Are the Oscars Scared of Sex?

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Many Oscar-nominated films that didn’t perform well shared a similar characteristic: They boldly tackled the subject of sexuality head-on.

In essence: Nicole Kidman, portraying a woman discovering her sensual self after an affair with her intern, put forth more effort than ever before in her acting career; similarly, Daniel Craig as a gay man yearning for love, conveying his emotions through actions rather than words, also worked tirelessly. Regrettably, neither of them received a nomination. The critically acclaimed “Challengers,” featuring Zendaya and its captivating score and daring script, failed to secure a place in the competition. Surprisingly, “Nosferatu,” a visually stunning exploration of desire nearing death, didn’t receive the Best Picture nomination that some anticipated.

It’s not really surprising; Nicole Kidman’s and Leonardo DiCaprio’s films seemed to lose momentum as they missed out on early nominations, while “Nosferatu” may be content with its craft nominations and box-office success. The quality of these movies can certainly be debated, but from my point of view, the most disappointing omission among this year’s nominees is “Challengers,” which skillfully captured the thrill of sexual tension through its music and writing.

In other news, one of the most unexpected turnouts from this morning was the non-attendance of Pamela Anderson and notably Jamie Lee Curtis at “The Last Showgirl,” a film about Las Vegas burlesque which, like its New York City equivalent in 2019, “Hustlers,” found itself overlooked by the Oscars despite being widely appreciated.

The movie “Hustlers” offers an engaging contrast. In the 2019 Oscar competition, Jennifer Lopez was considered a strong contender for her supporting role as a stripper who outsmarts her clients – this was a gritty and honest portrayal from a celebrity we rarely see in such a raw light. However, her omission from the nominations indicates that this specific Academy doesn’t value performances of this nature. In essence, “Hustlers” resembles “The Last Showgirl,” with its main character being overlooked; and in terms of using desire as a basis for bittersweet humor, it aligns more closely with “Challengers.

In the pool of nominated movies, “The Substance,” a top contender for Best Picture, presents an age-old debate through its raw portrayal of physical limits: It suggests that violence is often more acceptable in Hollywood compared to explicit sexual content. Contrarily, “Anora,” another Best Picture nominee this year, appears to challenge the notion that the Academy disfavors films centered around adult themes. Similar to “Hustlers,” it revolves around a stripper whose physical journey leads her to unforeseen destinations. However, its thrilling road trip segment, where it transforms into a wild chase across Brooklyn’s night, temporarily sets aside sexual elements, focusing instead on the intricate relationships between characters. In “Anora” (as in the multi-Oscar-winning “Poor Things” from last year), sex serves as a tool that initiates the main narrative unfolding.

In the series “Queer,” “Babygirl,” and particularly “Challengers,” sex plays a central role, often pushing boundaries and making viewers squirm. While “Challengers” is exceptionally well-crafted, both “Queer” and “Babygirl” push their main actors into bold and revealing portrayals of desire that can elicit uneasy laughter with their frankness. The longing between Craig and Drew Starkey, Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, and Zendaya for the two men vying for her affection sets each story in motion and propels it to unexpected territories. This year’s Oscar nominations are admirably diverse – political (from “I’m Still Here” in best picture to “The Apprentice,” twice over, for Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong in the acting categories) and ranging from big-budget films like “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” to lesser-known movies like “The Nickel Boys” that will now see a surge. However, there may still be areas that the Oscars, for now, seem reluctant to explore.

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2025-01-23 18:46