The Academy Awards

Hello beautiful people, it is a special day in the film industry... or is it?

Tonight on the ABC network starting at 8 p.m. EDT Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be showcasing the 93rd Academy Awards. The Academy Awards also referred to as the Oscars, is the biggest night in the industry that awards the top films of each year. 

           

Truth be told, when I was younger and even now I still get excited to see who wins what, it is quite inspiring. But as I've grown older and have been exposed to a wider range of films, the meaning of the Oscars doesn't fully hold its significance as much anymore. Don't get me wrong I would love to have one someday, but it truly doesn't define what makes a great film or filmmaker or actor. At a young age I thought that once you've had that little golden statue, you've made it in the industry which is not the case at all. Some strive to go into the business just to get recognition at these award shows, but that mentality is not beneficial at all. Just like the Grammys, many of my favorite albums and artists don't win, but what matters is how I felt about the film itself. Films will continue to impact and inspire us in different ways (even superhero movies).

Lupita Nyong'o's Speech for Best Supporting Actress

Many people and films that deserve some recognition often don't even get it. Alright, yes I am still butt hurt that Toni Collette got snubbed from her role as Annie in Ari Asters Hereditary. Another performance that should have gotten more recognition is Sebastian Stan playing Jeff Gillooly in I, Tonya. Even Midsommar should have gotten recognition for its cinematography, just to name a few. 

Sebastian Stan as Jeff Gillooly in I, Tonya

Not getting a nomination doesn't define whether or not a film is great, but it is always interesting to see that the Academy chooses every year. 

This year the nominees for Best Picture are:

"The Father"

"Judas and the Black Messiah"

"Sound of Metal"

"Minari"

"Promising Young Woman"

"Nomadland"

"Mank"

"The Trial of the Chicago 7"

Honestly, I haven't seen any of these slates yet... yes I know, it's just been a crazy semester. I do plan on watching all of them once my schedule clears up (literally two days after the Oscars air sadly). But, I will admit that I have read a bit of the screenplay for Promising Young Woman along with watching some of their press interviews talking about the film. I cannot wait to watch all of these but based on the winners from previous award shows like the Golden Globes and the Spirit Awards, I am predicting a win for Nomadland as Best picture and maybe even Chloé Zhao for Best Director. Zhao has been sweeping in both of these categories I am so excited to see these films. For Best Actor in a Leading Role, I have been hearing about two brilliant performances by Chadwick Boseman for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Riz Ahmed for Sound of Metal. For Best Actress in a Leading Role, I think Carey Mulligan for Promising Young Woman will take the gold, but Frances McDormand for Nomadland may be a contender.  While receiving an Oscar (or not) doesn't define whether a film is great, we must always celebrate films as a whole; the movies nominated and even the movies not nominated that impacted you!

Chloe Zhao's Nomadland film poster

All of these films have been getting a lot of praise this past year, and tonight's Academy Awards will definitely be an interesting one especially since the pandemic has affected the film industry immensely. Let me know some of your Oscars predictions in the comments! Also, comment on some Oscar nomination snubs that you're still not over. 

Sources:

https://www.centralcasting.com/the-oscars-history-hollywoods-biggest-night/

https://samingtonwilson.tumblr.com/post/173078745516/proinslascassidy-sebastian-stan-as-jeff-gillooly

https://wallpapercave.com/nomadland-wallpapers

https://gatewayfilmcenter.org/movies/promising-young-woman/

https://time.com/11179/lupita-nyongo-best-supporting-actress-oscars-speech/