Oscar nominations to root for

Spotlight-Movie

“Spotlight”: the best film of 2015. Image copyright Anonymous Content/First Look Media.

As we prepare for the Oscar nominations tomorrow morning (January 14), here are some things I’m hoping for:

  1. The Academy will finally take advantage of the larger group of best-film nominees (up to 10) to include a foreign-language film or documentary. I’m hoping for Among the Believers.
  2. Everest will get a nod for best cinematography. Although it’s in my top 10 for the year, it’s been largely ignored by critics. I understand their rejection of its acting and writing, but it’s technically superb and should be recognized for its visual splendor.
  3. Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies will be nominated for best film. It’s my second favorite of the year, behind only Spotlight. Directors of both flicks are deserving of best-director nods.
  4. Anomalisa, second just to Inside Out among my favorite animated movies of 2015, deserves a nomination for best animated film.
  5. Despite receiving rave reviews, The End of the Tour has been largely ignored by awards shows so far. That needs to end now with a nomination for Jason Segel as best supporting actor.
  6. The same could be said for Mr. Holmes. Although not as good as The End of the Tour, the movie is notable for Ian McKellen’s great performance, and he should be among the names read in the best-actor category. (If the category is already too crowded, ditch Trumbo’s Bryan Cranston, whose performance was overrated and awkwardly self-conscious.)
  7. Similarly snubbed so far in the acting categories of other awards shows is Elizabeth Banks. She was superb in Love & Mercy, as was Paul Dano. They both deserve supporting nominations.
  8. Lastly, I’d like to see at least two acting nominations for Spotlight: Mark Ruffalo and, well, pick one (other than Rachel McAdams).
Comments
2 Responses to “Oscar nominations to root for”
  1. Paul says:

    Superb writing as always, Cameron. I am with you in your picks.

  2. Cameron Meier says:

    Sadly, only #3 (sort of) and #4 happened. Most puzzling is Alicia Vikander’s nomination in the supporting category and far too much love for “Mad Max.”