Moviefone Editorial

Category: Oscars

  • Winter 2018 Movie Preview: 23 Blockbusters and Oscar Contenders You Need to See Before the End of the Year

    Winter 2018 Movie Preview: 23 Blockbusters and Oscar Contenders You Need to See Before the End of the Year

  • ‘A Star Is Born’ and 7 More Possible Best Picture Contenders You Need to See This Year

    ‘A Star Is Born’ and 7 More Possible Best Picture Contenders You Need to See This Year

     

  • ‘Green Book’ Enters Oscars Best Picture Race With TIFF People’s Choice Award

    ‘Green Book’ Enters Oscars Best Picture Race With TIFF People’s Choice Award

    Green Book
    Universal Pictures

    The Toronto Film Festival’s People’s Choice Award did not go to Lady Gaga ‘s “A Star Is Born,” Timothée Chalamet‘s “Beautiful Boy,” or Robert Pattinson‘s “High Life.” It also missed buzzy “First Man,” “The Front Runner,” or “Roma.”

    Instead, the win went to “Green Book” — starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen, and directed by Peter Farrelly. Yes, “Dumb and Dumber” Peter Farrelly.

    The film follows an Italian-American bouncer (Mortensen) and an African-American pianist (Ali) who confront racism and danger while taking a road trip through the Deep South in 1962.

    As TheWrap noted, nine of the last 10 TIFF People’s Choice winners have gone on to receive Oscar Best Picture nominations, and three have won.

    This was the first year that TIFF moved voting online, as opposed to voting by ticket stubs at the theater. That led some to suspect a popularity contest was ahead, since fans of Gaga, Chalamet, and Pattinson — among others — lobbied for fans to vote multiple times for their favorites. But TIFF took pains to try and prevent “mass campaign voting.”

    Still, “Green Book” was apparently a surprise win, and it automatically launches the film into early Oscar contention.

    Here’s the list of TIFF winners:

    Grolsch People’s Choice Award: “Green Book,” Peter Farrelly
    Runners-up: “If Beale Street Could Talk,” Barry Jenkins; “Roma,” Alfonso Cuaron

    People’s Choice Documentary Award: “Free Solo,” E. Chai Vasarhelvi and Jimmy Chin
    Runners-up: “This Changes Everything,” Tom Donahue; “The Biggest Little Farm,” John Chester

    People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award: “The Man Who Feels No Pain,” Vasan Bala
    Runners-up: “Halloween,” David Gordon Green; “Assassination Nation,” Sam Levinson

    Platform Prize: “Cities of Last Things,” Ho Wi Ding
    Special Mention: “The River,” Emir Baigazin

    Eurimage Audentia Award for Best Female Director: “Fig Tree,” Aalam-Warge Davidian

    Best Canadian Feature Film: “The Fireflies Are Gone,” Sebastien Pilote
    Best Canadian First Feature: “Roads in February,” Katherine Jerkovic

    International Critic (FIPRESCI) Prize for Special Presentations: “Skin,” Guy Nattiv
    International Critic (FIPRESCI) Prize for Discovery program: “Float Like a Butterfly,” Carmel Winters

    NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film: “The Third Wife,” Ash Mayfair
    Special mention: “The Crossing,” Bai Xue

    Short Cuts Award for International Short Film: “The Field,” Sandhya Suri
    Honorable Mentions: “F— You,” Anette Sidor; “This Magnificent Cake!,” Emma de Swaef and Marc James Roels

    Short Cuts Award for Canadian Short Film: “Brotherhood,” Meryam Joobeur
    Honorable Mention: “Fauve,” Jeremy Comte

    Check out the “Green Book” trailer. The film is scheduled to open in theaters November 21st.

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  • Oscars 2019: Academy Doubles Down on Presenting Awards Off-Air

    Oscars 2019: Academy Doubles Down on Presenting Awards Off-Air

    Oscars.org

    After pledging to make some big changes to the 2019 Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is doing just that — though not in every way that it had originally planned.

    While the Academy announced on Thursday that it was scrapping its much-maligned new Achievement in Popular Film category, the organization also doubled down on its decision to significantly shorten the length of the Oscars telecast. While it was previously announced that several categories would be awarded off-air, in an attempt to whittle the broadcast down to three hours, it wasn’t clear until now just how many awards would be affected.

    Additional information is forthcoming, but the Academy said on Thursday that between six and eight categories will be presented during commercial breaks, the footage of which will then be edited and aired later in the broadcast.

    “Selected categories will be rotated each year,” the statement said. “The Academy will collaborate with the show producer(s) to select these categories.”

    While the organization has yet to confirm what those categories will be, it’s very likely that they’ll be made up largely of technical awards, such as sound mixing and editing. It’s odd that the Academy is standing its ground so firmly on this issue, especially since it, like the Popular Film debacle, was met with intense backlash. We understand that the Oscars’ ratings aren’t what they used to be, but sacrificing the achievement of technical award winners for the sake of ratings smacks of desperation, and is also hugely disrespectful to these talented men and women, without whom movies literally would not get made.

    Thankfully, the Academy still has some time to make this right. We hope to hear another announcement reversing this decision soon.

