2019 Oscar Preview with Chris & Ron [Exclusive – Presented by The Listening Tree]

 

On February 24th the 91st Academy Awards Ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), will broadcast out from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood to an estimated 35 million viewers in the United States. The first Academy Awards were a private event hosted by Douglas Fairbanks and William C. deMille on May 16th, 1929 which lasted fifteen-minute to an audience of around 270 guests. William A. Wellman’s film “Wings” (1928) won the Academy’s first Best Picture award. By 1929, filmmaking had become an established industry and a profitable artform. Although, this was not the case initially. Film has existed for 122 years so far and will still exist for years beyond. Nearly every aspect of the film business has changed over those 122 years apart from one entrenched traditional element – the voting members of the industry’s most “prestigious” award ceremonies.

The brothers Auguste and Louis Lumiere held the world’s first screening of projected motion on December 28th, 1895 in Paris, France. This event included the brother’s first film “Workers Leaving the Lumiere Factory” (1895), a 50 second micro documentary of, workers leaving the Lumiere Factory. Fascinating, I know, but revolutionary for its time. While this video would be lucky to receive 100 views on YouTube today, that screening represents a paradigm shift in art for the 20th century. Early on film was considered radical by established artists. It would take many years for film to be recognized, let alone legitimized by a critical body. The Academy Awards remain the oldest film award ceremony beginning 34 years after the brothers Lumiere’s first screening.

The technology used by 1895 filmmakers would not be recognizable by modern creators. The use of sound, the standardization of film rate, the use of widescreen in amazing Cinemascope, the addition of Technicolor, 3D, intercutting, the 180-degree rule, etcetera. All these advancements in technology pushed the boundaries of what film could be, a limitless possibility of imaginative storytelling.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has just over 6,000 voting members. Twenty-two percent of those voters are held by actors. Additionally, 91 percent of the members are white and 76 percent male. The average age of a voting member is 63 years of age. To simplify, the Academy voters who decided the “best” in a year’s film releases are old white guys. This is the problem of the Oscars.

Art is a living entity and reflection of the current generation. Art should push boundaries and brake established models. Artists should be recognized for experimentation and advancements in their craft.

– Sir Christopher Eaves

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So here is what you do folks: Head on over to our FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE from the Trainwreck’d Society Facebook page, and leave a simple reply anywhere stating that you are on “Team Chris” or “Team Ron” when you have decided who you believe made the best choice. The pointing system works as follows:

Correct “Want to Win” = 0.5 points

Correct “Going to Win” = 1.0 points

So tell us what you think, and if you choose the winner, you are entered into a pool to win an exceptionally mediocre prize of the finest Korean bootlegs from 2012-2013 (and before), a copy of Children of Mercy: Tales and Teachings From the World of Independent Music, and more!

And after you have picked your team, who do you know if you have personally won? Well, this  the most exciting part, Folks! Our dear friends at brilliant podcast known as The Listening Tree have agreed to take part in the pageantry of The Oscars (whether they all appreciate it or not) and will announce the actual winner of the contest on their upcoming episode. The announcement will be made by none other than Mr. Chris Eaves himself, rather than whichever random kid of mine happens to be awake in the European morning shortly after the Oscars have concluded.

The Listening Tree is an absolutely brilliant podcast, and you can find it anywhere. Most of you will want to probably navigate your wonderful selves to iTunes to check it out, but if I am able to give an unpaid advertisement to a company I truly believe in, I would recommend you find them on Laughable. It’s a truly amazing app all things hilarious.

So, look out for Episode 10 of The Listening Tree podcast, where Chris Eaves himself will announce the winner of the absolutely incredibly mediocre prizes that you could possible win for yourselves!

So let’s have some fun!

Here is that FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE one more time!

 

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BEST PICTURE

A Star Is Born

BlacKkKlansman

Green Book

Roma

Black Panther

Bohemian Rhapsody

The Favourite

Vice

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Roma –

Roma is a Netflix film and by association in a unique position to provide a large audience and financing for an auteur filmmaker. In this case, a black and white Spanish language story about a nanny and her 1970s middle-class Mexican family. A mastery of production Roma’s writer, director, producer, co-editor, and cinematographer, Alfonso Cuarón, has crafted a tender and authentic portrait of humanity. While Roma’s narrative is simple, it deals with immensely deep emotions and complex character relationships. Although the irony of Roma is the medium of Netflix being counterintuitive to the production level of Roma. Viewing Roma on Netflix is the cinematic equivalent of seeing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel through photographs. Televisions are not capable of reproducing the production level of this film with it’s clarity, depth, and scale. Roma is the best film of the year. Roma is a cinematic masterpiece.

