The Technical Categories
Best Cinematography
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) – Emmanuel Lubezki
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Robert Yeoman
Ida – Łukasz Żal & Ryszard Lenczewski
Mr. Turner – Dick Pope
Unbroken – Roger Deakins
Who Will/Should Win: Emmanuel Lubezki-Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
The winner of last year’s cinematography Oscar for Gravity in Emmanuel “Chivo” Lubezki was something that was considered long overdue as there is no cinematography that is better than Chivo at this moment. For his work in Birdman, Chivo creates something that is filled with dazzling schemes as well as lots of intricate camera movements to capture the energy of the film. It’s once again a mark of innovation from the cinematographer who definitely keeps pushing the ideas of what could be done in the art of photography.
Dark Horse: Lukasz Zal & Ryszard Lenczewski-Ida
The photography that Lukasz Zal and Ryszard Lenczewski did in Ida definitely recalls a lot of the visual styles that Sven Nykvist did in his collaboration with Ingmar Bergman in the early 1960s. It’s got a sense of beauty in its look as it plays into a certain period in time of a world that is changing as well as displaying a sense of loss. It’s definitely got what it takes to win but it’s going against names that are far more prestigious in the art of photography.
Best Film Editing
American Sniper – Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach
Boyhood – Sandra Adair
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Barney Pilling
The Imitation Game – William Goldenberg
Whiplash – Tom Cross
Who Will Win: Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach-American Sniper
Films about war require certain techniques in the art of editing as Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach do provide something that plays into that air of suspense and the sense of unknowing. While it is a drama about the works of a sniper and life at home, it’s clear that Cox and Roach know how to maintain something that plays into that tension and what a man tries to do in his line of work while not bringing it at home.
Who Should Win/Dark Horse: Tom Cross-Whiplash
Tom Cross’ editing is among the highlights of the film as it plays like a jazz record in terms of its frenetic energy as well as slowing things down for the dramatic moments. Especially as it plays to the tension and demands of the film as it is quite scary but also enthralling for the way the music is played. It’s the kind of editing that should win but it’s the long shot due to the fact that it’s going against more well-known films.
Best Art Direction
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Adam Stockhausen (Production Design); Anna Pinnock (Set Decoration)
The Imitation Game – Maria Djurkovic (Production Design); Tatiana Macdonald (Set Decoration)
Interstellar – Nathan Crowley (Production Design); Gary Fettis (Set Decoration)
Into the Woods – Dennis Gassner (Production Design); Anna Pinnock (Set Decoration)
Mr. Turner – Suzie Davies (Production Design); Charlotte Watts (Set Decoration)
Who Will/Should Win: Adam Stockhausen & Anna Pinnock-The Grand Budapest Hotel
One of the key elements about Wes Anderson’s films is the art direction and how it looks as the work in The Grand Budapest Hotel is just astonishing. From the way the hotel looks as well as the design of the countries, pastry boxes, and all sorts of things. There is no question that Adam Stockhausen and his team went all out and more as it’s the work that should win.
Dark Horse: Nathan Crowley and Gary Fettis-Interstellar
While the design of the space station and other places in the film are brilliant as does the other aspects in the film. It’s not very likely to win as the Oscars often don’t give award to sci-fi films or its set designs which is a real shame as the work Nathan Crowley and his team do is fantastic.
Best Costume Design
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Milena Canonero
Inherent Vice – Mark Bridges
Into the Woods – Colleen Atwood
Maleficent – Anna B. Sheppard and Jane Clive
Mr. Turner – Jacqueline Durran
Who Will Win: Colleen Atwood-Into the Woods
Musicals tend to be known for lavish designs in costumes as this one was no exception as it plays to all sorts of ideas in fairy tales and what the characters would wear. Colleen Atwood is among one of the finest costume designers as she knows how characters should be dressed as the clothes often display personality as a win for her is very likely.
Who Should Win: Milena Canonero-The Grand Budapest Hotel
Milena Canonero is already a three-time Oscar winner as her work with Wes Anderson in this film definitely shows why she is among one of the best costume designers ever. The attention to detail in the look of the costumes add to the film’s dazzling look as she is a master in the art of costume designs.
Dark Horse: Mark Bridges-Inherent Vice
Mark Bridges work in Inherent Vice is amazing for the way it creates a look that plays into a transition of the 1960s to the 1970s. Yet, films based on those periods of time usually don’t win despite the work that Bridges does which is really good since it adds a lot to the film’s look and its characters.
Best Hair/Makeup
Foxcatcher – Bill Corso and Dennis Liddiard
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Frances Hannon and Mark Coulier
Guardians of the Galaxy – Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White
Who Will/Should Win: Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White-Guardians of the Galaxy
Makeup work in sci-fi blockbusters definitely don’t get a lot of consideration yet the work that Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White did in this film definitely adds something new to the genre. Even in the designs of the many characters in the film in terms of it hair or the kind of makeup they would have to wear to play these aliens. The work is definitely surprising into how much it brings to the film and what the actors could do with that makeup as it’s got more reasons to win.
Dark Horse: Bill Corso and Dennis Liddiard-Foxcatcher
Though there wasn’t much makeup work in the film other than the look of the John duPont character from the look of his nose. It still adds certain layers to the character and how troubled he is as it should be commended. Yet, going up against some very serious competition as it’s a total long-shot.
