It's Oscar season, and while the Academy has always been a contentious institution, this year's nominees have brought out both excitement and disappointment. On one hand, it's astonishing to see Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice" – a dark comedy that leans heavily into its Coen Brothers-inspired style – missing out on several major categories. It's hard not to feel that the snubs are a reflection of the Academy's often-out-of-touch approach.
Another glaring omission is Yngvill Kolset Haga and Avy Kaufman, the casting directors for "Sentimental Value", which has all its leads nominated for acting awards but no nods for their work. It's jarring to think that the Oscars, in theory, celebrate exceptional craftsmanship, yet overlook the very people who make those films possible.
On the other hand, there are some truly deserving recognition for William H. Macy, Felicity Jones, and Joel Edgerton, whose performances in "Train Dreams" are nothing short of breathtaking. Jafar Panahi's direction of "It Was Just an Accident" is also noteworthy, as is Paul Mescal's work in "Hamnet".
As the Academy gears up for its annual extravaganza, it's clear that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to what makes a film "best". Some will win awards for their technical prowess or commercial appeal, while others might be recognized for their artistic merit or cultural significance. And that's exactly why we need an open and honest discussion about the Oscars – to understand where they succeed and where they fall short.
So, if you're looking to catch up on some of this year's most compelling films before the big show, here are a few must-see recommendations. From "Sinners", which is poised for a historic sweep despite its genre classification, to Timothée Chalamet's mesmerizing performance in "Marty Supreme", there's no shortage of exceptional storytelling to explore.
At the end of the day, making a movie is an incredible feat that deserves our appreciation and respect. These artists have given us pieces of forever that will continue to inspire and move us long after the credits roll.
Another glaring omission is Yngvill Kolset Haga and Avy Kaufman, the casting directors for "Sentimental Value", which has all its leads nominated for acting awards but no nods for their work. It's jarring to think that the Oscars, in theory, celebrate exceptional craftsmanship, yet overlook the very people who make those films possible.
On the other hand, there are some truly deserving recognition for William H. Macy, Felicity Jones, and Joel Edgerton, whose performances in "Train Dreams" are nothing short of breathtaking. Jafar Panahi's direction of "It Was Just an Accident" is also noteworthy, as is Paul Mescal's work in "Hamnet".
As the Academy gears up for its annual extravaganza, it's clear that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to what makes a film "best". Some will win awards for their technical prowess or commercial appeal, while others might be recognized for their artistic merit or cultural significance. And that's exactly why we need an open and honest discussion about the Oscars – to understand where they succeed and where they fall short.
So, if you're looking to catch up on some of this year's most compelling films before the big show, here are a few must-see recommendations. From "Sinners", which is poised for a historic sweep despite its genre classification, to Timothée Chalamet's mesmerizing performance in "Marty Supreme", there's no shortage of exceptional storytelling to explore.
At the end of the day, making a movie is an incredible feat that deserves our appreciation and respect. These artists have given us pieces of forever that will continue to inspire and move us long after the credits roll.