The majority of the 2018 Best Film Nominees will swiftly be forgotten by the zeitgeist. Cinema is a reflection of society. Timeless films seep deep into our hearts, souls and minds; they speak to the larger human condition in some way. Bohemian Rhapsody is a film fueled by a nostalgic love for Queen rather then its cinematic qualities. Green Book is a feel good watch which quickly loses its impact. A Star is Born is fine. Black Panther is one of the most important films of the 21st Century whose third act falls apart. But like Roma, The Favourite, and BlacKkKlansman will all still be a part of the conversation six months after the Academy Awards.

Cinema is unique in its experience and demanding in its need. A place where a group of people can share an experience removed from all the distractions of the world. But, here we are – the best picture of the year, the most cinematic experience of the year, has mostly been watched through a streaming service, at home, while checking Twitter. The paradigm shift is upon us.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN:  Roma.

In short, I’m choosing this film for somewhat the same reasons Chris would. But, the main reason is that it is actually the only film in the category that I have seen. This is of course because I embraced the streaming element, of the film, and felt actual guilt for doing so. Roma is a true cinematic experience. It’s a cinefile’s wet dream, really. Orson Welles would have approved, so much. This was such a beautiful film to look at, but the story was honestly boring as shit, in my opinion. The timeline of events are all over the place, and much of the story is hidden in the details. That being said, I am actually in love with the fact that this is a Netflix Original. Even if a theater experience is the obvious way to go, if people are willing to give even a couple minutes of glances between Instagram scrolling, at least pure cinematic bliss and brilliant filmmaking is being appreciated. This was a wonderful film to sit and fold a bunch of children’s socks to.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Roma –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Roma –

SEE ABOVE. Also see below, because Roma is going to DOMINATE.

 

 

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Christian Bale for Vice

Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody

Bradley Cooper for A Star Is Born

Viggo Mortensen for Green Book

Willem Dafoe for At Eternity’s Gate

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Bradley Cooper for A Star Is Born –

Christian Bale or Bradley Cooper? As Cheney the character emerges, Bale the actor is lost. Cooper radiates emotional complexity, pain, and vulnerability in his portrait of a fading rock star. Rami elevates a mediocre nostalgic fueled Queen movie. Cooper’s performance is so much about his eyes. His emotions fill the screen while his character strives to remain distance. All of these nominations are deserving of an OSCAR for their work, but Cooper’s performance is next level.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Christian Bale for Vice

When it comes to politics in Oscar related films, the two have always worked will together. While the Oscar judges are known to be crusty old white dudes, and may have a problem taking down one of their own, I truly believe that Bale’s performances as Dick Cheney should/will thrive if not only to continue the discussion of just how fucking EVIL this man was, along with his puppet of a President. As time moves on, and we liberals think back fondly on the Obama years, it seems that we are more concerned about ole Dubya’s paintings of cats in bathtubs that the truly horrific shit that him and his puppet master did during their reign. Therefore, I want Bale to nab this one, if for nothing else but a “fuck you” to this former administration. Also too Oliver Stone. His dumpster-fire and opportunistic W. just about fucked up our chances of a good story being told of this era, but thankfully the man behind Step Brothers was able to save us.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Christian Bale for Vice –

Bale’s performance is entrancing – supported by an outstanding makeup team. Bale is lost inside his performance. The mannerisms and cadence of Cheney are perfectly mimicked. This is not to take anything away from Bale, but he has a lot of support of a real individual to imitate his cues from as well as the OSCAR worthy makeup team. I won’t be disappointed by Bale’s win. A Cheney portrayal is more of an OSCAR winning performance.

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Christian Bale for Vice –

SEE ABOVE. Also, I commend you Chris, for going with your heart on the first choice. I know, that you know, Bradley Cooper has zero chance of winning. Fake Sam Elliott easily falls behind Freddy Mercury and The Political Penguin in the hierarchy of who could win here. You’re a good man, Chris.

 

 

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Mahershala Ali for Green Book

Adam Driver for BlacKkKlansman

Richard E. Grant for Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Sam Elliott for A Star Is Born

Sam Rockwell for Vice

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Richard E. Grant for Can You Ever Forgive Me? –

Grant plays an asshole with charisma which I absolutely loved. His performance has been vastly under talked about this award season. Grant does what a best supporting role should – he elevates the film’s main conflict and the point of view of the film’s protagonist – Melissa McCarthy. To the point that Grant almost steals the movie.  