Best Visual Effects
Captain America: The Winter Soldier – Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Bryan Grill and Dan Sudick
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes – Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett and Erik Winquist
Guardians of the Galaxy – Stephane Ceretti, Nicolas Aithadi, Jonathan Fawkner and Paul Corbould
Interstellar – Paul Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Ian Hunter and Scott Fisher
X-Men: Days of Future Past – Richard Stammers, Lou Pecora, Tim Crosbie and Cameron Waldbauer
Who Will/Should Win: Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett, and Erik Winquist-Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
There’s no question that the people who design the look of the apes and their movements have not only gotten better in terms of the look and feel of those characters. It’s also in how much it manages to display something that furthers the art of motion-capture as it brings in a lot of layers to the design of the apes as something much more. It’s the work that is put in the film that should be commended as the visual effects team are just getting better at what they do.
Dark Horse: Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Bryan Grill and Dan Sudick-Captain America: The Winter Soldier
There’s no question that the work in Captain America: The Winter Soldier is solid in terms of action sequences and set pieces. It’s just that it sort of pales in comparison to the other films that is in the running. Especially as the team doesn’t really do anything new though it’s work that manages to get the job done.
Best Sound Editing
American Sniper – Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) – Martin Hernández and Aaron Glascock
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – Brent Burge and Jason Canovas
Interstellar – Richard King
Unbroken – Becky Sullivan and Andrew DeCristofaro
Who Will/Should Win: Richard King-Interstellar
Richard King’s work in the sound editing is amazing for the way it creates combines many sounds to play into the sense of the unknown that is outer space. It is also among the elements in the world of sound that is quite astronomical to play into something where it feels otherworldly. It’s definitely has a lot of ambitions and layers as it is among one of the film’s key highlights
Dark Horse: Becky Sullivan and Andrew DeCirstofaro-Unbroken
The sound editing in Unbroken plays into different time periods of the life of Louis Zamperini from being an Olympian to surviving being a POW in World War II. Much of it has a lot of elements that is expected in bio-pics yet it’s going up against other genre-based films that are known for more daring works in the art of sound editing.
Best Sound Mixing
American Sniper – John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff and Walt Martin
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) – Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño and Thomas Varga
Interstellar – Gary A. Rizzo, Gregg Landaker and Mark Weingarten
Unbroken – Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño and David Lee
Whiplash – Craig Mann, Ben Wilkins and Thomas Curley
Who Will Win: Gary A. Rizzo, Gregg Landaker, & Mark Weingarten-Interstellar
The work in Interstellar in terms of sound design and sound mixing is very exquisite as it maintains that air of mystique in the world that is outer space. Even as it features some unique mixing in the sound effects and how things are inside a space station while there’s no sound in outer space. Even in the machines and such that help play into a futuristic world where there is this idea that there might not be a future.
Who Should Win/Dark Horse: Craig Mann, Ben Wilkins, and Thomas Curley-Whiplash
The sound work in Whiplash is among the many highlights of the film for the way it captures music when it’s being played or how it sounds. Even in the way drums are heard inside or outside of a studio. It is truly some of the finest sound mixing that’s been created yet it’s the long-shot in the category due to the fact that it’s going up against more mainstream films.
(End of Pt. 2) - Pt. 1 - (Pt. 3)
© thevoid99 2014
It’s that time again, the nominations for the 87th Academy Awards to celebrate the year of 2014 in films. There’s some surprises and some not-so-surprises as it’s definitely been a whirlwind year. A year that saw a 12-year project finally be unveiled along with stories of a man trying to make his comeback, stories about real-life events involving a sniper, a decoder, Martin Luther King Jr., Stephen Hawkins, and a mentally-ill millionaire. Other stories involve a young drummer trying to make it and another young man talking about his life in a hotel. There’s a lot of stories that are being told as here are the films and individuals nominated for Oscars.
Part 1
Best Picture
American Sniper – Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Bradley Cooper and Peter Morgan
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) – Alejandro González Iñárritu, John Lesher and James W. Skotchdopole
Boyhood – Richard Linklater and Cathleen Sutherland
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Steven M. Rales and Scott Rudin
The Imitation Game – Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky and Teddy Schwarzman
Selma – Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Christian Colson and Oprah Winfrey
The Theory of Everything – Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce and Anthony McCarten
Whiplash – Jason Blum, Helen Estabrook and David Lancaster
What Will/Should Win: Boyhood-Richard Linklater and Cathleen Sutherland
Boyhood was a project twelve years in the making as it chronicles a boy’s growth from first grade to high school as it was shot in the course of twelve years by its writer/director Richard Linklater. It’s a film that is described by some as an experience as Linklater casted the same actors and have them appear on set a few months every year to play into a boy and his growth into a man.
Dark Horse: Whiplash-Jason Blum, Helen Estabrook, and David Lancaster
Damien Chazelle’s film about a young jazz drummer who tries to make it at a music conservatory only to endure the abuse of his teacher is a compelling story. One of which that plays into what a young man will take to become one of the best. It’s a film that came out of Sundance with a lot of buzz as it’s definitely a major long shot as it’s going up against far more known films by established filmmakers or films made by studios.
Best Director
Wes Anderson – The Grand Budapest Hotel
Alejandro González Iñárritu – Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Richard Linklater – Boyhood
Bennett Miller – Foxcatcher
Morten Tyldum – The Imitation Game
Who Will Win: Richard Linklater-Boyhood
There’s no question into what Richard Linklater did with this film as it has this slice of naturalism in the way he captures a boy’s growth with his older sister and mother as well as his father. All of which is told through twelve different years as it captures elements of nostalgia but also into many things that people can relate into the idea of growing up.
Who Should Win: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu-Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
What Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu did with his fifth film was create something that is very surprising as it is a film that seems like it was shot in one continuous take. Though it’s a style that’s been done before, what Inarritu did that was so interesting it to showcase a man trying to stage his comeback and cope with personal and professional struggles. Even as it takes place in the world of Broadway as there’s a lot of tracking shots and everything that feels like it is shot in real time though the story takes place in the span of a few days.
