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  • Movie Review: ‘Oppenheimer’

    Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in 'Oppenheimer,' written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
    Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

    Opening in theaters on July 21st is the new biopic ‘Oppenheimer,’ which chronicles the life and career of the “Father of the Atomic Bomb” J. Robert Oppenheimer and was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan (‘Tenet,’ ‘Dunkirk,’ ‘The Dark Knight’).

    What is the plot of ‘Oppenheimer’?

    ‘Oppenheimer’ tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

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    Who is in the cast of ‘Oppenheimer’?

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    Initial Thoughts

    Christopher Nolan has crafted another masterpiece with an epic historical biopic that is as captivating as it is compelling. What begins as a character study eventually unfolds into an intriguing political mystery with unexpected twists and turns. Cillian Murphy gives the performance of his career as the conflicted and complicated J. Robert Oppenheimer, while Robert Downey Jr. also gives one of his finest performances to date as Lewis Strauss, Oppenheimer’s eventual adversary.

    Story and Direction

    Writer, director, and producer Christopher Nolan on the set of 'Oppenheimer.'
    Writer, director, and producer Christopher Nolan on the set of ‘Oppenheimer.’

    The three-hour long movie tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer from his early years studying physics in Germany, to eventually being recruited by the U.S. government to work on the Manhattan Project and the aftermath of the creation of the Atomic bomb. The story is mostly told in flashbacks from both Oppenheimer and Lewis Strauss’ points of views. Oppenheimer is defending his actions following WWII in a secret government meeting, while Strauss is addressing a Senate committee as he has been appointed to a cabinet position. We see the events as they unfold as memories for both characters, with Strauss’ in black and white, and Oppenheimer’s depicted in color, which also represents the characters personalities as Strauss sees the world in black and white while Oppenheimer sees bright colors.

    Christopher Nolan is unarguably one of the most celebrated filmmakers of his generation and is known for making twisty movies like ‘Memento’ and ‘Inception,’ as well as historical documents like ‘Dunkirk,’ but ‘Oppenheimer’ excels because it does both at the same time and embraces everything Nolan does well. Nolan’s script is smart, cutting back and forth between both Oppenheimer and Strauss’ hearings and their individual flashbacks, and using that to frame the story of creating the Atom bomb. But the movie is also a political thriller, and has a ‘Usual Suspects’ level twist towards the end that you won’t see coming.

    Nolan sets an epic tone for the film, which is grand in scope and design, and he gets the very best out of his ensemble cast. Nolan’s use of cutaways to visual effects of atoms, molecules, fire and stars representing thoughts running through Oppenheimer’s head were interesting but thankfully used sparingly. While the film is long at just about three-hours, it goes fast and Nolan uses the most of his time setting the stakes for the drama and allowing his cast room to breathe. The movie also looks gorgeous, thanks to Nolan and the work of cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema.

    Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer

    Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in 'Oppenheimer,' written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
    Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

    Cillian Murphy is best known for playing the Scarecrow in Nolan’s ‘Dark Knight’ movies and hasn’t really had the chance to show off his talents until now. As the title character Murphy delivers a strong and layered performance with authority that gives the movie a feeling of importance and urgency. Oppenheimer is driven, egotistical, brilliant, self-absorbed and conflicted, and Murphy conveys all of this with very little effort, giving a seamless performance. This is definitely the actors best work, and I would be surprised if he doesn’t get a lot of attention come awards season.

    Robert Downey Jr.’s Performance

    Robert Downey Jr is Lewis Strauss in 'Oppenheimer,' written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
    Robert Downey Jr is Lewis Strauss in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

    Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most popular actors of his generation, but after a decade of playing Iron Man, it’s easy to forget just how good a dramatic actor he is and this movie helps remind us of that. Despite the title, ‘Oppenheimer’ is almost as much Downey’s movie as it is Murphy’s, and the actor completely holds his own narrative well. While the two actors share few scenes together and Downey’s role is supporting, his character is pivotal to the story and the true antagonist of the film. In a career as impressive as Downey’s, it’s hard to say this is his best performance, but it’s certainly on the short list, and I’m starting the campaign now for Downey to get nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

    Supporting Cast

    Matt Damon is Leslie Groves in 'Oppenheimer,' written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
    Matt Damon is Leslie Groves in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

    Nolan has always assembled incredible casts of actors for his projects, but the abundance of riches here is a bit embarrassing. The movie stars a who’s who of talented actors, and I of course can’t mention all of them, but I will say Matt Damon stands out. Damon plays Leslie Groves, the General that recruited Oppenheimer. The actor plays the role with a bit of his signature charm, which fits the otherwise serious military figure well. Damon also has good chemistry with Murphy, and the two characters forge a nice friendship together.

    Surprisingly, Josh Hartnett, who’s been away from the big screen for some time makes a fantastic comeback as Ernest Lawrence, one of Oppenheimer’s colleagues. Hartnett gives a really strong performance opposite Murphy and is a wonderful addition to the cast. Benny Safdie and David Krumholtz also play colleagues of Oppenheimer and both actors bring a lot to their characters as well.

    Josh Hartnett is Ernest Lawrence in 'Oppenheimer,' written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
    Josh Hartnett is Ernest Lawrence in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

    Florence Pugh also stands out and gives a very daring performance as Jean Tatlock, Oppenheimer’s first love. Pugh’s character is sweet and vulnerable, and you understand why he falls in love with her in the first place. But their story is also tragic, and Pugh’s tender performance gives her character a real voice in the movie.

    Unfortunately, Emily Blunt’s performance as Oppenheimer’s wife, Kitty, did not work for me. The character was not as well-defined in the script as Jean, and while Blunt is a great actress and did her best in the role, her performance falls flat with her limited screen time. The chemistry between Oppenheimer and Kitty never quite works, especially in comparison to his relationship with Jean, but perhaps that was the point.

    Emily Blunt is Kitty Oppenheimer in 'Oppenheimer,' written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
    Emily Blunt is Kitty Oppenheimer in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

    Related Article: ‘Oppenheimer’, ‘The Exorcist’ and More Feature in Universal Pictures’ CinemaCon Presentation

    Oscar Hopes

    Emily Blunt is Kitty Oppenheimer and Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in 'Oppenheimer,' written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
    (L to R) Emily Blunt is Kitty Oppenheimer and Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

    I would imagine that this film will be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars next year. I’d be surprised if Nolan doesn’t get nominated as well for both Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Depending on how the rest of the year shapes up, he’ll probably walk away with at least one of those awards. Nolan’s been nominated five times before and never won, and right now, this seems like the movie and the year where he might actually win.

    I think Cillian Murphy has a great chance of being nominated for Best Actor, and certainly deserves it, but I’m really hoping that Robert Downey Jr. is rewarded for his incredible performance here, as well as his overall body of work. Florence Pugh also has a chance at a Best Supporting Actress nomination, but that will really rely on who the rest of the competition will be. I would also imagine the film will receive several technical nominations as well as cinematography for Hoyte van Hoytema.

    Final Thoughts

    In the end, ‘Oppenheimer’ is another Christopher Nolan masterpiece. A movie that works both as a compelling historical biopic, and an intriguing political thriller with brilliant performances from Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.

    ‘Oppenheimer’ received 9.5 out of 10 stars

    Cillian Murphy (as J. Robert Oppenheimer) and writer, director, and producer Christopher Nolan on the set of 'Oppenheimer.'
    (L to R) Cillian Murphy (as J. Robert Oppenheimer) and writer, director, and producer Christopher Nolan on the set of ‘Oppenheimer.’

    Other Christopher Nolan Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Oppenheimer’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Christopher Nolan Movies on Amazon

    ‘Oppenheimer’ is produced by Syncopy, Universal Pictures, and Atlas Entertainment. It is set to release in theaters on July 21st.

     

  • Movie Review: ‘Barbie’

    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘Barbie,’ which is based on the famous Mattel doll and was co-written by Oscar nominees Greta Gerwig (‘Lady Bird’) and Noah Baumbach (‘Marriage Story’), and directed by Gerwig, opens in theaters on July 21st.

