The Oscar nominations announce tomorrow, and as usual, I make a last ditch plea to put out a personal “For Your Consideration” in certain categories. Usually these never pan out, but last year I made mention of In the Loop’s screenplay, and it made the cut. Here’s what I’m hoping for this year.
Best Picture: Exit Through the Gift Shop
The supposed reason for opening up the Best Picture field was to open up the selection to films that tend not to find a foothold, in particular animation, foreign films and documentaries. So far, only animation seems to be slipping in. I’d love for them to make an exception this time, as Banky’s satirical examination of the art world was funny and poignant. But that would mean the Academy has to take a chance, which it rarely does.
Best Director: Derek Cianfrance - Blue Valentine
Cianfrance made his feature debut with this film, and I think it is a stunning achievement. Through his efforts, he crafted a genuinely intimate setting to peek in on the relationship that has the power to enchant and destroy its viewers. It’s a wonderful film that deserved far more attention than it got, and I’d like to see him get some love.
Best Actor: Javier Bardem - Biutiful
This is so perplexing. Everyone who has seen this movie loves the performance that Bardem gives. However, he never gets nominated. Lately, he’s got some high profiled stars like Julia Roberts and Sean Penn campaigning for his recognition, and I’m certainly hoping it pays off. Bardem is devastating in a complex role, far superior to his Oscar-winning one. He embodies a deep soul that is wrenching to watch. It’s one of the year’s best, and ignored, performances.
Best Actress: Julianne Moore - The Kids Are All Right
Moore’s been creeping up the line in the recent weeks as being not much of a longshot as she once was, but it’s still nowhere a given she’ll get nominated. That’s too bad, because she carries just as much of the emotional weight as her co-star, who also deserves a nomination. The two work as a great pair, and Moore’s scenes are magnificent. There’s only one room for a Kids co-star, and it’s probably going to be Bening.
Best Supporting Actor: Justin Timberlake - The Social Network
The Kids Are All Right isn’t the only film that deserves more than one nomination in the same acting category. Timberlake was on track to attempt an Oscar campaign, but shortly after a star-effing organization like the Golden Globes snubbed him, that quickly vanished. It shouldn’t have, because Timberlake perfectly captures the sly and devious nature of the character of Sean Parker and creates a significant impact on the film. It’s helped with an ironic bit of casting, but Timberlake pulls his weight as well, and I think he should be rewarded for it.
Best Supporting Actress: Dianne Wiest - Rabbit Hole
Another tiny film that, like with every Oscar season, is getting lost in the shuffle. Kidman is getting most of the acclaim, but in an incredibly weak category, I’d hope they’d make room for this reliable veteran. She’s a stoic anchor to the film, and provides some really endearing moments that don’t go over-the-top at all. Any other year, I’d understand leaving her off. However, which such a weak category this time around, I wish they’d make room for considering her.
Best Original Screenplay: Animal Kingdom
David Michôd’s feature film debut was incredibly well executed and conceived. I’ll admit I may have been a bigger fan of his directorial efforts than his writing, but I still admired his screenplay a good deal. He crafts a story that builds in quiet intensity to finally come to an interesting conclusion. Sometimes the writing categories offer some surprises, and I’d love to see one here.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
The film was pretty much ignored throughout its initial theatrical run, and many wrote it off as having no Oscar potential. However, by the very fact that it made the shortlist for the visual effects award makes me think some Academy members might be willing to give this one a second look. If they choose to, it would be nice to see Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall’s screenplay get the recognition, as it’s filled with a great sense of humor and endearing characters. I’d be happy for this film to get some kind of recognition.
That’s it for now. Tomorrow morning are the nominees, and I’ll have my commentary then.
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