Dark Horse: Morten Tyldum-The Imitation Game
Morten Tyldum is a newcomer compared to the filmmakers he’s going up against as the Norwegian director has made his English-language debut with a story about the mathematician Alan Turing and how he and his colleagues helped cracked the Nazi’s Enigma code. It’s a story that has all of the tropes to create a compelling drama though it is a film that is often tailor-made for the Oscars as it’s the one film that doesn’t have as many risks or daring visuals as the other films.
Best Actor
Steve Carell – Foxcatcher
Bradley Cooper – American Sniper
Benedict Cumberbatch – The Imitation Game
Michael Keaton – Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Eddie Redmayne – The Theory of Everything
Who Will/Should Win: Michael Keaton-Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Michael Keaton is one of the finest actors in the face of the Earth as his performance as Riggan Thomson in Birdman is a tour-de-force as it plays into an actor’s attempt into staging a comeback. Keaton displays a lot of humility and turmoil into a man who is famous for being a superhero as he copes with not being a good father to his daughter as well as the fear of failure. It’s really something that should be seen as a win for Keaton would be justified for the veteran actor.
Dark Horse: Benedict Cumberbatch-The Imitation Game
Benedict Cumberbatch has been a name on the rise for the past few years as his performance as Alan Turing is considered one of his best. Especially for someone who was quite complicated as he was also a homosexual that was later persecuted for his sexual preference. It’s a performance that definitely has elements that Oscar voters like but his competition is fierce.
Best Actress
Marion Cotillard – Two Days, One Night
Felicity Jones – The Theory of Everything
Julianne Moore – Still Alice
Rosamund Pike – Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon – Wild
Who Will Win: Julianne Moore-Still Alice
Julianne Moore is a name that is often filled with great performances as her role as a woman who is suffering from early stages of Alzheimer’s disease is considered one of her finest. Especially as in the hands of someone like Moore who can create characters that are very engaging as it plays to a woman losing herself while trying to not let the disease control her. Her win will definitely be deserving though Moore has another performance from the same year that should get more noticed in David Cronenberg’s Maps to the Stars as an aging child star.
Who Should Win/Dark Horse: Marion Cotillard-Two Days, One Night
There is probably no actress as of right now that is as gifted or as more prolific than Marion Cotillard. Her performance in the Dardenne Brothers’ film as a woman trying to convince co-workers to forgo their bonuses so she can get back to work is a performance for the ages. Especially as Cotillard plays a role with no sense of vanity nor any sense of showiness but rather display with a sense of realism into a woman coping with depression. It’s the performance that should win but since it’s a performance that isn’t in English nor is a mainstream film. It’s likely to be the major long shot despite Cotillard getting other accolades from various critics prizes including the New York Film Critics Circle.
Best Supporting Actor
Robert Duvall – The Judge
Ethan Hawke – Boyhood
Edward Norton – Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Mark Ruffalo – Foxcatcher
J. K. Simmons – Whiplash
Who Will/Should Win: J.K. Simmons-Whiplash
J.K. Simmons is a longtime veteran actor that has been getting a lot of exposure over the years through his collaboration with Jason Reitman. For his performance as a famed jazz drummer instructor who expects the best in his students. It’s a performance that is considered very fierce as he knows what it means for someone that wants to be the best as well as do whatever to get that person there. Even if it means having to push them to their core to the brink of madness. It’s a performance that is scary yet it’s one that always delivers as an award for Simmons is very deserving.
Dark Horse: Robert Duvall-The Judge
Robert Duvall is already an Oscar winner for Best Actor in 1983’s Tender Mercies while is one of those actors who can never give a bad performance. In the role of a judge who is accused of murder, Duvall plays a man who is known as a powerful judge in a small town as he is being defended by his son despite their contentious relationship. It’s a role that someone like Duvall can pull off but he’s going against other actors who are more deserving.
Best Supporting Actress
Patricia Arquette – Boyhood
Laura Dern – Wild
Keira Knightley – The Imitation Game
Emma Stone – Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Meryl Streep – Into the Woods
Who Will Win: Patricia Arquette-Boyhood
Patricia Arquette’s performance as a single mother of two children goes through many transformation as someone who is eager to have a life of her own but bad decisions and personal frustrations showcase a realism into a woman coping with responsibilities. Even as she deals with some of these bad decisions and how it would affect the lives of her own children as it’s a performance that does deserves some major notices.
Who Should Win: Emma Stone-Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
While Emma Stone does have a long career ahead of her through her likeable charm and not taking herself so seriously. Her performance as the daughter of Riggan Thomson is definitely the best thing she’s done as she displays a young woman trying to deal with her father making a comeback while being a recovering drug addict. It’s a performance that is very quiet at times while showcasing what a young woman is going through as she copes with the fact that her dad wasn’t the greatest father ever as well as knowing he’s putting everything on the line.
Dark Horse: Laura Dern-Wild
Laura Dern’s performance as Cheryl Strayed’s mother is key to the story of Cheryl Strayed coping with death and mistakes in her life. Though Dern’s performance is only told through flashbacks, it is a performance that plays into how important she was to Strayed. Dern’s nomination is definitely deserving though she is in some very big competition as she is the long-shot.
Best Original Screenplay
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) – Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr. & Armando Bo
Boyhood – Richard Linklater
Foxcatcher – E. Max Frye & Dan Futterman
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness
Nightcrawler – Dan Gilroy
Who Will/Should Win: West Anderson & Hugo Guinness-The Grand Budapest Hotel
The story about the life of a prestigious hotel in the early half of the 20th Century run by a charming concierge is definitely one of Wes Anderson’s finest stories. Even as it’s told from multiple perspectives from different time periods as it plays into the life of a hotel and how a concierge and his young protégé tried to retrieve a famous painting that featured a will from an old woman. It’s a story filled with lots of humor and other quirky things as it’s definitely one of Anderson’s more accessible and adventurous stories.
