How Best Picture Nominees Like ‘Conclave’ and ‘Emilia Perez’ Feel Different Under a Trump Presidency

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“Election season is not for the weak.”

Remarkably, the statement within the Telluride Film Festival brochure from last autumn could hardly have foreseen the direct manner in which German filmmaker Edward Berger’s gripping papal drama “Conclave” would resonate with our contemporary election period.

The opening scene of Berger’s eight-time Oscar-nominated movie unfolds with the unexpected demise of its fictional pontiff, with Ralph Fiennes portraying Cardinal Lawrence overseeing democratic elections to select a new leader. Recently, in an alternate America under President Biden’s leadership, filmgoers at Telluride were drawn into a narrative set within Vatican intrigues, as progressive popes confronted prejudice, and concepts like feminism and a modern embrace of gender fluidity permeated the movie’s predominantly male context, seemingly echoing our nation’s ongoing debates.

In his review for the movie “EbMaster,” Peter Debruge astutely highlighted the film’s relevance to current events: “Berger, though German, seemed to have a clear understanding of the political landscape in America today as portrayed in ‘Conclave,'” Debruge wrote. “The cardinals in this movie are grappling with division and can choose either unity or hatred. Despite the character played by Fiennes appearing despondent at times, the way events unfold feels almost prophetic, like a prayer being answered.” The novel that Robert Harris’ screenplay is based on, published in 2016, coincided with Donald Trump launching his first presidential campaign. Unfortunately, the optimistic outcome depicted in the movie didn’t materialize in reality during the year 2024. However, the powerful themes of the top 10 Best Picture nominees, including “Conclave,” which were initially conceived under a more hopeful vision for the future, ended up reflecting our current societal challenges even more vividly.

Notably, “Conclave” isn’t the only film among the nominees directed by a non-American director that offers insights into American values during the Trump era. Another example is “The Substance,” directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat. This film, which earned a surprise nomination and features bold performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, primarily addresses the devaluation of aging women in Hollywood. However, it also delves into the broader issue of the undervaluing of women by patriarchal systems. The character played by Dennis Quaid, an industry mogul named Harvey, serves as a chilling reminder of men who may have their own “Access Hollywood” tapes. Originally premiered in Cannes last May, “The Substance” served as a stark reminder of how far we still needed to progress in our treatment of women. When revisited today, the horror portrayed feels even more palpable and distressing.

Another unexpected nominee for Best Picture is the decades-long and breathtaking Brazilian epic “I’m Still Here,” which chronicles a family’s tragedy during Brazil’s dictatorship starting from the 1970s. The film, centered around matriarch Eunice Paiva (nominated for Best Actress Fernanda Torres), not only exposes the harsh realities of totalitarian rule but also serves as a preservation effort to keep the nation’s historical past alive for future generations. In essence, it functions as a historical artifact, offering a stark reminder of the horrors that once existed. As director Walter Salles stated after the film’s premiere at the Venice festival: “We initially believed we were telling a tale from the past, but we soon recognized that it also served as a mirror to our current times.

The potential for awards success for “Emilia Pérez,” directed by Jacques Audiard, could be affected due to controversial tweets from lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón. However, the film made history with Gascón becoming the first openly trans best actress nominee at the Oscars. Despite ongoing criticisms about the portrayal of Mexico and trans experiences in the film from both the Hispanic and trans communities, the innovative operatic musical, featuring a standout performance by Zoe Saldaña, resonated with audiences due to its inclusivity. Although these inclusive qualities may no longer define the film’s legacy, the mainstream Oscar nomination of a trans actress is significant in a broader context, particularly following Trump’s executive order that only recognizes two genders, male and female, and denies the existence of gender transition or nonbinary identities.

In other locations, Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar-nominated film “Dune: Part Two” underscores the risks of trusting ambitious leaders who abuse their power, distorting social structures and exploiting vulnerable individuals towards devastation. This theme resonates disturbingly with current events.

Although it’s a lively, vibrant, and musical production, Jon M. Chu’s widely acclaimed “Wicked,” which earned 10 Oscar nominations, has become one of our most pressing stories in the second Trump era. As Debruge’s review notes, this tale carries a timeless criticism of division, fascism, and fear of others, which resonates particularly deeply following the presidential election. In Chu’s own words, the film portrays “a captivating leader who manipulates a community into believing that a woman is wicked simply because she champions the rights of marginalized groups in society.

In the cinematic works of RaMell Ross (“Nickel Boys”) and Sean Baker (“The Florida Project,” or simply “Anora”), marginalized communities take center stage, with both films earning multiple Oscar nominations. “Nickel Boys” presents a visionary perspective, while “Anora” reimagines the classic Cinderella tale from an unconventional angle.

In a unique and powerful way, Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s 2019 novel, “The Nickel Boys,” vividly portrays the harsh realities of Jim Crow era America from a profoundly Black perspective, revolutionizing cinematic storytelling. The film’s relevance today is undeniable as racism continues to be an ongoing issue in America. However, the film’s true impact lies in its depiction of the brutal era while showcasing the resilience and determination of Ross’ characters to preserve their dignity and humanity amidst overwhelming adversity.

In Baker’s contemporary retelling of the fairy tale, it is the title character, Anora, who is pushed to the edges of society. Portrayed by Oscar-nominated actress Mikey Madison, Anora is a dancer and sex worker, struggling to get by, who finds herself agreeing to marry the reckless son of a Russian tycoon. The film portrays cold wealth, class divisions, and the inhuman treatment workers experience at the hands of the extremely wealthy.

Brady Corbet’s acclaimed film “The Brutalist,” boasting 10 nominations, powerfully challenges the concept of the American Dream through a persuasive narrative reminiscent of “The Godfather.” This gripping post-World War II tale delves into the complex themes of anti-immigrant sentiments, rampant anti-Semitism, and the divide between the haves and have-nots. These issues are frequently discussed not just in traditional media outlets but also prominently on social platforms.

If Trump’s rise today has sparked discussions about cultural, social, and political revolution, James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” offers a glimpse into what such change looked like in the 1960s. During this time, the Woody Guthrie song “This Land Is Your Land” was considered threatening by conservative forces, while civil rights activism served as the core of progressive values in American society. Consequently, “A Complete Unknown” serves as a nostalgic look back and a guide for the future – encouraging struggle and resistance through art and activism rather than political indifference.

The title is equally fitting as it addresses the intriguing query: “Which contender will claim the gold statue on March 2, following an unprecedentedly tumultuous and uncertain Oscar race?” Indeed, no one can predict with certainty.

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2025-02-12 21:18