For the 14th year, some members of my family have joined me to see all (or almost all) of the Best Picture nominees this year and give their thoughts. It was a big job with lots of 2 ½ hour movies. A few of us also wrote out our thoughts, while others were busy parenting a newborn (congrats to Sarah & Tyler!).
Just like it will probably go at the Academy, in our group Everything Everywhere All at Once ended up on top, with all of us putting it in our top 3. TAR was a very close second, with 3 of us listing it at #1. Here’s the list!
As to our acting/directing/screenplay awards, there’s lots more love to Everything Everywhere All at Once:
Best Actor
Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin: Ben, Jason, Sarah, Tyler
Brendan Fraser, The Whale: Barb
Best Actress
Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once: Ben, Emily, Barb, Jason, Sarah, Tyler
Cate Blanchett, TAR: Emily
Best Supporting Actor
Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once: Barb, Jason, Tyler, Emily
Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin: Ben
Brendan Gleeson, The Banshees of Inisherin: Sarah
Best Supporting Actress
Stephanie Hsu, Everything Everywhere All at Once: Sarah, Tyler
Jamie Lee Curtis, Everything Everywhere All at Once: Jason, Emily
Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin: Ben
Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: Barb
Director
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once: Barb, Sarah, Tyler, Jason, Emily
Todd Field, TAR: Ben
Original Screenplay
Everything Everywhere All at Once: Barb, Jason, Sarah Tyler
TAR: Ben, Emily
Adapted Screenplay
Women Talking: Ben, Emily, Barb, Sarah, Tyler
All Quiet on the Western Front: Jason
Ben
All in all, an excellent year for Best Picture. No real stinkers or dull movies. The list includes a little for everyone: huge blockbuster sequels, foreign films, indie breakouts, and critical darlings.
1. TAR.
Thorny, thought-provoking, and frequently darkly funny, this is not only my favorite movie of this year, but of the decade thus far. Director Todd Field made two great films in the early 2000s (In the Bedroom, Little Children) and he made his best yet with TAR. Blanchett is absolutely incredible as Lydia Tar, a brilliant conductor dealing with personal demons and the temptations of power. With great artistry and no didacticism, TAR looks head-on at modern issues of cancel culture, predation, and the complexities of separating the art from the artist. Plus, the best (and most surprising) ending of the year!
2. The Banshees of Inisherin.
Writer-director Martin McDonagh’s brilliant fable simultaneously cracks you up and breaks your heart. The brilliance of this movie is how many layers it has. It’s a dark comedy, a political allegory, a study of depression, and a breakup film. The central foursome in this movie are so incredibly good, and they work at the same wavelength throughout every hilarious and heartbreaking moment.
3. Everything Everywhere All At Once.
A real delight. Once you key into its key concept, it's delightful to follow this movie through all its flights of fancy. Who knew one of the most moving scenes of the year would be between two rocks? The entire cast is great, but the movie truly soars from its magnificent central performance by Michelle Yeoh. While not my absolute favorite, this will make a cool and memorable Best Picture winner.
4. Women Talking.
While many male directors would have made a grueling, hard to watch movie of this story of male predation, director Sarah Polley uses an enormous amount of restraint, letting her incredible script and the uniformly excellent performances tell the story, focusing on the decisions sheltered women make in the aftermath of trauma. It’s a crime none of the actresses were nominated (Jessie Buckely being my personal favorite).
5. All Quiet on the Western Front.
At times I think what else could we possibly gain from a war film, then I see another one that moves me and reminds me of all the lives lost. This movie is especially sad and ironic as you see the pointlessness of this particular war and how little was accomplished. All Quiet is obviously adapted from a classic novel (and early Best Picture winner), but it feels both classic and modern, with stunning cinematography and an impactful modern score. There are beautiful images to contrast with the devastating sadness.
6. Triangle of Sadness.
Just like we’ve seen a lot of war films, we’ve also seen a lot of recent “eat the rich” media. Does this one say anything new? Not really, but I didn’t mind! The deadpan look at the upper-upper-crust and those they exploit was highly entertaining. I didn’t laugh any harder than I did at one scene in this (no spoilers….but if you’ve seen it you know the one!). Also a great ending!
