the opportunity to speak with Rockwell about the film and his iconic Oscar speech.

“Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” opens in theaters February 13, 2026.

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Movie Review: “Solo Mio”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 2, 2026
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Kevin James returns to the romantic comedy scene in Solo Mio, a light-hearted, charming tale surrounded by the scenic backdrop of Italy.

James stars as Matt Taylor, a man who finds himself at a loss when his fiancée leaves him at the alter in Rome. With their honeymoon already planned and paid for, he moves forward with the trip and tries his best to take pleasure in the all-inclusive honeymoon package. Thankfully, two, fairly odd, couples taking part in the package notice Matt is single. They take him under their wings and Matt quickly forms an unlikely friendship with the couples as a fifth wheel. However, five becomes six when Gia, the owner of a small coffee shop, takes an interest in Matt. Read full review here.

Solo Mio opens in theaters February 6, 2026.

Rating: B-

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PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION Interview w/ Tom Blyth, Emily Bader, Emily Henry, & Brett Haley

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : January 6, 2026
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Category: Movie Reviews

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“Poppy wants to explore the world and Alex prefers to stay home with a good book, but somehow they are the very best of friends. They live far apart, but for a decade they have spent one week of summer vacation together.”

Based on the Best-Selling novel by Emily Henry, “People We Meet on Vacation” is the first best film of 2026. The movie is a nostalgic, enchanting, and comforting romantic comedy.

I had the opportunity to sit down with the stars (Emily Bader & Tom Blyth), author (Emily Henry), and director (Brett Haley) in New Orleans (one of the primary filming locations) to discuss, when they knew what they wanted out of life, what kinds of questions they ask to get to know someone, and more!

“People We Meet on Vacation” premieres on Netflix January 9, 2026.

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Top 10 Best Films of 2025

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 29, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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10. Sorry, Baby- “Sorry, Baby” begins with the audience knowing something bad happened to Agnes (earnestly played by filmmaker Eva Victor). As the story unfolds, it is as if we are flies on a wall, witnessing one of the most aching and profoundly authentic depictions of the aftermath of sexual assault. “Sorry, Baby” is a compelling and honest dark comedy about significant trauma.

9. Twinless- This movie is about two grieving men, who bond in a support group for those who have lost their twins. They form a brotherly friendship, but it is soon revealed that all is not what it seems. That sounds more eerie than it needs to be. However, you never know where this story is headed. “Twinless” is a smart screenplay with the right balance of dark humor, and features Dylan O’ Brien’s best performance to date. This story cleverly explores the pain of grief and loneliness.

8. KPop Demon Hunters- The best animated feature of the year is also one of the best films of the year (with one of the best soundtracks of the year)! “KPop Demon Hunters” is a visually and musically captivating, creative tale about friendship, self-acceptance, and overcoming shame. The film features incredible voice acting (and singing) with a stunning representation of the Korean culture. Believe the hype with this one!

7. The Ugly Stepsister- It’s a twisted take on the classic Cinderella story I didn’t know I needed. “The Ugly Stepsister” is a comedic, body horror about the “physical perfection” pressured on young women looking for a husband. While the film can be gruesome at times, it is an unforgettable watch that brings a whole new and unexpected meaning to “happily ever after”.

6. Eternity- Set in an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity. Joan is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with or her first love, who died young in war and has waited 67 years for her to arrive. This is a charming, original, and surprisingly moving romantic comedy with a thought-provoking message about what “eternal love” truly means.

5. F1- What I expected to be a loud, long, and hallow joy ride, turned into a swift, exhilarating, and gripping race! “F1” brings excitement and heart with some ’90s nostalgia to this true cinematic experience. Fantastic casting all around, including an incredible breakthrough performance by Damson Idris.

4. Sinners- I was pleasantly surprised to discover “Sinners” was a bluesy, bloody horror. This film goes beyond a typical “vampire movie”. Ryan Coogler masterfully layers his frightening story with interracial conflicts, cultural history, a powerful soundtrack, and riveting thrills. Michael B. Jordan gives TWO award-worthy performances along with the seamless ensemble cast.

3. Weapons- I can see why there was a bidding war over the “Weapons” spec script. I can’t remember the last time I was truly scared while watching a scary movie in theaters. I had a sense of panic and struggled to fall asleep that night. Zach Cregger is known for his wild horror, “The Barbarian”, but this time around, Cregger elevates his storytelling with a unique and sharp-witted screenplay. The film is wisely crafted with effective jump scares and an appropriate amount comic relief.

