Category: Oscar: Case Of

Oscar movies

Oscars: The Case of James Mangold for A Complete Unknown

As we do every year on this here blog, Oscar nominations lead to my Case Of series. What are they? Glad you asked. These are 35 posts covering the nominees for Picture, Director, and the four acting contests. For each one, I give you the case for the movie/director/actor winning and the case against it with a verdict tidying it up. It’s like a trial, but no one goes to prison.

It began with the ten Best Picture contenders and now alternates alphabetically between the hopefuls in the other five races. The BP nominee posts are up and they’re readily available for your perusing pleasure. Today is our final entry in Best Director and that’s James Mangold for A Complete Unknown. If you missed my posts covering the other nominees, they’re linked at the bottom.

Previous Directing Oscar Nominations:

None

The Case for James Mangold:

After a long career with varied projects like Cop Land, Girl Interrupted, Walk the Line, Logan, Ford v Ferrari, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic is his first entry into Best Director. He made the quintet at DGA. The Academy could honor him for the overall body of work.

The Case Against James Mangold:

It hasn’t played out that way in precursors as Sean Baker (Anora) and Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) have been your winners. Mangold additionally didn’t make the cut at the Golden Globes, BAFTA, or Critics Choice.

The Verdict:

Mangold’s first nod will be just that and not a victory.

My Case Of posts have concluded just five days before the 97th Academy Awards. My final predictions for the ceremony will be posted tomorrow…

Oscars: The Case of Sean Baker for Anora
Oscars: The Case of Brady Corbet for The Brutalist
Oscars: The Case of Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez
Oscars: The Case of Coralie Fargeat for The Substance

Oscars: The Case of Jeremy Strong in The Apprentice

As we do every year on this here blog, Oscar nominations lead to my Case Of series. What are they? Glad you asked. These are 35 posts covering the nominees for Picture, Director, and the four acting contests. For each one, I give you the case for the movie/director/actor winning and the case against it with a verdict tidying it up. It’s like a trial, but no one goes to prison.

It began with the ten Best Picture contenders and now alternates alphabetically between the hopefuls in the other five races. The BP nominee posts are up and they’re readily available for your perusing pleasure. Today is our final entry in Best Supporting Actor and that’s Jeremy Strong in Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice. If you missed my posts covering the other contenders, they’re linked at the bottom.

Previous Acting Oscar Nominations:

None

The Case for Jeremy Strong:

As Donald Trump’s attorney and fixer Roy Cohn, Strong flexed his acting muscle and it resulted in nominations at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and SAG Awards.

The Cast Against Jeremy Strong:

He missed the cut at Critics Choice. Most importantly, Strong’s Succession costar Kieran Culkin has swept the season with his performance in A Real Pain.

The Verdict:

There will be almost certainly be a Succession actor winning Supporting Actor on Sunday night. It almost certainly will not be Strong.

My Case Of posts will conclude with the final hopeful in Best Director and that’s James Mangold for A Complete Unknown…

Oscars: The Case of Yura Borisov in Anora
Oscars: The Case of Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain
Oscars: The Case of Edward Norton in A Complete Unknown
Oscars: The Case of Guy Pearce in The Brutalist

Oscars: The Case of Zoe Saldaña in Emilia Pérez

As we do every year on this here blog, Oscar nominations lead to my Case Of series. What are they? Glad you asked. These are 35 posts covering the nominees for Picture, Director, and the four acting contests. For each one, I give you the case for the movie/director/actor winning and the case against it with a verdict tidying it up. It’s like a trial, but no one goes to prison.

It began with the ten Best Picture contenders and now alternates alphabetically between the hopefuls in the other five races. The BP nominee posts are up and they’re readily available for your perusing pleasure. Today is our fifth and final entry in Best Supporting Actress and that’s Zoe Saldaña in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez. If you missed my posts covering the other nominees, they’re linked at the bottom.

Previous Acting Oscar Nominations:

None

The Case for Zoe Saldaña:

After a career mostly known for appearances in the Star Trek, Avatar, and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises, Saldaña’s work as a singing defense attorney to the title character has earned across the board precursor victories. That includes the Golden Globe, SAG, Critics Choice, and BAFTA.

The Case Against Zoe Saldaña:

If the controversy regarding costar Karla Sofia Gascón’s past social media postings translate to all Pérez categories, Saldaña could be in trouble.