    What is the plot of ‘Barbie’?

    After being expelled from the utopian Barbie Land for being less-than-perfect dolls, Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) go on a journey of self-discovery to the real world.

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    Who is in the cast of ‘Barbie’?

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    Initial Thoughts

    ‘Barbie’ is a surprisingly subversive, entertaining, and hilarious movie that was beautifully shot by director Greta Gerwig. The filmmaker sets a strong tone and Barbie Land is a fully formed universe, however the movie loses a little magic when the characters briefly travel to the “Real World.” Margot Robbie delivers a funny and very emotional performance as Barbie, but it is Ryan Gosling that steals the movie as Ken, delivering a hilarious and also musical over-the-top performance.

    Story and Direction

    Director/Writer Greta Gerwig attends the 'Barbie' Press Junket Photo Call at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.
    Director/Writer Greta Gerwig attends the ‘Barbie’ Press Junket Photo Call at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Photo by Eric Charbonneau.

    The story is fairly simple and begins by introducing us to the colorful and delightful Barbie Land and all of the Barbies and Kens that live within it. We soon meet “Stereotypical Barbie,” (that’s actually what she is referred to in the movie), played by Margot Robbie. Barbie lives a perfect life among the other Barbies, which include President Barbie (Issa Rae), Physicist Barbie (Emma Mackey), Journalist Barbie (Ritu Arya), and even Mermaid Barbie (Dua Lipa), until one day she realizes her life is not as perfect as she thinks. This begins an existential crisis for the character that leads her to Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon), who explains that she must travel to the “Real World,” to find the human who is “playing with her.”

    As Barbie journeys to the real world, she discovers that Ken (Ryan Gosling) has tagged along as his world revolves around Barbie and he would not know what to do without her. But once they arrive, Ken discovers the antiquated idea that men are superior to women. No longer wanting to live in Barbie’s shadow, Ken quickly returns to Barbie Land, suppresses the other Barbies and leads the other Kens to a misogynistic revolution.

    Meanwhile, Barbie discovers her owner, a teenager named Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) who has lost interest in dolls and no longer believes in Barbie’s ideals. Her mother, Gloria (America Ferrera), just happens to work for the CEO of Mattel (Will Ferrell), who is fully aware that something is wrong in Barbie Land as it is causing sales of the toys to go down. Now, it is up to Barbie, Gloria and Sasha to return to Barbie Land, liberate the other Barbies, and put an end to Ken’s evil reign.

    Ryan Gosling as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Ryan Gosling as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    The screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach is quite clever and sets the right tone for a fun summer movie that also tackles a lot of important subjects like female empowerment and toxic masculinity with grace and humor. The film is also not afraid of making fun of itself and the absurdity of a ‘Barbie’ movie, while also taking on the criticisms that Mattel and the doll line have faced over the years and making the case of why Barbie is a good role model for girls. Kudos to Mattel for having the smarts to hire Gerwig and Baumbach (two excellent filmmakers) in the first place and then having the guts to let them make the movie they wanted to make.

    Gerwig began her career as an actress in films like ‘Greenberg,’ ‘The House of the Devil’ and ‘Arthur’ but wrote 2012’s ‘Frances Ha,’ which she also starred in. She made her directorial with ‘Lady Bird,’ which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Director, and followed it with ‘Little Women,’ which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. ‘Barbie’ is a big leap for her from Academy Award nominated movies to summer blockbusters, but the director does it with ease, crafting a completely enjoyable popcorn film, that also makes you think. Gerwig’s independent film background also serves her well as she fills the movies with odd inspirations, from a reference to ‘The Red Shoes’ to the choice of using a particular Indigo Girls song ad nauseum.

    Related Article: Director Greta Gerwig Talks ‘Barbie’

    Margot Robbie as Barbie

    Margot Robbie as Barbie
    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jaap Buitendijk. Copyright: © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.

    It has long been rumored that comedian Amy Schumer was originally tapped to play the title role in ‘Barbie,’ and while I understand what they would have been going for with a “Not Perfect Barbie,” I actually think that message gets across better by casting Margot Robbie in the lead role. Aesthetically she looks perfect, which is why she is called “Stereotypical Barbie,” but Robbie is also an incredible actress, which allows her to chip away at the character’s perfectness and show you who she really is, which is strong and vulnerable at the same time, her greatest strength. Robbie’s performance gets to the heart of the character, and the theme of the movie, which is that every women can be whatever she wants and is in charge of her own destiny. ‘Barbie’ gives Robbie her first chance at leading a blockbuster movie without playing Harley Quinn, and the actress proves that she has a lot of range and is now a big time movie star in her own right too.

    Ryan Gosling as Ken

    Ryan Gosling as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Ryan Gosling as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    While Robbie’s Barbie is definitely the focal point of the film and carries the movie well, she also allows her co-star Ryan Gosling to steal every scene he’s in. Best known for his cool-as-ice public persona and appearing in action dramas like ‘Drive’ or ‘The Gray Man,’ Gosling really gets to use his comedic chops in this film and takes advantage of every opportunity he has to poke fun at the character, while never becoming a cliché. Though his actions are misguided, Gosling reveals his characters’ vulnerability and low self-esteem, which allows the audience to sympathize with the character. Make no mistakes, Ken is the villain of the movie, which is delightful in itself, but Gosling is still likable as the character despite his despicable actions.

    It should also be noted that ‘Barbie’ is partially a musical, and with his dancing background in films like ‘La La Land,’ and of course his history with the ‘Mickey Mouse Club,’ the actor knocks it out of the park in his dance scenes and especially his MTV video like sequence where he sings the opus “Just Ken.” Once Ken “goes bad,” Gosling’s transformation from an innocent lovesick puppy dog to a misogynistic 90’s boyband reject was absolutely brilliant and brings some of the movie’s best laughs. Gosling and Robbie are great together on screen, and clearly understood the tone Gerwig was going for.

    Other Characters

    Margot Robbie as Barbie and Kate McKinnon as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Margot Robbie as Barbie and Kate McKinnon as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    There are so many well-known actors and actress playing different versions of Barbie and Ken that I can’t mention them all, but Issa Rae certainly stood out as President Barbie, as did Kate McKinnon playing Weird Barbie, the doll your older brother got a hold of and put through a woodchipper. Emma Mackey, who is often confused with Robbie in real life, was cleverly cast as Physicist Barbie, and musician Dula Lipa also stands out in a cameo as Mermaid Barbie opposite John Cena’s Mermaid Ken. Two MCU alumni, ‘Secret Invasion’s Kingsley Ben-Adir and ‘Shang-Chi’s Simu Liu also play Kens, but neither are given anything significant to do. While many may not remember, the Mattel line of dolls did introduce two other less popular characters, Allan and Midge, who are played well comedically by Michael Cera and Emerald Fennell, respectively.

    Outside of the Barbie Land characters, America Ferrera and Ariana Greenblatt are both great as Gloria and Sasha, respectively, and their mother/daughter relationship really helps to bring home the message of the movie. Helen Mirren plays the narrator and I can’t think of an actress with more gravitas to voice the role. The script also allows her to add her own funny commentary, including mentioning that Barbie’s eloquent monologue about the pressures of being beautiful would have more weight if not delivered by an actress as aesthetically pleasing as Robbie.

    Issa Rae as Barbie, Scott Evans as Ken, Simu Liu as Ken, Emma Mackey as Barbie and Ncuti Gatwa as Ken in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures.
    (L to R) Issa Rae as Barbie, Scott Evans as Ken, Simu Liu as Ken, Emma Mackey as Barbie and Ncuti Gatwa as Ken in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    However, there were a few “real world” characters that didn’t quite work. Look, it’s always nice to see legendary ‘Cheers’ actress Rhea Pearlman on screen, but she plays the ghost of Barbie creator Ruth Handler, who unexplainably lives on the 7th floor of Mattel’s corporate headquarters. While the actress gives a nice monologue that ties the themes of the movie together at the conclusion, it didn’t seem entirely necessary. The film already asks us to except the idea that Barbie Land and the dolls are real, so trying to also except that ghosts and the afterlife exist seemed a step too far for me.

