Every Best Picture Nominee of the 2010's Ranked: #20-24

Scene from Django Unchained

As 2019 reached its end, another decade of cinema had passed. It's amazing to think about how things have evolved since 2010 when the biggest controversies were about recognizing genre movies. Things look different now, especially as genre films like The Shape of Water and Parasite are winning Best Picture and the voting body looks incredibly different with each passing year. With this period in the books, it feels like a good time to celebrate their accomplishments by ranking all 88 titles nominated for Best Picture from worst to best with the goal of seeing which films are more likely to stand the test of time. Join me every Saturday and Sunday as I count them down, five at a time. It's going to be a fun summer looking back on what was, especially as we prepare for the decade ahead and an even more interesting diversity that we haven't even begun to think of.

Every Best Picture Nominee of the 2010's Ranked: #25-29

Scene from Roma (2018)

As 2019 reached its end, another decade of cinema had passed. It's amazing to think about how things have evolved since 2010 when the biggest controversies were about recognizing genre movies. Things look different now, especially as genre films like The Shape of Water and Parasite are winning Best Picture and the voting body looks incredibly different with each passing year. With this period in the books, it feels like a good time to celebrate their accomplishments by ranking all 88 titles nominated for Best Picture from worst to best with the goal of seeing which films are more likely to stand the test of time. Join me every Saturday and Sunday as I count them down, five at a time. It's going to be a fun summer looking back on what was, especially as we prepare for the decade ahead and an even more interesting diversity that we haven't even begun to think of.

How Florence Pugh Got Us to Care About Amy March

Scene from Little Women (2019)

If one was to talk about Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" prior to the Greta Gerwig-directed adaptation, there would be one common refrain: Amy March is the worst March sister. This isn't up for debate. The internet is littered with articles claiming that the youngest sister was somehow a character not worthy of sympathy for a variety of reasons including (but not limited to) burning Jo's manuscript and stealing Laurie away from Jo. It's all a bit vindictive when looked at through Alcott's prose, but what Gerwig has done is something that no other adaptation has been able to do. Not only is it grappling with the themes of women being in charge of their own narrative, but it's also in some ways course-correcting the public conversation around the characters by contemporizing them, adding an emotional depth to the relationships that secretly make it bolder than even the equally beloved 1994 adaptation.

As much attention is once again thrown onto Jo, audiences have become enraptured with Amy this time around, and it's easy to see why. There is something to seeing her played with vulnerability the way that Florence Pugh has, giving layers to a role that's easy to write-off as flat and villainous. After all, she is in some ways piggybacking off of Jo's achievements. She is the least sympathetic role because of this. What Pugh does is add depth to the character by making her decisions not come from a place of malice, but sometimes out of a desire to be a great artist and never getting the respect she deserves. After all, Jo wants it too but thinks "it sounds crass when she says it." Already it's finding ways to take that comment and explore how the public has agreed with that statement, even when they really shouldn't.

Composing Greatness: #2. Oscars 2020 Edition - "Little Women"

Scene from Little Women (2019)

Welcome to a very special edition of Composing Greatness. In this limited series, I will be looking at the five scores nominated for this year's Best Original Score category. To avoid favoritism, the list will be done in alphabetical order of composers and feature the same guidelines as the original series. This is meant to explore the music behind the great films of 2019, and provide insight into what makes each of them special and whether or not they deserved to be nominated at all. Join me all week as I listen to the music, leave some thoughts, and hopefully sway you to check out these wonderful, wonderful scores.

Review: "Little Women" Defies Expectations with Brilliant Warmth

Scene from Little Women (2019)

The opening of director Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Little Women may sound familiar to those who know a thing or two about Louisa May Alcott. The writer famously had certain conflicts to resolve when publishing the second half of her best-selling novel about The March Sisters. There had to be certain fulfillments that all contemporary publishings had at the time. The most noteworthy was the choice that all female protagonists needed to be either married or dead, and Alcott wasn't having any of that. Still, it was 1868 and the only way to get her work published was to submit to these wills. As a result, later audiences may be confused by what the final chapters hold for spinster archetype Jo March. While the novel was a masterpiece, it was one representative of its time in these respects, showing that while it was about women finding their own agency, they still had to overcome the male-dominated world, where they decided what passed as socially acceptable.

It's why the choice to open the 2019 film as Jo is submitting to the Weekly Volcano (over halfway through the novel) feels like the right way to go. As Alcott's surrogate, it feels like a moment for Gerwig to finally address something that Alcott couldn't. Within her quietness as Mr. Dashwood (Tracy Letts) edits her story to fit his wants, there's a sense that this was how the real-life author dealt with criticism. No matter what she found interesting, there was a man to tear her down. That is the journey of The March Sisters, and every woman in the 19th century in a time where they couldn't own anything and thus needed to find a reason to live. It is why Little Women resonates as more than adaptation. It's one that openly engages with what the text is saying, and even questions it as it relates to Alcott's personal journey to publishing the book. It's metatextual without being cloying, it's empowering without feeling false, and it's incredible in its small achievements. While there may be more direct adaptations, none have addressed why the book continues to be important over 150 years later quite like Gerwig, who to make this film almost feels like the final act of revolt against Mr. Dashwood's critical eye. Everyone watching is laughing at him, even if the conflict still feels prescient in modern culture. 

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.

