- Yes, Matt Damon is catching some deserving flak for admitting that he used the F-word until very recently. He may as well finally announce his support for gay marriage! But his performance in Stillwater certainly has to be in the picture. I haven't seen it but it's garnered almost universal raves. The biggest knock on it is that the film is underperforming. But it's underperforming in an era where that doesn't mean anything anymore. He's a three-time acting nominee. He might not end up making the cut but at this point, I don't see any reason not to predict him.
- Similarly, why not predict Don't Look Up. Adam McKay has a very impressive track record as of late picking up two Picture, Director, and Writing nominations (and a win). He's also proven very successful at getting his actors nominated and his latest feature is absolutely star-studded. It's also a movie that looks to tap into feelings of impending apocalypse that are very in style right now. The biggest knock against it that I can see is that Netflix seems to be cursed. But, who knows? It's also worth noting this about Leonardo DiCaprio's career: since 2010, he's starred in eight narrative features. Five have been up for Best Picture. Three have gotten him Best Actor nominations. In an era where we basically don't have movie stars anymore (we only have franchise attachments), he's one of the last ones standing. All of which to say, Don't Look Up probably deserves to be taken seriously. NOTE: can't say I'm not excited at the prospect of people on this board reacting to the idea of the phrase Oscar nominee David Sirota.
- I don't have much interest in Being the Ricardos but it's an Aaron Sorkin written and directed film. It's probably going to pick up some attention. Also, look at this logline:
This structure is the most Aaron Sorkin thing in the world isn't it. Takes place over the course of a week... It's probably worth including for Best Actress and however Javier Bardem is pushed.Takes place over the course of a week during production of I Love Lucy, which sees Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz encounter a crisis that could jeopardize their careers and marriage.
- Looking forward to hearing word about Parallel Mothers. I've written elsewhere about a second mainstream breakthrough for Pedro Almodovar after roughly a decade plus out of fashion.
- The new Denzel Washington directed film is A Journal for Jordan. It sounds pretty clichéd to me, but he did just direct a Best Picture nominee, so who knows?
- There's almost nothing I want to see more than The Worst Person in the World at this point. Cannes reception was pretty ecstatic. Joachim Trier is monumentally talented. In a sparse year, it's conceivable that the film's star wins some critics awards and breaks through. Perhaps more for the film.
- Passing got some favorable notices at Sundance. It's conceivable that Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga come back into the conversation.