    The Oscars are slated to air on ABC on Sunday, February 24, 2019.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter, Mark Harris/Twitter]

  • The Academy Is Scrapping Controversial New Popular Oscar Category (For Now)

    The Academy Is Scrapping Controversial New Popular Oscar Category (For Now)

    Oscars.org

    After a wave of mixed reactions — most of them negative — to the introduction of a new popular film category at the Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is putting off its debut. For now, anyway.

    In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the organization said that the implementation of the category merited “further study,” and that it would not be included in the upcoming 91st annual Oscars telecast as initially planned.

    “There has been a wide range of reactions to the introduction of a new award, and we recognize the need for further discussion with our members,” Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in the statement. “We have made changes to the Oscars over the years — including this year — and we will continue to evolve while also respecting the incredible legacy of the last 90 years.”

    When it was first announced in early August, details were scant about the new Achievement in Popular Film category. The Academy promised to reveal additional information — including the all-important eligibility requirements — at a later date, but it sounds like based on all of the backlash the category received (even the Razzies trashed it), they decided to take a beat and rethink some things.

    Among the biggest complaints over the new category was just how a film’s popularity would be measured (by box office? Fan voting?), and whether or not creating a separate category for action flicks and rom-coms was kind of insulting. (You’re not good enough for a real Oscar, but here’s a trophy because audiences saw you in theaters!) We’re glad the Academy realized that this was a strange, hasty decision, and think it would be best if they just let this idea go entirely.

    The Oscars are slated to air on ABC on February 24, 2019.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]

  • ‘First Man’ Has Oscar Buzz … and Buzz Aldrin Joining Flag Controversy

    ‘First Man’ Has Oscar Buzz … and Buzz Aldrin Joining Flag Controversy

    First Man
    Universal Pictures

    One small step for man, one giant leap for Internet outrage!

    Ryan Gosling reunited with his “La La Land” director Damien Chazelle for “First Man.” Early reviews see it as an Oscar contender, but it’s already getting more headlines for the flag controversy.

    Canadian actor Gosling plays American astronaut Neil Armstrong in an intimate film trying to showcase the man behind the legend. And even though there are shots of the American flag on the moon, the film chose not to show the actual planting of the flag on the moon.

    Gosling told the Telegraph that Armstrong’s achievement “transcended countries and borders”; the moon walk “was widely regarded not as an American, but as a human achievement.” Gosling said, after talking to Armstrong’s family, he got a better picture of the man. “I don’t think Neil viewed himself as an American hero, quite the opposite.”

    Gosling’s various quotes — and the film’s lack of a flag-planting scene — faced backlash from people calling the film un-American for downplaying the American achievement.

    The backlash also got its own backlash:

    https://twitter.com/antovolk/status/1035651923465134084

    https://twitter.com/andresdavid/status/1035582034012504064

    Buzz Aldrin — the only other person who was actually there when the flag was planted — posted this tweet at the same time the debate was raging. It’s hard to see that as a coincidence:

    Neil Armstrong’s sons Rick and Mark, and “First Man” author James R. Hansen shared a statement on the controversy:

    Damien Chazelle also shared a statement:

    “In ‘First Man’ I show the American flag standing on the lunar surface, but the flag being physically planted into the surface is one of several moments of the Apollo 11 lunar EVA that I chose not to focus upon.

    To address the question of whether this was a political statement, the answer is no. My goal with this movie was to share with audiences the unseen, unknown aspects of America’s mission to the moon — particularly Neil Armstrong’s personal saga and what he may have been thinking and feeling during those famous few hours. I wanted the primary focus in that scene to be on Neil’s solitary moments on the moon — his point of view as he first exited the LEM, his time spent at Little West Crater, the memories that may have crossed his mind during his lunar EVA.

    This was a feat beyond imagination; it was truly a giant leap for mankind. This film is about one of the most extraordinary accomplishments not only in American history, but in human history. My hope is that by digging under the surface and humanizing the icon, we can better understand just how difficult, audacious and heroic this moment really was.”

    “First Man” opens in theaters October 12.

    [Via: THR, Twitter]

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  • 13 Oscar-Winning Movies That Don’t Really Hold Up

    13 Oscar-Winning Movies That Don’t Really Hold Up

  • The Razzies Call Out the Oscars Over New Popular Film Category

    The Razzies Call Out the Oscars Over New Popular Film Category

    The Academy

    When even the Razzies are questioning your decision-making, maybe it’s time to rethink some things.

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made headlines last week after it announced that it would be making some changes to the Oscars, including the introduction of a new category honoring what it called “outstanding achievement in popular film.” Reaction was decidedly mixed, with many fans and critics alike wondering how such a distinction would be made (what’s Best Popular Film material vs. OG Best Picture material?), and whether a “popular” designation was a bit dismissive and insulting (it’s good enough for the masses, but not a merit-based Oscar).

    Now, the organization behind the Golden Raspberry Awards is also throwing some shade at the move, addressing an open letter to the Academy in which they wonder why the organization would “lower” and “devalue” itself for the sake of saving its television ratings. The Razzies — which are infamous for taking place the night before the Oscars, and highlighting the very worst films and performances of the year — pride themselves on focusing on “bottom-of-the-barrel mindless popular and sometimes unpopular entertainment,” the letter said.