Dark Horse: Dan Gilroy-Nightcrawler
Dan Gilroy’s story about a young man who decides to take part in the world of night crawlers is definitely a gripping story. Especially one that is about ambition and obsession without any regards for morality as it’s also a very dark character study. It’s great to see that Gilroy is being recognized though he is a major long-shot against the writers he’s going up against.
Best Adapted Screenplay
American Sniper – Jason Hall from American Sniper by Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen & Jim DeFelice
The Imitation Game – Graham Moore from Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges
Inherent Vice – Paul Thomas Anderson from Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon
The Theory of Everything – Anthony McCarten from Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen by Jane Wilde Hawking
Whiplash – Damien Chazelle from his short film of the same name
Who Will Win: Graham Moore-The Imitation Game from the book Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges
The story of Alan Turing and his staff trying to crack the Enigma code is an interesting one as it also plays into aspect of Turing’s own life including his homosexuality. It’s the kind of material that Oscar voters seem to enjoy as it has a lot of drama as well as bits of history.
Who Should Win/Dark Horse: Paul Thomas Anderson-Inherent Vice from the novel by Thomas Pynchon
Paul Thomas Anderson’s take on Thomas Pynchon’s novel is definitely the oddest film to ever come out from a major studio. Even though it revolves around a private detective searching for a former girlfriend’s lover, it is one that is very strange and full of twist and turns. Yet, it’s very thrilling as well as being very funny as it’s really the odd duck of the films nominated in the category. The idea of the film likely to win is really a long one.
Best Animated Film
Big Hero 6 – Don Hall, Chris Williams and Roy Conli
The Boxtrolls – Anthony Stacchi, Graham Annable and Travis Knight
How to Train Your Dragon 2 – Dean DeBlois and Bonnie Arnold
Song of the Sea – Tomm Moore and Paul Young
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya – Isao Takahata and Yoshiaki Nishimura
What Will Win: How to Train Your Dragon 2
The sequel to the 2010 film about a young Viking and his dragon has a broader story filled with dazzling images and animation that definitely makes Dreamworks Animation a top animation studio. Even as it’s a film that is bigger but with a very engaging story that is going to make the film the likely candidate to win the award.
What Should Win: The Tale of Princess Kaguya
The famed Studio Ghibli animation studio from Japan features the long-awaited return of Isao Takahata in his first film in 14 years as it is in an adaptation of the famed Japanese folk tale. The film is told in a unique animated style that harkens back to a more old-school approach to hand drawn animation as it’s something only Takahata and Studio Ghibli could do.
Dark Horse: Song of the Sea
The Cartoon Saloon studio from Ireland has been making waves in the world of animated films with very interesting stories that is told in hand-drawn animation. The film revolves around old Celtic myth involving two children who try to get home in a strange and mystical world. It’s a story that is interesting yet it’s going up against films that have gotten more attention as it’s the big long-shot.
Best Foreign-Language Film
Ida (Poland) – Paweł Pawlikowski
Leviathan (Russia) – Andrey Zvyagintse
Tangerines (Estonia) – Zaza Urushadze
Timbuktu (Mauritania) – Abderrahmane Sissako
Wild Tales (Argentina) – Damián Szifrón
What Will Win: Ida
Pawel Pawlikowski’s film about a young woman who goes on a road trip with her aunt in 1960s Poland is a very entrancing story told with such rich visuals as well as dealing with dark pasts about the young woman’s family. It’s the kind of story that is obviously inspired by the works of Ingmar Bergman as it plays into a woman dealing with her guilt as well as her niece learning about a world that is foreign to her as she is about to become a nun.
What Should Win: Leviathan
Andrey Zyvagintsev’s take on the story of Job is a compelling one that got a lot of attention at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. The film is set in modern-day Russia as it plays into some of the social issues the country is having as it relates to land ownership and power. It’s the kind of film that is willing to take some risks as it would be a momentous victory for Russia despite the growing political conflict it is having with the rest of the world.
Dark Horse: Tangerines
Zaza Urushadze’s film set in the Abkhazia War of the early 90s plays into the life of a village torn apart by war. It’s a film that definitely has a lot of ideas about the idea of anti-war yet it’s the one film that is definitely a long shot as Estonia is a country that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention in the world of international films. A win for this film would help its industry.
Best Documentary
Citizenfour – Laura Poitras, Mathilde Bonnefoy and Dirk Wilutsky
Finding Vivian Maier – John Maloof and Charlie Siskel
Last Days in Vietnam – Rory Kennedy and Keven McAlester
The Salt of the Earth – Wim Wenders, Lélia Wanick Salgado, David Rosier, Julia de Abreu, Fakhrya Fakhry, Andrea Gambetta and Christine Ponelle
Virunga – Orlando von Einsiedel, Joanna Natasegara and Jon Drever
Who Will/Should Win: Citizenfour
Laura Poitras’ film about Edward Snowden and the NSA spying scandal was a surprise film that premiered at the 2014 New York Film Festival as it plays into the world of global surveillance. The film features recorded interviews with Snowden and other famed cyber warriors as it showcases a new world that is becoming more prevalent. Especially as cyber terrorism has finally been seen in the eye of the public as a win for this film would be a controversial yet historical one.
Dark Horse: Virunga
Orlando von Einsiedel’s documentary about the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its preservation might not seem like an interesting doc in comparison to its other nominees. It is still a film that explores a group of people trying to save the park amidst the chaos surrounding armed conflicts and exploration for oil as it is an environmental film.