    I also have to question the casting of Will Ferrell as the CEO of Mattel, as it is basically the same character he played in ‘The Lego Movie,’ which uses a similar storytelling device with the idea that the toys are real and what they do in their world affects ours. Maybe Gerwig was going for a meta-joke with his casting, or perhaps she just wanted to work with Ferrell, who is perfectly fine in the role, but I couldn’t help thinking of the comparisons to ‘The Lego Movie’ and Ferrell’s inclusion took me out of the movie in some moments.

    The Real World is No Fun

    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Which leads to my next point, the “real world” scenes are definitely the low point of the film. Once Barbie and Ken journey to the real world, which is about 30 minutes into the movie, I was worried that the rest of the film would take place there and it would become a “fish out of water” story with Barbie not understanding human concepts like money, or being sexually objectified by men. Unfortunately, those stale jokes are used, but luckily the characters do not stay in the real world for long and the third act takes place back in Barbie Land. I do understand why the characters needed to go to the “real world,” plot wise Ken needed to discover misogyny in order to bring it back to Barbie Land, and while some scenes work, like Ken’s altercation with a female doctor, it’s not the high point of the film and you are grateful when they do return to Barbie Land.

    Barbie Land

    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,'
    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

    The major set piece of the movie is Barbie Land and it comes to life beautifully with eye-popping color and a magical tone. Set designer Sarah Greenwood and decorator Katie Spencer did marvelous work creating a realistic yet magical world and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are rewarded for their work come awards season. Their design for Ken’s Barbie Land is also unique and fabulous, with stallions and heavy metal featured throughout. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran will also likely be on a shortlist come Oscar time with stunning costumes that represent many of Barbie’s iconic looks. But again, the fun is when Ken transforms and his costumes look like a cross between Sylvester Stallone in the 80s and ‘N Sync.

    Is ‘Barbie’ a Kid’s Movie?

    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie.'
    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures.

    No, is the short answer. With a PG-13 rating, some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers, and while they might enjoy the humor, musical numbers, and colorful characters and sets, some of the film’s political and pop culture messages will get lost on a young audience, but its message of love and equality will shine through, even if it is subliminally.

    Final Thoughts

    Director Greta Gerwig has done the impossible … delivered a ‘Barbie’ movie that is an entertaining summer blockbuster, while also being socially important and containing thoughtful, emotional and funny performances. Margot Robbie earns her movie star status producing and starring in this well-made summer tentpole, while Ryan Gosling proves he’s just as funny as he is cool with his hilarious over-the-top performance.

    ‘Barbie’ receives 9 out of 10 stars.

    Kingsley Ben-Adir as Ken, Ryan Gosling as Ken, Margot Robbie as Barbie, Simu Liu as Ken, Ncuti Gatwa as Ken and Scott Evans as Ken in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Kingsley Ben-Adir as Ken, Ryan Gosling as Ken, Margot Robbie as Barbie, Simu Liu as Ken, Ncuti Gatwa as Ken and Scott Evans as Ken in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Barbie:’

    Buy Tickets: ‘Barbie’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Margot Robbie Movies on Amazon

    ‘Barbie’ is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, Heyday Films, LuckyChap Entertainment, and Mattel Films. It is set to release in theaters on July 21st.

     

  • ‘Barbie’ Interview: Director Greta Gerwig

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    Opening in theaters on July 21st is the long-awaited ‘Barbie,’ which is based on the famous Mattel toy and was co-written by Oscar nominees Greta Gerwig (‘Lady Bird’) and Noah Baumbach (‘Marriage Story’), and directed by Gerwig.

    What is the plot of ‘Barbie’?

    After being expelled from the utopian Barbie Land for being less-than-perfect dolls, Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) go on a journey of self-discovery to the real world.

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    Who is in the cast of ‘Barbie’?

    Margot Robbie (‘Babylon‘), Ryan Gosling (‘The Gray Man‘), America Ferrera (‘End of Watch‘), Rhea Perlman (‘Poms‘), Will Ferrell (‘The Lego Movie‘), Kate McKinnon (‘Bombshell‘), Issa Rae (‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse‘), Hari Nef (‘Meet Cute‘), Alexandra Shipp (‘X-Men: Apocalypse‘), Emma Mackey (‘Death on the Nile‘), Sharon Rooney (‘Dumbo‘), Dua Lipa, Nicola Coughlan (‘Bridgerton’), Ana Cruz Kayne (‘Little Women‘), Ritu Arya (‘Polite Society‘), Kingsley Ben-Adir (‘Secret Invasion‘), Simu Liu (‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings‘), Scott Evans (‘Almost Love‘), Ncuti Gatwa (‘The Last Letter from Your Lover‘), John Cena (‘Fast X‘), Helen Mirren (‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods‘), Emerald Fennell (‘The Danish Girl‘), Michael Cera (‘Superbad‘), and Ariana Greenblatt (‘65‘).

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of sitting down in-person with co-writer and director Greta Gerwig to talk about her work on ‘Barbie,’ why she wanted to direct the movie, working with actress and producer Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling’s hilarious performance as Ken.

    'Barbie' co-writer and director Greta Gerwig.
    ‘Barbie’ co-writer and director Greta Gerwig.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch it.

    Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to idea of a Barbie movie, and once you agreed to be a part of the project, what tone and direction did you want to take the film in?

    Greta Gerwig: I had been wanting to work with Margot Robbie and she had the rights and was setting it up with her company at Warner Bros. She came to me and said, “Would you like to write this movie?” I jumped at the chance because it was her, and I was like, “Yes, I would love to.” I was also terrified of it because I was not even sure where to start with a Barbie movie. I think there was something about it that seemed like such a tricky problem to solve that it felt a bit of a puzzle. What’s the vantage point? How do we get into this? Then once Noah and I had written the script together and we had the script, that’s when I thought, “Oh, I love this and I don’t want anyone to direct it but me.” So then I said, “I have to direct it,” and they thank goodness, let me.

    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    MF: What was it like working with Margot Robbie and why was she the right actress to play this specific version of Barbie?

    GG: I mean, Margot’s a dream as a producer, and as an actor, she’s everything. I mean, she can do anything you want 10 times over, backwards in heels. She’s just an extraordinary actress. I always knew it was going to be hers so when we were writing it, I knew it was going to be hers. So that was always in my mind, but I think that as we worked on it, as we started doing rehearsals and started reading, it just changed and got deeper and more dimensional because I started to know her really well as a person, as an actor, and it was something that evolved alongside her.

    Related Article: Greta Gerwig Directing ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ Movie

    Ryan Gosling as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Ryan Gosling as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    MF: Finally, can you talk about Ryan Gosling’s performance as Ken and the direction you wanted to take that character?

    GG: I mean, Ryan is jaw-dropping. He’s incredible in this movie. It’s the same thing I like about Margot is that Ryan is incredibly funny, but he never does it in a way that’s making fun of the character, it’s always inside the character. He takes it very seriously, which is why it’s so funny. I actually also wrote it for him, which I can’t believe still that he said yes because I didn’t know him. He wasn’t sure at first, and then I waited him out and he finally was like, “Oh, they’re not going to leave, they’re still here,” which was me and Margot. We just wouldn’t let him not do it. Yeah, and what he brought to it was just he committed beyond any way I would ever imagine in my wildest dreams he would commit. We texted about it and talked about it for a year before we started shooting. We came up with the idea of his Flo Jo dojo mink. But we were texting back and forth pictures of like, we both love Sylvester Stallone and we were like, “What about this look? What about that look?” Then there’s like a pair of glasses he wears in the movie when he puts on the second pair of glasses that were based on the glasses that the ballet director from ‘The Red Shoes’ wears. So they are these cat eye glasses and they’re just such wonderful glasses. I mean, we went so detailed with it and it was like references we gathered for so long. I was sort of slightly terrified when he showed up. I was like, “What if he doesn’t want to do any of this?” But he showed up and just committed, bleached his hair, did the whole thing, shaved his legs, and then there we were.

