OSCAR WATCH: the wrap up and Fashion

 What an Oscars!!!!

This was never going to be a regular Oscars show.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I actually liked a lot of it. Many didn't, but you know, most usually diss the show, so what's new!?

It was a small, intimate location, with red carpet prior (albeit slow and minimised), only those nominated and a guest, plus presenters in the room. This was purely due to COVID, and I think it worked well. It meant less star factor, but it also meant more bang for your buck - so to speak.

Regina King opened the show with a fierce speech about all the issues (COVID, BLM, Me Too etc) and she was sensational. Not your usual opening, but there was no way they could have done a song and dance number. SO I am unsure why people are complaining so much. Plus she looked AMAZING, as soon as I saw her outfit, I made her best dressed! Woah!!!

The show itself mostly focused on the nominations, with some quirky stories about the nominees prior. There were no real segments, no songs. All they had was a music trivia segment, which was a bit off, but involved Glenn Close showing her knowledge (!?!) of hip hop and twerking. The humanitarian awards returned, and the In Memoriam was there. The choice of an upbeat Stevie Wonder song has been criticised but I actually thought it was a great choice. I love that song, it is about life and humanity and why should memoriam songs be downbeat?

There has been a lot of criticism about missing opening numbers, songs being sung etc etc. But none would be appropriate in these COVID times, are people really that stupid?

The entertainment, as always, came from the speeches. Whether they were emotional or hilarious, it didn't matter, there were some good ones. Yuh Jung Youn, the grandmother in Minari, was the funniest. Flirting with Brad Pitt, and letting everyone off for mispronouncing her name. 

Who won, as expected, was a bit of a wild card. Upsets, and a spread of love to most movies, so no real frontrunner.

I had an all time low with 15 correct, and 8 incorrect. Also needs mentioning we only have 23 categories this year, rather than the usual 24. With Sound mixing and editing being moved into 1 Sound category. I was so sure Sound of Metal was the little film that was just lucky to be nominated, I didn't think it would get anything. I was wrong, it won Best Film Editing and Best Sound, the later should have been a no-brainer, but I was rushed this year I do admit.

When Mank got Cinematography and Production I was worried there was a groundswell and it might get Best Picture. It did not!

As predicted Nomadland won Best Picture and Best Director but also Best Actress for France McDormand. This was quite a surprise, because I sincerely believe both Viola Davis and Carey Mulligan gave far better performances. I love Frances, and she has 3 Oscars, it is great. I read a review of Nomadland this afternoon and it said the film was all about her, the two were inseparable, and the review got it right, how could she not have won. But still...

The biggest upset of the night was Anthony Hopkins winning over favourite, Chadwick Boseman. I am not surprised, I wondered whether Anthony might steal it at the last minute, he was my preferred choice and easily the better performance. Chadwick's was remarkable given how unwell it was, but he really was part of an ensemble cast, with him (or VIola Davis) getting more screen time than the others, maybe they were not Leads? Then people were all and Anthony Hopkins couldn't be bothered to come. Really!!??? Are the people who write these columns that stupid (of course they are!). He is an elderly man living in the UK, of course he wouldn't travel to a COVID hotspot at his age. And he was genuinely pleased and surprised, he put a lovely video up later. Go and watch The Father, that performance was absolutely brilliant.

The problem was the Academy made Best Picture the third to last award to be given, rather than the last, which has been the case for decades. Did they really think Chadwick would win and the show would end with that? Obviously, so at least we know the winners are definitely surprises that no-one knows about!

I will pop in some of my faves from the red carpet, but before I do I will end with a lovely quote from Chloe Zhao, the second woman to win Best Director, and the first person of colour to do so. "People at birth, are inherently good", we are, and let's try to remain that way!

If you want to relook at my predictions, see where I went right...and wrong, click here!

And a link to my reviews of the movies I did see!

Regina King, Queen of the red carpet.
I cannot begin to tell you all how much I love this piece.