(End of Pt. 1) - Pt. 2 - (Pt. 3)
© thevoid99 2015
The Technical Portion of the Oscars
Best Cinematography
Gravity-Emmanuel Lubezki
Inside Llewyn Davis-Bruno Delbonnel
Nebraska-Phedon Papamichael
Prisoners-Roger Deakins
The Grandmaster-Philippe Le Sourd
Who Will Win: Bruno Delbonnel-Inside Llewyn Davis
Filling in for regular Coen Brothers cinematographer Roger Deakins, Bruno Delbonnel brings a unique visual look to the film with its use of filters and soft focus to enhance much of the film’s interiors as it represents the journey of the film’s protagonist.
Who Should Win: Emmanuel Lubezki-Gravity
There is no cinematographer working today that deserves as much praise as Chivo has gained throughout the years in his work with Alfonso Cuaron and Terrence Malick. Chivo’s work in this film isn’t just unique for its lighting but also the naturalism he presents in the idea of what a world would look like in outer space as it’s truly some of the most innovative work in the field of photography.
Dark Horse: Philippe Le Sourd-The Grandmaster
Philippe Le Sourd’s work in Wong Kar-Wai’s film certainly lives up to many of the gorgeous visuals that is expected in Kar-Wai’s films. Much of it features some unique ideas of interior lighting and exterior visuals that are just rich with colors. It’s definitely the long-shot due to the fact that not many people have seen the film in its proper form.
Best Film Editing
12 Years a Slave-Joe Walker
American Hustle-Alan Baumgarten, Jay Cassidy, & Crispin Struthers
Gravity-Alfonso Cuarón & Mark Sanger
Captain Phillips-Christopher Rouse
Dallas Buyers Club-Martin Pensa & John Mac McMurphy
Who Will/Should Win: Christopher Rouse-Captain Phillips
Christopher Rouse’s editing is definitely one of the highlights of the film in the way it creates suspense and not devolve into the typical forms of chaotic-based action-film editing. The sense of terror that is prevalent in the film has Rouse taking on ideas of cutting to showcase the air of suspense and drama that plays out as it’s definitely some amazing work in that field.
Dark Horse: Martin Pensa & John Mac McMurphy-Dallas Buyers Club
While Martin Pensa and John Mac McMurphy do some excellent work in playing to the chaos of Martin Woodruff’s life before he discovers that he’s stricken with AIDS along with some moments in the drama. It’s very unlikely that this film will win as it’s going up against films that have manage to do more with its emphasis on editing.
Best Production Design
12 Years a Slave-Adam Stockhausen (production designer) & Alice Baker (set decorator)
American Hustle-Judy Becker (production designer) & Heather Loeffler (set decorator)
Gravity-Andy Nicholson (production designer), Rosie Goodwin & Joanne Woollard (set decorators)
The Great Gatsby-Catherine Martin (production designer) & Beverley Dunn (set decorator)
Her-K.K. Barrett (production designer) & Gene Serdena (set decorator)
Who Will/Should Win: Adam Stockhausen & Alice Baker-12 Years a Slave
The set pieces in this film set in the mid-19th Century before the American Civil War showcase a world that is rich in detail over not just how slaves lived in that time but also conditions of those surroundings. The contrast of the homes their masters lived in as well as the place Solomon lived in as a slave makes the film into a grand period piece that is just more about recapturing a moment in time.
Dark Horse: Andy Nicholson, Rosie Goodwin, & Joanne Woollard-Gravity
The designs of the space stations, shuttles, and such is excellent though it does take a back seat to the film’s visual effects and cinematography. While its set design team does manage to put great detail into the look of those space stations, it’s likely that it won’t win since it’s going up against a lot of period films.
Best Costume Design
American Hustle-Michael Wilkinson
The Great Gatsby-Catherine Martin
12 Years a Slave-Patricia Norris
The Grandmaster-William Chang
The Invisible Woman-Michael O'Connor
Who Will Win: Catherine Martin-The Great Gatsby
Catherine Martin is known for creating lavish costumes as her work in The Great Gatsby is no exception in the way she created the dresses the women wear as well as the suits that are worn by the men. The attention to detail is grand as it adds to the sense of decadence in the film.
Who Should Win/Dark Horse: William Chang-The Grandmaster
Chang’s work in The Grandmaster in the costume design is another film that is a period piece where the costumes not only play to the visual texture of the film. It also plays to the characters in the moments they are in the film as it spans from the late 1930s to the 1950s. Much of it would showcase some of the melancholia that the characters would endure in the film’s third act. Yet, it’s the long shot of the nominees due to the fact that it’s not as lavish as the other films.
Best Hair & Makeup Design
Dallas Buyers Club-Adruitha Lee & Robin Mathews
Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa-Steve Prouty
The Lone Ranger-Joel Harlow & Gloria Pasqua Casny
Who Will/Should Win: Adruitha Lee & Robin Matthews-Dallas Buyers Club
The makeup work in the film enhances not just the look of two of the film’s major characters but also play into the struggle they face as they’re stricken with AIDS. Especially as Matthew McConaughey has to put on a different hair and mustache while Jared Leto has to wear layers of makeup as this transsexual drag queen.
Dark Horse: Steve Prouty-Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
Steve Prouty’s work in making Johnny Knoxville as an old man definitely deserves some recognition as it’s likely that it’s proud to be the dark horse of the category because no one is willing to take it seriously.
