Oscars 2019
The Oscars are tonight! I'm excited to see how it goes this year. Even though I'm kind of side eyeing some of their nominations lol But you know, it happens.
I didn't make as much of an effort to watch the nominees this year, thus my opinions are probably even more narrow than usual. Also it just feels like the Oscars came up so fast this year?? I didn't have time to watch as much stuff after nominations in preparation. Anyway, I watched a grand total of 8 of the nominees this year, which is 1 more than I saw last year, which is cool.
So here's my list of watched nominations, plus short reviews:
A Quiet Place
I really wish I'd seen this movie in theaters bc I think it would have been a better overall experience, but it was still a really good movie. I liked that they really wove ASL and the daughter being deaf into the movie, and it was pretty obvious to me that they'd taken the actress' thoughts into account when filming. The world, I think, was a little shallowly built, and I didn't find it really scary at all, but I think it did well on building tension and suspense.
Bao
Oh my gosh, this short was so good! The style was adorable and I really enjoyed the story. I don't really know what to say other than the whole thing was adorable and heartbreaking and I loved it.
Black Panther
I mean everyone knows by now this is pretty much the best MCU movie lol It was beautiful and emotionally compelling and action packed and just fantastic with the world they built in Wakanda. It's obvious that a lot of time and effort went into the worldbuilding, from the costumes to the hairstyles to the accent to the architecture. (Can I mention how pissed I am it didn't get nominated for makeup? Bc it so should have.) This movie was so good, and it (along with Thor: Ragnarok) really helped revive my Marvel love after the dull, repetive, obnoxiousness that the franchise has been lately.
BlacKkKlansman
I'd heard this movie was good from a couple ppl, though I hadn't heard a lot of it overall. And it really was very good! John David Washington was fantastic in the lead role, and I really loved his and Adam Driver's dynamic. It was definitely difficult and very emotional subject matter, but I think the movie did really well with it. I especially liked the current clips at the end bc I think it's easy to think about the based on real life part of the movie being in the past, we've moved on from there, etc., but that really showed how so many of the exact same things are happening still.
Incredibles 2
This movie was a bit disappointing tbh. The first one was so good, but this one... I guess it felt rushed and unfinished? Like they'd taken so long on making sure the animation matched the first one and then realized the movie needed to come out and they didn't have the story quite finished. A lot of it was that it felt like they were trying to make Bob the main character, even though ostensibly Helen was, and trying to make his actions seem... well, like he wasn't being selfish and self-centered about everything. Which he dfinitely was. But I did enjoy seeing more of Jack Jack's powers and seeing some new supers up close.
Mary Poppins Returns
I know a lot of ppl were worried about this one bc the original is so beloved, but I really think they did a good job. It was a fun movie and looked great, and I think they were really respectful of the original while also making this one very distinct. I do wish Julie Andrews would have made a cameo like Dick Van Dyke did, but I think that was my only complaint. Other than the Meryl Streep scene was a little cringey. I dunno what it was about it, but I didn't enjoy the scene inside her house as much as I'd expected.
Roma
Everyone was talking about how good this movie is, but I think it was just a bit too art house for me. So slow, too long, and for me really not engaging. There were glimmers of important things happening, but none of it felt like it mattered. Plus it was in black and white, which I really don't like just in general. I think they did it to make it look more artsy, which worked, but also the end credits were white text on an off white and grey screen so. I just really wasn't impressed with this.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
I heard so many good things about this and when I finally got to watch it, it so didn't disappoint! It's a really beautifully done video, both art and story wise. Which I know everyone else has said in reviews, but seriously, it bears repeating. I was hooked the entire time and could have easily sat through hours more of it lol Miles was such a fantastic character, esp getting to see his various relationships, both with his family and with the other Spiders. Also surprise Chris Pine, which I was obv thrilled with haha
And now, since I obviously know so much about it (lol), my predictions:
Best Picture: Black Panther
One of the best movies of the year lbr. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if one of the others wins, but I think Black Panther derserves it most bc it's just the whole package.
Lead Actor: Christian Bale, "Vice"
I honestly think all the nominees in this category have a fairly even chance of winning. But they seem to really love Vice (which tbh looked kind of terrible to me), so I think this is most likely.
