It was exclusively revealed today by The Hollywood Reporter that My Mom Jayne is eligible for Oscar consideration in the Documentary Feature competition. Marking the directorial debut of Mariska Hargitay (of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit fame), the actress explores the life of her mother who passed away when she was just three years old. That mom would be Hollywood starlet Jayne Mansfield.
The doc premiered at Cannes and was released on Max (or HBO Max or whatever they’re calling it this week) in late June. The Reporter‘s reporting reveals that it was given a low-key theatrical run which puts it in awards contention.
Reviews for Jayne give it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 72 Metacritic. The article makes it clear that Hargitay and Max will give it a spirited campaign. That said, the doc branch at the Academy has been reluctant and arguably allergic to nominating works centered on notable celebs. Recent snubs include Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, Val (focused on the late Val Kilmer), and Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie. And that’s just scratching the surface when it comes to omissions.
Therefore this faces an uphill climb to enter voter consciousness. We may find out just how effective Max is at campaigning. My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…