Best Sound Mixing
Gravity-Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead, & Chris Munro
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug-Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick, & Tony Johnson
Captain Phillips-Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith, & Chris Munro
Inside Llewyn Davis-Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff, & Peter F. Kurland
Lone Survivor-Andy Koyama, Beau Borders, & David Brownlow
Who Will/Should Win: Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead, & Chris Munro-Gravity
The sound mixing in the film is truly astonishing not just for the layers of sound but how they’re intertwined to play into the sense of chaos that Sandra Bullock’s character has to deal with. Especially in the way the debris that she and George Clooney have to deal with in how they sound flying onto outer space as it’s truly sound design at its finest.
Dark Horse: Andy Koyama, Beau Borders, & David Brownlow-Lone Survivor
The action-war film definitely has the kind of sound work that is expected in these kind of films. Even as it’s a film about survival and such though it’s very unlikely that it will go up against the other films it’s nominated against.
Best Sound Editing
All Is Lost-Steve Boeddeker & Richard Hymns
Captain Phillips-Oliver Tarney
Gravity-Glenn Freemantle
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug-Brent Burge
Lone Survivor-Wylie Stateman
Who Will/Should Win: Glenn Freemantle-Gravity
Glenn Freemantle’s work in putting layers of sound to create something cohesive such as the scene where Bullock talks to a man that she doesn’t know is a key aspect of the film’s sound editing. Even as it helps play into the texture of sounds that would blend with one another in some of the film’s intense moments.
Dark Horse: Steve Boeddeker & Richard Hymns-All is Lost
A film that largely takes place in the sea, the sound editing in this film is definitely unique and quite amazing that it’s the only nomination the film received. Yet, it’s definitely the long-shot since it’s going against films with a higher-profile.
Best Visual Effects
Gravity-Timothy Webber, Chris Lawrence, David Shirk, & Neil Corbould
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug-Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton, & Eric Reynolds
Iron Man 3-Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash, & Daniel Sudick
The Lone Ranger-Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams, & John Frazier
Star Trek Into Darkness-Roger Guyett, Pat Tubach, Ben Grossmann, & Burt Dalton
Who Will/Should Win: Timothy Webber, Chris Lawrence, David Shirk, and Neil Corbould-Gravity
The visual effects work in this film to create an idea of life in outer space is astronomical in not just its realism but also in how outer space itself is a world that is just terrifying. The look of Earth and the way satellite debris is able to destroy things just goes to show why being an astronaut might not be a good idea.
Dark Horse: Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash, & Daniel Sudick-Iron Man 3
While the visual effects in the third Iron Man are spectacular, it doesn’t really do anything though the team should get credit for adding some grit into the visual effects. Especially in the way the real Mandarin looks as well as some of the stuff that Iron Man does for the film.
Best Original Film Score
The Book Thief-John Williams
Gravity-Steven Price
Her-William Butler & Owen Pallett
Saving Mr. Banks-Thomas Newman
Philomena-Alexandre Desplat
Who Will Win: Steven Price-Gravity
Steven Price is new to the category as his score is a mixture of orchestral bombast and soothing ambient-based cuts definitely plays to the theme out of outer space. Especially as it goes into the element of suspense and terror in its orchestral arrangements and ambient for the dramatic moments.
Who Should Win: William Butler & Owen Pallett-Her
The score from Arcade Fire’s William Butler and Owen Pallett is very unconventional as it plays to some of the film’s melancholia with its emphasis on a low-key score ranging from folk to somber piano pieces. Especially as it also has a take on ambient music which included an original track from Arcade Fire for the film.
Dark Horse: John Williams-The Book Thief
There’s no question in how brilliant John Williams is as his score is another of his orchestral-based score that emphasizes on drama and suspense. It has a lot of the typical arrangements that Williams is known for though he’s the long-shot this time around since it’s the only nomination this film has received.
Best Original Song
Despicable Me 2-Pharrell Williams-Happy
Frozen-Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez-Let It Go
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom-Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., Brian Burton-Ordinary Love
Her-Karen O & Spike Jonze-The Moon Song
What Will Win: Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez-Let It Go from Frozen
The song is definitely one of the most inspirational and heartfelt songs that is created for the film as it’s sung by Idina Menzel who puts a lot of the anguish of her character in the song. Even as it plays to a snow princess just trying to sort herself out as it’s the kind of song that wins these kinds of awards but one that actually earns it.
What Should Win: Karen O & Spike Jonze-The Moon Song from Her
The song is a truly simple yet beautiful track as it was a just an acoustic ballad sung as a lullaby of sorts though it’s really a love song between a man and his operating system. It’s really one of the most unconventional love songs but one that is just lovely to listen to.
Dark Horse: Pharrell Williams-Happy from Despicable Me 2
Pharrell Williams is a superb songwriter in the form of pop, hip-hop, and R&B as he creates a very upbeat song that definitely fits in the tone with the film. It’s a song that is catchy and simple though it’s the long shot in the category.
Part 1
© thevoid99 2014
It’s that time again that all of the film lovers gather together to see who or what will win. The 86th Academy Awards to celebrate the film year of 2013 and what a year it was. Lots of good movies ranging from all sorts of genres.
Best Picture
12 Years a Slave
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
The Wolf of Wall Street
What Will Win: 12 Years a Slave
Steve McQueen’s film about Solomon Northrup’s journey as a freed man who is tricked and later sold to slavery is truly one of the most visceral films of 2013. Especially in the way it showcases the brutality of slavery without going overboard as well as creating some striking visuals that matches up to Northrup’s experience. It’s definitely the film to beat though it’s really going to be a tough race since there’s some strong nominees in the category.
What Should Win: Her
Spike Jonze’s film definitely redefines the concept of the romantic-comedy since it is about a lonely man who falls for a computer operating system. Setting it into a futuristic world, it’s a film that bends all sorts of genres yet somehow manages to mesh it with something that is very human and touching. Especially as it’s not afraid to be funny or sentimental at times where it is about a film about love.