    Director/Writer Greta Gerwig attends the 'Barbie' Press Junket Photo Call at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.
    Director/Writer Greta Gerwig attends the ‘Barbie’ Press Junket Photo Call at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Photo by Eric Charbonneau.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Barbie:’

    Buy Tickets: ‘Barbie’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Greta Gerwig Movies on Amazon

    ‘Barbie’ is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, Heyday Films, LuckyChap Entertainment, and Mattel Films. It is set to release in theaters on July 21st.

  • Where To Watch ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’

    Jamie Lee Curtis as Deirdre Beaubeirdre, and Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Quan Wang in A24's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    (L to R) Jamie Lee Curtis as Deirdre Beaubeirdre, and Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Quan Wang in A24’s ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’

    Watch out MCU! There’s a different kind of multiverse in town, complete with hot dog fingers.

    ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ has taken this awards season by storm. The A24 movie won big at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. The film’s leading stars Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan won the Golden Globes for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor respectively, and co-star Jamie Lee Curtis took home the award for Best Supporting Actress. The movie swept at the Screen Actors Guild Awards with Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan being the first Asian actors to win in the film category.

    All (googly) eyes were on ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ as the 95th Academy Awards drew near. The film was nominated for 11 awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Editing. The film won in 7 categories including Best Actress (Michelle Yeoh), Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan), Best Supporting Actress (Jamie Lee Curtis), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture.

    WRQZaCyl9bpOi032c7Ljx4

    In the wild trailer for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, we see Michelle Yeoh (‘Shang-Chi And The Legend Of Ten Rings‘) not just as an exhausted immigrant mother Evelyn Wang, but also as a movie star, a martial artist, and many other variants from different universes.

    The film is written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as “The Daniels” and it is described as “a big-hearted sci-fi adventure about an exhausted Chinese American woman (Michelle Yeoh) who can’t seem to finish her taxes”. And this is just in one universe. Throughout the movie, we meet many variants of the characters from parallel universes as every life choice creates a new alternative universe. Evelyn must work with the Alpha-verse variant Waymond to save the multiverse from Jobu Tupaki, a variant of Evelyn’s daughter, Joy.

    The film also stars Ke Huy Quan (‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom‘) as Waymond Wang, Stephanie Hsu (‘Poker Face‘) as Joy Wang, Jamie Lee Curtis (‘Halloween Ends‘) as IRS inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdre, and James Hong (‘Wendell & Wild‘) as Evelyn’s father.

    Michelle Yeoh at the 95th Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Michelle Yeoh at the 95th Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023. The 95th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT.

    Michelle Yeoh Making History

    We have long enjoyed seeing Michelle Yeoh’s incredible work on the big screen. From executing death-defying stunts in ‘Supercop’ to the poised and formidable Eleanor Young in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, Yeoh has over 60 movie and television credits under her belt. Playing Evelyn Wang in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ gave Yeoh a chance to show off her incredible range. In an interview with the LA Times, she speaks about being approached by The Daniels for the role:

    “The first thing is you feel like, ‘Finally, thank you. You guys see me, you guys really see, and you’re giving me the opportunity to show that I’m capable of doing all this.’ As an actor, you need the opportunity. You need the role that will help you showcase what you are capable to do.”

    Yeoh’s win for outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role at the Screen Actor’s Guild made her the first Asian woman to win in the film category. She is also the first woman to be identified as Asian to be nominated and win for Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards.

    Michelle Yeoh really is everywhere all at once. Catch the Award-winning actress in the upcoming Disney+ series ‘American Born Chinese’ as Quanyin. She’ll also be in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar 3’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beast’, and ‘A Haunting In Venice’

    Ke Huy Quan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Ke Huy Quan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    Related Article: ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Wins (Almost) Everything at the 2023 Oscars

    Ke Huy Quan’s Return To Hollywood

    Many will recognize Ke Huy Quan from his role in the 1984 film ‘Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom’ as Indy’s young companion Short Round. Quan also starred in the 1985 cult classic ‘The Goonies’ as the aspiring inventor Data. So why did Quan stop acting? In an interview with People magazine, the actor said he never intended to stop acting but there weren’t any roles for him.

    “I was waiting for the phone to ring, and it rarely did.”

    With little to no opportunities, Quan made the difficult decision to step away from acting. Instead, he focused on being behind the camera and became an assistant director and stunt coordinator. After seeing ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ he passion for acting reignited and he auditioned for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’. Not only did he land the leading role, he also performed his own stunts in the iconic fight scene in the movie armed with only his fanny pack.

    With his triumphant return and a shiny Oscar statuette, Ke Huy Quan is landing roles left and right, including upcoming Disney+ series ‘Loki’ season two and ‘American Born Chinese’ (alongside EEAAO cast mates Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu), executive produced by Shang-Chi’s Destin Daniel Cretton.

    Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    (L to R) Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Allyson Riggs.

    Where Can I Watch ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once?

    The film premiere on March 11, 2022 at SXSW and had a limited release on March 25, 2022. It released nationwide on April 8, 2022 and has earned $106.7 million worldwide. You can still see the sci-fi action in theaters and it is worth seeing on the big screen. ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ has a total runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ Movie Showtimes

    Watch the official trailer for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ below:

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    When Will It Be Available To Stream Online?

    The movie is available for Showtime subscriber. The subscription starts at $11 a month. Alternatively, you can purchase the digital copy for $19.99 on other platforms.

    Where To Watch: ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’’ Online

    Prefer the own the physical copy? ‘Everything Everywhere All A Once’ is available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray as of July 5, 2022.

    Buy Everything Everywhere All at Once On Amazon

    Michelle Yeoh in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    Michelle Yeoh in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.

    Other Films That Explore The Multiverse

    ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ is more than a multiverse-jumping sci-fi action movie. It also touches on family, relationships, the daily struggle and pressure of running a business. Complete with stunning visions and incredible fight choreography.

    Check out the following films that explore an alternate universe:

    See Michelle Yeoh In Action In These Titles

    Whether she’s gliding effortlessly over the top of trees in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ or jumping universes in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, Michelle Yeoh has been in an extensive and impressive list of movies that is worth checking out:

    Michelle Yeoh in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    Michelle Yeoh in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.

  • Full List of 95th Academy Awards Winners

    Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan pose backstage as the Oscar® winners for Actress and Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    (L to R) Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan pose backstage as the Oscar® winners for Actress and Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    Given the events of last year’s memorable-for-the-wrong-reasons Academy Awards, everyone was likely either hoping for a buzzy reprise or (on the producers’ front) a quiet evening. As it happens, the show tended towards the latter.

    And the viral, memorable moments are mostly going to be remembered for being on the positive side –– Michelle Yeoh’s historic Best Actress win, Ke Huy Quan and Brendan Fraser successfully completing their trophy tours on the biggest stage (with typically emotional responses and standing ovations) and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ proving to be an awards powerhouse still.

    Nominated for 11 Oscars, the indie sci-fi film might not have seemed to be potential Oscar bait; could a movie with dildo fights and hot dog fingers really win over stuffy voters? But win them over it did, taking home seven awards, including the aforementioned acting triumphs, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture. Its cast and crew were universally thrilled with their recognition and pulsed with joy.

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    Elsewhere, it was also a good night for ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’, the World War I movie wining a nice clutch of awards itself. And there were trophies for movies such as ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’, and ‘RRR.’

    The ceremony around those blips of happy success was more mundane, feeling like a safe overcorrection in the wake of Slap gate to ensure things ran smoothly. They did (the show actually finished early), but even with Jimmy Kimmel drawing from the book of Oscar Hosting 101 (he arrived on stage under a parachute having spoofed ‘Maverick’) it was all blandly factory produced.