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Richard E. Grant for Can You Ever Forgive Me? –

On description alone, and not having actually seen the film, I truly believe that this will probably be my favorite film of the year when I do finally (maybe) get around to checking it out. And also by description alone, Richard E. Grant deserves this one as he is almost literally a supporting element of a film that is almost entirely about one singular individual. His character is one that goes beyond just “not being in it alot”. Also c’mon, Grant is a truly traditional actor. This is a man who has given the same amount of passion to the movie Spice World as he would (and did) give to a Robert Altman or Francis Ford Coppola project. He is an actor’s actor, a man of the theater. I’d love for him to be the victor here.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Mahershala Ali for Green Book –

Mahershala Ali is one of the best actors – period. His performance elevated an, “it’s fine” film. His role is not supporting though. He is a co-lead. Green Book is told in part from Ali’s point of view. Although, I could see a Sam Elliott upset here. Green Book is a feel good watch and the film’s performances are absolutely the heart of Green Book.

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Sam Elliott for A Star Is Born

To mimic Chris a bit, I believe that Sam will come in with the upset here. Legends of yesteryear are fading away, and I believe that giving Elliot an Oscar for even a simple role is simply an homage. The man has been giving us gold for 50 years and this is first nomination. Also how fucking excited are we about The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot?!

 

 

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Glenn Close for The Wife

Lady Gaga for A Star Is Born

Olivia Colman for The Favourite

Melissa McCarthy for Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Yalitza Aparicio for Roma


WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Olivia Colman for The Favourite –

The Favourite has no character who is inherently a villain, although every character has flaws. Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz elevate each other’s performances resulting in one of the best ensembles of 2018. Colman’s performance lands the changing tones, nuances, and emotions of Queen Anne: her fears, pain, and jealous loneliness.

 

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Melissa McCarthy for Can You Ever Forgive Me? –

Echoing the sentiment I had for Richard Grant, I think I would really love this film. Although I am certain that the Academy is not going to give a known comedic actress an actual trophy. With the exception of Adam McKay, the brilliance of comedy writers and performers has always had a “bridesmaid, never the bride” vibe. See: Jonah Hill, Steve Carell, etc. But, McCarthy is an true gem of an actress, no matter what she does. In fact, while I absolutely despised Mike & Molly, her all of 4 ½ minutes in This is 40 is some of the most hilarious work I have ever seen. So yeah, I have to go with my heart here, even if I think there is about as much of a chance for her to win as there is of me beating out Chris this year. Almost zero chance, really.

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Glenn Close for The Wife –

Nominated seven times with no wins. Here is your OSCAR, although still deserving. Martin Scorsese received his for The Departed instead of any of his other works. What’s important is this fantastic actress should receive one of these statues. Her third act performance is a standout of the year!

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Glenn Close for The Wife –

Sometimes Chris and I can actually agree entirely! Of course, the reason he is a wiser man than I is that he sees films and their nominations for the cinematic quality, with the occasional political aspect sneaking in there. I on the other hand, believe it is all politics the majority of the time. Although I believe Roma is still going to be a victor for it’s cinematic quality. But it’s also a Netflix Original, so there is something political to consider. Anyway, same sentiment as Sam Elliott. The most beautiful woman to ever be named Glenn will finally get her trophy.

 

 

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Regina King for If Beale Street Could Talk

Amy Adams for Vice

Emma Stone for The Favourite

Marina de Tavira for Roma

Rachel Weisz for The Favourite

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Regina King for If Beale Street Could Talk –

Best Actress in a Supporting Role is the the most competitive category this year. With the exception of Amy Adams, who was “fine” in Vice, any one of these women deserve the OSCAR. My love for the Favourite leads me to Emma Stone and her wonderfulness, but she is a leading role along with Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman. The Favourite is an ensemble damn it! Regina King brings so much power to her performance. She, like Richard E. Grant, elevates the narrative. Her screen time is short, but she has one of the most powerful scenes I’ve ever seen in a film.

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Regina King for If Beale Street Could Talk –

The amount of times each year that I think about the interaction between Regina King and Jennifer Connelly when they first meet in Higher Learning probably averages at least 4-5 times a quarter. Also when she calls Ice Cube a “super-duper Senior”. I love it.  I have been in love with Regina King for so long. And watching her progress from the 40 o.z. guzzling Shalika in Boyz N The Hood to the wonderful mother in Daddy Day Care, to being an Academy Awarding nominated (winning?) actress has been a real joy ride.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Regina King for If Beale Street Could Talk –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Regina King for If Beale Street Could Talk –

Again, it’s all political. The Academy needs some diversity in their recognitions, and black women have been ignored for far too long. But political or not, Regina is a goddess and I will be so happy to know that she is clutching an Oscar trophy, almost 30 years after she ran the possibility of clutching a 40 o.z. bottle in every thing she does. Hell yeah, Regina! You did it!