Lead Actress: Glenn Close, "The Wife"
I have heard nothing about this movie at all except she was great in it. I don't even know what it's about! Olivia Colman and Lady Gaga both have good chances as well imo, but I'd be really surprised if Glenn Close doesn't win.
Supporting Actor: Adam Driver, "BlacKkKlansman"
I'm not sure this is the most likely one, but it's the only movie I've seen in the category, and I really did think Adam Driver was really good in BlacKkKlansman. Otherwise, I think it might go to Mahershala Ali.
Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz, "The Favourite"
I don't know why I think she'll win, but that's my gut instinct. As much as I like Amy Adams and Emma Stone as actresses, I don't think they'll win it.
Director: "BlacKkKlansman," Spike Lee
Several ppl have said that it's time, which is probably true, but also I think it was a fantastically directed movie. I don't think the others can stand up to it, honestly. (And if Yorgos Lanthimos wins I will scream, and not in happiness lol)
Animated Feature: "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
I mean, honestly, is there another choice? Spider-Verse was absolutely amazing, whereas Incredibles 2 was mediocre and while I didn't watch it, Isle of Dogs looked... not great.
Animated Short: "Bao," Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb
I dunno about the others tbh, but this film was so freaking good.
Adapted Screenplay: "BlacKkKlansman," Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee
Lbr, it'll probably go to A Star Is Born, but I think BlacKkKlansman had a really solid screenplay.
Original Screenplay: "Vice," Adam McKay
A bit of a tossup tbh. I don't think Green Book'll win though, if only bc of all the problems that came out about it after it was released.
Cinematography: "Roma," Alfonso Cuarón
While I side eyed the end credits and actually didn't like the long/still shots that made up most of the movie, Roma certainly had some very distinct cinematography. I think that'll be enough to get it a win, despite the others sounding like strong contenders.
Best Documentary Feature: "Minding the Gap," Bing Liu and Diane Quon
I know Free Solo has done really well in a lot of the other awards, but just from what I've seen of Minding the Gap, I think it should win.
Best Documentary Short Subject: "Lifeboat," Skye Fitzgerald and Bryn Mooser
I know nothing lol
Best Live Action Short Film: "Detainment," Vincent Lambe and Darren Mahon
I know nothing here either lol
Best Foreign Language Film: Roma (Mexico)
I didn't like it, but everyone's been raving about it, so I figure it's got a good chance.
Film Editing: "Bohemian Rhapsody," John Ottman
It's gotten good reviews and done well in other awards so.
Sound Editing: "A Quiet Place," Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl
I feel like sounds was the most important part of this movie so.
Sound Mixing: "Black Panther," Steve Boeddeker, Brandon Proctor and Peter Devlin
I'm still a little iffy on what this category covers, but I think Black Panther probaby did it best lol
Production Design: "Black Panther," Hannah Beachler; Jay Hart
A couple of the others also have great production design, but I think Black Panther did it best. I wouldn't be mad if Mary Poppins Returns wins though.
Original Score: "Mary Poppins Returns," Marc Shaiman
Black Panther had a good score as well, but I feel like Mary Poppins Returns is much more likely to win.
Original Song: "Shallow" from "A Star Is Born," Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt
I've been unimpressed by what I've seen from the movie, but they've seemed to love this. I'd actually be surprised if A Star Is Born doesn't win something for music.
Makeup and Hair: "Mary Queen of Scots," Jenny Shircore, Marc Pilcher and Jessica Brooks
It's a period piece and from the trailers it looks like it has good hair and makeup. I'd be surprised if either of the others wins, but if Vice does I'm gonna be pissed.
Costume Design: "Black Panther," Ruth Carter
They better win. Like, as good as some of the other costumes look, there's just straight up no competition.
Visual Effects: "Christopher Robin," Christopher Lawrence, Michael Eames, Theo Jones and Chris Corbould
I know one of the others is more likely to get it, but I don't want them (barring First Man, which I don't care about) to win.
I'll likely be liveblogging on my Oscars 2019 tag on pillowfort (and/or possibly on twitter?), so feel free to watch me be completely wrong in real time!