    Presenter banter was slight and cheesy (enlivened by Elizabeth Banks sharing the stage with an actor in a bear costume and Hugh Grant telling the audience he’s “basically a scrotum” in a gag about moisturizer use while standing next to ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ co-star Andie MacDowell), and things ran on rails. The musical performances ran the gamut from energetic (‘RRR’s “Naatu Naatu”, which would go on to claim the prize) to seeming more like they were set to be performed in a coffee shop (Lady Gaga’s muted, yet still effective “Hold my Hand” which ended with a sweet tribute to original ‘Top Gun’ director Tony Scott).

    It might not have been the most memorable show, but some of the moments will linger longer than the sting of any slap.

    Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant backstage during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    (L to R) Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant backstage during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    Here is the full list of winners…

    BEST PICTURE

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water‘
    ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    ‘Elvis’
    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – WINNER
    ‘The Fabelmans’
    ‘TÁR’
    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
    ‘Triangle Of Sadness‘
    ‘Women Talking’

    Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Quan pose backstage with their Oscar® for Directing during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    (L to R) Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Quan pose backstage with their Oscar® for Directing during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    DIRECTING

    Martin McDonagh – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – WINNER
    Steven Spielberg – ‘The Fabelmans’
    Todd Field – ‘TÁR’
    Ruben Östlund – ‘Triangle of Sadness’

    Oscar® nominee Brendan Fraser arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Oscar® nominee Brendan Fraser arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

    Austin Butler – ‘Elvis’
    Colin Farrell – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    Brendan Fraser – ‘The Whale’ – WINNER
    Paul Mescal – ‘Aftersun’
    Bill Nighy – ‘Living’

    Oscar® nominee Michelle Yeoh arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Oscar® nominee Michelle Yeoh arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

    Cate Blanchett – ‘TÁR’
    Ana de Armas – ‘Blonde’
    Andrea Riseborough – ‘To Leslie’
    Michelle Williams – ‘The Fabelmans’
    Michelle Yeoh – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – WINNER

    Ke Huy Quan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Ke Huy Quan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

    Brendan Gleeson – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    Bryan Tyree Henry – ‘Causeway’
    Judd Hirsch – ‘The Fabelmans’
    Barry Keoghan – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    Ke Huy Quan – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – WINNER

    Oscar® nominee Jamie Lee Curtis arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Oscar® nominee Jamie Lee Curtis arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

    Angela Bassett – ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
    Hong Chau – ‘The Whale’
    Kerry Condon – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    Jamie Lee Curtis – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – WINNER
    Stephanie Hsu – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
    ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’
    ‘Living’
    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
    ‘Women Talking’ – WINNER

    Sarah Polley backstage with the Oscar® for Adapted Screenplay during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Sarah Polley backstage with the Oscar® for Adapted Screenplay during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    Related Article: Final 95th Academy Awards Predictions

    ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

    ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – WINNER
    ‘The Fabelmans’
    ‘TÁR’
    ‘Triangle of Sadness’

    INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ -WINNER
    ‘Argentina, 1985’
    ‘Close’
    ‘EO’
    ‘The Quiet Girl’

    ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

    ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ – WINNER
    ‘Marcel The Shell with Shoes On’
    ‘Puss In Boots: The Last Wish’
    ‘The Sea Beast’
    ‘Turning Red’

    Guillermo del Toro poses backstage with the Oscar® for Animated Feature Film during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Guillermo del Toro poses backstage with the Oscar® for Animated Feature Film during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM

    ‘All That Breathes’
    ‘All the Beauty and the Bloodshed’
    ‘Fire of Love‘
    ‘A House Made of Splinters’
    ‘Navalny’ – WINNER

    COSTUME DESIGN

    ‘Babylon’
    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ – WINNER
    ‘Elvis’
    ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’
    ‘Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris’

    Ruth E. Carter backstage with the Oscar® for Costume Design during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Ruth E. Carter backstage with the Oscar® for Costume Design during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    SOUND

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’
    ‘The Batman’
    ‘Elvis’
    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ – WINNER

    ORIGINAL SCORE

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ – WINNER
    ‘Babylon’
    ‘The Banshees of Inisherin
    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
    ‘The Fabelmans’

    ORIGINAL SONG

    ‘Woman Talking’: “Applause” – Diane Warren
    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’: “Hold My Hand” – Lady Gaga
    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’: “Lift Me Up” – Rihanna
    ‘RRR’: “Naatu Naatu” – WINNER
    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once: “This Is A Life” – Son Lux, Mitski, David Byrne

    Oscar® nominee Rihanna arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Oscar® nominee Rihanna arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
    ‘The Batman’
    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
    ‘Elvis’
    ‘The Whale’ – WINNER

    PRODUCTION DESIGN

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ – WINNER
    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’
    ‘Babylon’
    ‘Elvis’
    ‘The Fabelmans’

    FILM EDITING

    ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    ‘Elvis’
    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – WINNER
    ‘TÁR’
    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

    CINEMATOGRAPHY

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ – WINNER
    ‘Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths’
    ‘Elvis’
    ‘Empire of Light’
    ‘TÁR’

    Oscar® nominee Steven Spielberg arrives with guests on the red carpet of The 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Oscar® nominee Steven Spielberg arrives with guests on the red carpet of The 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    VISUAL EFFECTS

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ – WINNER
    ‘The Batman’
    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

    DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM

    ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ – WINNER
    ‘Haulout’
    ‘How Do You Measure a Year?’
    ‘The Martha Mitchell Effect’
    ‘Stranger at the Gate’

    LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

    ‘An Irish Goodbye’ – WINNER
    ‘Ivalu’
    ‘Le Pupille’
    ‘Night Ride’
    ‘The Red Suitcase’

    ANIMATED SHORT FILM

    ‘The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse’ – WINNER
    ‘The Flying Sailor‘
    ‘Ice Merchants’
    ‘My Year of Dicks’
    ‘An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It’

    Cara Delevingne arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Cara Delevingne arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once:’

    Buy Tickets: ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Everything Everywhere All at Once On Amazon

    The 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    The 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

     

  • Final 95th Academy Awards Predictions

    2023 Academy Award Best Picture nominees.
    2023 Academy Award Best Picture nominees.

    The 95th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 12th and with it will come the end of the 2023 award season.

    Following Will Smith‘s “slap heard around the world” at last year’s Oscar ceremony, the Academy had hoped to get back to normal this year but has already had to deal with the controversy surrounding Andrea Riseborough’s surprise nomination for Best Actress for her performance in ‘To Leslie.’

    With an unusual number of box office hits nominated for Best Picture this year including ‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ Top Gun: Maverick,’ and ‘Elvis,’ and an awards season that has seen several frontrunners emerge but some categories still too close to call, Sunday’s ceremony promises to be an entertaining event, once again hosted by the returning Jimmy Kimmel.

    Below are our predictions for who will win Oscars on Sunday at the 95th Academy Awards. We are only breaking down our predictions for the six major categories, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.

    Let’s Begin!

    BEST PICTURE

    Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    (L to R) Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Allyson Riggs.

    In the Best Picture race, basically three frontrunners have emerged, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once,’ ‘The Banshees of Inisherin,’ and ‘The Fabelmans,’ with ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ and to a lesser degree ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ still in the mix.

    Award season began with ‘Fabelmans’ and ‘Banshees’ both winning Best Picture at the Golden Globes, but since then ‘Everything Everywhere’ has definitely taken the lead winning Best Picture from the Critics Choice, Hollywood Critics Association, Independent Spirit Awards, Screen Actors Guild, and the coveted Producers Guild Award, which is usually a pretty good precursor of who will win Best Picture at the Oscars.

    It is worth mentioning that ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ won Best Picture at the BAFTA‘s, and it is not outside the realm of possibility that it could cause a surprise win, but given the Academy’s dislike for Netflix, I don’t think that will happen. And don’t forget ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ which has been given credit for saving the film industry, and it is possible that Tom Cruise, who would win his first Oscar ever as a producer, and longtime super producer Jerry Bruckheimer will be rewarded by the Academy for their contributions.

