Oscars Winners 2024 — Predictions and Afterthought

Posted on March 11, 2024 | Leave a comment

I’ve accurately predicted 14 out of 23 categories, which comes out to about 60%. It’s not my lowest success rate over the past three years on Gold Derby, but it’s not my best either. I had a feeling I should have stuck with the winners of the precursor awards, but the Academy has a reputation for making unexpected choices sometimes. Overall, I’m quite content with the outcome. I really thought Lily would win Best Actress, but I also believe Emma was very much deserving of the recognition.

As for Best Original Song, I was particularly confident about “I’m Just Ken” because I feel that the Academy might go for something unexpected this year just to make noise. LOL

Wow, Poor Things overperformed! I was convinced Maestro had the makeup and hairstyling category locked down. Tough break, Bradley!

The Boy and the Heron taking the win is just fantastic news! I was on the edge of my seat, especially considering the strong campaign for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Seeing Hayao Miyazaki come out on top is truly gratifying.

A big round of applause for Godzilla Minus One as well! What a tremendous victory for Japan! Perfect Days should’ve won, tbh, but to each his own. 


Here are the the winners:

Best Picture – Oppenheimer

Best Director
Christopher Nolan — Oppenheimer

Best Actor
Cillian Murphy — Oppenheimer

Best Actress
Emma Stone — Poor Things
(I predicted Lily Gladstone for Killers of the Flower Moon)

Best Supporting Actor
Robert Downey Jr. — Oppenheimer

Best Supporting Actress
Da’Vine Joy Randolph — The Holdovers

Best Adapted Screenplay
American Fiction
(I predicted Oppenheimer to get this)

Best Original Screenplay
Anatomy of a Fall
(I predicted The Holdovers to win this one)

Best Visual Effects
Godzilla Minus One

Best Costume Design
Poor Things
(I had Barbie here)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Poor Things
(I predicted Maestro here)

Best Cinematography
Oppenheimer

Best Production Design
Poor Things

Best Sound
The Zone of Interest

Best Film Editing
Oppenheimer

Best Original Score
Oppenheimer

Best Original Song
“What Was I Made For” — Barbie
(Tsk. I should have stuck with Billie here. I predicted I’m Just Ken to pull an upset instead)

Best Animated Short Film
War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John and Yoko
(I predicted Letter to a Pig)

Best Live-Action Short Film
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Best Documentary Short Film
The Last Repair Shop
(I predicted The ABCs of Book Banning)

Best Documentary Feature Film
20 Days in Mariupol

Best International Feature Film
The Zone of Interest

Best Animated Feature Film
The Boy and the Heron

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Review: Napoleon (2023)

Posted on March 11, 2024 | Leave a comment

Nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design.

I won’t be writing a long review for this because I fear that if I do, it would sound like I’m just a hater. This nearly three-hour odyssey offers glimpses of Napoleon’s brilliance amidst a sea of sluggish storytelling.

I’ve read a few accounts about Napoleon, and naturally, I’d expected some epic battles and grand conquests, only to find myself tangled in a web of sexual repression, marital infidelity, and the mundane daily life of our characters.

While the movie’s visuals and production design dazzle, the narrative just falls short for me. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a commendable portrayal of Napoleon, despite the distraction of his noticeably older appearance and weird accent.

My main issue, as I’ve mentioned earlier, is its pacing. The film just drags on. Period drama enthusiasts may find themselves disappointed by the sluggish pacing and the lackluster performances overall. 

Though the movie captures some elements of Napoleon‘s complexity, it falls short in historical accuracy and fails to prioritize the most significant aspects of his life and career. While it may entertain those looking for a fictionalized take on history, history buffs may find themselves frustrated by its deviation from the truth.