7. Top Gun: Maverick.
My most pleasant surprise of the nominees, holding up even better on a second viewing. I don’t have any real affection for the first Top Gun, but the sequel outdoes it in every way. While the screenplay is nothing groundbreaking, every other part of this movie is impeccably done, especially the gorgeous cinematography and incredible action sequences in the last half. I do think it’s sort of hilarious that this movie avoids political controversy by never naming the enemy country.
8. The Fablemans.
After watching The Fablemans, I feel like I know so much more about Steven Spielberg and his upbringing. From everything I’ve read, this movie is incredibly close to Spielberg's real life, particularly his relationship with his parents. This is an enjoyable movie, and there are some absolutely great scenes in this (especially young Sammy editing the camping trip), but it’s not quite focused enough to be one of his great films. While the cast of veterans gives very good performances, I think young Gabrielle LaBelle outshines them all as Sammy Fableman.
9. Elvis.
Very entertaining and, like all Baz Luhrman films, a little exhausting. A frenetic movie centered around a transformative performance by Austin Butler. Even though it’s probably overlong, I stayed engaged the whole time, especially during the musical scenes. Unfortunately, it’s undeniably marred by a very strange performance by Tom Hanks as Elvis’ diabolical manager.
10. Avatar: The Way of the Water.
The first third of this (very long!) movie was pretty boring, reminding us and updating us of the plot of a movie from 13 years ago. The second third, introducing us to the aquatic world, is quite beautiful and captivating. The third hour is well-done but drags on too long. So, all in all, a technical marvel built around a fairly standard story. I enjoyed many moments of this, but don’t ever need to sit through it again.
Best Director: Todd Field, TAR
Actor: Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin
Actress: Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once (this was really tough-can she and Cate tie??)
Supporting Actor: Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin
Supporting Actress: Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin
Original Screenplay: TAR
Adapted Screenplay: Women Talking
Emily
1. Tár - Cate Blanchett was totally captivating as Lydia (Linda?) Tár and had me fully convinced as a world-class conductor with some extreme character flaws. The tone of this movie reminded me a little of Black Swan in a way I can't put my finger on. Maybe the intensity of someone at the top of their game and on the verge of their fall, and the blurring of what's real and unreal. I do like to think the last scene really happened, don't you?
2. Women Talking - An intense look at disentangling faith from problematic structures in which it's lived. I loved the chorus of storytellers approach, similar to Stories We Tell, another favorite of Sarah Polley's. I am so glad to see her getting back to her craft post-concussion; she is an inspiration. Not nearly as graphic as it could've been, but very tough subject matter to sit with. One detail in particular haunted me for days. Claire Foy, Rooney Mara, and Jessie Buckley were stellar.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once - An imaginative and wacky movie with great performances all around. Despite my love for Cate, I'd be totally happy to see Michelle Yeoh win Best Actress. And, can someone give the costumers an Oscar for Jamie Lee Curtis's tax office look? The multiverse and what ifs of other possible paths (remember Sliding Doors?) are fun and intriguing, and you could tell the movie was made with a lot of heart. Kudos to the Daniels.
4. Banshees of Inishirin - Dark, absurd, tragicomedic, engrossing, with moments of... gross. Luckily I watched with Ben who could give me a heads up about when not to look! Not knowing about the Irish Civil War, it was still very possible to interpret a message about the self-destructiveness of conflict. Also, when I learned more about banshees, I had a new appreciation for Mrs. MacCormick out there portending deaths. God rest the donkey.
5. Triangle of Sadness - On the heels of White Lotus Season 2, a takedown of the leisure class surely had a ready audience. The over-the-top nonsense the cruise ship staff endured in the name of impeccable customer service was funny-but-not, as was the complete lack of survival skills among the shipwrecked guests (pretzel sticks, anyone?). Shoutout to Allison Williams for her pronunciation of Östlund when announcing the nominees. And, God rest the donkey (yes, again!)
