My next Case of post for this year’s Best Picture nominees brings us to 1917. If you missed my other posts thus far, you can peruse them here:
https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/01/14/oscars-2019-the-case-of-ford-v-ferrari/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/01/15/oscars-2019-the-case-of-the-irishman/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/01/17/oscars-2019-the-case-of-jojo-rabbit/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/01/18/oscars-2019-the-case-of-joker/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/01/18/oscars-2019-the-case-of-little-women/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/01/19/oscars-2019-the-case-of-marriage-story/
Let’s break it down:
The Case for 1917
It’s become significant. 1917 might be the strongest example of the nine nominees for perfect timing. The World War I epic from director Sam Mendes came to the attention of awards voters just as it was opening to better than expected box office and sterling reviews. The Rotten Tomatoes score is 89%. Mendes is a known quantity whose American Beauty won Best Picture (and Director) twenty years ago. The precursor love has been impressive with a Golden Globes victory for Best Drama and the Producers Guild of America (PGA) top prize. 13 out of the last 19 PGA winners went on to win Best Picture. The ten Academy nominations is tied for second along with The Irishman and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
The Case Against 1917
If it wins Best Picture, it would be the first to do so without any acting nomination since 2008’s Slumdog Millionaire (SAG ignored it as well). Additionally, it would be the extremely rare recipient to win without an Editing nod. A case could be made that the Parasite fans are more rabid.
The Verdict
Despite missing some recognition in key races, there is no doubt that 1917 could absolutely take the biggest race. It could even be called the soft front runner.
Up next in my Case of posts… Once Upon a Time in Hollywood!