In the end, “Napoleon” offers glimpses of greatness but ultimately fails to deliver a truly captivating cinematic experience. Two stars for effort, but I truly believe that this character deserves better treatment.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Directed by: Ridley Scott
Produced by: Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Mark Huffam, Joaquin Phoenix
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Rupert Everett, Ben Miles, Ludivine Sagnier, Matthew Needham, John Hollingworth, Youssef Kerkour, Sinead Cusack, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Phil Cornwell, Édouard Philipponnat, Jannis Niewohner, Miles Jupp, Edward Bennett etc…

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Book Review: All the Lights Above Us: Inspired by the women of D-Day by M. B. Henry

Posted on March 10, 2024 | Leave a comment

I’ve had this book on my e-reader for quite some time, and I even wrote a review for it back in 2021. However, I recently realized that I forgot to publish it on my blog. I only discovered this oversight when I was reviewing my drafts. My apologies to M.B. Henry, sorry for the very long delay.

The story of All The Lights Above Us unfolds in the days leading up to D-Day, told through the perspectives of five different women. Mildred, a renowned radio personality in Berlin, shares her experiences. Theda, a 26-year-old nurse with the Voluntary Aid Detachment in Portsmouth, England, seeks independence above all else. Adelaide, residing in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, is a devoted mother on a desperate search for her daughter and granddaughter amidst the chaos of war. In Caen, France, occupied by Germans, Flora works as a messenger for the Resistance. Meanwhile, Emilia, also in Caen, works as a German typist for the highest Gestapo/intelligence office, navigating the complexities of her role.

I adored the characters in this book! Each of them possessed distinct personalities, complete with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, I found them relatable because they grappled with choices that resonated with the things we are facing today.

While I appreciated the various viewpoints on the pivotal day of WWII, I found the storytelling execution to be a hindrance to my full enjoyment. Five different points of view proved challenging, especially as only Flora and Emilia’s narratives intersected, essentially presenting five distinct storylines. Some plotlines captured my interest more than others. Nonetheless, I got some valuable insights from the book and am in awe of the resilience demonstrated by these women amid their harrowing experiences.

At the end of the book, it lists real events and people mentioned in the story. Overall, I really recommend this book. The writing is great, easy to read, and creates vivid pictures, making it a fascinating read, especially for people who like historical fiction.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Published May 10th 2022 by Alcove Press

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Review: Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Posted on March 7, 2024 | Leave a comment

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing.

Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” clocks in as his longest film to date, spanning three hours and 26 minutes. Adapted from David Grann’s 2017 non-fiction work, the film delves into the 1920s Oklahoma backdrop, focusing on the harrowing narrative of Osage members falling victim to a string of homicides following the discovery of oil on the tribal land of the Osage Nation.

The film unveils a haunting narrative of greed, revealing how the pursuit of wealth permeated even the treatment of Native Americans, casting them as obstacles to prosperity.

The film, as mentioned above, was very long, but its measured pacing is matched by the exquisite acting from the cast, especially by DiCaprio, Gladstone, and De Niro. DiCaprio showcased his versatile talent, seamlessly transitioning between emotional states, while Lily Gladstone, portraying Mollie Burkhart, maintained a captivating idealism throughout her trials. Her understated portrayal effectively conveyed emotions without verbal expression. In my opinion, they all deserved an Oscar nod, and I’m very happy that Gladstone at least received acknowledgment.

Despite its length, the film remained engaging. However, the attention given to the antagonists left me feeling more contempt towards them than sorrow for the victims and their families.

Although I haven’t read the book yet, I’m certainly intending to explore it thoroughly for a deeper understanding of this tragic event. 

This film is an absolute must-watch for its grand depiction of a tragic yet often overlooked piece of history. The fact that it’s based on real events makes it all the more poignant, leaving audiences utterly heartbroken by the end.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Produced by: Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese, Daniel Lupi
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser

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Review: Poor Things (2023)

Posted on March 5, 2024 | Leave a comment

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing.

I’ve heard a lot of things about this film, and one of them is that it’s too graphic, so I was somewhat prepared but still found myself occasionally taken aback. Personally, I’m not keen on excessive sex scenes in non-pornographic films, haha, so the abundance of that here was quite WOW.

Setting that aside, which admittedly was difficult, I found the film pretty engaging. It delves into themes of learning, female empowerment, and the journey to adulthood in a captivating and multifaceted manner. Its narrative, both heartfelt and eccentric, explores the essence of adventure, self-discovery, and the profound significance of life’s journey.

