Hi, I’m super late to the discussion, but I just saw a film screening of all the short, live action films and had to respond, since I haven’t seen any of the feature films outside of A Real Pain. I thought that A Lien was the most powerful of the 5 and the most important consider what’s happening in the country. It’s too bad that didn’t win, IMO. I’m Not a Robot was fine but I didn’t think it was anything special and it was probably my least favorite of all of them. Although, the man who could not stay silent, felt a bithalf-baked, so I’m happy that didn’t win. But the one in India about the two sisters, and the one in South Africa about the people who try to stop rhino tusk poachers were truly excellent and heartbreaking.
I liked 'Anora,' and I am fine with it winning. But I didn't feel this was a particularly strong year for film. 'Anora' was, however, a very good story and entertaining movie. So it deserves its time in the spotlight.
Maybe the writer's strike had something to do with this year's lack of brilliance. Or maybe last year's Oscar crop was just really strong?
Mikey, however, was excellent. For a young LA kid to nail the deep Brooklyn accent, learn Russian, and believably play a sex worker... hats off to her! She deserves the nomination and win. That said, I also wouldn't have been disappointed if Demi finally got her award.
I liked the twists and turns of 'Conclave.' It doesn't surprise me that the BAFTAs absolutely loved it.
I also wasn't blown away by the short documentaries. It seems odd that out of five nominations, four, I think, were American. Having seen the Manhattan Shorts Festival in September, there's a greater balance between US and international entries, which I like. I also agree that 'The Only Girl in the Orchestra' was a nice feel-good story that won, but it wasn't my fave, either.
I was rooting for 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' to win Best International Film. I felt the story was brilliantly told, took many risks (creatively and politically), and was everything I love about film. I am glad it was nominated, but I wish it had won, and I hope more people see it. But again, I wasn't disappointed with 'I'm Still Here' winning.
This, of course, is all subjective, and I accept that. On a different day with different judges, you will have different outcomes.
Side note: Have you seen the Indian/German film 'Santosh?'
Great observations Michael. While Anora was the only fictional film I gave four stars to in 2024, I actually thought it was good year overall. Each of the films had their flaws but, other than Dune 2, they were all worthy nominees for Best Picture.
I'd also have loved to see The Seed of the Sacred Fig win. It was more powerful than either I'm Still Here or Emilie Perez were. I'm not sure why the film was never in serious consideration for the win.
I also agree with you about Demi's loss. I'd have loved to see her win but I guess in the end, the film was too much for some voters. Anora seemed to hit everyone in the right way.
I've not seen Santosh. I had the screener but never got a chance to view it. Was it worth seeing?
Hi Dan, we watched 'Santosh' the other night. It is now available to rent on Prime and other streaming platforms. If and when you watch it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it
Haven't seen 'Santosh' yet. We missed it when it was in Portland (it was only here for like a week!). I really want to see it, tho, as the trailers looked great.
Totally agree. Anora and Flow were among my favorites of the year so was very excited when they won. As the host, I thought Conan was just right and I am a big fans of the absurdist twists in his humor. Except for the Wicked opening, I could have done without the musical numbers. I think they play better to the live audience than they do to the folks at home, at least I hope they do. Pretty boring on this end. It is a shame that Nickel Boys and A Complete Unknown, two really excellent films, were shut out (although I’m not sure what awards I would have taken away from the winners to give to them). Overall, a good show with some nail biting and some moving acceptance speeches.
Hi, I’m super late to the discussion, but I just saw a film screening of all the short, live action films and had to respond, since I haven’t seen any of the feature films outside of A Real Pain. I thought that A Lien was the most powerful of the 5 and the most important consider what’s happening in the country. It’s too bad that didn’t win, IMO. I’m Not a Robot was fine but I didn’t think it was anything special and it was probably my least favorite of all of them. Although, the man who could not stay silent, felt a bithalf-baked, so I’m happy that didn’t win. But the one in India about the two sisters, and the one in South Africa about the people who try to stop rhino tusk poachers were truly excellent and heartbreaking.
I’m with you on A Lien it was a very compelling, nerve-wracking film. It was my top choice in that category for sure.
I’ll add this to my queue. And Flow is brilliant
I liked 'Anora,' and I am fine with it winning. But I didn't feel this was a particularly strong year for film. 'Anora' was, however, a very good story and entertaining movie. So it deserves its time in the spotlight.
Maybe the writer's strike had something to do with this year's lack of brilliance. Or maybe last year's Oscar crop was just really strong?
Mikey, however, was excellent. For a young LA kid to nail the deep Brooklyn accent, learn Russian, and believably play a sex worker... hats off to her! She deserves the nomination and win. That said, I also wouldn't have been disappointed if Demi finally got her award.
I liked the twists and turns of 'Conclave.' It doesn't surprise me that the BAFTAs absolutely loved it.
I also wasn't blown away by the short documentaries. It seems odd that out of five nominations, four, I think, were American. Having seen the Manhattan Shorts Festival in September, there's a greater balance between US and international entries, which I like. I also agree that 'The Only Girl in the Orchestra' was a nice feel-good story that won, but it wasn't my fave, either.
I was rooting for 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' to win Best International Film. I felt the story was brilliantly told, took many risks (creatively and politically), and was everything I love about film. I am glad it was nominated, but I wish it had won, and I hope more people see it. But again, I wasn't disappointed with 'I'm Still Here' winning.
This, of course, is all subjective, and I accept that. On a different day with different judges, you will have different outcomes.
Side note: Have you seen the Indian/German film 'Santosh?'
Great observations Michael. While Anora was the only fictional film I gave four stars to in 2024, I actually thought it was good year overall. Each of the films had their flaws but, other than Dune 2, they were all worthy nominees for Best Picture.
I'd also have loved to see The Seed of the Sacred Fig win. It was more powerful than either I'm Still Here or Emilie Perez were. I'm not sure why the film was never in serious consideration for the win.
I also agree with you about Demi's loss. I'd have loved to see her win but I guess in the end, the film was too much for some voters. Anora seemed to hit everyone in the right way.
I've not seen Santosh. I had the screener but never got a chance to view it. Was it worth seeing?
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Dan, we watched 'Santosh' the other night. It is now available to rent on Prime and other streaming platforms. If and when you watch it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it
Haven't seen 'Santosh' yet. We missed it when it was in Portland (it was only here for like a week!). I really want to see it, tho, as the trailers looked great.
Wasn’t able to watch them as I had a busy weekend and fell asleep early. Thanks a lot Dan for this great roundup and insightful opinions!!
You're welcome Marco. Thanks for reading!
Totally agree. Anora and Flow were among my favorites of the year so was very excited when they won. As the host, I thought Conan was just right and I am a big fans of the absurdist twists in his humor. Except for the Wicked opening, I could have done without the musical numbers. I think they play better to the live audience than they do to the folks at home, at least I hope they do. Pretty boring on this end. It is a shame that Nickel Boys and A Complete Unknown, two really excellent films, were shut out (although I’m not sure what awards I would have taken away from the winners to give to them). Overall, a good show with some nail biting and some moving acceptance speeches.