    That being said, safe money is certainly still on ‘Everything Everywhere’ taking the top prize, and I would be very surprised if that doesn’t happen.

    Nominees:

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front ’
    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’
    ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    ‘Elvis’
    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
    ‘The Fabelmans’
    ‘TÁR’
    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
    ‘Triangle of Sadness’
    ‘Women Talking’

    Who Will Win: ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    Who Could Win: ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

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    BEST DIRECTOR

    Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert on the set of A24's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    (L to R) Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert on the set of A24’s ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.

    Steven Spielberg began the award season winning Best Director from the Golden Globes, but since then The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) have emerged as the frontrunners winning Best Director from Critics Choice, HCA, Independent Spirit Awards, and the Director’s Guild, which usually correctly predicts the Oscars.

    While Edward Berger won Best Director from the BAFTA’s for ‘All Quiet,’ the chances of him winning are very slim, and director Martin McDonagh’s Oscar night win will most likely come in the Best Original Screenplay category for ‘Banshees.’

    The Daniels biggest competition is still living legend Spielberg, who is the only filmmaker ever to be nominated in 6 different decades, which is ironic since he had a hard time being accepted by the Academy early in his career (He wasn’t even nominated for ‘The Color Purple!’). The Academy may recognize Spielberg for his very personal work on ‘Fabelmans,’ which would be his forth Oscar win for Best Director, tying him with John Ford for most wins of all time.

    But with their DGA win, The Daniels are the safest bet, and if they do win, they will only be the third directing team to win Best Director in Oscar history behind Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins for 1961’s ‘West Side Story,’ and Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (the Coen Brothers) for ‘No Country for Old Men.’

    Nominees:

    Martin McDonagh – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
    Steven Spielberg – ‘The Fabelmans’
    Todd Field – ‘TÁR’
    Ruben Östlund – ‘Triangle of Sadness’

    Who Will Win: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
    Who Could Win: Steven Spielberg – ‘The Fabelmans’

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    BEST ACTOR

    Austin Butler as Elvis in Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama 'Elvis,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Austin Butler as Elvis in Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama ‘Elvis,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Related Article: 2023 Oscar Nominations Announced

    Awards season started off with both Colin Farrell and Austin Butler winning Golden Globes for ‘Banshees’ and ‘Elvis,’ respectively. But since then Brendan Fraser has come on strong winning The Critic’s Choice, HCA, and SAG Awards for his performance in ‘The Whale.’

    ‘Banshees’ won big at the BAFTA’s, but Farrell still lost to Butler, basically eliminating his chances at the Oscars. With Butler’s BAFTA and Fraser’s SAG win, it’s really too close to call, but I feel Butler will most likely take the win.

    Hollywood loves a good comeback story and Fraser’s move from 90’s action star to dramatic actor after several years of obscurity and personal issues is one that the Academy might not ignore. But Butler gave the superior performance, and if Rami Malek can win Best Actor for lip-syncing as Freddy Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘ then Butler deserves the win for actually singing.

    Nominees:

    Austin Butler – ‘Elvis’
    Colin Farrell – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    Brendan Fraser – ‘The Whale’
    Paul Mescal – ‘Aftersun’
    Bill Nighy – ‘Living’

    Who Will Win: Austin Butler – ‘Elvis’
    Who Could Win: Brendan Fraser – ‘The Whale’

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    BEST ACTRESS

    Michelle Yeoh in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    Michelle Yeoh in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.

    By far this is the closest race of the night as Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh are essentially in a dead heat. Both Blanchett and Yeoh started the season strong winning Golden Globes, then Blanchett took the Critics Choice and BAFTA’s, while Yeoh took home HCA, SAG, and Independent Spirit Awards honors.

    Blanchett already has two Oscars, and a third would tie her with Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Frances McDormand for living actor with the most Oscar wins. However, she would still need to win one more to tie with the late Katharine Hepburn for most Oscar wins of all time at four.

    If Yeoh wins, she will be the first Asian woman in history to win Best Actress, and if ‘Everything Everywhere’ goes big on Oscar night, as I think it will, that could help put the actress over the top. Personally, I am rooting for Yeoh to be rewarded for her incredible body of work, and the momentum seems to be on her side going into Sunday.

    Nominees:

    Cate Blanchett – ‘TÁR’
    Ana de Armas – ‘Blonde’
    Andrea Riseborough – ‘To Leslie’
    Michelle Williams – ‘The Fabelmans’
    Michelle Yeoh – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    Who Will Win: Michelle Yeoh – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    Who Could Win: Cate Blanchett – ‘TÁR’

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    BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

    Ke Huy Quan as Waymond Wang in A24's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    Ke Huy Quan as Waymond Wang in A24’s ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’

    If there has been any locked category this season it has definitely been in Best Supporting Actor as Ke Huy Quan has won almost every award there is to win including a Golden Globe, Critics Choice, HCA, Independent Spirit Awards and SAG.

    Yes, Barry Keoghan won the BAFTA, but he is an Irish actor and the BAFTA’s tend to reward Europeans over Americans when they can, so I wouldn’t read too much into that.

    Again, Hollywood loves a comeback story and no one (even Fraser) has a better one than Quan, who after becoming a child star thanks to ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom‘ and ‘The Goonies,’ had to leave acting altogether because of a lack of roles. The actor has returned in a big way, and especially if the movie has a good night, I completely expect Quan to win, which will make him only the second Asian actor in history to do so in this category after Haing S. Ngor‘s win in 1984 for ‘The Killing Fields.’

    Nominees:

    Brendan Gleeson – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    Bryan Tyree Henry – ‘Causeway’
    Judd Hirsch – ‘The Fabelmans’
    Barry Keoghan – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    Ke Huy Quan – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    Who Will Win: Ke Huy Quan – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    Who Could Win: Brendan Gleeson – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

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    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

    Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.

    This may be the most interesting category of the night. After being the frontrunner all season and winning a Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and HCA, Bassett lost the BAFTA to Kerry Condon for ‘Banshees.’ More importantly, she lost the coveted SAG award to Jamie Lee Curtis for ‘Everything Everywhere,’ who hadn’t won an award all season, completely throwing this category into chaos.

    Again, I wouldn’t read too much into Condon’s BAFTA win, but Curtis’ win should be troubling for Bassett, as the SAG Awards are usually a good predictor for the acting categories on Oscar night. However, both actresses have long and distinguished careers, are well respected amongst their peers, and frankly, deserve to win.

    If Bassett wins, she will be only the 23 Black actor to ever win a competitive acting Oscar. She would also make history as the first actor ever to win an Oscar for a Marvel movie, and only the third actor overall to ever win for appearing in a superhero movie, after actors Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix both won for playing the Joker in ‘The Dark Knight‘ and ‘Joker,’ respectively.

    If ‘Everything Everywhere’ has a really big night, Curtis could win in an upset, and she does seem to have more momentum coming off of her big SAG win.

    But I think safe money is still on Bassett, who will not only win for her strong performance and the longevity of her career, but also for the memory of the late ‘Black Panther‘ star Chadwick Boseman. His last opportunity to win an Oscar was taken away by the Academy a few years ago when they awarded Anthony Hopkins for ‘The Father‘ over Boseman’s final performance in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.‘ I think that too will factor in voter’s minds, wanting to right a wrong, and reward Bassett in his memory.

    Nominees:

    Angela Bassett – ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
    Hong Chau – ‘The Whale’
    Kerry Condon – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
    Jamie Lee Curtis – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
    Stephanie Hsu – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    Who Will Win: Angela Bassett – ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    Who Could Win: Jamie Lee Curtis – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

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    Don’t forget to watch the 95th Academy Award ceremony Sunday, March 12th on ABC.

    Oscars Stage
    The 94th Oscars®. Photo credit: Blaine Ohigashi / A.M.P.A.S.

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  • 2023 Oscar Nominations Announced

    Michelle Yeoh in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    Michelle Yeoh in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.

