Tag: McQueen

Oscar Predictions – Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

In 2018, Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui’s documentary McQueen focused on British fashion director Alexander McQueen. It earned strong reviews, but wasn’t much of an awards player. The filmmakers are back with a higher profile doc six years later in Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. It recounts the performer’s career and life following his paralysis resulting from a horse riding accident.

Early reaction from its Sundance screening is that it’s an emotionally stirring watch. The RT score is 100%. Like Will & Harper (my previous Oscar Predictions write-up), Super/Man should be subject to a bidding war by studios and streamers. This appears destined to be one of the most watched docs of 2024.

That doesn’t always translate to the Academy taking notice. In the just announced Oscar noms, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (also acclaimed and with similar themes) made the Documentary Feature shortlist. It did not make the final five. This story should have at least an equal shot at the ultimate quintet. My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…

Oscar Watch: Love, Gilda

In a year filled with documentaries focused on legendary figures, Friday sees the limited release of Love, Gilda. The pic recounts the life of original SNL cast member Gilda Radner, including her time on that landmark show, her marriage to Gene Wilder, and her battle with cancer. It features interviews with her contemporaries and admirers including Chevy Chase, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Poehler, Martin Short, Maya Rudolph, and Bill Hader.

Gilda first screened last spring at the Tribeca Film Festival to positive, if not overly praising reviews. It sits at 83% currently on Rotten Tomatoes. As mentioned, from Won’t You Be My Neighbor? to Quincy to RBG to Jane Fonda in Five Acts to McQueen, 2018 has been loaded with high-profile docs.

Bottom line: while Gilda may well please her many fans, I don’t see this making the cut in this year’s loaded race.

My Oscar Watch posts will continue…

Oscar Watch: McQueen

It’s been a summer full of documentaries that could receive attention come Oscar time and we can add another one in the mix with McQueen. The picture focuses on the life of the late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who took his own life in 2010.

Reviews have been quite strong and it stands at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. That said, it stands behind at least two other docs from this season when it comes to a nomination possibility. Those would be Won’t You Be My Neighbor? and RBG and we also have Three Identical Strangers and Whitney out there. I’d say McQueen is probably above Whitney, but let’s not forget we’ve got an entire autumn full of possibilities waiting as well.

Bottom line: McQueen is in the mix for consideration, but competition is steep.

My Oscar Watch posts will continue…