Reese comes in a close second, simplistic, 

but great use of shape and colour, totally works

Maria Bakalova, love the sleek white and diamonds

Vanessa Kirby, princess pink

Laura Dern, old school feathers and B&W

Viola Davis, striking in white

Halle Berry, lovely in lavendar

Emerald Fennell, in greens and pinks, flowering flowing

Andra Day, this actually works for her

So not a fan of the boobtube, but it works on Carey, 

seeing her sitting with that skirt fanned out was stunning though

Daniel Kaluuya, looking sharp

Love, Love, love this on Leslie Odom Jnr.

Riz Ahmed, swoon and great colour and shape on his wife

Amanda, Amanda, Amanda...I love the colour and the big skirt, 

but the rest does you no favours whatsoever.
Not worst dressed, but certainly nowhere near best!

OSCAR WATCH: The Predictions

This is my yearly Oscar Prediction post. This year was unusual, COVID pushed back the award almost 2 months, and films were released differently. I managed to see 7 ot the 8 Best Picture films and a few extras. Nothing really stood out as a wonderful film, though I still had favourites. The general subject of the films was dreary, real, and historical.

As always I try to see how many categories I will get correct, MY best score is 20 our of 24 categories THREE time, in 2009, 2014, and 2018. I always add in who I'd like to see win, as they are often different.

So here goes:

Best Picture

Who Will Win: Nomadland

I admit I am stuck this year, I think of the 8 nominated there are much better films than Nomadland, but this appears to be the frontrunner, so I will stick with it. I would have thought Mank would have appealed more to the Academy, or even The Trial of the Chicago 5.

Who Should Win: The Father

This was such a well made, clever film. Incredibly entertaining, well cast, and the kind of film that should win.

Best Director

Who Will Win: Nomadland

Again, appears to be the frontrunner.

Who Should Win: Mank

I think this is beautifully directed, Fincher is due and it is old Hollywood, at it's worst, shown at it's best!

Actor In A Leading Role

Who Will Win: Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Chadwick delivers a fine performance, his final before passing, and everyone thinks he has it bagged, but does he?

Who Should Win: Anthony Hopkins, The Father

Hopkins is outstanding as the father with dementia slowly going mad. This is a return to form and will give this category a good fight to the end.

 

Actor In A Supporting Role
 
Who Will Win: Sacha Baren Cohen, The Trial of the Chicago 7

The favourite is actually Daniel Kaluuya, but I still feel both Judas and the Black Priest nominees will cancel each other out. This is always a wild card category and I think the academy would love to give one to Cohen so here it goes!?

Who Should Win: Paul Raci, The Sound of Metal

Raci was the heart and soul of The Sound of Metal and gave a solid performance, would be lovely to see him and this wonderful film rewarded.
 
Actress In A Leading Role
 
Who Will Win: Viola Davis, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

She's playing a historical character and undergoes a physical transformation to do so, this is catnip (as they say) for voters. I am torn between her and Carey Mulligan but I think Viola will win her second for this role.
 
Who Should Win: Carey Mulligan, A Promising Young Woman

Mulligan it outstanding in this, it is the performance that struck me the most. She should win this!

 
Actress In A Supporting Role
 
Who Will Win: Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari

Has pretty much won everything leading up to this, so should win.
 
Who Should Win: Amanda Seyfried, Mank

Amanda absolutely light up the screen whenever she appears. And that is something for a black and white long, dreary film! 

Animated Feature
 
Who Will Win: Soul

I have not seen any of the films, but this seems to be the frontrunner.

Cinematography
 
Who Will Win: Nomadland

This is the favourite and is stunning with it's sweeping vistas etc.

Who Should Win: Mank

This was beautifully filmed, giving off real vibes of actual films from the era it was about, which is no mean feat. 

Costume Design/Makeup and Hairstyling

 
Who Will Win: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

This is the front runner and is stunning, and I was torn.

Who Should Win: Emma

I really loved the costume design and hair for Emma, so have split these two.
 
Documentary Feature
 
Who Will Win: My Octopus Teacher

I have only seen a snippet of this and it looks delightful. I know nothing of the other films, but this does seem to be the frontrunner, so who am I to deny it!?
 
