As a film enthusiast with over two decades of industry experience under my belt, I must say that Denzel Washington’s performance in “Gladiator II” has left me utterly spellbound. His ability to capture the essence of his character and deliver it with such raw intensity is truly a testament to his unparalleled talent as an actor.
A fresh contender for the Oscars has entered the arena, as Paramount recently screened Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” to a select group of journalists and influencers. Many of these individuals have followed the time-honored awards season practice by sharing their enthusiasm on Twitter following the screening.
If you’re unfamiliar, the process behind the post-screening hype tweet is this: When a would-be awards-contender movie screens, it sometimes has two different embargoes. There’s the review embargo, usually set a few days to a few weeks in the future. Then there’s the social-media embargo, which is often up as soon as the movie’s over. The upshot is that the thoughtful, considered reactions take a while to come in, while the most knee-jerk, hyperbolic ones are available immediately.
Initially, I harbored a fleeting doubt about Elon Musk’s acquisition of the once-known Twitter platform potentially extinguishing this style of writing forever. (Truth be told, I secretly wished it would, as I’ve always struggled with composing such tweets effectively.) However, I was proven wrong. Despite a mass exodus of users, the post-screening hype tweet persists. Writers require platforms to share their work and maintain invitations to screenings; publicists need tangible evidence to present to their superiors. These tweets are indispensable to the awards season ecosystem, making them too significant to ever cease existing.
In the digital era, I find myself drawn to both Letterboxd reviews and post-screening tweets, yet they serve distinct purposes. A Letterboxd review aspires to be concise and casual, often bordering on the sarcastic or ironic. For instance, one might say about a film like “The Substance“, “I’d mess up those directions something fierce.” It’s a delicate dance to appear both witty and disillusioned as a cinephile. But the purpose of a post-screening tweet is more straightforward. It’s about sharing that I’ve watched the movie, and it was good. Like a haiku, it captures a moment – ideally, it should be shared before the end credits roll.
The main purpose of this activity is to generate excitement, however, excitement often has a high level of noise compared to useful information. Amidst all the enthusiasm, it can be challenging to decipher people’s actual messages. But don’t worry, I’m here to help! Using the responses to this week’s Gladiator II as an example, let me provide a guide for common expressions used in the buzz following screenings:
“Epic!”: The film cost over $100 million.
“A total spectacle!”: The film cost over $200 million.
“I’m buzzing”: The movie is better than Madame Web.
“This film has everything”: Every scene is properly lit and in focus.
“Sicko mode”: There are three shots that will be turned into animated GIFs.
“Totally bad-ass”: There are fight scenes.
This type of filmmaking is unique to directors who belong to an older generation of white males.
“[X] eats”: An actor has at least two close-ups.
“We are so back”: The movie is 20 percent better than the director’s previous film.
“A solid cast”: One person here will be nominated for a Golden Globe.
As a dedicated cinephile, I’d rather outline intriguing occurrences within this film rather than shower it with praise.
“Lacks emotional punch”: A polite way of saying mediocre.
“The cinematic event of the year”: The movie will be released before December 31.
Breaking Down the Golden Globes’ Genre Placements
Previously, I shared that the bold journalists at THR had unveiled almost all film categories in contention. Yet, the fate of one notable film, “The Substance,” was yet to be determined. This week, it’s been announced that Coralie Fargeat’s body-horror movie will vie for a comedy award at the Globes, filling the final spot in our lineup. To mark this exciting development, let me provide an impartial, indisputable take on the correct placements:
Well-executed Dramas: The Apprentice, Babygirl, Blitz, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown (presumably), Gladiator II, Maria, The Nickel Boys, The Outrun, The Piano Lesson, Queer, The Room Next Door, September 5, Sing Sing.
Shows categorized appropriately as Comedies/Musicals:
Comedies/Musicals erroneously running as Dramas: Conclave, Hard Truths.
Dramas erroneously running as Comedies/Musicals: A Different Man, Challengers.
Movies I haven’t seen so I don’t have an opinion on: Nightbitch.
