The Oscar Watcher

28/01/2025

The Oscar Nominations 2025
ALIEN: ROMULUS (HULU)
Dir.- Fede Alvarez
1 nomination - Visual Effects

Sir Ridley Scott's 'Alien' is one of my favorite films. Top five; maybe even top three. James Cameron's 'Aliens' turned up the action and delivered one of the all-time greatest popcorn flicks. The debate still rages today about which film is better. (I am Team Alien - singular.) Things went downhill from there. Even Scott's own prequels couldn't capture the original magic. So, I was hesitant going into this new film; I'd been burned to many times before.
They came so, so close. There is a lot to like about 'Alien: Romulus'. Unfortunately, there's a lot to dislike too. When this film is good, it's very, very good. When it's not good, it's infuriating. The fan-service callbacks are insufferable. One of the worst offences comes from the VFX team, and it involves the "ressurection" of the late Sir Ian Holm. How anyone thought this was a good idea is beyond me. It reminded me of Mordok in 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, but not as bad (could anything be that bad?). It's still jarring, unpleasant to look at, and totally unnecessary.
There may have been a lot of excellent vfx work in the film, but the Ian Holm stuff drags that work down and should have been removed entirely. It didn't work at all, and if the team wasn't able to pull it off, it shouldn't have been included in the film. Even though there was some otherwise excellent work, 'Alien: Romulus' shouldn't have been nominated for this Oscar, and I think it has no chance of winning.

28/01/2025

The Oscar Nominations 2025
GLADIATOR II (PARAMOUNT+)
Dir.- Ridley Scott
1 nomination - Costume Design

Was I entertained? Sure, I guess so. If nothing else, Ridley Scott's sequel to his Oscar-winning 'Gladiator' is a spectacle. It's a technical marvel, and I'm actually surprised the crafts guilds weren't kinder to it when it came to doling out nominations. Costume Design is a very worthy nomination, but it missing all the other tech categories was a little surprising. this is a very good-looking film.
I was less surprised at seeing the above-the-line categories come up short. Paul Mescal, an actor I like, was either miscast or misdirected. His performance was missing the gravitas that Russel Crowe brought to his character, and the script did him no favors, muddling a backstory that connected him to the earlier film and possibly was the reason for the muting of his performance. Denzel Washington's character had the more captivating story, and he was charismatic as usual, but he made some questionable acting choices that took me out of the movie. I was surprised that Scott left some of those in the film. Maybe those were the best takes. If that's true, I'd hate to see the ones that didn't make the cut.
While this film doesn't rise to the heights of its predecessor, if what you came for was the thrill of dazzling gladitorial combat in the Colisseum of Rome, you won't be disappointed. If you were hoping for something more, well, I think its nominations, (or lack of them), tells that story.

26/01/2025

The Oscar Nominations 2025
SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP d'ETAT (KINO Film/VOD)
Dir.- Johan Grimonprez
Editor - Rik Chaubet
1 nomination - Best Documentary Feature

I saw 'Soundtrack to a Coup d'État' as part of the IDA awards. I was impressed with the filmmaking, especially the editing, but overall, it left me wanting. The film tells the story of events leading up to the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Patrice Lumumba of the then newly independent Congo, America's role in the coup, and its relation to jazz and the American Civil Rights movement, and the mid-century global demands for an end to colonization.
This is a fascinating story, told through masterful editing of archival footage. There is a lot going on here, and unfortunately, the end result was a bit unfocused. I left with an understanding of what happened, but confused about how it was all connected. Did the filmmakers try to take on too much? Or is this story just that unwieldy? With a run time of two and a half hours, there should have been enough time to piece it all together into a more coherent story. Maybe I just need to watch it again.
There is a lot to like about this film, and I do think it is worthy of the nomination. But as great as this film looks (and sounds), I think there were others who were clearer in their storytelling. I will definitely give this another watch. If nothing else, it's an entertaining, exceptional time capsule of a little-known, but important moment in history.