 

 

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Brad Bird for Incredibles 2

Wes Anderson for Isle of Dogs

Mamoru Hosoda for Mirai

 

Rich Moore & Phil Johnston for Ralph Breaks the Internet

Bob Pesichetti, Peter Ramsey, & Rodney Rothman for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Bob Pesichetti, Peter Ramsey, & Rodney Rothman for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse –

The film is beautiful pop art with character motivations that are deeply emotional with real narrative weight. None of the fun jokes are ever at the cost of the storytelling feeling organic and character driven. The comedy is consistent and balances some very dramatic, and at times, deeply sorrowful moments. Into the Spider-Verse incorporates levels of creative, meta, self-aware storytelling and is a very special film for both its storytelling and unique visual approach.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Bob Pesichetti, Peter Ramsey, & Rodney Rothman for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse –

Normally I would take every opportunity to put some stake in Wes Anderson and give him my support. Unfortunately, I had zero interest in his cultural appropriation stop motion nonsense that he came at us with this year. No thanks. And while I don’t entirely have much interest in Spider-Man as well, I kind of want this one to win for some of my friends. A lot of people invested in the world of comics and just plain wonderful cinema in general seem to have invested very emotionally into this film (shoutout the Super Geeky Play Date & Blue Tiger!), and for them, I may actually watch it, and because I respect their opinions on the matter, I am pulling for them and the man who would be a spider.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Bob Pesichetti, Peter Ramsey, & Rodney Rothman for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Bob Pesichetti, Peter Ramsey, & Rodney Rothman for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse –

SEE ABOVE. Take a year off Disney proper, let your newly acquired company take this one, haha.

 

 

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Lukas Zal for Cold War

Robbie Ryan for The Favourite

Caleb Deschanel for Never Look Away

Alfonso Cuarón for Roma

Matthew Libatique for A Star Is Born

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Alfonso Cuarón for Roma –

Each one of these films is art. For weeks I have been going back and forth between Roma and Cold War. Both films are shot in black and white. While Roma is a pristine 65mm widescreen digital presentation, Cold War is a gritty 35mm classic square box experience harking back to independent filmmaking. Each film is beautiful in its own way. Quickly, I do want to acknowledge The Favourite’s use of natural lighting and wide lenses. I think Roma’s mastery of production is what will give it the win.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Alfonso Cuarón for Roma –

I won’t pretend to know the specifics here about the visual fascination of this film. That’s more of Chris’s lane. I just know that I was absolutely fascinated watching Cuarón’s take on washing dog shit off a driveway.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Alfonso Cuarón for Roma –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Alfonso Cuarón for Roma –

Death. Taxes. The Academy’s thick and swelling hard on for Alfonso Cuarón. These are the only guarantees in life.

 

 

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Mary Zophres for Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Ruth E. Carter for Black Panther

Sandy Powell for The Favourite

Sandy Powell for Mary Poppins Returns

Alexandra Byrne for Mary Queen of Scots

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Ruth E. Carter for Black Panther –

 

Black Panther has a very cool and memberabale costume design. This team has created a flushed out society which feels familiar but still futuristic. Mary Queen of Scots, Mary Poppins Returns, The Favourite, Ballad of Buster Scruggs are all traditional period pieces. Black Panther created something new.

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Mary Zophres for Ballad of Buster Scruggs –

It can’t be the Oscars with some sort of Coen Brothers nomination, right? While I’m not certain that the costume design of Buster Scruggs really mattered much as it was really just an ascetic to the production design, I will again admit that I feel as though I have to choose this one, as I actually watched it. If you haven’t figured it out, I have indeed only watched the films that were available on Netflix. And if you have actually read this far and are still undecided on what team you will choose, what the hell is wrong with you?

 

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Ruth E. Carter for Black Panther –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Sandy Powell for The Favourite –

I have pretty much been ignoring The Favourite as a whole, even though I do feel like this might be a period piece I would actually enjoy. That being said, British period pieces absolutely dominate this category. I think. Or maybe I am just making assumptions. No, I think I’m right. Not going to look it up though. So, The Favourite.

