Is This Finally Saoirse Ronan’s Year?

As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen countless performances that left me spellbound, moved, and even a little disillusioned. The current crop of contenders for this year’s Best Supporting Actress Oscar is no exception.

Saoirse Ronan has spent much of her career gracing the Oscars stage, with her first Academy Award nomination coming at the tender age of 13 for “Atonement”. Over the years, she’s accumulated an impressive total of four nominations, a remarkable achievement for someone who is now just 30. Although it wouldn’t be accurate to say she’s long overdue, her dedication and talent have certainly been recognized by the Academy. Given their history of favoring her work, it seems almost inevitable that we’ll soon witness Saoirse Ronan walking victoriously onto the Oscars stage.

With the appropriate movie and timing, this autumn presents two distinct Saoirse Ronan films that could find themselves among the award contenders. In Nora Fingscheidt’s “The Outrun,” Ronan portrays an alcoholic woman rebuilding her life on the secluded Orkney Islands. Meanwhile, in Steve McQueen’s “Blitz,” she takes on a supporting role as a mother searching for her son lost during World War II in London. When considering Oscar possibilities, which one is more likely to win?

We can begin with the film titled “The Outrun“, which made its debut in limited screenings last Friday. This production is close to Ronan’s heart, as she was involved in its creation alongside her husband Jack Lowden. She has been putting in a lot of effort promoting it, attending late-night events and upping her red carpet appearances. Critics have given the addiction drama generally favorable, yet cautious reviews. As for awards, this introspective film’s recognition will largely depend on the impact of Ronan’s performance. In every scene, she is present, often being the only figure in the frame. Her portrayal showcases more of her presence rather than range, though the narrative provides an opportunity for her to shed her usual refinement and let loose a bit. (By the way, 2014’s “Wild” could serve as a useful comparison for this movie.)

Despite the unpredictable nature of this year, predictions for Ronan’s chances in the Best Actress category vary significantly. This week, Matt Neglia from Next Best Picture expressed his belief that she will take the win, while experts like Joyce Eng and Anne Thompson on GoldDerby predict she might not even secure a nomination. If Ronan is nominated for ‘The Outrun’, she could be the only one representing her film in the category. However, this doesn’t always hinder chances, as demonstrated by Julianne Moore who won the award in 2015 for ‘Still Alice’. Both ‘The Outrun’ and ‘Still Alice’ were distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, a company known for helping small films compete effectively in the awards race. Interestingly, SPC also distributes Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘The Room Next Door’, which features leads Moore and Tilda Swinton who are also vying for Best Actress nominations alongside Ronan.

Among this year’s film lineup, “The Outrun” is considered one of the lesser-known productions. Contrastingly, Steve McQueen’s recent release, “Blitz“, debuted at the London Film Festival and is among the most anticipated. This World War II tale follows a young boy navigating a war-torn city to reunite with his mother, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan. While it might not meet McQueen’s usual standards, the film’s prestigious background, compelling subject matter, and grand production quality make it a potential winner in various categories.

In her debut as a mother character, Ronan’s part predominantly unfolds independently throughout most of the movie. Many people I’ve talked to find these sections somewhat less captivating initially. Yet, McQueen provides her with numerous moments that could be Oscar-worthy. Following the film’s premiere at the New York Film Festival on Thursday, one critic likened her role to Allan Lichtman’s “Keys to the White House,” suggesting instead the “Keys to an Oscar Nomination.” She showcases a musical number, a scene where she experiences racism, and numerous instances of emotional turmoil due to being separated from her son.

This year’s Supporting Actress category is quite competitive, and “Blitz” seems to be a strong contender for Saoirse Ronan. However, the race appears to have two frontrunners who are almost co-leads in their films: Emilia Pérez, represented by Zoe Saldana, and The Piano Lesson’s Danielle Deadwyler. If Saldana maintains her position as a Supporting Actress (some believe she could move up to Lead), Ronan will have a significant challenge catching up since the leading roles have already established a strong presence.