2. Materialists- It’s a refreshing spin on the rom-com genre. Lucy is an ambitious young New York City matchmaker, who finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. The plot raises a lot of questions about dating in the modern world today. Primarily, what is it that you are not willing to compromise. It is deep and there is an ongoing discussion about the “math” of dating and how it can become a business transaction. How much does “love” truly factor in the equation? “Materialists” is an authentic perspective on dating, brilliantly told through Celine Song’s detail and insightful mind.

1. Superman- In the current state of superhero movie fatigue, it is rare that one could still blow me away. James Gunn has revitalized the genre, especially for DC, and given us a Superman (with a sense of humor) we can truly look up to. He has resuscitated the tired story and given life to this tale with a contemporary take told by a stellar cast, including a scene stealing dog. This Superman leads with kindness, so much so that in the heat of battle he will stop to save a squirrel. His desire to be accepted by society, while still staying true to his innate virtue, pulls at your heart and inspires hope.

The Rest of the Best:

11. Jay Kelly

12. Together

13. Predator: Badlands

14. My Dead Friend Zoe

15. One Battle After Another

16. Dead Man’s Wire

17. It Was Just an Accident

18. The Perfect Neighbor

19. Baltimorons

20. Bob Trevino Likes It

Top 5 Worst Film of 2024

5. Wolf Man – Shockingly boring and pointless.

4. The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Waste of a perfectly good cast, AGAIN! But oh, the CGI on that baby is unforgiveable.

3. Anemone – Nepotism at its worst. Can’t believe Daniel Day-Lewis came out of retirement for this one.

2. Black Phone 2 – A sequel was clearly not necessary, but this movie was just an insult to the incredible original film. I’m still so disappointed.

1. Ella McCay – What in the world was this movie? Was the script not finished? Did the editor’s quit midway through? I’m not sure what happened here, but it was bad. VERY bad.

Trevor’s Top 10

10. Twinless

9. F1

8. Weapons

7. Eternity

6. Predator: Badlands

5. Black Bag

4. Materialists

3. Sinners

2. The Long Walk

1. Superman

Movie Review: “Wicked: For Good”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 19, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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The award-winning Broadway show, Wicked returns for the second half of its whimsical musical, Wicked: For Good.

In Part 2, the now demonized Elphaba known as the Wicked Witch of the West has been exiled from Oz and is desperately fighting for the freedom of silenced animals and trying to expose the lies of The Wizard. While Glinda has been appointed as “The Good Witch” and a comfort to Oz, she is internally struggling, missing Elphaba, her best friend and being part of a charade to villainize her. Now unfortunately, Wicked: For Good fails to defy gravity like Wicked Part One, the first film, BUT as whole, the essential parts of the story are wonderful. There’s a beautiful message about friendship, love, acceptance, and being cautious of false heroes.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande soar once again. It is their chemistry and passion on-screen and off-screen that moves audiences and makes these films a success. Read full review here.

Rating: B

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A MAN ON THE INSIDE S2 Interview w/ Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, & Creator Mike Schur

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 19, 2025
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Category: Interviews, Movie Reviews

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I had the great honor to speak with the incredible Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, & Mike Schur about the second season of the fun, lighthearted mystery comedy, “A Man on the Inside.”

“Eager to take on another big undercover case, Charles Nieuwendyk (Ted Danson) gets his chance when a mysterious blackmailer targets Wheeler College president Jack Berenger (Max Greenfield), who enlists Charles to go undercover as a professor. Charles finds no shortage of possible suspects, but his attention gets diverted by free-spirited music teacher Mona (Mary Steenburgen), whose zest for life awakens feelings he thought he’d buried after the passing of his wife.”

“From creator Michael Schur, A MAN ON THE INSIDE is based on the documentary THE MOLE AGENT, a 2021 Oscar® nominee for Best Documentary feature.”

“A Man on the Inside” Season 2 streams on Netflix on November 20, 2025.

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IN YOUR DREAMS Interview w/ Simu Liu, Cristin Milioti, Craig Robinson, Jolie Hoang, & Elias Janssen

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 12, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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“In Your Dreams” follows Stevie and her brother Elliot as they journey through the bizarre landscape of their own dreams. If they can face a snarky giraffe, zombie breakfast foods, and the queen of nightmares, the Sandman will grant them their ultimate dream: the perfect family.

I had the opportunity to speak with the incredible cast about their thoughts on the meaning behind dreams, what helps them fall asleep, and much more!

“In Your Dreams” streams on Netflix on November 14, 2025.

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