 

 

BEST DIRECTING

Alfonso Cuarón for Roma

Spike Lee for BlacKkKlansman

Adam McKay for Vice

Yorgos Lanthimos for The Favourite

Pawel Pawlikowski for Cold War

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Alfonso Cuarón for Roma –

Cuarón is the definition of the auteur theory. As the film’s writer, director, producer, co-editor, and cinematographer, Alfonso Cuarón is in full control of his vision. Each element works in harmony elevating the whole of the production. This is Cuarón film.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Alfonso Cuarón for Roma –

I used to really, really love Spike Lee, and I started to believe that I would throw him some love here. I haven’t seen BlacKkKlansman, but I will say that it is one of the first feature films he has done in a lot of years that I actually thought I’d try to get around to. But in the end, I have to metaphorically suck the fat D of Alfonso as I am sure that the Academy will do here, as they have done in the past. The man does EVERYTHING whilst making a film. In so many ways, the dude directs himself 5 times over. He definitely deserves the recognition, even if the film was ultimately a snooze fest set in what could have been an interesting time in which to tell a story. But, I digress.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Alfonso Cuarón for Roma –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Alfonso Cuarón for Roma –

SEE ABOVE. Seriously, a bound to explode at any second, erection for Alfonso is had by the Academy.

 

 

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Jimmy Chin & Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi for Free Solo

RaMell Ross for County This Morning, This Evening

Bing Liu for Minding the Gap

Talal Derki for Of Fathers and Sons

Betsy West & Julie Cohen for RBG

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Jimmy Chin & Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi for Free Solo –

Where is Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Where is Three Identical Strangers? These are easily the biggest snubs of these OSCARS. Documentaries just don’t make 23 million dollars at the U.S. Box Office. Free Solo explores the reasons why somebody would want to be the first person to free climb the face of El Capitan without any safety gear. This is a feat of documentary filmmaking. These camera operators had to climb alongside Alex Honnold knowing he could fall to his death at any point. Free Solo is about much more than climbing a mountain.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Betsy West & Julie Cohen for RBG –

I simply cannot believe that Won’t You Be My Neighbor? wasn’t on this list. Absolute horseshit. Of course, I didn’t actually see the film, but I never heard one single negative thing about it. Anyway, Ole Ruth is a pretty bad ass old lady. I’d like to see this get the trophy. Maybe she will show up? Probably not, but that could be fun. She showed up to work recently, which she probably shouldn’t have, but as well a know, she can’t quite retire yet. We need her to live just a bit longer.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Betsy West & Julie Cohen for RBG –

RBG is fine. RBG is informative. The documentary uses a this happened, then this happened, then this happened approach. Cinema is reflection of society and in the current political climate RBG is getting this statute. Although Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is a wonderful flood of happiness needed in a very frustrating time of history.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Betsy West & Julie Cohen for RBG –

Seems pretty cut and dry here, Folks. It’s a documentary about a female in government, and is also one that actually appears in another category this year. I can see no other way for this to go.

 

 

BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)

Ed Perkins & Jonathan Chinn for Black Sheep

Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman for End Game

Sky Fitzgerald & Bryn Mooser  for Lifeboat

Marshall Curry for A Night at the Garden

Rayka Zehtabchi & Melissa Burton for Period. End of Sentence

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Sky Fitzgerald & Bryn Mooser  for Lifeboat – Count it!

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman for End Game –

The only one I saw. Available on Netflix. So, yeah, this one I guess.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Sky Fitzgerald & Bryn Mooser  for Lifeboat – SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman for End Game –

SEE ABOVE

 

 

BEST FILM EDITING

Barry Alexander Brown for BlacKkKlansman

John Warhurst for Bohemian Rhapsody

Yorgos Mavropsaridis for The Favourite

Patrick J. Don Vito for Green Book

Hank Corwin for Vice

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Barry Alexander Brown for BlacKkKlansman –

Spike Lee uses crosscutting to juxtaposing different sequences against one another while simultaneously elevating their larger connecting themes. BlacKkKlansman is an important film for our times. Spike Lee’s direction, the acting, and cinematography all elevate this film, but the piece that makes all of these elements work with such cinematic punch is the editing – balancing wonderful dark humor against the very tragic real world.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Barry Alexander Brown for BlacKkKlansman –

I guess this is my shot to show some love to a Spike Lee joint. Editing has become a very singular category lately, i.e. last year’s Baby Driver win. This used to be a throw away category. And I also can’t help but notice the fact that there are no women nominated this year? Somethings seems suspicious.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Barry Alexander Brown for BlacKkKlansman –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Barry Alexander Brown for BlacKkKlansman –

SEE ABOVE

 

 

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Cold War (Poland)

Roma (Mexico)

Shoplifters (Japan)

Capernaum (Lebanon)

Never Look Away (Germany)

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Cold War (Poland) –

This, again, is a very difficult category – Roma or Cold War? Cold War must get some love. If Roma is going to win the best picture, it is very possible Cold War will receive this award. They are so different but so similar.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Cold War (Poland) –

I have expressed my opinion on Roma enough, I believe. It would be a rarity for a Best Picture winner that is foreign in nature to not win this category as well. But, I sincerely believe that is what is going to happen here. And since I really don’t have a dog in the fight here, Cold War is the second of the category that I am even remotely interested in watching.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Cold War (Poland) –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Cold War (Poland) –

I can’t believe I’m going with it, but alas, here we are!

