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As the awards season approaches, it feels like it’s taking forever. While it seems that the world outside has changed drastically, the film industry is still sorting out its nominations and votes. The waiting is almost over, and soon the trophies will be handed out. There’s excitement in the air as fans wonder how many accessories actor Kieran Culkin will wear on the big night.
Being a film critic, I sometimes feel detached from the Oscars, yet I can’t help but share my thoughts on them. So, in this week’s edition of “In Review,” I’ll share my opinions on who should win in each major category.
Let’s dive into the first category: Best Supporting Actress. This year, the nominees include Monica Barbaro from “A Complete Unknown,” Ariana Grande from “Wicked,” Felicity Jones from “The Brutalist,” Isabella Rossellini from “Conclave,” and Zoe Saldaña from “Emilia Pérez.” I admire Isabella Rossellini, but I hardly remember her role in “Conclave.” While I enjoy her work, it’s tough to consider her for this award given the strong competition.
Ariana Grande gave a solid performance, but I believe it got overshadowed by her role in “Wicked.” Zoe Saldaña has done better work in the past. However, Monica Barbaro’s portrayal of Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown” really stood out. She brings a vibrant energy to her scenes and perfectly captures the essence of her character. Although the film may not match the brilliance of her performance, Barbaro clearly shines in her role.
Moving on to Best Makeup and Hairstyling, we have nominees like “A Different Man,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Nosferatu,” and the frontrunner “The Substance.” I usually find it hard to notice makeup and hairstyling details in films, but some scenes in “The Substance” caught my attention. The film cleverly uses makeup to enhance its storytelling. The care and detail put into character appearances are undeniable, especially when compared to the other nominees. While “Nosferatu” brings about a unique look, it doesn’t match the stunning transformations seen in “The Substance.”
Now, let’s discuss the Best International Feature category. This year’s nominees are “I’m Still Here,” “The Girl with the Needle,” “Emilia Pérez,” “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” and the standout “Flow.” It’s interesting to see how this category has evolved, but it can still be frustrating that the award goes to the country rather than the filmmakers. This year, we have two Best Picture nominees also vying for Best International Feature, which presents an interesting dilemma. However, among the five films, “Flow” stands out as a deserving winner. I believe it deserves recognition for being the first animated film to win this category.
In closing, if you want to read more insights from IndieWire and stay updated with the latest in film and television critiques, be sure to subscribe to “In Review” for more engaging content from David Ehrlich.