The performances by Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Willem Dafoe are truly outstanding. Stone, particularly in her role as Bella, portrays a captivating journey of self-discovery and growth. Her character’s evolution and assertion of her desires are depicted with remarkable authenticity, showcasing Stone’s talent for capturing the essence of seizing control over one’s destiny.

The production design is impressive, with top-notch cinematography and costume design adding depth to the film’s visual appeal.

In summary, Poor Things is an inventive, visually stunning, and genuinely amusing film. I’m not sure if I will be rewatching it anytime soon, but it’s definitely an experience.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos
Produced by: Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone
Cast: Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, Jerrod Carmichael

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Review: Oppenheimer (2023)

Posted on March 5, 2024 | Leave a comment

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Costume Design and Best Film Editing.

Set during a major moment in history, the movie dives deep into J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life with incredible detail and authenticity. Nolan’s careful attention to every aspect of the film, from the special effects to the cast, shines through.

Led by the remarkable Cillian Murphy in a career-defining role, the performances in “Oppenheimer” are nothing short of incredible. Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, and Matt Damon shine in their respective supporting roles, adding layers of depth to an already stellar cast.

The movie’s pace keeps you hooked, with multiple storylines unfolding seamlessly. The hauntingly beautiful music by Ludwig Göransson adds to the overall experience, and Nolan’s refusal to use CGI makes everything feel real.

While some might nitpick some scenes, like the Trinity test, it doesn’t take away from the overall greatness of the film. “Oppenheimer” showcases Nolan’s storytelling genius and solidifies his place as one of the best directors ever.

In short, “Oppenheimer” is a masterpiece that goes beyond typical historical movies. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves historical films and this cements Christopher Nolan’s legacy as a visionary and one of the best filmmakers in history.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Produced by: Emma Thomas, Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh

***I’ve watched Oppenheimer around the same time I’ve seen Barbie, and they’re so opposite, and I feel that I kind of messed up my review here, so I’m adding a few things I remembered from the film. ***

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Review: Past Lives (2023)

Posted on March 5, 2024 | Leave a comment

Nominated for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

“Past Lives” is a semi-autobiographical narrative that draws from the experiences of its writer and director, tracing the journey of two childhood friends across 24 years as they navigate the evolving nature of their relationship and diverging life paths. It offers a poignant exploration of fate, choices, and the complexities of human connection.

The film unfolds as a meticulously crafted story about human connections, losing them over time, and reconnecting in the future. Greta Lee delivers a captivating performance, complemented by John Magaro and Teo Yoo’s raw and understated acting, creating a palpable on-screen chemistry with both.

I think one of the film’s strengths lies in its sensitive portrayal of the immigrant experience, capturing the intricacies of cultural adaptation and belonging. It has profound dialogue, nothing that is contrived, and will most likely resonate with a lot of people. 

However, I find the pacing excessively slow, as the narrative unfolds gradually without significant plot developments.

I still think that its nomination for Best Original Screenplay is well-deserved, reflecting the depth of Celine Song’s storytelling in offering a nuanced exploration of human relationships. Celine Song really delivered a riveting debut of a film that is quite understated but still hits home.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Directed by: Celine Song
Produced by: David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon, Pamela Koffler
Cast: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro

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Review: The Holdovers (2023)

Posted on March 4, 2024 | Leave a comment

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing.

image courtesy of impawards.com

“The Holdovers” transports audiences back to the winter of 1970, where a group of boarding students find themselves stranded at school during the Christmas break. Amidst the watchful gaze of a strict classics teacher and the school’s head cook, their holiday takes an unexpected turn, leading to stirring character development that reveals both virtues and flaws.

What sets this film apart is its refreshing originality, offering a fresh narrative that breaks free from remakes, sequels, or true-story adaptations. The storyline is straightforward, but it is elevated by the exceptional performances of the cast. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, with Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph delivering standout performances, while newcomer Dominic Sessa is such a revelation in his pivotal role.