 

 

BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

Goran Lundstrom & Pamela Goldammer for Border

Jenny Shircore, Marc Pilcher, & Jessica Brooks for Mary Queen of Scots

Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe, & Patricia DeHaney for Vice

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe, & Patricia DeHaney for Vice –

Bale is lost inside this absolutely perfect makeup work. Bale’s performance is elevated because of this amazing work. I cannot imagine how much time each morning Bale had to sit in the chair so this team could create this character.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe, & Patricia DeHaney for Vice –

There isn’t a chance in sweet sweet hell that Vice doesn’t win this award. I’d bet my favorite child on it.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe, & Patricia DeHaney for Vice –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe, & Patricia DeHaney for Vice –

SEE ABOVE

 

 

BEST MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)

Ludwig Goransson for Black Panther

Terence Blanchard for BlacKkKlansman

Nicholas Britell for If Beale Street Could Talk

Alexandre Desplat for Isle of Dogs

Scott Wittman for Mary Poppins Returns

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Nicholas Britell for If Beale Street Could Talk –

If Beale Street Could Talk is a beautiful tragedy to which Nicholas Britell’s score adds the emotional punch to the face. If Beale Street Could Talk is such a stylized film which quietly lingers on beautiful moments of pure honest human emotions and connection. Whimsical and very melancholy, Britell score lets the audience know things are not going to end well but still manages to leave some sense of hope in the world. If Beale Street Could Talk would be a different movie without Britell’s music and of lesser quality for its absences.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Terence Blanchard for BlacKkKlansman –

This is just me going with heart for a film that I haven’t seen. Again, I love Spike Lee, but it’s the people that he surrounds himself that do the best work. Maybe you shouldn’t have talked so much shit about Quentin, eh Spike? I honestly don’t believe this will go my way, but I have to be honest.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Nicholas Britell for If Beale Street Could Talk –

SEE ABOVE.

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Ludwig Goransson for Black Panther –

Even the snootiest of film goers have to admit that Marvel films have some tremendous original scores. Maybe they aren’t always “original” by some means, but they are very good. And Black Panther is the only other Best Picture nominee to be in this category, so I think I will just hedge my bets here a bit.

 

 

BEST MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)

Kendrick Lamar, Anthony Tiffith, & Solana Rowe for “All the Stars” from Black Panther

Diane Warren & Jennifer Hudson for “I’ll Fight” from RBG

Marc Shairman & Scott Wittman for “The Place Where Lost Things Go” from Mary Poppins Returns

Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, Andrew Wyatt, & Benjamin Rice for “Shallow” from A Star Is Born

David Rawlings & Gilian Welch for “When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings” from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, Andrew Wyatt, & Benjamin Rice for “Shallow” from A Star Is Born –

A great song from one of the best Pop Music Artists. This song would have been a hit regardless of being in the movie or on her next album.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Kendrick Lamar, Anthony Tiffith, & Solana Rowe for “All the Stars” from Black Panther –

I am certain that this will not win, but again, I have to go with my heart. I fucking love Kendrick Lamar, and will be perfectly happy to know that he can be considered a Pulitzer Prize Winning, Oscar nominated artist. Hip Hop is getting the love it deserves! Of course, Lady Gaga is going to outshine it in the moment, but alas, I take some solace in Kendrick being amongst the nominees.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, Andrew Wyatt, & Benjamin Rice for “Shallow” from A Star Is Born –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, Andrew Wyatt, & Benjamin Rice for “Shallow” from A Star Is Born –

Whatever. Long live Kendrick.

 

 

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Hannah Beachler & Jay Hart for Black Panther

Fiona Crombie & Alice Felton for The Favourite

Nathan Crowley & Kathy Lucas for First Man

John Myhre & Gordon Sim for Mary Poppins Returns

Eugenio Caballero & Barbara Enriquez for Roma

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Eugenio Caballero & Barbara Enriquez for Roma –

This is a competitive category. Black Panther, The Favourite, and Roma are the standouts. Roma and The Favourite are so tied to their worlds. For Roma, every little detail is accounted for on screen. The Favourite recreates the eighteenth century with a whimsical modern twist. Black Panther built a new world.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Eugenio Caballero & Barbara Enriquez for Roma –

Seriously, dog shit never looked so elegant.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Fiona Crombie & Alice Felton for The Favourite –

This is more of a political prediction. The Academy in general terms wants to give this movie a few awards.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Eugenio Caballero & Barbara Enriquez for Roma –

A steaming. pile. of. shit.