As a cinephile penning my thoughts on this year’s Oscar race for Best Actress, I must admit that it’s a challenging terrain to navigate. The two presumed frontrunners, Mikey Madison from the film “Anora” and Karla Sofía Gascón in “Emilia Pérez,” are both fresh faces with question marks hanging over their heads. The Academy has been moving away from career wins, but as we’ve seen with Jessica Chastain’s recognition for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” it still happens.

Oscar Futures: It’s Blitz!

Each week until January 17th, when the Academy Awards nominations are revealed, Vulture will use its psychic abilities to predict shifts in this year’s Oscars competition. In our “Oscar Predictions” section, we’ll share exclusive tidbits, analyze fresh updates, and monitor industry chatter to determine which contenders are gaining momentum, which ones are losing steam, and who is currently ahead in the chase for an esteemed Oscar nomination.

Best Picture

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Blitz

Noted British filmmaker Steve McQueen has gained acclaim for his unique style, but what’s intriguing about his latest feature since “Widows” is its transformation into a traditional World War II saga, drawing parallels to “Belfast” and the works of Charles Dickens. The movie “Blitz” carries an old-school war film vibe – with the authenticity and sometimes heavy-handedness that comes with it – but modernized to focus on women, immigrants, and socialists who are often overlooked in historical accounts. Although the aim is admirable, reactions from American critics have been divided regarding its execution. David Ehrlich describes “Blitz” as a collection of episodes, some beautifully staged by McQueen himself, that don’t quite live up to their combined potential. (The British are more enthusiastic in their praise.) Despite the occasional criticism, this is Apple’s major Oscar contender, and it wouldn’t be surprising if “Blitz” turns out to be a satisfying, hearty meal for the Academy’s traditional audience.

Up

Saturday Night

Following strong performances at Telluride and Toronto, Jason Reitman’s “SNL” is set to expand its screening this weekend, much like an actor acing their dress rehearsals during award season. However, securing a place in the Best Picture nominations would require it to win over more audiences now, as critical acclaim might not be forthcoming due to some harsh reviews. The early per-theater performances were encouraging. If “Saturday Night” outperforms the dwindling “Joker: Folie à Deux” this weekend, it could potentially be ready for the main stage.

A Real Agony – Anora

Best Director

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Steve McQueen, Blitz

Whatever feelings of disappointment some critics have with Blitz stem from the sense it is the least distinctive film McQueen has ever made. One reviewer compares it to “Steven Spielberg trying to make a Terence Davies film.” Still, Blitz is undoubtedly impressive on a technical level, with a handful of harrowing set pieces that gain all the more power for featuring minimal CGI. While it may not be as radical as his past efforts, the film’s clear ambition and thematic heft should put the British auteur in the mix for his second directing nod.

Down

Todd Phillips, Joker: Folie à Deux

This week saw harsh criticism directed towards Phillips, following the underwhelming debut of the Joker sequel. With the film projected to earn less during its entire run than the original’s opening weekend earnings, industry insiders have been flooding the trades with unattributed reports, pinning the failure entirely on the director. However, he can take solace in the fact that he received a nomination for directing Joker, which outshone Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Pedro Almodóvar, and Céline Sciamma, among others, in that category.

Here are the directors and their potential film titles rephrased for a more natural and easy-to-read style:

Best Actor

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Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice

1) Which actor takes the fifth position in the Best Actor category? Also, before we learn about Timmy Chalamet’s performance in “A Complete Unknown“, who currently holds the fourth spot? As of now, I would put Stan’s compelling portrayal of Donald Trump in a biopic that almost didn’t happen. However, due to the ongoing controversy surrounding “Apprentice” being criticized like a stray dog, Stan could be a temporary choice until this thin category expands or until we know the outcome of the presidential election, which will significantly impact his campaign.

Down

Elliott Heffernan, Blitz

According to the Osment Rule, a child actor who is the main character in a movie should still be listed as a supporting actor. However, the Tremblay Corollary suggests that in recent times with the preferential voting system, fewer child actors are being nominated. Despite this, the team behind “Blitz” has decided to submit young star Elliott Heffernan for the leading role. Critics have praised his performance as “remarkably confident” for a child actor, but given that Alan Kim from “Minari” and Jude Hill from “Belfast” barely received nominations, it could be a challenging task for him to get recognized.

