2023 was known by many as the biggest year in film since the turn of the decade and I can’t help but agree. When it came to blockbuster hits, beloved indie films, this year had a little something for everyone. So the Oscars have to be stacked right? Well, yes and no. There are definitely some notable snubs among the nominees, but overall I think we’re in for an exciting night. Here are my thoughts before the ceremony commences on March 10th.
Original Screenplay
Pick – “The Holdovers”
My personal favorite film of 2023 is home to some of the best dialogue and nuanced conversations I’ve heard from a movie in a long time.
Prediction – “Anatomy of a Fall”
Another one of my favorite films of the year most likely has this award in the bag. After winning the Golden Globe for this category as well, it’s easy to see how it could win here too. And I don’t blame them, this intense court drama packs so much emotion, suspense and wonder into every word.
Adapted Screenplay
Pick – “Poor Things”
The Alasdair Gray novel put to screen is nothing short of spellbinding.
Prediction – “Oppenheimer”
Only one of many awards the Nolan epic will likely take home.
Original Score
Pick – “Poor Things”
Just the right amount of weird quirk for this beautifully insane film.
Prediction – “Oppenheimer”
Apologies if this starts to get redundant after a while. (This score is great though).
Original Song
Pick – “It Never Went Away” (“American Symphony”)
Jon Batiste’s documentary on his tumultuous past few years gave us this gorgeous ballad. Chronicling his relationship with his partner Suleika Jaouad, who has been going through treatment for her second battle with leukemia, this song acts as a reminder to hold on to the people you love no matter what challenges you face.
Prediction – “What Was I Made For?” (“Barbie”)
The song for all women everywhere was indeed everywhere this year, and it’s not hard to see why. Billie Eilish and Finneas crafted a pretty much perfect song for the climax of “Barbie” and, in turn, a ballad of self-love. Eloquent and important.
Animated Feature
Pick and Prediction – “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
I can safely say that “Into the Spider-Verse” is one of my favorite films of all time at this point so to say I had high expectations for this sequel would be an understatement. Though they still managed to immensely exceed them.
I would also like to shout out “The Boy and the Heron.” I personally haven’t seen it yet but I wouldn’t be mad if this takes it as Studio Ghibli is one of the best to ever do it.
Best Supporting Actor
Pick – Mark Ruffalo (“Poor Things”)
As someone who’s always adored Ruffalo’s work this was just a joy to see. He’s able to play this unlikable slime-ball while at the same time be super likable and hilarious. I would’ve loved to see Willem Dafoe get a nomination alongside him but I’d still say Ruffalo is one of the most memorable performances in this film.
Prediction – Robert Downey, Jr. (“Oppenheimer”)
Battle of the Marvel guys I guess? Jokes aside, Downey is incredible as Oppenheimer’s subtle arch-nemesis Lewis Strauss and deserves all the praise he’s been getting.
Best Supporting Actress
Pick and Prediction – Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”)
Similar to Ke Huy Quan last year, I’m pretty certain Randolph will walk away with this win and she deserves every bit of it. One of the best parts of this already fantastic film.
Best Director
Pick – Yorgos Lanthimos (“Poor Things”)
Truly the most unhinged, absurd film I saw this year, if not ever, and most of it wouldn’t be possible without Lanthimos. Otherworldly.
Prediction – Christopher Nolan (“Oppenheimer”)
Yeah, yeah. Who’s surprised?
Best Actor
Pick – Paul Giamatti (“The Holdovers”)
Maybe my favorite performance of the year. Giamatti is able to bring so much heart, humor and hardiness to the already wonderful, bittersweet story.
Prediction – Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”)
This is probably the category I’m least confident in as I could see it going a few different ways. Though, I think Murphy still might pull ahead. “Oppenheimer” was truly a feat in cinema this year and it was all resting on the shoulders of Murphy’s performance. He is more than deserving.
Best Actress
Pick – Emma Stone (“Poor Things”)
Even though this would be her second Oscar, Stone’s performance in “Poor Things” blows pretty much everything she’s ever done out of the water. Her take on Bella Baxter is unique, refreshing and one-of-a-kind.
Prediction – Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”)
I still have yet to see the Scorsese epic in its entirety, but in the clips I have seen, Gladstone is easily the standout in all of them. Not only that, but if she won, she would make history as the first Native American Academy Award winner and that would just be stellar to witness.
Best Picture
Pick – “The Holdovers”
Overall, this was a pretty stacked year for film. I would honestly be happy with most of these movies walking away with the award, but as I stated previously, “The Holdovers” ended up being my absolute favorite of 2023. Alexander Payne has always been able to capture every natural, human emotion in his films. From humor to dread, every movie of his continues to impress me with their level of character development and connections to my own life. Easily a film I’ll be enjoying for years to come.
Prediction – “Oppenheimer”
Even if I don’t think it’s perfect, I can’t deny the true triumph “Oppenheimer” is. Nolan and everyone who put their heart and soul into this film should be awarded, and I don’t think the Academy will look past that. “Now I have become death, the destroyer of worlds.”