The Verdict:

Saldaña appears immune to the Gascón firestorm and the sweep appears assured. Anyone other than her winning on Sunday evening would constitute a major upset.

My Case Of posts will continue with the final hopeful in Supporting Actor and that’s Jeremy Strong in The Apprentice…

Oscars: The Case of Monica Barbaro in A Complete Unknown
Oscars: The Case of Ariana Grande in Wicked
Oscars: The Case of Felicity Jones in The Brutalist
Oscars: The Case of Isabella Rossellini in Conclave

Oscars: The Case of Sebastian Stan in The Apprentice

As we do every year on this here blog, Oscar nominations lead to my Case Of series. What are they? Glad you asked. These are 35 posts covering the nominees for Picture, Director, and the four acting contests. For each one, I give you the case for the movie/director/actor winning and the case against it with a verdict tidying it up. It’s like a trial, but no one goes to prison.

It began with the ten Best Picture contenders and now alternates alphabetically between the hopefuls in the other five races. The BP nominee posts are up and they’re readily available for your perusing pleasure. Today is our fifth and final entry in Best Actor and that’s Sebastian Stan in Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice. If you missed my posts covering the other Actor nominees, they’re linked at the bottom.

Previous Acting Oscar Nominations:

None

The Case for Sebastian Stan:

As Donald Trump building out his real estate career, Stan embodied the future President with BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations in tow.

The Case Against Sebastian Stan:

Making the Oscar quintet was a question mark since he probably split votes with his other heralded 2024 work in A Different Man. For that role, he took home the Golden Globe in Actor (Musical or Comedy) while losing the Actor in a Drama prize and the BAFTA to Adrien Brody (The Brutalist). Stan did not make the cut at Critics Choice or SAG.

The Verdict:

Brody and Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) are out front and Stan is not considered a threat to either of them.

My Case Of posts will continue with the fifth hopeful in Supporting Actress and Zoe Saldaña in Emilia Pérez…

Oscars: The Case of Adrien Brody in The Brutalist
Oscars: The Case of Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown
Oscars: The Case of Colman Domingo in Sing Sing
Oscars: The Case of Ralph Fiennes in Conclave

Oscars: The Case of Fernanda Torres in I’m Still Here

As we do every year on this here blog, Oscar nominations lead to my Case Of series. What are they? Glad you asked. These are 35 posts covering the nominees for Picture, Director, and the four acting contests. For each one, I give you the case for the movie/director/actor winning and the case against it with a verdict tidying it up. It’s like a trial, but no one goes to prison.

It began with the ten Best Picture contenders and now alternates alphabetically between the hopefuls in the other five races. The BP nominee posts are up and they’re readily available for your perusing pleasure. Today is our fifth and final entry in Best Actress and that’s Fernanda Torres in I’m Still Here from Walter Salles. If you missed my posts covering the other Actress nominees, they’re linked at the bottom.

Previous Acting Oscar Nominations:

None

The Case for Fernanda Torres:

The Brazilian performer had her stateside awards breakthrough with the acclaimed political drama. This culminated in a fairly surprising victory at the Golden Globes for Actress in a Drama, beating out stalwarts like Angelina Jolie (Maria), Nicole Kidman (Babygirl), and Kate Winslet (Lee).

The Case Against Fernanda Torres:

That Globe win is a bit misleading since she’s only nominee of the six to make the Academy’s cut. The other four Oscar contenders were all up for Actress in a Musical or Comedy. This includes BAFTA recipient Mikey Madison (Anora) and Globe/Critics Choice honoree Demi Moore (The Substance). Torres failed to achieve nominations at BAFTA, SAG, and Critics Choice.

The Verdict:

It’s not an impossibility that Torres could upset, but she is a distant third behind Madison and Moore.

My Case Of posts will continue with the fifth hopeful in Best Actor and that’s Sebastian Stan in The Apprentice…

Oscars: The Case of Cynthia Erivo in Wicked
Oscars: The Case of Karla Sofia Gascón in Emilia Pérez
Oscars: The Case of Mikey Madison in Anora
Oscars: The Case of Demi Moore in The Substance

Oscars: The Case of Coralie Fargeat for The Substance

As we do every year on this here blog, Oscar nominations lead to my Case Of series. What are they? Glad you asked. These are 35 posts covering the nominees for Picture, Director, and the four acting contests. For each one, I give you the case for the movie/director/actor winning and the case against it with a verdict tidying it up. It’s like a trial, but no one goes to prison.