Adrien Brody stars in “The Brutalist”; Daniel Craig appears in “Strange One”; Colman Domingo is featured in “Sing Sing”; Ralph Fiennes plays the lead in “Conclave”; Sebastian Stan takes on a role in “The Apprentice

Best Actress

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Saoirse Ronan, The Outrun

In contrast to my optimistic view of “The Outrun”, it’s important to mention Richard Brody’s opposing perspective. He contends that the film fails to give Saoirse Ronan ample opportunity to evolve her character’s emotional depth throughout the story. He criticizes her expressions as being static, overly simplified, and artificially placed on screen like stickers. Similarly, he finds her dialogue delivery to be excessively simplistic. Interestingly enough, his description doesn’t seem unsuitable for an Oscar-worthy performance.

Even

Florence Pugh, We Live in Time

Instead of “Give this to We Live in Time, the weekend’s other major release,” you could say “Also consider sending it to ‘We Live in Time,’ this year’s unique film featuring Florence Pugh as a celebrity chef named Almut Brühl. John Carney’s romantic drama has a hint of Love Story combined with Richard Curtis, and a dash of Nancy Meyers kitchen inspiration. In other words, while it might not be an awards contender, it’s not necessarily meant to be. Nevertheless, critics such as Lindsey Bahr have been appreciative of the “subtle and moving performances” by Pugh and her co-star Andrew Garfield.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share some of the intriguing characters I’ve recently come across:

Best Supporting Actor

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Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but wonder if we’re in store for a reunion of sorts in the Supporting Actor category at next year’s awards. Kieran Culkin, who left an indelible mark as Roman Roy in Succession, is garnering rave reviews on the festival circuit for his performance in ‘A Real Pain’. Meanwhile, my eyes were opened wide by the portrayal of the infamous Roy Cohn in ‘The Apprentice’ by none other than my former Succession co-star, Alan Ruck. Critics are hailing him as a standout, saying that Strong has a unique ability to make a despicable character seem pitiful without veering into sympathy.

Down

Paul Weller, Blitz

In the movie “Blitz”, it’s the police car, the siren, the construction noise, a crying baby, a howling stray dog, screeching brakes, and blinking lamp lights that seem to get the most attention, compared to the character played by the former Jam lead singer, Paul Weller. I initially thought his character as a kindly Cockney grandfather might develop into something significant like Ciarán Hinds’ role in “Belfast”, but it seems there isn’t enough substance to that character.

Kieran Culkin stars in “A Real Troublemaker”; Clarence Maclin in “Sing Song”; Guy Pearce takes on the role in “The Harsh One”; Jeremy Strong portrays “The Aspiring One”; Stanley Tucci is cast in “The Vatican Showdown

Best Supporting Actress

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Saoirse Ronan, Blitz

Regardless of their opinions on Blitz, critics find it difficult not to compliment Ronan. As Peter Bradshaw puts it, she delivers a compassionate and restrained portrayal in a character that isn’t rich with subtleties. With her co-star constrained by child-labor regulations, she may capitalize on being the public face of the Blitz marketing, a recognizable figure who can persuade McQueen’s post-Brexit controversies to audiences, even those traditionally conservative.

Down

Lady Gaga, Joker: Folie à Deux

“The most regrettable aspect of Folie à Deux failing is that we won’t get to witness a potential classic Lady Gaga Oscar bid. We’ll miss out on Lady Gaga alongside Marianne Jean-Baptiste at the THR actress roundtable, Lady Gaga appearing at the Golden Globes in full Harley Quinn attire, and Lady Gaga sharing with reporters her encounter with Judy Garland’s ghost – all vanishing like tears in the rain.

Danielle Deadwyler in “The Piano Lesson”, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in “Nickel Boys”, Felicity Jones in “The Brutalist”, Saoirse Ronan in “Blitz”, and Zoe Saldana in “Emilia Pérez” are all notable actresses involved in various film productions.

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2024-10-12 16:54