OSCAR WATCH 2019: The Films

Welcome to Oscar Watch 2019, I am a little late this year 'cause super busy.

This post will give some lines about each nominated film I have seen, what I thought of the film, acting, and any chances it might have.

I will also blog my predictions for the show, who will win AND who I would like to win. I have been doing this for many years, as it makes me happy. 

Best Picture

I loved all the films nominated for Best Picture and to be honest most are absolutely deserved of winning, but only one can. 

Black Panther 

Black Panther is the long awaited all-black Marvel Superhero film. More a film than a movie, which gives it the edge on all the other Marvel movies. A super star cast, great and important storyline with intelligence AND action, and actual suspense. I loved this film and it filled me with joy.

Of the 7 Oscars it is up for, I am unsure it will bring home any. As good as it is, the competition is high this year. For Black Panther it is a case of it is good to be nominated.

BlacKkKlansman

I loved this film very much, it is probably my favourite of the bunch, the one I want to win. It is hugely important in terms of race and equality, and it is also entertaining. The true story of a black detective that infiltrates the KKK from within. It is directed by Spike Lee, who I adore and who has been overlooked for his masterpiece, Do the Right Thing. The story is quite dramatic but with large pockets of humour, balanced beautifully.

Could he be an upset on the night, oh boy, I'd love to see that, but I don't think it will happen. It may be in for an Oscar out of it's 6 noms for Adapted Screenplay and Adam Driver's Supporting role.

Bohemian Rhapsody

A fan favourite and another I really loved. I don't need to tell anyone what it is about. Everyone has seen it, I wrote about it here. It was pure joy to watch and Remi Malek's Freddie was perfection. 

Remi's won everything for this and I see no reason why he wouldn't win here. Of it's 5 noms, it's probably the only chance. But it's almost close to an absolute!

The Favourite

This is the dark horse for the win, but it is a bit out there and niche. The Story of Queen Anne, and her two female assistants that become lovers. Based on the truth with a liberal dose of fiction based from gossip. Olivia Coleman is outstandingly brilliant as Queen Anne. As are Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz. The acting was sublime, the set design outstanding, the story unique. So lush and sexy and gorgeous, yet ultimately sad. it's got everything you need to win.

It is nominated for a whopping 9 awards, and stands a chance with the acting, probably more Best Actress than Supporting, Costume, and possibly Screenplay. It deserves to be recognised, so fingers crossed.

Green Book

I really enjoyed this film, again a race oriented film, but I thought it could have packed a bigger punch, it sat a little light. The true story of a black classical musican who travelled the South in the 50s with a driver to keep him out of trouble. The music was divine, and the acting brilliant. Both Viggo and Mahershala were brilliant. 

The Supporting Actor is the only possibility I think, Ali has won pretty much everything he has been up for. However that particular field is the most difficult of them all this year, a lot of great and deserved performances within.

Roma

A masterpiece of independent cinema, it is visually perfect, and the acting is strong, the story is basic, but that is ok. I was absolutely mesmerised and moved by this wonderful film. It is the story of a family maid/nanny, a year in her life and it covers a whole range of subject matter, from distressing to joy. It reminds me of Fellini, and the wonderful European films of the 50s and early 60s just before the new wave movement. It is easily the best film. 

Of the 10 categories it is nominated for, I think Best Picture, Directing, Cinematography, and possibly Foreign Film.

A Star is Born

This version of the already multiple filmed story was great and in any other year could have been a contender. The story of an famous singer who meets a great up and coming singer and makes her a star, only to fall over himself. The acting was superb all round, it was beautifully filmed, the music was outstanding, everything worked. 

It may be a dark horse, but I don't think so. Of the massive 8 nominations, Original Song is a shoe in, and Sound Mixing and Sam Elliot a possibility.

Vice

Vice was well done, but not an enjoyable movie as such, cause how could it be. The story of how Dick Cheney became Vice President and the lead up to 9/11 and beyond. The acting was brilliant, and the finite detail will leave you gobsmacked. There are laughs, but more nervous silly laughs because you just cannot believe what you are seeing.

Amy Adams and Original Screenplay are possibilities.

The Rest of the Films

At Eternity's Gate

The later part of the life of Vincent Van Gogh. With Willem Dafoe as Vincent. A remarkable feat, a very moving film, and so beautifully shot. Every shot is like a Van Gogh painting, the colours used are hyper surreal. This is a little film that you should definitely check out. It was hypnotic.

It probably won't win anything, but that's ok.

Can You Ever Forgive Me

The bizarre true story of Lee Israel, a writer down on her luck. Played beautifully by Melissa McCarthy. She sells an autograph to get some money and decides to forge autographs and make more money. Richard E Grant plays her only friend, Jack, who assists her with the project. This is funny in a black way in parts, but mostly a drama, and well done.

On any other year, McCarthy should be a contender for Best Actress, but not this year. I am hoping for Richard E Grant to upset everyone by getting Best Supporting Actor. It could be a long shot, his absolute pure joy of being nominated and making the most of every moment of the journey has endeared him to everyone, so could push him to win. I'd be so thrilled by that.

The Wife
A gentle film about a Pulitzer Prize winning author and his wife, who may or may not have played a key role in his popularlity. 

Close is exceptional as The Wife and may well win for this role.

If Beale Street Could Talk

This was such a beautiful love story, about a young black couple in the 50s. They are stunning and lovely and their story is so romantic. But he is jailed for a crime he did not commit...or did he? She is pregnant, and things fall apart. The two stories, the romance, and the drama are played simultaneously. It is a great little film.

It won't win much, but Regina King's performance is brilliant and noted.

Isle of Dogs

Wes Anderson animated masterpiece is Isle of Dogs. Whimsical, dramatic, great story, and dogs. Possible contender for Animated Feature.

Cold War
Black and White Polish film about musicians in Post War Poland. A relationship forms, and they couple escape Poland via France, but will they have a happy ending? Beautifully shot in Black and White with the most wonderful music I thoroughly enjoyed this film.

Possible shot for Foreign Language Film.

A Quiet Place

Clever thriller with almost no dialogue. The world has been taken over by blind beast with extraordinary hearing. A family is on the run from them. The mother is pregnant, things can not end well.

Possible sound awards, but another that is good to be nominated.

Avenger's Infinity War/Ready Player One/Solo

I enjoyed all of these Super hero/fantasy action movies. They may win some technical awards.

Christopher Robin

This was a sweet film about a grown up Christopher Robin, caught up in his material world and the animals of his childhood help to bring him back to the child within. Again, maybe some technical, but nice to be nominated.