Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. An enjoyable, meaningful film about a woman dealing with sex and her self-worth in middle age. A nuanced story, with a sympathetic portrait of sex workers. It gets nada from the Academy. A subtle, star-making turn by Daryl McCormack–ignored. And Emma Thompson not only snubbed, but not even listed as an Oscar snub. People couldn’t shut up about JLO not getting a nomination for Hustlers, but we’re going to forget that two-time-Oscar winner Emma Thompson was overlooked for one of her finest performances?
Viola Davis and Danielle Deadwyler Get No Nominations, and Ana de Armas Does for Razzie-Nominated Blonde. I read the book Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates, even liked it. I am not sure the director did. That film? Oh no. No. No. No. Was de Armas good in it? For what she had to work with, which was not much. That’s not an Oscar nomination. Look, I’m a Marilyn fan. That woman had some serious chops as a comedienne. But that tired trope of fragile waif Marilyn again, with some gross additions thrown into the mix? That film deserves NOTHING. I am sick.
Tár. It seemsTodd Haynes makes a movie every decade, and with the best of materials and actresses, manages to turn wonderful storylines and potential into snores.
Triangle of Sadness. A fight over a check that should have taken five minutes being stretched to such ludicrous proportions that I forgot what the movie was about. A diarrhea-puke-&-other gross bodily-function scene that takes excruciating amounts of time for NO REASON (and doesn’t make me laugh once). And, of course, the earth-shattering message that power and money corrupt? This is some shit, people. Literal and figurative. NO FEMALE DIRECTORS were chosen so that this gem could make it into the best-directing category.
Top Gun Maverick. I admit it: I didn’t see the thing. I couldn’t bear it after I found out Kelly McGillis wasn’t invited back. I’ll watch this, that Avatar sequel (please), and other action extravaganzas nominated for Oscars once a female blockbuster gets a berth on the list. In the meantime, please everyone, stop bellyaching that crowd pleasers never make it, while nominating male-only fare like Master and Commander and Gladiator. Why is everyone so forgetful? Crowd pleasers OFTEN make it, and even win. What the hell was Braveheart? A subtle indie film? What about Jaws? The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)? I mean, NO ONE saw those, right?
And I’m just getting started. Rant, Part I over. Stay tuned for Part II….
Amen to all of this. Leo Grande was phenomenal and was completely ignored. I’m now waiting for you to see Aftersun, which blew me away. At least it received a nod for Best Actor (deserved). But Best Picture? Best Director? Best Original Screenplay? Nope. I have not seen a film that affected me as much in years. We’ll see if you feel the same. If so, I look forward to Part II of your Oscar outrage 🙂
Oh, I’m sure that my outrage will increase after seeing it. A lot. LOL.
I can’t wait for Part 2. I always have a quest every year to watch as many Oscar-nominated films/performances as possible, and with streaming, this is more possible than ever before. I am dreading having to watch Blonde, Avatar, and Top Gun. 🙁 Thank you — with Leo Grande — for giving me another film for my watchlist.
Thank you! It’s true. I used to go to those all-day Oscar showcases at theaters and watch so many! But it’s easier now. I hear Aftersun is the one to watch. I haven’t seen Everything, Everywhere All at Once yet, and am curious, so those two are next. And Women Talking has been on my list for a long, long while because I’m a fan of the director. I’m watching for its release. Wish Leo were up for ANYTHING:(
I love your rants!
As for the Oscar noms, I haven’t seen many of the films yet – seems like I end up watching them after the ceremonies are over.
I have to say I loved Top Gun: Maverick. After two years of restrictions & lockdowns, it felt marvellous to experience the feeling of flying. Not a deep philosophical film, but a fabulous experience.
Thank you! I should watch it. It’s true. A fun action film is always a good thing.
No Leo Grande nominations. Flabbergasted. Nuts. Thanks for commenting.
Exactly! How is it possible? I keep wondering if it’s just too long ago. Academy voters seem to have short memories.