It began with the ten Best Picture contenders and now alternates alphabetically between the hopefuls in the other five races. The BP nominee posts are up and they’re readily available for your perusing pleasure. Today is our fourth entry in Best Director and that’s Coralie Fargeat for The Substance. If you missed my posts covering the first three contenders, they’re linked at the bottom.

Previous Directing Oscar Nominations:

None

The Case for Coralie Fargeat:

The second French filmmaker in the contending quintet behind Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Fargeat became a three-time nominee for Picture, Director, and Original Screenplay with the trippy and acclaimed The Substance. Additional noms for her behind the camera work include the Golden Globes, BAFTA, and Critics Choice.

The Case Against Coralie Fargeat:

Fargeat missed DGA. Simply stated, Oscar winners for Best Director don’t miss DGA. She’s taken home none of the aforementioned precursors.

The Verdict:

That fact is that the case against is really all that needs to be said. Fargeat has a shot at winning Original Screenplay, but not here where Sean Baker (Anora) and Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) are competing for the statue.

My Case Of posts will continue with the final hopeful in Best Actress and and that’s Fernanda Torres in I’m Still Here…

Oscars: The Case of Sean Baker for Anora
Oscars: The Case of Brady Corbet for The Brutalist
Oscars: The Case of Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez

Oscars: The Case of Guy Pearce in The Brutalist

As we do every year on this here blog, Oscar nominations lead to my Case Of series. What are they? Glad you asked. These are 35 posts covering the nominees for Picture, Director, and the four acting contests. For each one, I give you the case for the movie/director/actor winning and the case against it with a verdict tidying it up. It’s like a trial, but no one goes to prison.

It began with the ten Best Picture contenders and now alternates alphabetically between the hopefuls in the other five races. The BP nominee posts are up and they’re readily available for your perusing pleasure. Today is our fourth entry in Best Supporting Actor and that’s Guy Pearce in Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist. If you missed my posts covering the first three contenders, they’re linked at the bottom.

Previous Acting Oscar Nominations:

None

The Case for Guy Pearce:

After a distinguished career that includes acclaimed leading roles in L.A. Confidential and Memento and supporting appearances in Best Picture winners The Hurt Locker and The King’s Speech, a Guy Pearce performance finally enters the award convo. As a cold-hearted industrialist in Corbet’s acclaimed epic, he’s been nominated at the Globes, Critics Choice, and BAFTA.

The Cast Against Guy Pearce:

Pearce lost to all three of the aforementioned prizes to Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain. He was surprisingly snubbed at SAG and lead Adrien Brody is The Brutalist performer most likely to win gold.

The Verdict:

Culkin appears way out front and that SAG omission looms large.

My Case Of posts will continue with our fourth hopeful in Director and that’s Coralie Fargeat from The Substance…

Oscars: The Case of Yura Borisov in Anora
Oscars: The Case of Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain
Oscars: The Case of Edward Norton in A Complete Unknown

Oscars: The Case of Isabella Rossellini in Conclave

As we do every year on this here blog, Oscar nominations lead to my Case Of series. What are they? Glad you asked. These are 35 posts covering the nominees for Picture, Director, and the four acting contests. For each one, I give you the case for the movie/director/actor winning and the case against it with a verdict tidying it up. It’s like a trial, but no one goes to prison.

It began with the ten Best Picture contenders and now alternates alphabetically between the hopefuls in the other five races. The BP nominee posts are up and they’re readily available for your perusing pleasure. Today is our fourth entry in Best Supporting Actress and that’s Isabella Rossellini in Edward Berger’s Conclave. If you missed my posts covering the first three competitors, they’re linked at the bottom.

Previous Acting Oscar Nominations:

None

The Case for Isabella Rossellini:

The Italian ingénue who had her cinematic breakthrough in David Lynch’s Blue Velvet finally gets award attention nearly 50 years after her acting debut. As Sister Agnes, Rossellini scored nods at the Globes, Critics Choice, and BAFTA. Being cinematic royalty (the daughter of director Roberto Rossellini and acting legend Ingrid Bergman) doesn’t hurt.

