Doomed Hopes For the 96th academy awards

Tonight, as the clock hits 3:00 a.m., when most sane people are falling asleep, I'll be wide awake, eagerly awaiting the masochistic delight known as the Academy Awards. Yes, it's another year of indulging in this peculiar childhood habit, which is as difficult to break as it is to rationalise. And tonight's event promises to be particularly disappointing, given it appears to be overshadowed by Oppenheimer's coronation. Yet here I am, willingly exposing myself to what feels like self-imposed punishment.

To make it even worse, I'm not one for making simple predictions; instead, I painstakingly compile a list of my own picks and wishes, just to watch in dismay as the Academy joyfully shatters each one. With that in mind, here are my doomed hopes for the 96th Academy Awards:

Actor In A Leading Role - Paul Giamatti in "The Holdovers"

In a year full of memorable performances, Paul Giamatti's portrayal of Paul Hunham in The Holdovers stands out as a magnificent example of acting at its best. Giamatti's ability to communicate complicated emotions through subtle gestures and expressions is nothing short of remarkable. His portrayal of Hunham, a figure torn between past regrets and uncertain futures, is both moving and effective. 

Actor in a Supporting Role - Robert Downey Jr. in "Oppenheimer"

Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer isn't anything less than groundbreaking. In a character that demonstrates his breadth and versatility as an actor, Downey Jr. gives a captivating performance that leaves an impact. His portrayal of Strauss, a man dealing with moral quandaries and personal demons, is sophisticated and compelling. Downey Jr.'s intriguing presence and commanding performance take the film to new heights, and he deserves to be recognised for his extraordinary contribution.

Actress in a Leading Role - Emma Stone in "Poor Things"

Emma Stone's performance as Bella in Poor Things is a stunner. Stone offers a captivating performance that grabs from start to finish in a character that defies traditional storytelling conventions. Her portrayal of Bella, a girl dealing with the complexity of life and love, is both brave and sympathetic. With her exquisite timing and emotional depth, Stone brings the character to life with honesty and grace. 

Actress in a Supporting Role - Da'Vine Joy Randolph in "The Holdovers"

Da'Vine Joy Randolph's performance as Mary Lamb in "The Holdovers" is outstanding. Randolph provides a powerful performance that highlights her talent and ability as an actress. Her portrayal of Mary, a woman dealing with grief and longing, is both honest and fascinating. Randolph's captivating personality and emotional depth add a feeling of realism to the character, making her journey both sympathetic and engaging.

Animated Feature Film - "The Boy And The Heron"

The Boy And The Heron is a cinematic masterpiece that goes beyond the limitations of standard animation. The film captivates and moves the audience with its magnificent images and sincere content. The Boy And The Heron, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, demonstrates the power of storytelling and the wonder of animation. The film, with its global themes and everlasting appeal, deserves to be recognised as one of the year's best animated features.

Costume Design - "Poor Things"

Poor Things is a visual feast for the eyes, thanks to its breathtaking costume design. From the exquisite details to the vibrant hues, each clothing in the film is a work of art. Poor Things' costumes, designed by Holly Waddington, encapsulate the personality of the characters while also transporting the audience to the film's world. 

Directing - Yorgos Lanthimos in "Poor Things"

Yorgos Lanthimos' direction in Poor Things is nothing short of visionary. Lanthimos' bold storytelling and imaginative approach to filmmaking provide an unusual viewpoint on the screen. Lanthimos' Poor Things conjures a universe that is both familiar and fantastical, expertly mixing parts of reality and surrealism. Lanthimos' great eye for detail and unwavering vision propel Poor Things to new heights, and he deserves to finally be recognised for his superb direction.

Documentary Film - "Four Daughters" by Kaouther Ben Hania

Four daughters, Kaouther Ben Hania's latest film is a touching and courageous portrayal of loss, grief, and the unbreakable spirit of womanhood. In this film, Kaouther effortlessly blends the lines of documentary and fiction, generating a narrative that is both engaging and devastating. The movie is a masterclass in storytelling. The story takes on almost therapeutic qualities as the family revisits their shared trauma, each from their own distinct perspective. Four Daughters is a film that will stick with you. Its beauty rests in the way it tells its story, delves into the complexity of its characters, and provides a narrative that is equally about survival and loss. This is more than simply a film; it's a journey that is at times terrible, at times healing, and always deeply human.

