Awards season is a time of anticipation, excitement, and, of course, a lot of awards. But amidst the glitz and glamour, there are some notable misses, surprises, and trends that have emerged. Let's dive into the highlights and lowlights of this year's awards season, with a healthy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
The Long-Standing Ovations
Are European theater seats just that uncomfortable? Because each year, festival standing ovations get longer. At Venice, record applause for 'The Smashing Machine' and 'The Testament of Ann Lee' had guests leaving with numb palms and others with outsized expectations. Ovation-induced buzz helped make respective stars Dwayne Johnson and Amanda Seyfried early favorites, but they end this season empty-handed. This is a fascinating phenomenon, as it suggests that the audience's enthusiasm can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it shows that these films have resonated with viewers, but on the other, it may set unrealistic expectations for the recipients.
Miss Congeniality: Nikki Glaser
Glaser’s expert emcee work during the most recent two Golden Globes telecasts was like a pair of defibrillator paddles that hilariously resurrected a show most of us were fine to let die on the table. Hopefully, the delay in confirming her 2027 return was because the Brink’s truck was stuck in traffic. She’s worth every discontinued penny. Glaser's performance was a breath of fresh air, and her ability to revive a struggling show is commendable. It's a testament to her skill and the power of good hosting. Personally, I think her return in 2027 is a no-brainer, and I hope the delay was just a minor setback.
Hedge Lord: Paul Thomas Anderson
After releasing his celebrated sendup of police states, immigration raids and white supremacy in an America confronting all three, the 'One Battle After Another' filmmaker deftly avoided discussing any of that. But after nearly five press-shy months, when the frontrunner was finally cornered at BAFTA, the best he could muster was, 'I’m not a politician, but I’m a filmmaker.' You’re also a writer, PTA, and we know you can do better than that. Anderson's reluctance to engage with the political themes of his film is intriguing. It raises a deeper question about the role of filmmakers in addressing social issues. In my opinion, artists should not shy away from tackling controversial topics, as it can lead to powerful and thought-provoking works.
A Trend That Needs to Rip: Dead Children
Granted, only one movie hinged on a kiddo kicking the bucket—let’s pour out a mug of ale for 'Hamnet,' shalt we?—but some of these filmmakers are clearly working through stuff. From 'The Testament of Ann Lee' and 'Train Dreams' to 'If I Had Legs I’d Kick You' and 'Sirat,' dead, dying, and jeopardized offspring were unavoidable this year. It’s time for a new trauma trope. Anything but dogs. The prevalence of child-related tragedies in films is a concerning trend. While it may be a reflection of societal issues, it also raises questions about the impact of such content on audiences. What many people don't realize is that this trope can be exploitative and may not contribute positively to the film's overall message.
Brightest Future in Another Line of Work: Timothée Chalamet
Does CMO stand for Chalamet Marketing Offensive? Because our guy’s Marty Supreme performance is only eclipsed by his turn as pitchman. The 18-minute fake pitch meeting! The blimp! The Wheaties box! He made an art house film about a jerk who plays ping-pong the cinema event of the holidays. No star has worked harder to put butts in seats since 'Barbie.' Chalamet's versatility is impressive, and his ability to transition from serious roles to comedic performances is commendable. In my perspective, his marketing efforts have been successful, and he has become a household name. However, I think it's important to maintain a balance between commercial success and artistic integrity.
Quickest Oscar Hopeful KO: Sydney Sweeney
After a summer spent airing out the stench of her weird denim campaign, her year was supposed to turn around with 'Christy'—a gritty boxing biopic with all the trappings of a prestige play (read: a bad haircut). When the film was DOA, her awards campaign evaporated. But then 'The Housemaid' nabbed nearly $400 million and got the producer-star a sequel. So, weep not for Sweeney. Sweeney's journey is a reminder that success is not always linear. It's a testament to her resilience and the power of perseverance. One thing that immediately stands out is that her ability to adapt and take risks is crucial for her future endeavors.
Sophie's Choice Remake We Didn't See Coming: WBD vs. WBD
Call it an embarrassment of riches, but whew, boy, I do not envy Warner Bros. Motion Pictures chairs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy. Best picture is all but guaranteed to go to 'One Battle After Another' or 'Sinners,' and they have to prep congratulatory remarks and pep talks for both Paul Thomas Anderson and Ryan Coogler. This must have been how Richard Williams felt watching Serena and Venus play each other. The competition between these films is intense, and it's a testament to the quality of the work. From my perspective, it's a challenge for the award committees to make a decision, but it also means that the recipients will have a unique and memorable experience.
The AARP Honor for Tired Taste: The Academy’s Music Branch
This group’s conservative taste in the best original score race has gone from conspicuous to offensive. Nothing electronic has gotten the top prize since 'The Social Network.' (And, no, 'Soul' doesn't count.) Last year's 'Challengers' omission was a faux pas, but Daniel Lopatin’s snub for 'Marty Supreme' should be debated at The Hague. The Academy's Music Branch has a responsibility to recognize diverse and innovative music. What this really suggests is that there is a need for a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to award nominations. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a missed opportunity to celebrate the evolution of music in film.
In conclusion, awards season is a fascinating time, filled with surprises, controversies, and memorable moments. It's a reminder that the entertainment industry is ever-evolving, and it's up to us to appreciate the talent and creativity that shines through. As an expert commentator, I hope this article has provided valuable insights and sparked interesting discussions.
