I know it has been over a week since the academy released its nominations, but since I hadn't seen many of the movies under consideration, I had a delayed reaction. But never fear, I am OUTRAGED!
1. Bradley Cooper got 'Afflecked.'
Remember 2012, when the movie of the year was ARGO, yet its director, Ben Affleck, got snubbed as Best Director? History repeats this year, as Cooper's A STAR IS BORN received 8 nominations, yet NOT one for Best Director. That snub virtually assures that STAR will not win Best Picture (unless it gets 'ARGO-ed', which won Best Picture despite the Director snub).
2. A First: Outrage in the BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT category!
Our friends in Great Britain are rightfully outraged that someone made a film about the notorious murder of a 2-year-old boy by two 10-year-old boys back in 1993. "Detainment" tells the story by using police interrogation transcripts of the two offenders. That such a dubious film would be nominated for an Oscar is an affront to everyone involved in this tragedy, no matter how many years have passed.
3. Individual SNUBS
Deserving Actors overlooked: Ethan Hawke (FIRST REFORMED) and Emily Blunt (MARY POPPINS RETURNS) were robbed!
Deserving Songs overlooked: IMHO, this category should only consist of songs from A STAR IS BORN and MARY POPPINS RETURNS (the songs were that good!)
Deserving DOCS overlooked:
How could the nominators NOT recognise the two most-talked about Docs this year:
WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? (about Mr. Rogers) and
THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS ??
4. I have renamed this spot The Honorary John Williams "Best Original Score' Outrage. Mr. Williams did not receive a nomination this year, but even if he had, I would reserve my outrage for what is the most-overrated film composer in the most over-praised movie this year: Terence Blanchard for BlackKKlansman. For a movie that repeatedly hits you over the head with its message, the soundtrack likewise incessantly drums into you how you are supposed to feel at every moment. That is what a good screenplay is supposed to do, but if you don't trust the dialogue or your own audience, drown both of them out with your self-important music! Check this space for a separate review of Spike Lee's latest joint.
OSCAR Want-Think List to follow soon!