    If anyone was concerned that a film featuring multiverses, sensual use of hot dog fingers and a fight involving butt plugs might be too weird for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, those concerns were put to one side this morning as ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ stormed the Oscar nominations with an impressive 11 nods.

    We’ll wait to see how many of those nominations are converted into wins come Oscar night, but it’s a welcome show of support for the scrappy film that could which has gone on to become a major awards contender, winning plenty for directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert and stars Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, the latter of whom is surely the favorite as Best Supporting Actor. It’s also nice to see fellow co-star Stephanie Hsu up for Best Supporting Actress.

    Elsewhere, fellow front-runners and awards hoovers ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ and ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ got nine nominations each, and both seem likely to take something home. ‘Elvis’ is nipping at their heels with eight, and star Austin Butler remains a potential Best Actor winner.

    Austin Butler as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's 'Elvis.' Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros.
    Austin Butler as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis.’ Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros.

    On the big blockbuster front, it was a case of mixed fortunes, much like the box office of late. ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ both made it into Best Picture and several technical categories, while ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ couldn’t repeat the trick of the first film, cropping up mostly in the likes of costume and make-up, though Angela Bassett has real (and deserved) momentum as Best Supporting Actress.

    Like ‘Wakanda Forever’, ‘The Batman’ is mostly found in the technical side of the nominations while both ‘Babylon’ and ‘Empire of Light’ lingered with just a couple of nods. We’re also sorry to see ‘RRR’ miss out on an International nod, though it is in contention for Best Original Song.

    Among the pleasant surprises? The groundswell of support for Andrea Riseborough in ‘To Leslie’ sees her end up on the Best Actress list and an Animated Film category where you’d be happy with pretty much any of the listed entries winning. Also, Sarah Polley’s ‘Women Talking’ certainly deserves to be sharing Best Picture space with the others in that category (and Adapted Screenplay), even if its acting ensemble perhaps deserved better.

    And disappointments? No sign of ‘Till’s Danielle Deadwyler or anything for ‘Decision to Leave’.

    Here is the full list of nominees:

    BEST PICTURE

    Jake Sully, Ronal, and Tonowari in 20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: The Way of Water.'
    (L to R): Jake Sully, Ronal, and Tonowari in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

    ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

    ‘Elvis’

    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    ‘The Fabelmans’

    ‘TÁR’

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

    ‘Triangle Of Sadness‘

    ‘Women Talking’

    DIRECTING

    Martin McDonagh – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

    Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    Steven Spielberg – ‘The Fabelmans’

    Todd Field – ‘TÁR’

    Ruben Östlund – ‘Triangle of Sadness’

    ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

    Austin Butler – ‘Elvis’

    Colin Farrell – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

    Brendan Fraser – ‘The Whale’

    Paul Mescal – ‘Aftersun’

    Bill Nighy – ‘Living’

    ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

    Cate Blanchett – ‘TÁR’

    Ana de Armas – ‘Blonde’

    Andrea Riseborough – ‘To Leslie’

    Michelle Williams – ‘The Fabelmans’

    Michelle Yeoh – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

    Brendan Gleeson in the film 'The Banshees of Inisherin.'
    Brendan Gleeson in the film ‘The Banshees of Inisherin.’ Photo by Jonathan Hession. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.

    Brendan Gleeson – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

    Bryan Tyree Henry – ‘Causeway’

    Judd Hirsch – ‘The Fabelmans’

    Barry Keoghan – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

    Ke Huy Quan – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

    Angela Bassett – ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    Hong Chau – ‘The Whale’

    Kerry Condon – ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

    Jamie Lee Curtis – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    Stephanie Hsu – ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

    ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’

    ‘Living’

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

    ‘Women Talking’

    ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

    ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    ‘The Fabelmans’

    ‘TÁR’

    ‘Triangle of Sadness’

    INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

    Felix Kammerer in 'All Quiet on the Western Front.'
    Felix Kammerer in ‘All Quiet on the Western Front.’ Credit: Reiner Bajo.

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

    ‘Argentina, 1985’

    ‘Close’

    ‘EO’

    ‘The Quiet Girl’

    ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

    ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’

    ‘Marcel The Shell with Shoes On’

    ‘Puss In Boots: The Last Wish’

    ‘The Sea Beast’

    ‘Turning Red’

    DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM

    ‘All That Breathes’

    ‘All The Beauty and the Bloodshed’

    ‘Fire of Love‘

    ‘A House Made of Splinters’

    ‘Navalny’

    COSTUME DESIGN

    ‘Babylon’

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    ‘Elvis’

    ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’

    ‘Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris’

    SOUND

    Batman fighting the police
    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

    ‘The Batman’

    ‘Elvis’

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

    ORIGINAL SCORE

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

    ‘Babylon’

    ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    ‘The Fabelmans’

    ORIGINAL SONG

    ‘Woman Talking’: “Applause” – Diane Warren

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’: “Hold My Hand” – Lady Gaga

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’: “Lift Me Up” – Rihanna, Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Goransson

    ‘RRR’: “Naatu Naatu” – M.M. Keeravaani and Chandrabose

    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once: “This Is A Life” – Son Lux, Mitski, David Byrne

    MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

    ‘The Batman’

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    ‘Elvis’

    ‘The Whale’

    PRODUCTION DESIGN

    Margot Robbie plays Nellie LaRoy in 'Babylon' from Paramount Pictures.
    Margot Robbie plays Nellie LaRoy in ‘Babylon’ from Paramount Pictures.

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

    ‘Babylon’

    ‘Elvis’

    ‘The Fabelmans’

    FILM EDITING

    ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

    ‘Elvis’

    ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

    ‘TÁR’

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

    CINEMATOGRAPHY

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

    ‘Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths’

    ‘Elvis’

    ‘Empire of Light’

    ‘TÁR’

    VISUAL EFFECTS

    Tom Cruise in Top Gun 2
    Tom Cruise plays Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ from Paramount Pictures, Skydance and Jerry Bruckheimer Films.

    ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

    ‘The Batman’

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

    DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM

    ‘The Elephant Whisperers’

    ‘Haulout’

    ‘How Do You Measure a Year?’

    ‘The Martha Mitchell Effect’

    ‘Stranger at the Gate’

    LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

    ‘An Irish Goodbye’

    ‘Ivalu’

    ‘Le Pupille’

    ‘Night Ride’

    ‘The Red Suitcase’

    ANIMATED SHORT FILM

    ‘The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse’

    ‘The Flying Sailor’

    ‘Ice Merchants’

    ‘My Year of Dicks’

    ‘An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It’

    The 95th Oscars are set to air live, March 12th, on ABC.

    Va5ErdAG

  • Apple Debuts ‘Emancipation’ Teaser Trailer

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    Apple probably thought it was on to a stone-cold awards contender with Antoine Fuqua’s latest, ‘Emancipation’.

    With Will Smith starring in the stirring based-on-truth story of Peter, a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom, it looked like it could be Oscar bait.

    But then came Oscar night back in March. And the “slap heard around the world”. You might have heard of it.

    For anyone who has been living under a rock, it all went down when Chris Rock took the stage at the Academy Awards to present Best Documentary. He made a number of jokes, including one directed at Jada Pinkett-Smith that referred to her bald head.

    Given that Pinkett-Smith has alopecia, the joke was seen in poor taste and Smith, after initially chuckling, then took the stage and slapped Rock. Upon his return to his seat, he shouted, “keep my wife’s mouth out of your f*****g mouth” more than once.

    It shocked the audience, and the wider watching world, and Smith returned to the stage later in the evening to collect Best Actor for ‘King Richard’. Yet the ramifications continued well after the night itself.

    Smith issued apologies, while Rock mostly talked about it during stand-up shows in the months following. The Academy went the disciplinary route, banning Smith from its events for a decade, but letting him keep his award.

    Will Smith stars in Apple's 'Emancipation,' directed by Antoine Fuqua.
    Will Smith stars in Apple’s ‘Emancipation,’ directed by Antoine Fuqua.