Director Alexander Payne delivers a brilliant homage to 70s cinema, capturing the era’s aesthetics flawlessly. The stellar cast, including Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Giamatti, and Dominic Sessa, delivers Oscar-worthy performances, infusing the film with both heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I’m going to nitpick its pacing, but it’s an overall charming, heartwarming, and thought-provoking comedy-drama that is going to be one of the nostalgic holiday classics in years to come!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Director: Alexander Payne
Produced by: Mark Johnson, Bill Block, David Hemingson
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa

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Review: Barbie (2023)

Posted on March 4, 2024 | Leave a comment

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Original Song, Best Production Design.

Greta Gerwig’s take on one of the most iconic figures in history, Barbie, is a delightful surprise, offering much more than just a glossy, plastic world. Gerwig infuses the film with layers of depth, transforming it into a thought-provoking exploration of identity and societal expectations. 

Barbie and Ken are thoroughly enjoying themselves in the vibrant and seemingly flawless realm of Barbie Land. Yet, when an opportunity arises for them to venture into the actual world, they swiftly encounter both the pleasures and pitfalls of coexisting with humans.

Margot Robbie shines in the titular role, bringing a refreshing complexity to Barbie’s character as she navigates the pressures of perfection. Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken adds charm and wit to the dynamic duo, while America Ferrera’s poignant monologue resonates with the struggles women face in a world dictated by unrealistic standards.

Gerwig’s direction ensures that Barbie is not just a feminist movie but a universal story of self-discovery and realizing there really is more to life than the status quo we were told to live in. Through Barbie’s journey, audiences are invited to examine their own perceptions of gender roles and the constraints they impose.

Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, Barbie captivates with its blend of humor, heart, and social commentary. Gerwig’s signature storytelling coupled with a stellar cast make this film a must-watch for audiences of all ages.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Director: Greta Gerwig
Produced by: Margot Robbie, David Heyman, Tom Ackerley, Robbie Brenner
Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell, Alexandra Shipp, Hari Nef, Sharon Rooney, Ana Cruz Kayne, Ritu Arya, Dua Lipa, Nicola Coughlan, Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, John Cena, Helen Mirren, Michael Cera, Connor Swindells, Jamie Demetriou, Emeral Fennell, Asim Chaudry, Ray Fearon, Erica Ford, Hanna Khalique-Brown, Mette Narrative, Marisa Abela, Lucy Boynton, Rob Brydon, Tom Stourton, Ann Roth, Annie Mumolo, Lauren Holt, Ryan Piers Williams,

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Review: The Boy and The Heron (2023)

Posted on March 4, 2024 | Leave a comment

Nominated for Best Animated Feature.

The Boy and the Heron tells the story of a boy named Mahito (voiced by Soma Santoki), who, upon discovering an abandoned tower in his new town, ventures into a magical realm accompanied by a talking gray heron. Mahito, full of longing for his mother, travels to a realm where life and death coexist.

Watching my very first Hayao Miyazaki’s work on the big screen, I cannot help but be enchanted yet again by its meticulous animation. Each scene is a visual spectacle, transporting viewers into a world where everything feels like a new experience, even though the film is very reminiscent of the many Ghibli films from the director that we’ve come to love.

What I really appreciate about Miyazaki’s storytelling is that it is always thought-provoking and contemplative. The pacing of the film was initially slow, and its narrative seems confusing at times, but I think this ambiguity is precisely what makes it a great film because it invites its viewers to dig deeper, prompting exploration of the film’s underlying themes.

After watching the film, I was asking myself, “What did I just watch? But after a few days, while still thinking about what to write for my review, I figured that each viewer’s understanding—or rather, my understanding—is uniquely my own.

The Boy and the Heron is a captivating journey of masterful storytelling with top-notch animation that breathes life into each frame, evoking a poignant resonance that defies easy categorization because it engages its audience on a personal level based on personal experience and perspectives.

It is a testament to the power of Miyazaki’s storytelling. Whether it leaves you yearning for something undefined or sparks a newfound understanding, one thing is certain: Miyazaki’s masterwork is an experience that transcends the boundaries of cinema, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to venture into its world.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Produced by: Toshio Suzuki
Starring: Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Shonei Hino, Ko Shibasaki, Takuya Kimura

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