Failed Oscar Campaigns: "Hustlers" (2019)

Scene from Hustlers (2019)

As awards seasons pick up, so do the campaigns to make your film have the best chances at the Best Picture race. However, like a drunken stupor, sometimes these efforts come off as trying too hard and leave behind a trailer of ridiculous flamboyance. Join me on every other Saturday for a highlight of the failed campaigns that make this season as much about prestige as it does about train wrecks. Come for the Harvey Weinstein comments and stay for the history. It's going to be a fun time as I explore cinema's rich history of attempting to matter.

Check This Out: The Academy Holds Its 11th Annual Governors Awards

Wes Studi

This past weekend, the 11th annual Governors Awards took place to honor the best of Hollywood. The four recipients this year included Wes Studi, Geena Davis, David Lynch, and Lina Wertmuller. Along with these four were a series of presenters paying tribute to their many accomplishments within the industry. While most of us were unable to be in the room, the fine folks at The Academy's YouTube page were able to compile the various speeches for everyone to see. Below are the highlights from the show, including all presenters and recipients giving memorable speeches calling for progress in the industry. Watch and enjoy it.

Review: "Hustlers" Steals Your Heart with Humor and Meaning

Scene from Hustlers (2019)

When thinking of exotic dancers, a certain image comes to mind. It's a stereotype of a down-on-their-luck woman exploiting her body for money as she spins around a pole. It's never an act of celebration, but one done of desperation, often ending in sadness. In one scene especially, director Lorene Scafaria's excellent new heist drama Hustlers finds a deeper empathy on a rooftop between veteran Ramona (Jennifer Lopez) and newcomer Destiny (Constance Wu). As Destiny walks around in the cold in her performance outfit, Ramona opens her lavish coat, encouraging her to sit in comfort with her. For the first time, a world of exotic dancers has become a place of hospitality, and one full of people drawn together in an act of protection. It's the first of many sweet moments that excel this seemingly seedy film into the heights of hilarity and social commentary. Sure, the exotic dancers may be down-on-their-luck, but this isn't a sad story. It's one of overcoming economic struggles and finding deeper meaning in your life.

Constance Wu is Not Wild About Casey Affleck's Oscar Nomination

Constance Wu

For a lot of people, the Oscar nominations announcement was a big deal. It was a moment where La La Land tied with Titanic and All About Eve for the most Oscars. It was the moment that the black LGBTQ movie Moonlight became an Oscar front runner with eight nominations. However, there is one person who isn't happy: Constance Wu. In particular, she isn't too thrilled with the news of Best Actor nominee Casey Affleck (Manchester By the Sea) getting nominated, believing that he doesn't deserve it due to the recent news of his sexual harassment lawsuits. Her frustration is only the latest in a long line of potential trouble for Affleck's Oscar chances, but it nevertheless could sway votes.