I’d Like to Thank The Academy
I have always considered myself a movie buff. Each of the last four years, I made it my mission to watch every Best Picture nominee ahead of The Academy Awards (Oscars). This year, my favorite was also The Academy’s.
I took myself to my local AMC to see “One Battle After Another.” I do believe that there’s an added layer of excitement to seeing a movie in theaters with friends (bring on the debrief), but I also believe a movie in theaters can be a great solo escape. We’re not talking, anyway, right? RIGHT? Ahem.
“One Battle” was certainly my favorite this year. It had everything: humor, drama, love?, action, fabulous acting, not-so-subtle politics with which I am aligned. Cassandra Kulukundis more than deserved the first-ever Oscar for Best Casting. It was a powerhouse ensemble. Sean Penn’s work lingered with me long after leaving the theater, and for that I do believe he deserved his Oscar, as well.
Paul Thomas Anderson (aka Maya Rudolph’s husband, that lucky dude) deserved his trifecta of golden men for writing, directing, and producing. “One Battle” was perhaps the most fun I had in a theater in a while. I will be watching it again, soon.
Completing my top three this year were “Sinners” and “Sentimental Value,” which both won top Oscars. Were I in The Academy, I might’ve voted for Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas to take home Best Supporting Actress for “Sentimental Value” over Amy Madigan for “Weapons.” That said, I am appreciative of the developing love for horror as peak cinema.
As for the ceremony itself, I thought Conan did a great job, though there were moments it seemed the audience did not feel the same. They were, uh, a little quiet? The Aunt Gladys opening was fun, especially when animated to live within the “KPop Demon Hunters” universe. My favorite joke of his? The reference to “Caps Lock” as the sequel to “F1.” As someone too familiar with a keyboard, I respect it.
Sure, some of the presenting duos fell flat when attempting the humor written for them, though I think Anna Wintour played her part well. The two performances were fun, and I especially liked Misty Copeland coming out of reitrement to pirouette in Timmy Chalamet’s face during the “Sinners” portion. That’s all I will say about that. I liked “Marty Supreme” enough.
But perhaps the moment in the ceremony that made me smile widest was picturing heavy hitters like Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg shaking those little KPop lightsticks (I was going to call them glow sticks, but then I learned better). I need close-up footage of that immediately.
Some other thoughts:
Most exciting win of the night goes to the first-ever female cinematographer awardee, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, for “Sinners.”
Hooray for Michael B. Jordan, the second Best Actor winner to portray twins (see: some dude in the 60s). He should have received two Oscars. He had my vote, too, though of course that doesn’t matter.
I cried during the In Memoriam segment, as I always do. Catherine O’Hara should have lived forever.
Jessie Buckley wins Best Actress, best dressed, and best speech, IMHO. Again, MHO does not matter, but this is my website.
I didn’t know there could be a tie. I am always of the opinion that everyone is a winner, so I support this decision.
And I think that’s it. Anything I missed? Let me know. Or don’t.
I enjoyed the ceremony from my couch, in my bathrobe, and I clapped my hands with each award.
The two people present at the Oscars who I most wish were my friends: Teyana Taylor and Guillermo del Toro. They seem chill.