25/01/2025

The Oscar Nominations 2025
INSIDE OUT 2 (Disney+)
Dir.- Kelsey Mann
1 nomination - Best Animated Feature

The beginning of Bob Iger's sequel era at Disney was more hit than miss. Unless you were a Disney stockholder, of course. Then it was all hit, with all three sequel/prequels each clearing $1B globally. 'Inside Out 2' is a good example of how to do a sequel right. Too bad they didn't apply that lesson to 'Moana 2' and 'Mufasa; The Lion King'.
To be honest, the first 'Inside Out' is not one of my favorite Pixar films. It's not bad, but middle of the pack. These movies are fun, mostly thanks to an excellent voice cast, and while they might be weak on story, the concept is clever, there are some good gags, and they deliver some emotional impact. I think 'Inside Out 2' improved on the original film, mostly thanks to the addition of new character Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke. (Can we get a voice performance award category already!)
Its hard to go wrong with Pixar. Even the worst Pixar film is still pretty good. But when you compare 'Inside Out 2' to the other nominees this year, it's not playing in their league. If I were ranking these films, 'Inside Out 2' would be #5. In weaker year, it might be able to rise to the top, but that is not the case this year.

24/01/2025

The Oscar Nominations 2025
ORIGINAL SONG

If you follow my page, you know it's time to start talking about the nominees. If you're new here, Welcome! I will be talking about a nominee a day for the next 5 weeks until the Oscars, so make sure you Follow the page and interact with the posts so you can train that pesky algorithm.

48 films were nominated this year, excluding the Original Song category. I don't consider those film nominations. But it's a category, so let's talk about the nominees. This year, we have two credits songs, one epilogue song, and two songs that are in the body of the film.

EL MAL and MI CAMINO (Emilia Pérez)
These songs are both performed in the film. Of the two songs, I like 'Mi Camino' best, but in the film, it plays like a Selena Gomez music video. It's fun, but nothing special. 'El Mal' is played in one of the best scenes in the film and is a real powerhouse performance by Zoe Saldaña. It's a great moment in a film, but I really dislike the song.

THE JOURNEY (The Six Triple Eight)
This Diane Warren song, her 16th nomination and her 8th consecutive, is played over the epilogue of the film, which shows the real women portrayed in the film. It's powerfully performed by H.E.R., but it's not one of Warren's best. Should she have won an award earlier in her career? Probably. Does the fact that she hasn't won mean that she deserves to be nominated for any mid song she puts out? Definitely not.

LIKE A BIRD (Sing Sing)
One of the songs played over the credits, the song, performed by Adrian Quesada & Abraham Alexa is one of the better songs nominated. Of these choices, it's probably the one I'd like to see win.

NEVER TOO LATE (Elton John: Never Too Late)
A distinctly forgettable ballad from Sir Elton John. But hey, it's Elton, so he deserves a nomination right? (That was sarcasm, ICYMI) Absolute dreck.

I think EL MAL will win, but come on, Academy, you had Kneecap and Trent Reznor right there! At least we won't have to suffer through performances of these songs during the show. Honestly, maybe it's time to just retire this category.

22/01/2025

UPDATE: The system seems to have worked, (for the most part). I got 9/10. "I'm Still Here" came out of nowhere to snag that last spot. Still, not a bad outcome.

These are my predictions in Best Picture for tomorrow's announcement. Trying something different this year. I counted up all the nominations (and wins, where available) of all the important critics awards and guild awards. So no hunches - this is strictly math. This graphic includes the top 10, plus 3 potential spoilers. Here are the numbers:

ANORA - 13
CONCLAVE - 12
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN - 11
EMILIA PEREZ - 10
THE BRUTALIST - 9
WICKED - 8
DUNE: PART 2 - 8
THE SUBSTANCE - 6
NICKEL BOYS - 6
A REAL PAIN - 5

SING SING - 4
CHALLENGERS - 3
SEPTEMBER 5 - 3

Here are the nominations & wins I counted:
Golden Globes
Cannes Palme D'Or
Venice Golden Lion
TIFF People's Choice
Critics Choice
Gold Derby Experts Best Picture Top 15
Film Independent Spirit
BAFTA
PGA (Producers Guild of America)
DGA (Directors Guild of America)
WGA (Writers Guild of America)
SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Ensemble
ACE (American Cinema Editors)
BSC (British Society of Cinematographers)
ASC (American Society of Cinematographers)

Bonus points were awarded for:
-Nominations at all three of the top critic's groups (Critics Choice, American Film Institute, National Board of Review)
-Above the line Guild bonus (Nominated at all four PGA, DGA, WGA, & SAG Ensemble)
-Below the line Guild bonus (Nominated at all four ACE, ASC, CDG (Costume Designers Guild), & ADG (Art Directors Guild)

Can't wait to see how this plays out tomorrow! Let me know your predictions in the comments.