6. All Quiet on the Western Front - I watched this on the small (phone) screen, which made it easier to avert my eyes from the extreme gore. The visuals of the sheer quantity of casualties and major volume of blood communicated the horror of war in a way that was more impactful than I remember from my junior high reading of the book. The titles at the end about the miniscule amount of ground gained versus millions of lives lost were chilling. I won't watch this again, but won't forget it.
7. The Fabelmans - It was interesting to learn about Steven Spielberg's beginnings as a filmmaker. Michelle Williams is a pro as always, and the discovery of her character through young Steven's home moviemaking was a creative mode of storytelling. Something about looking-back-at-childhood type movies (e.g., Boyhood) make me feel generally sad, though this was not a depressing movie per se. While lower in my list here, worth a watch.
8. Top Gun: Maverick - It was a surprise for me that I enjoyed this movie, having not seen the 1986 Top Gun and not being interested in action movies. Although they filled in those of us unacquainted with Maverick's story, I didn't feel especially invested. However, the mission itself was totally captivating and I definitely get why this movie did as well as it did. Also: how is Tom Cruise 60 years old?
9. Elvis - Baz Luhrmann's style feels right for Elvis, though I found especially the beginning of the movie too visually chaotic. Even though I don't particularly love biopics, I knew only the most basic Elvis lore, so was interested to learn about his formative experiences, rise to the most extreme levels of stardom, and tragic end of life. Kudos to Austin Butler for carrying out quite the challenge in playing Elvis. Do you know that the "old Elvis" was no older than 42?
Didn't see: Avatar: The Way of Water. They should have released this for home viewers before the Oscars! 192 minutes in the theater wasn't in the cards, unfortunately.
Best Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere all at Once
Best Actor: Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett, Tár
Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere all at Once
Supporting Actress: Jamie Lee Curtis, Everything Everywhere all at Once
Original Screenplay: Tár
Adapted Screenplay: Women Talking
Barb
I am honored to once again participate in the Frazell/Hestness Oscar Celebration in Washington D.C. 2023 brings a diverse group of Oscar nominated films. Some I liked a lot and some not so much.
1. WOMEN TALKING
After realizing they had been drugged and sexually assaulted while they slept, the women of this isolated, male dominated religious community gather to discuss their options. I thought this was such a unique movie. It takes place almost entirely in a barn where the women weigh the pros and cons of do we stay, do we stay and fight or do we leave. It’s a complicated question with no easy answer. Each opinion is heard and delivered by such an impressive ensemble cast. In spite of lives of oppression there is a hopeful message of strength and resiliency. Filming this in black and white with splashes of muted color fit perfectly with the mood and subject matter.
2. EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
I went to this movie thinking I probably wouldn’t like it. I was so wrong. Sure it’s quirky, and at times bizarre, but it is also clever and very entertaining. I actually watched this twice and enjoyed it even more the second time. The second time around I was able to catch more of the subtle details… the carpal tunnel sleeve on the ankle during the piano scene, the gloves for the hot dog fingers, Jamie Lee Curtis’ cat purse etc. Who comes up with this stuff? The outstanding cast deserves all the Oscar nominations they received.
3. THE FABELMANS
A semi autobiographical film, set in the 1950’s/60’s follows a young Sammy’s
love of filmmaking. Pretty brave of Spielberg to disclose this much of his personal life. Early family dysfunction goes on to influence Sammy’s career as a filmmaker. Although this follows Sammy’s career into adulthood, my favorite parts were his early forays into filmmaking. Armed with a simple movie camera he recreates a train scene from ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. Later he rallies a group of friends to make a Western. He is involved in every part of this production and you already get a glimpse of what the future holds for Sammy. His art becomes more and more sophisticated. Touching on some of the obstacles he faced growing up including family dysfunction, bullying, anti semitism and problems with relationships makes his story all the more relatable. All in all a very good movie.
4. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT
Spurred on by an enthusiastic headmaster, four young patriotic students are duped into enlisting in the German Army during World War I with promises of glory and a swift return home as heroes. They soon find out it’s not exactly what they signed up for.The movie does a masterful job of showing the horror and devastation of war through the eyes of young Paul from the beginning to the end of his journey. It’s painful to watch. With little time left before the Armistice, the troops are sent on one last suicide mission. I admittedly had to turn away from some of the bloody combat scenes. This movie ended in the only way it could have for Paul. War is hell.