 

 

BEST SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)

Alison Snowden & David Fine for Animal Behaviour

Domee Shi & Becky Neiman-Cobb for Bao

Louise Bagnall & Nuria Gonzalez Blanco for Late Afternoon

Andrew Chesworth & Bobby Pontillas for One Small Step

Trevor Jimenez for Weekends

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Domee Shi & Becky Neiman-Cobb for Bao –

Sadly, like most people, I was only able to see Bao. The power of Pixar and placing their short films at the beginning of their feature films – Incredibles 2. Bao is a wonderful short film on its own narrative weight. That Pixar playfulness with a mix of hard emotional impact.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Domee Shi & Becky Neiman-Cobb for Bao –

Pixar is going to continue to be a dominating presence in this small category. And to be honest, I could truly care less. They can have it.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Domee Shi & Becky Neiman-Cobb for Bao –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Domee Shi & Becky Neiman-Cobb for Bao –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

 

BEST SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)

Vincent Lambe & Darren Maho for Detainment

Jeremy Cornte & Maria Gracia Turgeon for Fauve

Rodrigo Sorogoyen & Maria del Puy Alvarado for Mother

Marianne Farley & Marie-Helen Panisset for Marguerite

Guy Nattiv & Jaime Ray Newman for Skin

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Jeremy Cornte & Maria Gracia Turgeon for Fauve –

In general terms all of these films are very depressing. That is not to say they are bad, quite the opposite for most of them, but they do not give an audience any sense of hope upon their conclusion. Frauve worked the best for me as a short film with characters who are set up, deal with a conflict, and have a conclusion. Although again depressing.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Guy Nattiv & Jaime Ray Newman for Skin –

This is the one I heard of in the slightest. That’s usually a good sign for me in this category.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Jeremy Cornte & Maria Gracia Turgeon for Fauve –

SEE ABOVE.  

 

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Guy Nattiv & Jaime Ray Newman for Skin –

SEE ABOVE

 

 

BEST SOUND EDITING

Benjamin A. Burtt & Steve Boeddeker for Black Panther

John Warhurst & Nina Hartstone for Bohemian Rhapsody

Ai-Ling Lee & Mildren Iatrou Morgan for First Man

Ethan Van der Ryn & Erik Aadahl for A Quiet Place

Sergio Diaz & Skip Lievsay for Roma

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Sergio Diaz & Skip Lievsay for Roma –

Roma is rich in sound from the more intimate moments inside the home to all the details of the surrounding city. Cuaron will begin a scene off camera though sound allowing it to play for a few moments before panning the camera into the already progressing action. The sound and camera work in unison as the piece de resistance. There is no little detail in sound that is over look with every piece reminding the audience of this larger world of Roma. First Man did much the same for me in regards to the spaceship sequences. Although, First Man fell from the general conversation very quickly and although still deserving, Roma’s whole film is about how sound plays.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Sergio Diaz & Skip Lievsay for Roma –

Technically speaking, Roma was pretty perfect. Only lacking in a good story. But, looked and sounded fantastic!

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Sergio Diaz & Skip Lievsay for Roma –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Sergio Diaz & Skip Lievsay for Roma –

SEE ABOVE

 

 

BEST SOUND MIXING

Steve Boeddeker, Brandon Proctor, & Peter Devlin for Black Panther

Paul Massey, Tim Cavagin, & John Casali for Bohemian Rhapsody

Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montano, Ai-Ling Lee, & Mary H. Ellis for First Man

Skip Kuevsay, Craig, Henighan, & Jose Antonio Garcia for Roma

Tom Ozanich, Dean Zupancic, Jason Ruder, & Steve Morrow for A Star Is Born

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Skip Kuevsay, Craig, Henighan, & Jose Antonio Garcia for Roma –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Skip Kuevsay, Craig, Henighan, & Jose Antonio Garcia for Roma –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Skip Kuevsay, Craig, Henighan, & Jose Antonio Garcia for Roma –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Skip Kuevsay, Craig, Henighan, & Jose Antonio Garcia for Roma –

SEE ABOVE. (Because I honestly don’t know what the difference is, I’ll admit it)

 

 

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Dan DeLeeuw, Kelly Port, Russell Earl, & Dan Sudick for Avengers: Infinity War

Christopher Lawrence, Michael Earnes, Theo Jones, & Chris Corbould for Christopher Robin