08/01/2025

We are 10 days from Oscar nominations, and things are beginning to come into focus.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 31ST ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS

01/01/2025

It's the last day of 2024, and I don't think I'll be seeing anything else before midnight, so here are my highest rated films of 2024. There are 12 this year, and there are a few still to come out that could make this list; "Nickel Boys", "The Brutalist", "All We Imagine as Light", "I'm Still Here", "Hard Truths", to name a few, could all make it. For now here are:

OSCAR WATCHER TOP FILMS OF 2024 (year end)

1) DUNE: PART 2 (dir. Denis Villeneuve) *****
- A masterpiece of visual storytelling.
* Oscar Potential: Picture, Director, Supporting Actor, Screenplay Cinematography, Production Design, Editing, Sound, Score, Visual Effects, Costumes, Makeup and Hairstyling

2) NOSFERATU (dir. Robert Eggers) *****
- Another visual masterpiece. This story has never been told better.
* Oscar Potential: Screenplay Cinematography, Production Design, Editing, Score, Costumes, Makeup and Hairstyling

3) THE WILD ROBOT (dir. Chris Sanders) *****
- DreamWorks delivered an instant classic. Deserving of a Best Picture nom.
* Oscar Potential: Animated Feature, Score, Original Song

4) SUGARCANE (dir. Emily Kassie & Julian Brave NoiseCat) *****
- This look at the legacy of systemic abuse of Canada's indigenous population is both a heartbreaking exposé and a cautionary tale. Or at least it should be.
* Oscar Potential: Documentary Feature

5) CHALLENGERS (dir. Luca Guadagnino) ****½
- A cleverly written and stylish comedy about competitive tennis...or is it about something more?
* Oscar Potential: Picture, Director, Screenplay, Editing, Cinematography, Score, Original Song

6) KNEECAP (dir. Rich Peppiatt) ****½
- Raucous and irreverent, but beneath the chaos is some surprisingly emotional heft. These boys have something to say, and you'll have a good time hearing it.
* Oscar Potential: International Feature, Original Song

7) ANORA (dir. Sean Baker) ****½
- A screwball comedy in the real world. Impeccably acted and directed.
* Oscar Potential: Picture, Director, Actress, Supporting Actor, Screenplay Editing

8) CONCLAVE (dir. Edward Berger) ****½
- An old-school political thriller with a twist (or two), that takes place in the Vatican during the search for a new pope.
* Oscar Potential: Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Screenplay, Cinematography, Production Design, Editing, Score, Costumes

9) FLOW (dir. Gints Zilbalodis) ****½
- I was floored by the beauty and emotional depth of this animated film. Every frame is a work of art.
* Oscar Potential: Animated Feature, International Feature

10) A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE (dir. Michael Sarnoski) ****½
- An intimate story of hope, beautifully told against a the chaos of an alien invasion.
* Oscar Potential: Should be Sound & Visual Effects but didn't make either shortlist

11) MEMOIR OF A SNAIL (dir. Adam Elliot) ****½
- The extremely sad, often funny, ultimately uplifting story of a very unlucky girl trying her best to get through life.
* Oscar Potential: Animated Feature

12) THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF IBELIN (dir. Benjamin Ree) ****½
- The emotional weight of this film is hard to describe. It's a deeply moving story, and one that not only tells the remarkable story of Mads/Ibelin, but also shows a different perspective on how we navigate the digital world we live in.
* Oscar Potential: Documentary Feature

What are your favorite films of 2024? Let me know in the comments.

And have a happy and safe New Year!

29/12/2024

Each of them legends. 😢

As the year comes to a close, TCM remembers the performers, filmmakers, and creatives we lost this year. Through their art, they took us on journeys we will ...

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas, everyone!
My Xmas double feature this year. Are you going to the movies? What are you seeing?

22/12/2024

If you're a fan of the short films but can't wait for the nominated shorts programs to be released, bookmark this site. It's a list of all of the shortlisted short films and where to watch them, if they are available. There are about fifteen that you can watch right now. The page will be updated as more films become available.

The 2025 Oscars short film shortlists are here! Find out which titles made the cut and where you can watch them on Short of the Week.