5. TAR
Cate Blanchett dominates this movie as the talented, but flawed, Tar. Her role is complemented by a solid supporting cast. Tar is at the height of her career, self confident and believes she is untouchable. She starts to unravel as past indiscretions come to light. I found this movie hard to follow at times. Was that real or imagined? Regardless, I think the ending was clever and unexpected.
6. ELVIS
Elvis as seen through the eyes of his longtime manager Colonel Tom Parker. Austin Butler, in a truly breakout role, was a very believable Elvis. In addition to doing most of the singing himself, I thought he did an impressive job capturing Elvis’ on stage presence and mannerisms. Plus I liked all the glitzy costumes. Elvis was a complicated man and I think this movie captures that. He was manipulated and exploited, especially by Colonel Parker who had immense control over him. I wasn’t crazy about Hanks in this role. Some of that may be that no matter what role he plays I can only see Tom Hanks as Tom Hanks. Overall I liked this movie.
7. TOP GUN: MAVERICK
Not a lot to say about this movie other than it was very Tom Cruisey. The movie has a pretty predictable plot but I really liked the nonstop action.
8. AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER
A visually stunning movie that must be seen in 3D on the big screen. Cameron’s attention to detail is everywhere. The underwater scenes are breathtaking. My only criticism is that it was way way too long.
9. THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN
I’m not saying this wasn’t a good movie, it was just too dark for me. The confusion and sadness Padraic feels when his lifelong friend says he ‘just doesn’t like him’ anymore.There were a few light moments in this movie, but not many. Some may have found humor in the outrageous lengths Colm was willing to go to avoid Padraic, but it just made me sad. Also, I found some parts of this movie upsetting and it had nothing to do with fingers. That being said, the cast was outstanding. They made you feel all the feels. I did like how they touched on The Troubles in Northern Ireland without making it a major theme. Also, the movie itself was visually stunning.
10. TRIANGLE OF SADNESS
The significant gaps between the uber wealthy and the working poor. A great deal of time is spent on exposing these disparities. A real shift of power, and in my opinion the more interesting part of this movie, happens when a group are shipwrecked on an island. It seems the upper crust have a lot to learn about survival skills. Having no real life skills they become entirely dependent on Abigail, who previously cleaned toilets on the ship. Abigail embraces and takes full advantage of this new found power. Is she willing to go back to cleaning toilets? Maybe not. I like how the ending allows us to come to our own conclusion.
BEST ACTRESS: Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
ACTOR: Brendan Fraser, The Whale
SUPPORTING ACTOR: Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once
DIRECTOR: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Women Talking
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Jason
1. Tar
2. All Quiet on the Western Front
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once
4. The Banshees of Inisherin
5. Top Gun: Maverick
6. Triangle of Sadness
7. Women Talking
8. The Fabelmans
9. Avatar: The Way of the Water
10. Elvis
Best Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best Original Screenplay: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best Adapted Screenplay: All Quiet on the Western Front
Best Actor: Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin
Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best Supporting Actress: Jamie Lee Curtis, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Sarah
1. Everything Everywhere All at Once
2. The Banshees of Inisherin
3. TAR
4. Women Talking
5. Triangle of Sadness
6. The Fabelmans
7. All Quiet on the Western Front
8. Top Gun: Maverick
9. Elvis
Director- Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Actor Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin
Actress Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Supporting Actor: Brendan Gleeson, The Banshees of Inisherin
Supporting Actress: Stephanie Hsu, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Original Screenplay: Everywhere All at Once
Adapted Screenplay: Women Talking
Tyler
1. Everything Everywhere All at Once
2. The Banshees of Inisherin
3. Tár
4. Women Talking
5. The Fabelmans
6. Avatar: The Way of Water
7. All Quiet on the Western Front
8. Triangle of Sadness
9. Top Gun: Maverick
10. Elvis
Director: The Daniels, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Actor: Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin
Actres: Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Supporting Actress: Stephanie Hsu, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Original Screenplay: Everything Everywhere All At Once
Adapted Screenplay: Women Talking