Dark Horse: Philomena
Stephen Frears’ drama about a journalist helping an Irish woman find her long-lost son that she was forced to give up for adoption by nuns many years ago is a really touching and heartwarming film. Yet, it’s the nominee that doesn’t have a strong profile in comparison to its other nominees so it’s definitely the long shot.
Best Director
Alfonso Cuaron-Gravity
Steve McQueen-12 Years a Slave
David O. Russell-American Hustle
Martin Scorsese-The Wolf of Wall Street
Alexander Payne-Nebraska
Who Will/Should Win: Alfonso Cuaron-Gravity
What Alfonso Cuaron achieved in Gravity is really unlike anything that had been done in cinema where he created a film set entirely in outer space where it’s about survival. Much of it involves a lot of long, gazing shots including shots from Sandra Bullock’s point of view as she is spinning around in outer space as it plays into the sense of the unknown. It’s really an astonishing piece of work and certainly puts Cuaron in the vanguard of the best filmmakers working today.
Dark Horse: Alexander Payne-Nebraska
Alexander Payne is definitely one of American cinema’s best filmmakers working right now as Nebraska definitely ranks up there with some of his best work. While it doesn’t have some of technical brilliance of Cuaron and Martin Scorsese, the flashiness of David O. Russell, nor the starkness of Steve McQueen. Payne is known for his unique approach to humor as well as play into the idea of men trying to find themselves in whatever journey they’re in that is coupled with lovely visuals and engrossing themes about aging and the bond between fathers and sons.
Best Actor
Christian Bale-American Hustle
Bruce Dern-Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio-The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor-12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey-Dallas Buyers Club
Who Will Win: Matthew McConaughey-Dallas Buyers Club
Matthew McConaughey’s performance as a homophobic, decadent, and immoral man who becomes afflicted with the AIDS virus is definitely an amazing performance as it showcases McConaughey showcasing his range as an actor. While it does display much of his charm, there’s also the physical transformation that he takes to play into his illness as it’s really McConaughey at his finest.
Who Should Win: Leonardo DiCaprio-The Wolf of Wall Street
There is probably no one that deserves an Oscar more than Leonardo DiCaprio as he goes all out times 11 in his role as Jordan Belfort. Not only does he make this extremely vile and greedy individual so fun to watch but it’s DiCaprio at his funniest. Especially in the now infamous Lemmon Quaaludes scene along with some of the one-liners and antics that he displays on film as it’s certainly a performance for the ages.
Dark Horse: Bruce Dern-Nebraska
Bruce Dern is a veteran in the world of film as he hadn’t had a leading performance in many years. Thank goodness for Alexander Payne to give him the chance to play the role of a cantankerous old man who tries to go to Nebraska to collect what he believes is a million dollar prize money. It’s one that is full of humor but also one that is touching since it is a man trying to do something with his life that has meaning in his old age.
Best Actress
Amy Adams-American Hustle
Cate Blanchett-Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock-Gravity
Judi Dench-Philomena
Meryl Streep-August: Osage County
Who Will/Should Win: Cate Blanchett-Blue Jasmine
Cate Blanchett’s performance as a woman who once had it all only to lose everything and live with her sister in San Francisco is a very chilling performance from Blanchett. Especially as it’s one that is comical at times but also very sad to showcase a woman ravaged by what she’s lost and how desperate she is to get it all back only to lose sight of reality.
Dark Horse: Judi Dench-Philomena
Judi Dench’s performance in the titular role is certainly one of her finest and most sensitive. Even as it’s one that is so full of joy as she brings in a lot of laughs but also moments that are very heartbreaking to watch. It’s one that is very radiant as it showcases Dench at her most brilliant.
Best Supporting Actor
Barkhad Abdi-Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper-American Hustle
Jonah Hill-The Wolf of Wall Street
Michael Fassbender-12 Years a Slave
Jared Leto-Dallas Buyers Club
Who Will Win: Jared Leto-Dallas Buyers Club
Jared Leto’s performance as a transgender prostitute who would aid Ron Woodruff in his plans to get unauthorized medicine for AIDS-stricken people is definitely a big surprise. Especially as Leto, like McConaughey, had to go into a physical transformation of his own as his character is also inflicted with AIDS as he brings a charm and wit to the role that makes him very engaging as well as an equal to McConaughey.
Who Should Win/Dark Horse: Barkhad Abdi-Captain Phillips
Barkhad Abdi is a newcomer who had never been in a film yet his performance as the lead Somali pirate who hijacks a commercial freighter ship is truly unforgettable. Even as he manages to go toe-to-toe against Tom Hanks while adding a complexity to his character that is unlike most antagonists where Abdi allows the man to be a bit sympathetic to his plight. It’s definitely a major breakthrough though Abdi’s chances against more well-known actors is a total long-shot.
Best Supporting Actress
Sally Hawkins-Blue Jasmine
Julia Roberts-August: Osage County
Lupita Nyong'o-12 Years a Slave
Jennifer Lawrence-American Hustle
June Squibb-Nebraska
Who Will Win: Jennifer Lawrence-American Hustle
Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as the unpredictable yet wild wife of a con artist is certainly the kind of performance that can be described as Oscar-bait. While it is an enjoyable and certainly wild performance, it’s one that has also attracted criticism where it’s the kind of stuff that will win Oscars.
Who Should Win: Lupita Nyong’o-12 Years a Slave
Another newcomer that is in the Oscar race, Nyong’o’s performance as a young slave who is the object of sick affection for her slave master is truly a haunting performance. Especially as she is this young woman who has only known being a slave as she becomes a friend of Solomon Northup. It’s a performance that is just entrancing and really unforgettable as a win would elevate her career.