Paul Lambert, Ian Hunter, Tristan Myles, & J.D. Schwalm for First Man

Roger Guyett, Grady Cofer, Matthew E. Butler, & David Shirk for Ready Player One

Rob Bredow, Patrick Tubach, Neal Scanlan, & Dominic Tuohy by Solo: A Star Wars Story

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Dan DeLeeuw, Kelly Port, Russell Earl, & Dan Sudick for Avengers: Infinity War –

SOLO was a very dark rendered film and Ready Player One felt very flat in its CGI. Big CGI is not exciting anymore. Every film has big CGI. Infinity War itself has very similar big CGI. What makes Infinity War special is Thanos being a complex understandable villain created through motion capture. Like Ceaser from The Planet of the Apes films – complex motion captured characters continue to fascinate me as they are created in a very symbiotic way in the actores performance and the artist who render the character. Thanos is another step forward towards escaping the uncanny valley. Also, where is that damn Paddington Bear at?!

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Christopher Lawrence, Michael Earnes, Theo Jones, & Chris Corbould for Christopher Robin –

I actually saw this one, Guys! Not sure if that is really a good enough reason to pick it, but it is the one I am going to give. So, eat your heart out Winnie the Pooh, you beautiful lady! Don’t let that toxic male Paddington take away your shine, gurl!

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Dan DeLeeuw, Kelly Port, Russell Earl, & Dan Sudick for Avengers: Infinity War – SEE ABOVE.

 

 

SEE ABOVE.

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Paul Lambert, Ian Hunter, Tristan Myles, & J.D. Schwalm for First Man –

Space movies always win this shit. Let’s not revisit that Gravity conundrum here. God I hated that movie.

 

 

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Joel Cohen & Ethan Cohen for The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, Kevin Willmott, & Spike Lee for BlacKkKlansman

Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty for Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Barry Jenkins for If Beale Street Could Talk

Cradley Booper & Will Fetters for A Star Is Born

 

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Barry Jenkins for If Beale Street Could Talk –

If Beale Street Could Talk is a beautiful tragedy of black love which has sparsley been featured in Hollywood. Each character is incredibly complex and realized. The structure crosscuts the present conflict while informing the audience of the loving backstory. There is no wasted moment as every piece of the story informes the greater themes. This is the power of this screenplay, in feeling so intimate while simultaneously being a part of a much larger issue.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty for Can You Ever Forgive Me? –

The story behind Can You Ever Forgive Me? Simply screams Oscar contender. There has been a trend over the last few years of quirky dramas excelling in the Screenplay categories. Of course, I wouldn’t be upset if Barry Jenkins took it too, even if it means losing here.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Barry Jenkins for If Beale Street Could Talk –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty for Can You Ever Forgive Me? –

SEE ABOVE

 

 

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Deborah Davis & Tony McNamara for The Favourite

Paul Schrader for First Reformed

Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, & Peter Farrelly for Green Book

Alfonso Cuarón for Roma

Adam McKay for Vice

WHO CHRIS WANTS TO WIN: Deborah Davis & Tony McNamara for The Favourite –

The Favourite is, in the best possible way, a unique, weird and bizarre film elevated through the use of contemporary dialogue within a period drama – full of wit and humor playing out as a drama-comedy. Modern elements are sprinkled throughout the production playing out in unique, hilarious, and fascinating ways. As a dark comedy, the jokes land, and as character driven drama the story is intriguing and interesting. The Favourite is refreshing with great rewatchability.

 

 

WHO RON WANTS TO WIN: Adam McKay for Vice –

Seriously the dude behind Step Brothers could possibly have two Oscars? Although it is weird that a biopic is making an Original Screenplay category. I guess it is possible though. There was indeed an actual Green Book out there as well. So, I’m not quite sure how to call this one. It’s my favorite category of the entire ceremony, but I’ve never been so uncertain before. I will say that it is fucking appalling to me that this is Paul Schrader’s first nomination! How did that shit slip by me? The dude who brought Scorsese’s best work to life is only now getting a nod. And worse of, he’s a shoe-in to lose! Breaks my god damned heart, I tell you.

 

 

WHO CHRIS THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Deborah Davis & Tony McNamara for The Favourite –

SEE ABOVE.

 

 

WHO RON THINKS WILL ACTUALLY WIN: Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, & Peter Farrelly for Green Book –

I’m betting on the idea that all the early Oscar love that Green Book received is going to simply be boiled down to this one single win. A respectable one of course, but I have heard nothing but terrible things about this film, and would really like to be wrong here. But, a “White Guy Savior” film doesn’t seem like too far of a stretch for the Academy. But get this: Academy Award winning writer/director of Dumb & Dumber, Peter Farrelly. Yes, the dude who once wrote cum into a woman’s hair…getting an Oscar. What a world we live in.