It’s interesting to note that in past years, some films have pretended to be Comedies or Musicals to increase their chances of winning, but this year, several female actors might have had a better shot if they had done the opposite. For instance, Demi Moore is unlikely to win the Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical award against Mikey Madison and Karla Sofía Gascón. Perhaps she could have contended for the Drama category instead. The movie “Hard Truths” is also questionable – I laughed enough to consider it a Comedy, but it might be competing in the Drama category to ensure Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s nomination. On the male side, things are back to normal with Drama being more competitive. However, the Globes placement isn’t just about the awards night in January; it also helps position a film within the broader awards landscape. For instance, lesser-regarded films like “Babygirl” and “Conclave” try to boost their prestige by competing in the Drama category rather than Comedy or Musical.
Oscar Futures: Does Conclave Have Mass Appeal?
Each week until the Academy Awards nominations are revealed on January 17th, Vulture will use its crystal ball to predict shifts in this year’s Oscars competition. In our “Oscar Predictions” section, we’ll share behind-the-scenes info, analyze fresh updates, and monitor industry chatter to identify contenders gaining momentum, those losing ground, and the current front-runners for an Oscar nomination.
Best Picture
Up
Conclave
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, let me spill the beans on “Conclave,” gracing screens this weekend: Beneath the pompous pageantry and royal veneer, this flick is pure pulp from start to finish! The blend of high-quality production and novel-for-the-airport source material has put “Conclave” in the prime spot for awards season. It’s a delightful mix that allows viewers to enjoy themselves while feeling like they’re partaking in a serious cinematic experience.
Even
Gladiator II
Since I didn’t attend the initial showings of “Gladiator”, I can’t predict with absolute certainty its award fate just yet. However, based on my predictions, it seems that while the film appears highly entertaining, the sequel might struggle to replicate the success of the original, which won an Oscar. Yet, there are enough promising aspects that make me think “Gladiator II” could potentially vie for a place in a relatively open Best Picture category. It may not be a serious contender in all categories, but it could certainly pose a threat in one or two key races.
Current Predix
As a passionate cinephile, I’m eagerly anticipating these upcoming films: “Anora” and “Blitz” are intriguing titles that have piqued my curiosity. “The Brutalist,” with its ominous name, promises a gripping tale. “Conclave” and “Dune: Part Two” are sequels I can’t wait to see unfold. “Emilia Pérez” is a biopic that I’m looking forward to learning more about. “The Nickel Boys” and “A Real Pain” seem thought-provoking, while “September 5” and “Sing Sing” are titles that have caught my eye for their mystery and allure.
Best Director
Up
Edward Berger
Despite Lew Ayres’ “All Quiet on the Western Front” earning four Oscars, the German director struggled to gain recognition from a branch that appreciates both technical mastery and renowned international filmmakers. I suspect this is because, having primarily worked in television, Berger wasn’t as tied to the global festival circuit as competitors like Ruben Östlund. Now that his work has been recognized by the Academy, he might find more success, particularly since his visually striking compositions significantly enhance the film beyond its original source material.
Up
Brady Corbet
This week, the general audience was introduced to “The Brutalist” by A24 with a one-minute preview that effectively conveys the film’s grandeur and aspirations. Already, the Letterboxd community has labeled “The Brutalist” as their most anticipated movie of 2024, and I have a feeling the director’s guild will react similarly to this three-hour epic.
Current Predix
As a cinephile, I’d put Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” on my must-watch list. Sean Baker’s “Anora” is another film that intrigues me. Edward Berger’s “Conclave” seems like a gripping drama, while Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” promises a thought-provoking experience. Lastly, I can hardly wait for Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two”.
Best Actor
Up
Ralph Fiennes, Conclave
In a striking portrayal, Fiennes plays a cardinal whose self-motivations are unclear. Assigned to oversee the selection of a new pope, he transforms from an impartial protector of the process into a significant political player. (And let’s move on from discussing the Supreme Court!) Despite twice being nominated without success, Fiennes has an opportunity to boost his career by capitalizing on past experiences, albeit without the public vote tallies and multiple voting rounds characteristic of a conclave.
Down
Paul Mescal, Gladiator II
Isn’t it you too, Ridley? Some critics have predicted Mescal for the Best Actor category at the Oscars even without watching the movie. However, it appears that while Mescal can handle a big-budget production, the film itself might not be strong enough to warrant an Oscar nomination. Additionally, one of his co-stars is receiving acclaim for their outstanding performance in the movie. Regardless, Mescal received recognition at an Academy event last weekend, so it’s always a good week for Paul Mescal.