17/12/2024

Oscar season is officially in full swing. The shortlists have been announced! There weren't too many surprises.
-Wicked and Emilia Perez did the best.
-'Waves' from the Czech Republic came out of nowhere and landed on the International film shortlist.
-Diane Warren is looking at a possible 17th nomination - without a win. Maybe this is her year? (I doubt it.)
-Talk about coming out of nowhere. The as yet unreleased 'Waltzing with Brando' made the Makeup & Hairstyling list. Billy Zane as Brando, though. I get it.
-The VFX branch seems to love CGI animals. 'Mufasa', 'Better Man', 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' all made the list.
-Very happy to see 'Kneecap' and 'Nosferatu' each here with 2 lists.

What do you think? Were you surprised by anything? Do you see any glaring omissions? Let me know in the comments.

97TH OSCARS® SHORTLISTS IN 10 AWARD CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED

14/12/2024

I was traveling and forgot to do this before I left, so this post is extremely late. No biggie, as most of these are Oscar qualifying limited releases and won't show up in most markets until later. Let's dig in.

NIGHTBITCH (12/6) - Actress
Once considered the front-runner, Adams' Oscar chances have definitely dimmed. Still, I am going to check this out as soon as I can.

THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE (12/6) - International Feature
Denmark's submission for International Feature is hovering around the edges of a nomination chance. It's sure to make the shortlist, and it looks fantastic!

HARD TRUTHS (12/6) - Actress
Marianne Jean-Baptiste is looking good to pick up her second nomination, reuniting after nearly thirty years with the director who got her her first. While I hear it is not the easiest film to watch, Jean-Baptiste supposedly turns in a powerful performance.

SUJO (12/6) - International Feature
Mexico's International Feature submission has a steep climb to get a nomination; I'm even questioning if it will make the shortlist. No matter, this story of a boy growing up after being orphaned by drug cartel violence looks like one not to be missed. No songs about vaginoplasty either.

THE LAST SHOWGIRL (12/13) - Actress
We have a Best Actress problem. There are so many worthy candidates, (Five this month, alone!), but only five spots. Anderson is picking up some steam with some recent critics nominations. I would love to see her momentum take her all the way to an Oscar nom. Who would she replace, though? It's a nearly impossible task to predict the top five.

NICKEL BOYS (12/13) - Best Picture, Director, Supp. Actress, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing
I can't wait to see this film, touted by many as a modern masterpiece of cinema. With its cinematography from the POV of the two main characters, I'm sure it will pick up some technical nominations, but will it's "experimental" nature be too much for Academy voters? I don't think so. I'm predicting a nomination for Best Picture her, and director is likely too.

SEPTEMBER 5 (12/13) - Best Picture, Screenplay, Editing
This one has been rising in the ranks lately, and after the recent nominations announcements, it's looking like it might really have a shot for nominations. It's the story of a sports broadcasting crew that is thrust into the role of covering the Israeli hostage crisis an the Munich Olympics in 1972. This looks like the type of ensemble acting that SAG will eat up, but I'm not so sure about Oscar. It's got momentum now, but we'll have to see if that will last another five weeks.

MUFASA: THE LION KING (12/20) - Visual Effects, Original Song
The 2019 "live-action" remake of the Disney animated classic got a nomination for visual effects, so the only thing keeping this one from repeating that feat is a crowded category. Lin Manuel-Miranda steps in for Sir Elton for the original songs, so maybe we'll see one of those on the shortlist.

THE BRUTALIST (12/20) - Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Screenplay, Editing, Cinematography, Production Design, Costume Design, Sound, Score
One of the Top 5, if not the Top 3 sure things this season. Watch for 'The Brutalist' to score a slew of nominations. And expect it to win most of those. I can't wait to see this film.

THE ROOM NEXT DOOR (12/20) - Actress, Screenplay
Here's another one that had everything going for it early on but lost steam along the way. It's Oscar favorite, Pedro Almodóvar's first English-language film, and it stars Tilda Swinton & Julianne Moore. I don't understand how this one lost traction. I suppose I'll just have to see it to find out.

BABYGIRL (12/22) - Actress, Original Song
Never bet against Nicole Kidman. Not only is she an Oscar darling, but I've heard it said that this is her best performance in ages. For someone who consistently delivers great performances, that's saying something. Can she break into this very crowded category, though?