The Case Against Isabella Rossellini:

Zoe Saldaña’s work in Emilia Pérez is sweeping the season so far. Rossellini’s final chance for a victory has lapsed since she’s not nominated at the SAG Awards. Her 8 minutes of screen time might be considered too minimal for the gold.

The Verdict:

This first nomination will not result in a trip to the stage.

My Case Of posts will continue with the fourth hopeful in Supporting Actor and that’s Guy Pearce in The Brutalist…

Oscars: The Case of Monica Barbaro in A Complete Unknown
Oscars: The Case of Ariana Grande in Wicked
Oscars: The Case of Felicity Jones in The Brutalist

Oscars: The Case of Ralph Fiennes in Conclave

As we do every year on this here blog, Oscar nominations lead to my Case Of series. What are they? Glad you asked. These are 35 posts covering the nominees for Picture, Director, and the four acting contests. For each one, I give you the case for the movie/director/actor winning and the case against it with a verdict tidying it up. It’s like a trial, but no one goes to prison.

It began with the ten Best Picture contenders and now alternates alphabetically between the hopefuls in the other five races. The BP nominee posts are up and they’re readily available for your perusing pleasure. Today is our fourth entry in Best Actor and that’s Ralph Fiennes in Edward Berger’s Conclave. If you missed my posts covering the first three thespians, they’re linked at the bottom.

Previous Acting Oscar Nominations:

Best Supporting Actor (1993, Schindler’s List) – lost to Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive)

Best Actor (1996, The English Patient) – lost to Geoffrey Rush (Shine)

The Case for Ralph Fiennes:

For his third nomination and first in nearly 30 years, his work as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in the papal thriller earned Fiennes lead actor nods at the Globes, BAFTA, SAG, and Critics Choice. The Academy could consider this a lifetime achievement prize after three decades of well-received performances in pics both large and small.

The Case Against Ralph Fiennes:

Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) has swept the season thus far with Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) generally seen as the runner-up. Conclave took Best Film at BAFTA and if Fiennes couldn’t emerge there, it’s tough to see him winning anywhere.

The Verdict:

I wouldn’t look for Fiennes to be the selection and the third time won’t be the charm.

My Case Of posts will continue with our fourth hopeful in Supporting Actress and that’s Conclave costar Isabella Rossellini…

Oscars: The Case of Adrien Brody in The Brutalist
Oscars: The Case of Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown
Oscars: The Case of Colman Domingo in Sing Sing

Oscars: The Case of Demi Moore in The Substance

As we do every year on this here blog, Oscar nominations lead to my Case Of series. What are they? Glad you asked. These are 35 posts covering the nominees for Picture, Director, and the four acting contests. For each one, I give you the case for the movie/director/actor winning and the case against it with a verdict tidying it up. It’s like a trial, but no one goes to prison.

It began with the ten Best Picture contenders and now alternates alphabetically between the hopefuls in the other five races. The BP nominee posts are up and they’re readily available for your perusing pleasure. Today is our fourth entry in Best Actress and that’s Demi Moore in Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance. If you missed my posts covering the first three Actress nominees, they’re linked at the bottom.

Previous Acting Oscar Nominations:

None

The Case for Demi Moore:

After a high profile career on the big screen spanning over four decades and including smash hits like Ghost, A Few Good Men, and Indecent Proposal, Moore has at last entered the awards conversation. As a film star whose fame is fading, her portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkle generated the strongest reviews of her career. Victories at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice have followed with SAG still in the mix on Sunday. Hollywood loves a comeback narrative and this is a significant one. Moore’s stirring Globes speech is a bonus.

The Case Against Demi Moore:

Mikey Madison (Anora) interrupted Moore’s potential sweep with a surprising BAFTA win last weekend. Anora in general seems to be peaking and that could help its lead. Perhaps The Substance‘s sheer audacity will turn off some voters.

The Verdict:

SAG could definitely indicate whether it’s Moore or Madison in the lead, but this race will have suspense until the envelope is opened.

My Case Of posts will continue with the fourth hopeful in Best Actor and that’s Ralph Fiennes in Conclave…

Oscars: The Case of Cynthia Erivo in Wicked
Oscars: The Case of Karla Sofia Gascón in Emilia Pérez
Oscars: The Case of Mikey Madison in Anora