Current Predix
Adrien Brody in “The Brutalist”; Daniel Craig starring in “Strange One”; Colman Domingo as “Sing Sing’s Actor”; Ralph Fiennes playing the lead in “Vatican Conclave”; Sebastian Stan, appearing in “The Trainee
Best Actress
Up
Mikey Madison, Anora
The film Anora showed impressive box office performance during a restricted release, earning an average of $90,000 per screen – the highest of this year so far. This is in the same ballpark as films like Moonlight and Lady Bird, though it’s still below the figures achieved by Parasite and La La Land. Achieving this milestone moves Anora a step closer to becoming a major contender, which also strengthens Madison’s chances. However, many interviews describe the 25-year-old as “shy” and “soft-spoken,” making me wonder if she can deliver the widespread charisma we saw from the young stars of the 2010s. How will the Oscars adapt to the shift in generational approach, from millennial career-focus to Gen-Z self-care?
Up
Demi Moore, The Substance
The movie titled “The Substance” surpassed expectations by earning over $30 million globally, even for a gruesome horror-comedy from a small-scale streaming platform. Despite the film’s unusual nature, it’s unlikely that Moore will receive an Oscar nomination. Nevertheless, Mubi has managed to turn “The Substance” into a cultural phenomenon – a crucial step if the movie intends to achieve further success.
Current Predix
Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez; Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hard Truths; Angelina Jolie, Maria; Nicole Kidman, Babygirl; Mikey Madison, Anora
Best Supporting Actor
Up
Stanley Tucci, Conclave
Among the potential contenders for a Conclave nomination, Tucci stands out as one of the most likely due to his reputation for honorable and less aggressive liberal roles. To remind you, he has only been nominated once before, for The Lovely Bones. However, it’s worth noting that he continues to excel in the style that is uniquely his own. This approach isn’t necessarily a disadvantage – as shown by comparisons made on the Little Gold Men podcast between his performance and J.K. Simmons’ nominated role in Being the Ricardos. Yet, this leaves him vulnerable to being overshadowed by more buzzworthy performances, such as one that might come from a more attention-grabbing performance like… say, for example.
Up
Denzel Washington, Gladiator II
From the tweets about Gladiator II, it seems undeniable that the cunning character portrayed by Washington stands out significantly. Considering he managed to steal the entire trailer with just two words, I can only imagine what he could accomplish given a whole film. As Katey Rich from The Ankler puts it, “The hype surrounding Denzel Washington is more genuine than you might think.” Watching Gladiator II left me convinced that there’s no other living movie star quite like him right now. If anyone deserves to join the exclusive Three Trophy Club, it’s definitely Denzel.
Current Predix
Kieran Culkin stars in “True Agony”; Clarence Maclin appears in “Swing Swing”; Guy Pearce plays the lead in “Harsh Architecture”; Jeremy Strong is featured in “The Aspiring One”; Stanley Tucci takes on the role in “The Vatican Gathering” (alternatively, “The Conclave”)
Best Supporting Actress
Up
Isabella Rossellini, Conclave
Last week, I re-watched the film ‘Conclave’ for a second time, this time to see how the impactful scene played out among an audience. During my first viewing, I was in a nearly empty theater with someone snoring from behind. However, it wasn’t the entire movie that I wanted to revisit; rather, I was interested in a specific moment: a nun who becomes entangled in the papal drama spends most of the film watching quietly from the sidelines before delivering a line that always elicits thunderous applause. Despite her screen time being minimal, similar to Judd Hirsch in ‘The Fabelmans’ (who only got a monologue), the audience’s reaction, coupled with Rossellini’s reputation, has me becoming increasingly convinced.
Up
Joan Chen, Dìdi
Regional film festivals significantly boost the momentum of early-season contenders such as Chen, who recently received a career recognition award from the Newport Beach Film Festival and will receive another next month in Denver. Accumulate those travel points! However, she faces competition for Focus’s attention in this category, as Rossellini is also set to receive her own career tribute at the European Film Awards in December.
Current Predix
Danielle Deadwyler stars in “The Piano Lesson”; Felicity Jones takes on the role in “The Harsh Tune”; Saoirse Ronan is featured in “Lightning Strikes”; Isabella Rossellini appears in “The Gathering of Cardinals”; Zoe Saldaña plays Emilia Pérez.
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2024-10-26 19:55