Documentary Short Subject
 
Who Will Win: A Concerto is a conversation

Everyone is digging this!
 
Film Editing
 
Who Will Win: The Trial of the Chicago 7

This makes a lot of sense, with the film moving in quick succession (aided by clever edits) to replicate the story and the fast paced of Sorkin's script.
 
Who Should Win: The Father

This is cleverly edited to show the unraveling of Hopkins' brain.

 
International Feature Film
 
Who Will Win: Another Round

Everyone is raving about the Danish film. I know nothing of the others.
 
Original Score
 
Who Will Win: Soul
Who Should Win: Soul

This was my favourite score and the front runner, a no-brainer really. I did love the score to Minari too, but Soul is better.

Original Song
 
Who Will Win: Speak Now, One Night in Miami
Who Should Win: Speak Now, One Night in Miami

A really great song, worthwhile, meaningful and popular.

 
Production Design
 
Who Will Win: Mank
Who Should Win: Mank

This is between Mank and Ma Rainey and I liked Mank better, the attention to detail is outstanding, and also the frontrunner.

 
Animated Short Film
 
Who Will Win: If Anything Happens I love you
No idea, this seems popular.

Live Action Short Film
 
Who Will Win: Two Distant Strangers

Again, not a lot of ideas here, it is about the Holocaust, always popular with the Academy but in my research there is a lot of love for it.

 
Sound 
Who Will Win: Sound of Metal
Who Should Win: Sound of Metal

A music film about deafness, sound it incredibly important, this has to win!
 
Visual Effects
 
Who Will Win: Tenant
Who Should Win: Tenant

Not seen any of these films, but everyone says this belongs to Tenant!
 
Adapted Screenplay
 
Who Will Win: The Father
Who Should Win: The Father
Adapted from the play, this is a confusing story, and meant to be so, but if it wasn't for a tight screenplay it would be too difficult to follow. This should win.

Original Screenplay
 
Who Will Win: Promising Young Woman 
Who Should Win: Promising Young Woman

This is an outstanding screenplay, complex and very original. Whilst it has some competition from Minari, Sound of Metal, and Chicago 7, I think it will win!

OSCAR WATCH: The Films

This year's Oscars are much later than usual, and the movies are all over the shop. I haven't seen as many as I would normally see, but I think I have seen enough to work on my usual predictions and hopes.

Anyway, here is a brief overview of the films I managed to see. Films are listed in alphabetical order!

Emma

I saw this glorious version of Emma when it was first released. It beautifully portrayed Jane Austen's story of love and matchmaking with the wonderful Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen's Gambit) as Emma. The whole cast was a delight in fact. It was stunningly shot, and just looked beautiful. Lots of beautiful colours, and interior design. It is nominated for Costume and Hair, which makes perfect sense. I think it should have be nominated for Best Picture.

The Father

Wow, this was a brilliant film, Anthony Hopkins has dementia, his daughter (Olivia Coleman) is trying her best to look after him with some paid help, but he is deteriorating. The film is shot from his perspective and is extremely discombobulating. It is shot in an apartment, but you notice subtle changes, he doors missing, vases changing and so force. Are these changes real, or is it because he has dementia and is simply forgetting things. Someone described it as Dementia as if done by Spike Jones. This is close, the writer /director is Florian Zeller who originally wrote the play it is based on. Coleman is brilliant as usual and Hopkins is outstanding, the best I think I have ever seen him, as a man totally spiraling out as he loses his mind. It is nominated for Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, Actor, Supporting Actress, Film editing, and Production.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

I really loved this film loosely based on 20s singer, Ma Rainey. It covers one afternoon recording in Chicago. Ma Rainey is recording her vocals and fighting with the white producers over what she wants. Downstairs her band are practicing and also fighting amongst the players over musical content, old styles versus new upcoming styles. Viola Davis is absolutely transformed and magnificent as Ma Rainey, and whilst she is miming to the actual Ma, she absolutely haunts as she performs. It also had Chadwick Boseman in his final role as a young upstart trumpet player. The music, the acting, the vibe, the sets, everything about this film is mesmerising. Not up for Best Picture, another overlooked film, but up for acting nods for Davis and Boseman, Production, Costume, and Hair.