ETA: I got 9 out of 24! Two better than last year, booya :D
I didn't make as much of an effort to watch the nominees this year, thus my opinions are probably even more narrow than usual. Also it just feels like the Oscars came up so fast this year?? I didn't have time to watch as much stuff after nominations in preparation. Anyway, I watched a grand total of 8 of the nominees this year, which is 1 more than I saw last year, which is cool.
So here's my list of watched nominations, plus short reviews:
A Quiet Place
I really wish I'd seen this movie in theaters bc I think it would have been a better overall experience, but it was still a really good movie. I liked that they really wove ASL and the daughter being deaf into the movie, and it was pretty obvious to me that they'd taken the actress' thoughts into account when filming. The world, I think, was a little shallowly built, and I didn't find it really scary at all, but I think it did well on building tension and suspense.
Bao
Oh my gosh, this short was so good! The style was adorable and I really enjoyed the story. I don't really know what to say other than the whole thing was adorable and heartbreaking and I loved it.
Black Panther
I mean everyone knows by now this is pretty much the best MCU movie lol It was beautiful and emotionally compelling and action packed and just fantastic with the world they built in Wakanda. It's obvious that a lot of time and effort went into the worldbuilding, from the costumes to the hairstyles to the accent to the architecture. (Can I mention how pissed I am it didn't get nominated for makeup? Bc it so should have.) This movie was so good, and it (along with Thor: Ragnarok) really helped revive my Marvel love after the dull, repetive, obnoxiousness that the franchise has been lately.
BlacKkKlansman
I'd heard this movie was good from a couple ppl, though I hadn't heard a lot of it overall. And it really was very good! John David Washington was fantastic in the lead role, and I really loved his and Adam Driver's dynamic. It was definitely difficult and very emotional subject matter, but I think the movie did really well with it. I especially liked the current clips at the end bc I think it's easy to think about the based on real life part of the movie being in the past, we've moved on from there, etc., but that really showed how so many of the exact same things are happening still.
Incredibles 2
This movie was a bit disappointing tbh. The first one was so good, but this one... I guess it felt rushed and unfinished? Like they'd taken so long on making sure the animation matched the first one and then realized the movie needed to come out and they didn't have the story quite finished. A lot of it was that it felt like they were trying to make Bob the main character, even though ostensibly Helen was, and trying to make his actions seem... well, like he wasn't being selfish and self-centered about everything. Which he dfinitely was. But I did enjoy seeing more of Jack Jack's powers and seeing some new supers up close.
Mary Poppins Returns
I know a lot of ppl were worried about this one bc the original is so beloved, but I really think they did a good job. It was a fun movie and looked great, and I think they were really respectful of the original while also making this one very distinct. I do wish Julie Andrews would have made a cameo like Dick Van Dyke did, but I think that was my only complaint. Other than the Meryl Streep scene was a little cringey. I dunno what it was about it, but I didn't enjoy the scene inside her house as much as I'd expected.
Roma
Everyone was talking about how good this movie is, but I think it was just a bit too art house for me. So slow, too long, and for me really not engaging. There were glimmers of important things happening, but none of it felt like it mattered. Plus it was in black and white, which I really don't like just in general. I think they did it to make it look more artsy, which worked, but also the end credits were white text on an off white and grey screen so. I just really wasn't impressed with this.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
I heard so many good things about this and when I finally got to watch it, it so didn't disappoint! It's a really beautifully done video, both art and story wise. Which I know everyone else has said in reviews, but seriously, it bears repeating. I was hooked the entire time and could have easily sat through hours more of it lol Miles was such a fantastic character, esp getting to see his various relationships, both with his family and with the other Spiders. Also surprise Chris Pine, which I was obv thrilled with haha
And now, since I obviously know so much about it (lol), my predictions:
Best Picture: Black Panther
One of the best movies of the year lbr. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if one of the others wins, but I think Black Panther derserves it most bc it's just the whole package.
Lead Actor: Christian Bale, "Vice"
I honestly think all the nominees in this category have a fairly even chance of winning. But they seem to really love Vice (which tbh looked kind of terrible to me), so I think this is most likely.