Editing - Thelma Schoonmaker in "Killers of the Flower Moon"

Thelma Schoonmaker's editing in Killers of the Flower Moon is a masterclass in storytelling. Schoonmaker's great sense of timing and rhythm delivers a seamless and immersive cinematic experience that holds viewers' attention from start to finish. In Killers of the Flower Moon, Schoonmaker deftly navigates the narrative's complexity, seamlessly blending together several stories. Schoonmaker needs to be recognised for her exceptional editing because of her unequalled talent and dedication to her art.

International Feature Film - "Perfect Days"

Perfect Days is a cinematic gem that transports viewers to a realm of enchantment and imagination. Wim Wenders'  film celebrates the human spirit and the potential of art to brighten our lives. Perfect Days captivates the audience from beginning to end, leaving a lasting impression. In a year loaded with remarkable international films, Perfect Days deserves to be recognised as one of the greatest.

Makeup and Hairstyling - "Poor Things"

As I said before, Poor Things is a visual feast for the eyes. The makeup in Poor Things not only enhances the characters' looks, but it also gives depth and texture to the film's world. Poor Things' makeup leads the viewer to a world of fantasy and imagination, with its vibrant colours and detailed designs. Similarly, the hairstyling in Poor Things is outstanding, with each hairstyle expressing the characters' personalities and styles. Poor Things' makeup and hairstyling combine to create a visually appealing look that adds to the overall cinematic experience.

Original Score - "Oppenheimer"

The score in Oppenheimer plays an important role in generating the film's immersive atmosphere and emotional depth. Ludwig Göransson composed the score for Oppenheimer, which captures the heart of the drama by invoking a spectrum of emotions from tension and suspense to sorrow. The music in Oppenheimer takes the film to new heights, with evocative melodies and dramatic orchestrations.

Original Song - "What Was I Made For" by Billie Eilish from "Barbie"

Billie Eilish's original song "What Was I Made For" from Barbie is a sombre and deep look at the film's themes. The song, with its ethereal voices and melancholy music, captures the story's central existential questions. Eilish's passionate delivery and evocative lyrics evoke feelings of desire and uncertainty, perfectly matching the film's narrative and adding depth to the whole cinematic experience.

Production Design - "Poor Things"

Every detail in Poor Things, from the intricate sets to the carefully curated props, is precisely constructed to take the audience into the film's world. Poor Things' production design, created by Shona Heath and James Price, conveys the heart of the story while also improving the overall cinematic experience. Poor Things deserves to be recognised for its superb production design, which features inventive concepts and attention to detail.

Sound - "Oppenheimer"

The sound design in "Oppenheimer" plays an important role in generating the film's immersive atmosphere and improving the overall viewing experience. Oppenheimer's sound design is precisely crafted to bring the audience to the film's world. With its masterfully produced soundscapes and evocative use of silence, Oppenheimer's sound design adds depth and texture to the plot, immersing the audience in the film's universe and improving the overall cinematic experience.

Best Original Screenplay - "Past Lives"

Celine Song's original screenplay for Past Lives goes beyond the confines of a typical love story, providing a very moving exploration of the interconnectedness of lives throughout time and space. Song brings spectators into a world where individuals' paths diverge and merge, and where echoes of former lives impact the present and future. Past Lives resides in a world where thinking and action, silence and speech collide, resulting in a perplexing and emotionally intense narrative that stays in the minds and emotions of viewers.

Best Adapted Screenplay - "Poor Things"

With its engaging plot and emotionally resonant characters, Poor Things is a great example of a successful adaptation that combines surrealism and sci-fi with political and social commentary, and it deserves to be recognised for its outstanding contribution to film.

Best Picture - "Poor Things"

In my perspective, Poor Things is the best film of the year, capturing everything I love in cinema. With its creative imagination, unique characters, and engrossing world-building, the film goes above the ordinary to provide a remarkable cinematic experience. In a year full with exceptional films, Poor Things stands out as an example of creativity, innovation, and storytelling prowess, garnering my vote for best picture of the year.