Oscars: From Kenya, With Love
The 2024 Oscars air this Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m. ET. Thanks to the influence and recommendations of my dear boyfriend, I have the perfect list of picks and predictions for the upcoming awards show.
Let’s begin with the Best Picture category. Surprisingly, I have watched five of the ten total nominated movies. You may think this makes me unqualified to rank each movie, but Noah has me covered with the others. “Oppenheimer” has the best shot right now at taking home the award. It was a commercial hit and obtained the most nominations of the night. But, I disagree. “Poor Things” and “The Holdovers” were the best of the litter. Personally, the general vibe of “The Holdovers” provided the most entertaining experience, but the story of “Poor Things” was much more endearing. It was so nice to see Emma Stone as Billie Eilish dance around the screen for two hours while she learns the importance of free will.
Moving on. I adore Cillian Murphy, having just finished a rewatch of “Peaky Blinders.” My short Irish king must win. Bradley Cooper was way too campy in “Maestro” even though it was my most anticipated performance of the year. Leonard Bernstein is an interesting character to examine, but he hides under all the make- up and prosthetics on his face.
Noah’s sidebar: “Paul Giamatti has a great chance for his role in ‘The Holdovers.’ His abrasive pessimism combined with such a recognizable look drives home the heart of the movie. Plus, this would be a great time for the Academy to give Giamatti a ‘legacy award.’ His career has varied between quirky lead and unique character actor. This could be one of his last great roles for another decade. Double plus, Cillian Murphy will have another moment in the sunshine.”
Well put, my love. Emma Stone is the frontrunner for Best Actress, but Lily Gladstone deserves it. She has so much anger and depression throughout “Flower Moon” told through her detailed expressions. The Supporting categories are also solid. I love Da’Vine Joy Randolph in “The Holdovers.” She brings the warm energy to the movie. And Robert Downey Jr. seems to already have the award in hand. Noah says it’s a legacy award after carrying Marvel for a two decades.
Ok, time for a speed round!
- Screenplay: Why are these split up? Regardless, “The Holdovers” and “Poor Things” are my picks. “Barbie” would be understandable.
- Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Sound and Score: Oppenheimer. Noah says there’s no competition. He’s been obsessed with composer Ludwig Göransson since his producing Childish Gambino.
- Song: Billie Eilish, duh. Makeup: What is “Golda?” Noah’s sidebar: “‘Golda’ is a very boring political drama that only stands on the ground of Helen Mirren’s credibility. Either ‘Maestro’ or ‘Poor Things’ will take the award.”
- International Feature: I’ve been waiting to see “The Zone of Interest” for months and luckily, it’s the frontrunner.
- Short Films: No one watched these.
Noah’s sidebar: “I watched every sin- gle nominated short film. ‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’ is the easy pick for Live Action, but ‘Knight of Fortune’ deserves more credit. (And can you believe the snub for Almodóvar’s ‘Strange Way of Life?’ Absolutely disgraceful.) Disney’s control over the documentary short will see ‘The Last Repair Shop’ win, but I’m still hoping for some ‘Nai Nai & Wài Pó’ recognition.”
That’s my/our predictions. Thank you for reading. Kissy from Kenya!