    The Oscars lowering themselves to “honor” popular fare just to get more eyeballs is not conducive to their brand.  Everyone depends on Oscar to point out the good stuff that might not otherwise be seen.

    […]

    So a tip to our older more distinguished bald brother:  You are our inspiration – don’t fail us now.  The Razzies are co-dependent on Oscar. If you are devalued – so are we.

    The Academy has yet to elaborate on how it plans to determine eligibility for its new category. Based on the backlash, it may be best to just scrap it entirely.

    [The Razzies]

  • Oscars Adds Popular Film Category, Will Edit Shows to 3 Hours

    Oscars Adds Popular Film Category, Will Edit Shows to 3 Hours

    The Academy Awards are getting some sweeping changes.

    The Hollywood Reporter printed a message from the Academy to its members, outlining the new changes approved by the Board of Governors.

    It may be good news to hear that the show will be limited to three hours — some of us could go with even less, considering there’s also the red carpet pre-show — but that means not all wins will be shown live. Certain winners will make their speeches while we’re watching commercials, and their speeches will be edited to be sandwiched into the broadcast to fit the three-hour time.

    That change is going to disappoint the unlucky (and unfamous) people who’ve waited their lives to win an Oscar, only to have their thunder somewhat dimmed.

    Another change includes the addition of Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film. No further details were shared, but that category will probably air live, and be a nod to massive comic book movies like “Black Panther” — which just hit another domestic milestone. Might as well just call it the Disney/Marvel category.

    Black Panther
    Marvel Studios

    Here are the three changes in detail, via THR‘s letter:

    1. A three-hour Oscars telecast

    “We are committed to producing an entertaining show in three hours, delivering a more accessible Oscars for our viewers worldwide.

    To honor all 24 award categories, we will present select categories live, in the Dolby Theatre, during commercial breaks (categories to be determined). The winning moments will then be edited and aired later in the broadcast.”

    2. New award category

    “We will create a new category for outstanding achievement in popular film. Eligibility requirements and other key details will be forthcoming.”

    3. Earlier airdate for 92nd Oscars

    “The date of the 92nd Oscars telecast will move to Sunday, February 9, 2020, from the previously announced February 23. The date change will not affect awards eligibility dates or the voting process.

    The 91st Oscars telecast remains as announced on Sunday, February 24, 2019.”

    Some Oscar viewers are pushing for other new categories — like best stunt work (Helen Mirren has advocated for this) and best casting. Maybe next time?

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  • Emmanuelle Seigner, Roman Polanski’s Wife, Slams ‘Hypocrisy’ of Academy Invitation

    Canal+

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences can scratch one name off its record-breaking list of 928 new invitees: French actress Emmanuelle Seigner, the wife of former Academy member Roman Polanski, has publicly rejected her membership.

    In a blistering open letter published by the French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche, Seigner blasted the Oscars organization, calling out its “hypocrisy” in issuing her an invitation to join the very organization that voted to expel her husband. Polanski, who pleaded guilty to raping a 13-year-old girl in 1977, fled the country the following year while awaiting sentencing, and has lived in exile overseas ever since. He was kicked out of the Academy in April, shortly after the rape conviction of Bill Cosby, who was also expelled.

    According to  Seigner, however, Polanski has made amends with his victim and taken responsibility for his onetime offense, and yet continues to face unfair scorn. The Academy’s invitation is “a curious case of amnesia” on the organization’s part, the actress said, adding that she thought its well-publicized effort to recruit more women was a misguided appropriation of feminism.

    Her statement said, in part:

    ” … how can I ignore the fact that a few weeks ago the Academy expelled my husband, Roman Polanski, in an attempt to appease the zeitgeist – the very same Academy which in 2002 awarded him an Oscar for The Pianist! A curious case of amnesia!

    The Academy probably thinks I am enough of a spineless, social climbing actress that I would forget that I have been married for the past 29 years to one of the world’s greatest directors. I love him, he is my husband and the father of my children. He has been cast out like a pariah. Yet these same nameless academicians think that I should ‘mount the steps of glory’ behind his back? The insufferable hypocrisy! This proposal is one insult too many. I cannot remain silent any longer. You offend me whilst claiming to want to protect women!”

    You can read her entire statement here.

    Seigner and Polanski have been married since 1989 and have two children. The couple met while Polanski was directing Seigner in the film “Frantic,” and have worked together several times since, including most recently on 2017’s “D’après une histoire vraie” (“Based on a True Story”). Seigner has been nominated twice for the French equivalent of the Oscar, the Cesar Award, and has appeared in internationally renowned films including “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” and “La Vie en Rose.”

    Whatever your thoughts on Polanski, this is a pretty embarrassing mistake on the part of the Academy, since it seems pretty obvious that the wife of the person you just kicked out wouldn’t exactly accept an invitation with open arms. It’s unclear how the organization failed to make the connection between the pair, but we can only assume that next year’s invitees list will be more carefully vetted to avoid future awkward, public rejections like this one.

    [via: The Playlist]