Mister Tee wrote
Beyond that...Magilla, are you on uppers or something? Did you not get from the reviews that The Substance is a horror movie? An apparently quite gross horror movie? Hasn't the experience of Hereditary and Us demonstrated that even horror movies critics rally behind just don't fly with Academy voters? Never say never, of course, but 13 nominations? Come on.
I think there's a bigger problem working against the film. It's being distributed by Mubi. If Neon or A24 got the rights then we'd be talking. Obviously, there's a first time for everything but... it's Mubi. Until they demonstrate what they're capable of, I'm going to assume it doesn't crossover.
The only rationale I can see for any kind of showing is the Academy is warming up to the grotesque, bizarre, and niche more these days. But thirteen for a body horror film? No way.
I love Cannes Film Festival speculation because you're never right. But right now, I'd be surprised if one or two variations didn't happen. We could be looking at The Substance taking the Palme d'Or and Karla Sofía Gascón taking Best Actress or Emilia Perez taking the Palme and Demi Moore taking Best Actress.
Mister Tee wrote
I knew we'd end up paying for the abundance of good films last year, but 2024 seems headed in the wrong direction with consistency. The plethora of unnecessary sequels that dominate the next two months is numbing to even contemplate. We could really have used some surprise hits, but nothing's turned up so far.
If the Oscars turn into a game of the tallest kid in kindergarten, this could bode well for Challengers, Civil War, and the upcoming Hit Man. I find pondering that scenario more appealing than sight-unseen Joker 2 vs. Gladiator 2.