Dark Horse: June Squibb-Nebraska
June Squibb’s performance as Bruce Dern’s wife is truly hilarious as it’s really a breakout performance for the character actress. Especially as her character is a woman trying to deal with her husband’s journey as she would have to defend him when other family members ask him for money.
Best Original Screenplay
American Hustle-Eric Singer & David O. Russell
Blue Jasmine-Woody Allen
Her-Spike Jonze
Nebraska-Bob Nelson
Dallas Buyers Club-Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack
Who Will/Should Win: Spike Jonze-Her
Spike Jonze’s script has a premise that could never work on paper yet he manages to infuse it with a lot of life in the dialogue and structure for the script. Especially in the creation of the character of Samantha as this operating system that feels sort of real as it also explores the idea of loneliness and love as it’s truly one of the most inventive scripts in the past few years.
Dark Horse: Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack-Dallas Buyers Club
The story that was created, as it was inspired by true events, is certainly an engaging story about a man who hustles his way to ensure that he and others stricken with AIDS get to live longer. It is one that is quite inspiring but it is dealing with some serious competition against the other nominees.
Best Adapted Screenplay
Before Midnight-Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, & Julie Delpy
Captain Phillips-Billy Ray
12 Years a Slave-John Ridley
The Wolf of Wall Street-Terence Winter
Philomena-Steve Coogan & Jeff Pope
Who Will Win: John Ridley-12 Years a Slave
John Ridley’s screenplay is certainly a triumph for not just the way it plays into the 12 years of Solomon Northup’s life. It also showcases of how a man of great intelligence forces himself to not to act smart or stand up for himself and other slaves in order to survive. It’s a script that plays into that story as well as a look into slavery before the American Civil War.
Who Should Win: Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, & Julie Delpy-Before Midnight
The screenplay for Before Midnight is a continuation of the Before film series where Richard Linklater and actors Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy tell the story of Jesse and Celine’s relationship as they’re in their 40s. Even as they deal with all of the things they have to do as adults and parents to children where it’s not just a script that is romantic but also very real in the way couples act when there’s compromises that have to be made.
Dark Horse: Steve Coogan & Jeff Pope-Philomena
As one of the co-stars of the film, Steve Coogan creates a very compelling screenplay with Jeff Pope that plays into this woman’s journey to America with a journalist as it explores not just the cruelty that the Catholic church had done. It’s a film that also explores faith as it doesn’t try to criticize the Catholic church as the heart of the story is a woman finding her son and the man trying to help her. It’s probably not likely to win due to the competition it’s facing.
Best Animated Film
The Croods
Despicable Me 2
Ernest & Celestine
Frozen
The Wind Rises
What Will/Should Win: Frozen
With Pixar studios not in the running for this year’s Oscar race for animation films, that isn’t going to stop one of its owners in Disney Animation to get the crown as Frozen isn’t just another of Disney Animation’s big hits but also considered one of its best. Not only in its take on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen has the Disney Animation team do something more to the story but also blend it with lots of dazzling visuals and some top-notch musical numbers.
Dark Horse: The Croods
While the caveman-inspired story might be more well-known against a few of its nominees, it’s definitely the real long shot as it’s considered to be one of Dreamworks Animations more inferior films. Especially as it’s more comical and family-friendly in what it wanted to be though its story didn’t wow some of its critics.
Best Foreign-Language Film
The Broken Circle Breakdown-Felix Van Groeningen (Belgium)
The Missing Picture-Rithy Panh (Cambodia)
The Hunt-Thomas Vinterberg (Denmark)
The Great Beauty-Paolo Sorrentino (Italy)
Omar-Hany Abu-Assad (Palestine)
What Will Win: The Great Beauty
Paolo Sorrentino’s story about a man reflecting on his life at the age of 65 is considered to be a great tribute to the Italian cinema of the past. Especially as it blurs the lines between fiction and reality as it is widely considered to be one of the great films to come from Italy in recent years.
What Should Win: The Hunt
Thomas Vinterberg’s haunting story about a schoolteacher being accused of molesting a child is definitely considered a return to form for the Danish filmmaker. Even as he got the services of Mads Mikkelsen in the lead role as it explores not just lies but how a man’s life can be ruined by it as he nearly loses everything.
Dark Horse: The Missing Picture/Omar (tie)
Picking this is tough because here are two films from two filmmakers who have been revered in the international film festival circuits as both of their films were given prizes at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regarde section. While Rithy Panh’s The Missing Picture is a documentary film and Hany Abu-Assad’s Omar is a dramatic feature with very little details on both films as they’re going to get more exposure in the coming months.
Best Documentary
The Act of Killing-Joshua Oppenheimer & Signe Byrge Sørensen
Cutie and the Boxer-Zachary Heinzerling & Lydia Dean Pilcher
Dirty Wars-Richard Rowley & Jeremy Scahill
The Square-Jehane Noujaim & Karim Amer
20 Feet from Stardom-Morgan Neville
What Will Win/Should Win: The Act of Killing
Joshua Oppenheimer’s documentary about a famed Indonesian death squad re-enacting the executions they created from different perspectives showcases a harsh yet intriguing world that reveres these men as heroes. It’s a film that is visually-entrancing at times but also disturbing in the way this military group applaud these men as heroes as they try to make sense of their actions.
Dark Horse: Dirty Wars
Richard Rowley’s investigation into the cover-up of murders committed by soldiers is another film about war that’s been covered in the past several years as it showcases more sides that happened in battle. Though war documentaries aren’t anything new, it’s likely that this film will be the long-shot because it’s another war documentary.
(End of Pt. 1)
Pt. 2
© thevoid99 2014