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (12/25) - Best Picture, Actor, Supp. Actor, Screenplay, Sound
From what I have seen in the trailers, Timothée Chalamet is incredible, and apparently, that doesn't even scratch the surface of what he does in the film. I think he's going to drive this film to a Best Picture nomination, and maybe score a win for himself.

NOSFERATU (12/25) - Editing, Costumes, Production Design, Makeup & Hairstyling, Visual Effects, Sound, Score
My most anticipated film of the year is finally here. I have my 35mm tickets for Christmas Day and tickets for IMAX a couple of days later. ( i am a massive fan of Robert Eggers). I wish I could say this is going to get a bunch of above-the-line nominations, but that would be unrealistic. I do expect a good number of technical nods, though, and maybe even a win or two. No matter what happens, I'll be having a very happy Christmas this year.

BETTER MAN (12/25) - Visual Effects
A Robbie Williams biopic, where Williams is played by a CG monkey. (Don't we have enough of those in this category already?) Can one chimp really stand up to the hundreds of apes in 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes', or the myriad of CG animals in 'Mufasa...'? I think this is going to be a miss. It should make the shortlist, though.

VERMIGLIO (12/25) - International Feature
Italy's submission for International Feature is climbing the ranks and might be a spoiler which could knock out a film that's been hanging on for a while. 'Kneecap' maybe? (I hope not.) Expect to see this one on the shortlist next week.

SANTOSH (12/27) - International Feature
India inexplicably submitted 'Laapataa Ladies' instead of this or 'All We Imagine as Light'. Not that it's not a good film; but their chances for a nomination would have been better with either of those other two. As 'Santosh' is a co-production with the UK, they rode in and submitted it as their selection. I think it will make the shortlist. I'm not so sure about a nomination.

Shortlists are Tuesday! We'll start to see the field narrow a bit then. Are any of these your Holiday movie this year? Will you be having a Nosferatu Christmas?

19/11/2024

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY AWARD NOMINATIONS 2024

The IDA released their list of nominees today. No big surprises, but I am glad to see "Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat" on the list. My biggest surprise is seeing "Porcelain War" missing a nomination. This precursor is hit or miss when it comes to predicting what the Oscars will go for, but I think at least half of these are guaranteed to make the shorltlist, and I think three ("Black Box Diaries", "Sugarcane", & "The Remarkable Life of Ibelin") will go on to an Oscar nom.
The full list of nominees, including the nominated shorts, is at the link below.

https://www.documentary.org/awards2024/nominees

04/11/2024

I am so late with this post, (stupid work deadlines), and there is so much coming out this month.
(BTW - I apparently need to explain this. The categories listed after the movie's title are not my predictions. They are simply the categories I think the film is most competitive in.)

JUROR #2 (11/1) - Best Picture, Director, Screenplay
In most other years, this film would be in contention for the the Top 10. I'm not sure why WB is burying it, but their plan seems to be successful. Clint Eastwoods's potential final film looks to be DOA.

BLITZ (11/1 Theaters - 11/22 Apple TV+) Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supp. Actress, Screenplay, Editing, Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design, Score, Original Song
Long thought to be a big player at this year's Oscars, "Blitz" has since lost some of that steam. It still has massive potential, but it's not the sure thing it once was. I still expect to see a few tech noms, and maybe one for Saoirse Ronan.

EMILIA PEREZ (11/1 Theaters - 11/13 Netflix) - Best Picture, Director, Actress, Supporting Actress, Screenplay, Editing, Sound, Score, Original Song
Unlike "Blitz", "Emilia Perez" is picking up steam, and is now vying for front-runner position. I expect this to be one of the most-nominated films this year.

MUSIC BY JOHN WILLIAMS (11/1) - Documentary Feature
The music branch has been trying to get Williams another Oscar lately. Can they get a nomination for this documentary? I'm not even sure of its eligibility, but if it is eligible, it might be able to at least get to the shortlist.

A REAL PAIN (11/1) - Best Picture, Actor, Supp. Actor, Screenplay
This Sundance darling has kept up its momentum all year, especially for Kieran Culkin's performance. That performance is now the front-runner of the Supporting Actor race. It also won the screenplay award at Sundance, so look for a nomination there as well. Will that be enough to get it into Best Picture? It's starting to look that way.

SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D'ETAT (11/22) - Documentary Feature
Music history and U.S. mid-century global politics intertwine in this documentary. This looks fantastic, and I'm sure it will see the shortlist.

THE PIANO LESSON (11/8 Theaters - 11/22 Netflix) - Best Picture, Actor, Supp. Actor, Supp. Actress, Screenplay
Produced by, directed by, and starring Denzel Washington and sons and adapted from August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize winning play, this has sure thing written all over it. So why, then, is it not? As much as I'd love to see Samuel L. Jackson get a nomination, and it could still happen, I think the film's best chances are for screenplay and for Danielle Deadwyler.

GLADIATOR II (11/22) - Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supp. Actor, Screenplay, Editing, Cinematography, Production Design, Costumes, Makeup & Hairstyling, Sound, Score, Visual Effects
For this to get any above-the-line recognition, it's going to have to blow people out of the Colosseum when it opens. I've heard mixed things so far, so we'll just have to wait and see. I have no doubt that there will be a bunch of technical noms.

WICKED (11/22) - Best Picture, Director, Actress, Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor, Screenplay, Editing, Cinematography, Production Design, Costume Design, Sound, Score, Visual Effects, Original Song
Speaking of blowing people away, early buzz for "Wicked" is excellent. What was looking like it would be this year's "The Color Purple" is turning into a real awards contender, even working its way in to a lot of pundits' Best picture lists. Like "Gladiator", there will be many technical noms, and I think even some wins. If the early hype is true, look for "Wicked" to pick up some of the big categories as well.

FLOW (11/22) - Animated Feature, International Feature
Latvia's official submission for International Feature might not break through in that category, but it is a front-runner to get a nomination in the Animated Feature. The animation looks beautiful, the story is told without dialogue, and is about a group of animals trying to survive a flooding world. I cannot wait for this one.

PORCELAIN WAR (11/22) - Documentary Feature
Set amongst the backdrop of the invasion of Ukraine, this documentary about human resilience and the power of art in the face of enormous adversity won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at Sundance. Look for it to make the Oscar shortlist as well.

MOANA 2 (11/27) - Animated Feature
I don't think that Moana 2 will break into the list of nominees for Best Animated Feature, but there is a chance that it could be a spoiler. I thing four slots are pretty much set in stone, but that fifth slot has a little wiggle room for it to sneak in. If it misses, Disney will just have to be happy with the bucketloads of money it is sure to continuously make for the foreseeable future.

Q***R (11/27) - Actor
This is another film whose buzz has died down since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. What hasn't died down is buzz for Daniel Craig, although he's not the front-runner he once was.

MARIA (11/27) - Actress, Production Design, Cinematography, Costumes
Can Pablo Larrain pull off a hat trick, and get his third Oscar nom for best actress in one of his biopics? I think he might. Especially when that leading lady is Angelina Jolie, playing opera legend Maria Callas, no less. I don't expect much more, but his films are beautiful, so there could be some technical love too.

THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG (11/27) - Screenplay, International Feature
What a journey this film has had. It was shot in secret, and when it premiered, Iran refused to submit it to the Academy for international feature and hunted down the director, now living in exile, for crimes against the state. It was thought it was headed to Best Picture instead, then co-producer Germany submitted it, and it jumped to the top of the International Feature category. Its Oscar chances have faded somewhat since its premiere, in the major categories anyway, but it still leads the pack for International Feature.

SEPTEMBER 5 (11/27) - Best Picture, Supp. Actor, Screenplay, Editing
This film wasn't even on my radar until recently, but it has become one to watch out for. It could pick up a few of those important nominations that could see it break into the Best Picture race. I may be late to this party, but I've got my eye on it now.

Looks like I'm going to be busy this month. Are you looking forward to any of these? Did I miss anything? Let's talk in the comments.

24/10/2024

The International Documentary Association released their IDA Awards shortlist today.
There are a few on the list that I've been tracking, "...Ibelin", "Black Box Diaries", "Sugarcane", "No Other Land" - those should all see the Oscar shortlist.
Noticably absent: "Daughters", "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story", "Piece by Piece".

This year the IDA Documentary Awards shortlists and nominees are selected by independent committees of 300 documentary makers, curators, critics, and industry experts from 40+ countries. We received 700+ total entries in all categories from 77 countries.