    Which brings us back to ‘Emancipation’, which was announced back in 2020 and quickly snapped up by Apple.

    The historical story and triumph of the human spirit must’ve been a big appeal to Apple – and the presence of Smith, especially when he was Oscar-nominated for ‘King Richard’, just added to that.

    Yet now the company faces the uphill struggle of releasing the movie in the wake of the Academy Awards incident, with a star who couldn’t collect his Oscar even if he’s nominated or wins.

    Still, there is a lot that is compelling about this one: When Peter showed his bare back during an Army medical examination, photos were taken of the scars from a whipping delivered by an overseer on the plantation owned by John and Bridget Lyons that nearly killed the slave. When the photo known as “the scourged back” was published by the Independent in May 1863 and then ‘Harper’s Weekly’s July 4 issue, it became indisputable proof of the cruelty and barbarity of slavery in America. The photo reached around the world, and legend has it that it made countries like France refuse to buy cotton from the South. It solidified the cause of abolitionists and prompted many free blacks to join the Union Army.

    “It was the first viral image of the brutality of slavery that the world saw,” Fuqua told Deadline when the movie was originally confirmed. “Which is interesting, when you put it into perspective with today and social media and what the world is seeing, again. You can’t fix the past, but you can remind people of the past and I think we have to, in an accurate, real way. We all have to look for a brighter future for us all, for everyone. That’s one of the most important reasons to do things right now, is show our history. We have to face our truth before we can move forward.”

    Facing some hard truths will reach beyond the movie’s narrative.

    With Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Gilbert Owuor, Mustafa Shakir, Steven Ogg, Grant Harvey, Ronnie Gene Bivens, Jayson Warner Smith also in the cast, the movie will be in theaters on December 2nd and lands on Apple TV+ on December 9th.

    Will Smith stars in Apple's 'Emancipation,' directed by Antoine Fuqua.
    Will Smith stars in Apple’s ‘Emancipation,’ directed by Antoine Fuqua.
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  • Will Smith Posts Video About the Oscar Slap

    The “slap heard about the world” continues to resonate with repercussions.

    Months after March 27th’s Academy Awards, people are still talking about the incident between comedian/actor Chris Rock and movie star Will Smith.

    While the Oscars had been proceeding normally – the first full, in-person ceremony since the pandemic began – events took a turn when Chris Rock arrived on stage to present Best Documentary and in his presenter’s remarks made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.

    Seemingly unaware that Pinkett smith had been dealing with alopecia for years, Rock made a joke comparing her to the main character in ‘G.I. Jane’ and, after briefly laughing, Will Smith got to his feet, marched on stage and slapped Rock. As he retook his seat, Smith yelled, “keep my wife’s name out of your f*****g mouth”, stunning the audience that might have thought it was a comedy bit set up by the Academy, its writers and the two performers.

    Smith would go on to win Best Actor for ‘King Richard’ that same evening, but the fallout has included Smith leaving the Academy (and the organization banning him from its events for a decade) and Smith largely staying quiet, out of the public eye.

    Will Smith photo courtesy of YouTube.
    Will Smith photo courtesy of YouTube.

    He has returned via his YouTube channel, answering questions about the event. And, in one particular segment, he apologized to Rock and his family.

    “I was fogged out by that point. It is all fuzzy. I’ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he’s not ready to talk. When he is, he will reach out. I will say to you, Chris, I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable and I am here whenever you are ready to talk. I want to apologize to Chris’s mother. I saw an interview she did, and that was one of the things I just didn’t realize. I wasn’t thinking, but how many people got hurt in that moment.”

    “I want to apologize to Chris’ mother, I want to apologize to Chris’s family, specifically Tony Rock. We had a great relationship. Tony Rock was my man. This is probably irreparable. I spent the last three months replaying and understanding the nuance and complexity of what happened in that moment. I’m not going to try to unpack all of that right now, but I can say to all of you, there is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment. No part of me that thinks that is the optimal way to handle a feeling of disrespect or insult.”

    Smith also covered whether Pinkett Smith prompted him to act: “No. I made a choice on my own, from my own experience, and my history with Chris. Jada had nothing to do with it. I’m sorry, babe, and I want to say sorry to my kids and my family for the heat that I brought on all of us.”

    Finally, he offered his perspective and what he intends to do now. “Two things. One, disappointing people is my central trauma. I hate when I let people down, so it hurts me psychologically and emotionally that I didn’t live up to peoples’ image and impression of me,” he admits.

    “The work I am trying to do is, I am deeply remorseful and I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself. I’m human and I made a mistake and I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of shit so I would say to those people, I know it was confusing, I know it was shocking, but I promise you I am deeply devoted and committed to putting light and love and joy into the world,” Smith continues. “If you hang on, I promise we will be able to be friends again.”

    Will Smith accepts the Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role
    Will Smith accepts the Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the live ABC telecast of the 94th Oscars® at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Photo Credit: Blaine Ohigashi / A.M.P.A.S.

  • Jada Pinkett Smith Comments on the Will Smith/Chris Rock Oscar Incident

    Jada Pinkett Smith
    Jada Pinkett Smith arrives on the red carpet of the 94th Oscars® at the Dolby Theatre at the Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Photo: Michael Baker / A.M.P.A.S.

    The incident that occurred at the Oscars on March 27 this year between Chris Rock and Will Smith continues to cause ripples in pop culture.

    And while Smith’s wife, actor Jada Pinkett Smith hasn’t really commented about what happened on the night, she has now opened up about it on her Facebook Watch talk show ‘Red Table Talk’.

    “This is a really important Red Table Talk on alopecia,” Pinkett Smith said at the top of this week’s show. “Considering what I’ve been through with my own health and what happened at the Oscars, thousands have reached out to me with their stories. I’m using this moment to give our alopecia family an opportunity to talk about what it’s like to have this condition and to inform people about what alopecia actually is.”

    Directly addressing what happened, Pinkett Smith continued, “Now about Oscar night, my deepest hope is that these two intelligent, capable men have an opportunity to heal, talk this out and reconcile,” she said. “The state of the world today, we need them both. And we all actually need one another more than ever. Until then, Will and I are continuing to do what we have done for the last 28 years, and that’s keep figuring out this thing called life together. Thank you for listening.”

    She went on to discuss the impact of alopecia and had guests whose lives have been impacted by the condition, including Niki Ball, whose daughter committed suicide after being bullied for her appearance.

    For the benefit of anyone who might not be aware of what occurred on Oscar night this year, presenter Chris Rock, who was onstage to announce the winner of the Best Documentary Feature award, started joking about people in the audience.

    Chris Rock at the Oscars
    Chris Rock presents the Oscar® for Documentary Feature during the live ABC telecast of the 94th Oscars® at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Photo Credit: Blaine Ohigashi / A.M.P.A.S.

    Amongst his targets was Pinkett Smith, who has struggled for years with alopecia and attended the event with a shaved head. “Jada, I love ya,” Rock said, reportedly unaware of her condition. “G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it. All right?” Though Smith initially laughed uncomfortably at the joke, Pinkett Smith was clearly unamused.

    Things took a turn when Smith marched on stage and slapped Rock. The audience was at first wondering whether it was a comedy bit the pair had planned, though soon become convinced otherwise when Smith returned to his seat and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth!” more than once.

    Though Smith would be back on stage later that evening to collect the Best Actor award for ‘King Richard’, the fallout continued to spread past the night.

    The Academy board convened to discuss disciplinary action against the actor, but Smith got the jump on them and resigned from the Academy. He was still handed a decade-long ban from any events around the Oscars.

    Smith has since apologized for his actions, saying in part, “I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us,” though debates have raged as to whether he was right to do what he did.

    Since that apology, Smith has kept a low profile as projects he was attached to quietly returned to development limbo.

    Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith
    Oscar® nominee Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith arrives on the red carpet of the 94th Oscars® at the Dolby Theatre at the Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Photo: Michael Baker / A.M.P.A.S.