Mank

I really wanted to love Mank. Based on the writing of the film, Citizen Kane and featuring a period of Hollywood I love. It was beautifully produced and looked stunning, shot in black and white it gave off a 1930s vibe as if it had been shot back then. The acting was phenomenal, not least Gary Oldman, and Amanda Seyfried as Herman Mankiewicz and Marion Davies. But ultimately it was boring, it dragged and lulled, but it shouldn't have. I did enjoy watching it to a certain extant, but it needed better editing. It is up for Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actress, Cinematography, Costume, Hair, Original Score, Production and Sound.

Minari

I also wanted to love this film but it left me a bit meh. A Korean family recently moved to the US, move to Texas to start a farm in hope of making money. The mother and the father are not seeing eye to eye, their youngest boy has heart problems, they are living in a trailer and struggling. Grandma comes to help look after the children. The children don't warm to her Korean ways.The entire film you are expecting severe life disaster/s to happen. A few do, but nothing too terrible. Life goes on. Again this was a slow, and meandering film. It is up for Best Picture, Director, Original Screenplay, Actor, Supporting Actress, and Original Score.

Nomadland

This is the favourite to win, I am unsure. Frances McDormand is Fern, after her husband passes and the town's factory where she works closes down, she sells her possessions to buy a van. She plans to live and travel in it around the US, looking for work. This bleak, homeless existence is shared by many others, some real life nomads playing fictional versions of themselves. She picks up work here and there, runs in to regular people and falls in love with a man. She visits his family with him and they all get along, but when he reveals he is going to stay there, she leaves. She also visits family, but ultimately she realises she is happy with life on the road, and continues her journey. This is up for Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Actress, Cinemtography, and Film Editing.

One Night in Miami

This is about 4 very real people in a fictionalised event directed by Regina King. Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke meet in X's hotel room after Ali fights Listen. They discuss the chatter of the day, life, and race and it is a fascinating long conversation. I was very disappointed the story is made up, as it felt so real. This is good in one way, it feels authentic, but ultimately it is not. Great acting and great story. It is up for Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor, and Original Song.                                                       

Promising Young Woman

This is a modern sharp comedy drama. Carey Mulligan is Cassie, 30, living at home with her parents and floundering. Her best friend was raped and murdered at a party some years earlier. Cassie now spends her evenings out, pretending to be drunk, waiting for men to pick her up and take her home. As they start to do things without her consent, she 'wakes' up, completely sober and freaks them out. She is trying to get justice for her friend and concocts a clever but dangerous plan to lure the rapists out.  This is a really complex story that ends remarkabley. Mulligan is absolutely outstanding it. This is mind blowing and original and up for Best Picture, Director, Actress, and Original Screenplay.       

Sound of Metal

This was one of the films I loved the most. Riz Ahmed is Ruben, a drummer touring in a heavy metal band and in a relationship with the lead singer. His hearing is starting to disappear and goes for a test and finds he will become completely deaf if he continues. He may be able to get cochlear implants but they are expensive. He stops touring and his partner is worried as a recovering addict he will fall off the wagon. She lines him up with another deaf recovering addict to assist him. She moves on and leaves him in this small deaf community. The people there see being deaf as who they are not a disability. Ruben becomes close to the group and is happy but misses his partner and the music so goes for the cochlear operation. This is a very deep film and with clever sound editing shows what life was like for Ruben hearing wise. It is deeply emotional with twists and turns. Ahmed is outstanding in this. Sound of Metal is up for Best Picture, Original Screenplay, Actor, Supporting Actor, Film Editing, and Sound.

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, this follows a group of Vietnam War protesters charged with causing riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention. Ultimately a courtroom drama, the film follows the fiascco that follows, the murkiness and corruption. The ensemble cast is a superb and charismatic ensemble. I thoroughly enjoyed this film with heart and humour against a historical drama background. It is up for Best Picture, Original Screenplay, Supporting Actor, Cinematography, Film Editing, and Original Song.