Lead Actress: Glenn Close, "The Wife"
I have heard nothing about this movie at all except she was great in it. I don't even know what it's about! Olivia Colman and Lady Gaga both have good chances as well imo, but I'd be really surprised if Glenn Close doesn't win.
Supporting Actor: Adam Driver, "BlacKkKlansman"
I'm not sure this is the most likely one, but it's the only movie I've seen in the category, and I really did think Adam Driver was really good in BlacKkKlansman. Otherwise, I think it might go to Mahershala Ali.
Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz, "The Favourite"
I don't know why I think she'll win, but that's my gut instinct. As much as I like Amy Adams and Emma Stone as actresses, I don't think they'll win it.
Director: "BlacKkKlansman," Spike Lee
Several ppl have said that it's time, which is probably true, but also I think it was a fantastically directed movie. I don't think the others can stand up to it, honestly. (And if Yorgos Lanthimos wins I will scream, and not in happiness lol)
Animated Feature: "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
I mean, honestly, is there another choice? Spider-Verse was absolutely amazing, whereas Incredibles 2 was mediocre and while I didn't watch it, Isle of Dogs looked... not great.
Animated Short: "Bao," Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb
I dunno about the others tbh, but this film was so freaking good.
Adapted Screenplay: "BlacKkKlansman," Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee
Lbr, it'll probably go to A Star Is Born, but I think BlacKkKlansman had a really solid screenplay.
Original Screenplay: "Vice," Adam McKay
A bit of a tossup tbh. I don't think Green Book'll win though, if only bc of all the problems that came out about it after it was released.
Cinematography: "Roma," Alfonso Cuarón
While I side eyed the end credits and actually didn't like the long/still shots that made up most of the movie, Roma certainly had some very distinct cinematography. I think that'll be enough to get it a win, despite the others sounding like strong contenders.
Best Documentary Feature: "Minding the Gap," Bing Liu and Diane Quon
I know Free Solo has done really well in a lot of the other awards, but just from what I've seen of Minding the Gap, I think it should win.
Best Documentary Short Subject: "Lifeboat," Skye Fitzgerald and Bryn Mooser
I know nothing lol
Best Live Action Short Film: "Detainment," Vincent Lambe and Darren Mahon
I know nothing here either lol
Best Foreign Language Film: Roma (Mexico)
I didn't like it, but everyone's been raving about it, so I figure it's got a good chance.
Film Editing: "Bohemian Rhapsody," John Ottman
It's gotten good reviews and done well in other awards so.
Sound Editing: "A Quiet Place," Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl
I feel like sounds was the most important part of this movie so.
Sound Mixing: "Black Panther," Steve Boeddeker, Brandon Proctor and Peter Devlin
I'm still a little iffy on what this category covers, but I think Black Panther probaby did it best lol
Production Design: "Black Panther," Hannah Beachler; Jay Hart
A couple of the others also have great production design, but I think Black Panther did it best. I wouldn't be mad if Mary Poppins Returns wins though.
Original Score: "Mary Poppins Returns," Marc Shaiman
Black Panther had a good score as well, but I feel like Mary Poppins Returns is much more likely to win.
Original Song: "Shallow" from "A Star Is Born," Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt
I've been unimpressed by what I've seen from the movie, but they've seemed to love this. I'd actually be surprised if A Star Is Born doesn't win something for music.
Makeup and Hair: "Mary Queen of Scots," Jenny Shircore, Marc Pilcher and Jessica Brooks
It's a period piece and from the trailers it looks like it has good hair and makeup. I'd be surprised if either of the others wins, but if Vice does I'm gonna be pissed.
Costume Design: "Black Panther," Ruth Carter
They better win. Like, as good as some of the other costumes look, there's just straight up no competition.
Visual Effects: "Christopher Robin," Christopher Lawrence, Michael Eames, Theo Jones and Chris Corbould
I know one of the others is more likely to get it, but I don't want them (barring First Man, which I don't care about) to win.
I'll likely be liveblogging on my Oscars 2019 tag on pillowfort (and/or possibly on twitter?), so feel free to watch me be completely wrong in real time!
ETA: I got 9 out of 24! Two better than last year, booya :D