The Trailer for "Little Women" (2019) Sets Its Sights on Oscar Glory

Scene from Little Women (2019)

In 2017, Greta Gerwig made a significant breakthrough in her career from the world of indie cinema to Oscar darling with the teen comedy Lady Bird. It was a touching story that also became one of A4's highest grossing movies and set the bar for future Saoirse Ronan performances as well as making Gerwig the first female Best Director nominee since 2009's Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker). It raised a question as to how she would follow-up her critically acclaimed film. Well, it turned out to be the Oscar play that many would clamor for, as she's become the latest person to adapt Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" to the big screen with some of the best young actresses of the modern era. After much anticipation, the trailer is here, and there's plenty to love about the Christmas season already.

A24 A-to-Z: #58. "Lady Bird" (2017)

Scene from Lady Bird

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.

A24 A-to-Z: #45. "20th Century Women" (2016)

Scene from 20th Century Women

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.

Review: "Isle of Dogs" Proves that Anderson Can Make Garbage Beautiful

Scene from Isle of Dogs

*Note: Originally published on Optigrab

How can director Wes Anderson, a man on the verge of self-parody, continue to be one of the defining independent auteurs of modern cinema? It seemed like he reached the apex with the Oscar-winning The Grand Budapest Hotel where his lavish style was met with madcap energy and a subtle attack on his critics. It seems impossible for him to be as charming and artful without at some point stretching too far beyond the stratosphere. Thankfully, Isle of Dogs is not that. Instead, it's a reinvention of narrative, combining Japanese influence with his posh sensibilities. As much issues could lie in a film that features the white voice actors as heroes, Anderson has more on his mind that is interesting, poignant, and innovative in ways that prove he still has a lot to say, even if visually he can't get any more interesting. 

Long Shot Week: Best Picture - "Lady Bird"

Scene from Lady Bird

Welcome to the first Long Shot Week, where I will attempt to persuade you to think outside of the Oscar box. While it's too late to change voters' minds, I believe that audiences need to take a moment to look at the other contenders in any category and give them a chance. Long Shot Week is designed as a way to highlight these talents that likely don't stand a chance of winning, but more than deserve a chance to be appreciated for what they bring to the game. In a way, this is my list of "Films that should've won," though it's not always indicative of my favorite. Join me all week as I look at different categories and pose the question "Why not?" in hopes that The Oscars still have a few surprises up their sleeve.

Check This Out: The A24 Podcast

For readers of The Oscar Buzz, there's a certain knowledge of how much I admire the studio A24. I have dedicated an entire column to it called A24 A-to-Z, which just finished the films of 2015. With the studio looking to have a great 2018, it does seem exciting to announce that they also have started their own podcast, aptly titled The A24 Podcast. So, what is it about? To be honest, it's not entirely clear yet. However, their first episode does feature a lengthy discussion between two of the studio's biggest names, both of whom have received Best Director nominations at The Oscars. Greta Gerwig and Barry Jenkins bring a certain chemistry to the first episode that suggests that even if this is just more filmmakers talking shop, it's going to be fun for those who are as obsessed with A24 as I am. 

"Lady Bird" is Officially the Highest Rated Movie on Rotten Tomatoes

Saoirse Ronan in Lady Bird

For those who haven't heard, director Greta Gerwig's film Lady Bird is good. If you trust my opinion, I would say it's best of the year good. Many people have been clamoring onto it in recent weeks, and it has gained some serious traction during awards season as well with many predicting a third Oscar nomination for lead Saoirse Ronan. For those that don't believe the phenomenon of this indie darling, one simply needs to check the box office and critical stats. Lady Bird has grossed over $10 million without playing yet on more than 800 screens. As of today, it also is the highest rated film in Rotten Tomatoes history. Some may disagree on how good it actually is, but the numbers have given it a rare achievement, and one that is worthy of celebration.

Failed Oscar Campaigns: "Jackie" (2016)

Natalie Portman in Jackie

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.

Review: "Lady Bird" is a Funny, Touching Ode to Youthful Doubt

Scene from Lady Bird

Lady Bird is a rare achievement. It's a movie about what it means to be Catholic in the 21st century. While there isn't a shortage of films in which God is prayed to (see also: Silence), director Greta Gerwig has tapped into something personal to uncover a more accurate reality. These aren't people who live their life by the church, but whose faith is so indebted to their identity that it informs every small decision they make, including the familiar teenage rebellion. Lady Bird, played by Saoirse Ronan, is about to finish high school with dreams of going to a New York liberal college. With fraught relationships to her parents, she finishes the last year of school with a series of memorable experiences. They may not be the most overt faith-based details in any recent film, but they feel the most truthful. Lady Bird is a film that understands how youth and identity plays into the bigger picture, and Gerwig's excellent debut is all the better for it.

The First "Isle of Dogs" Trailer is Wes Anderson Back in His Great Old Animated Ways

Scene from Isle of Dogs

In general, one could believe that stop motion animation is an inferior art form. After all, it takes so long to get right that studios like Pixar and Dreamworks Animation just bypass the endeavor all together. However, there's something to be said for filmmakers who pull it off. In 2009, director Wes Anderson did just that with the amazing Fantastic Mr. Fox. It will be nine years since the animated world had last seen him, but the first trailer for Isle of Dogs has the familiar sense of whimsy and awe that even his live action movies have. It may seem a little disconcerting at times, but there's no denying that an Anderson animated tale can't be told any other way than stop motion. It wouldn't be quirky enough.

The First "Lady Bird" Trailer Shows Greatness in a Potential Oscar Charmer

Saoirse Ronan in Lady Bird

The time is officially upon us. With film festivals starting to crop up, the Oscar season is starting to take shape, and A24 isn't without a few candidates. Among their big pushes is for the directorial debut of Greta Gerwig called Lady Bird, starring two time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan. It has already gotten plenty of positive buzz, especially for its ability to tell a compelling story centered around women. The first trailer has officially dropped and it looks to be a delightful return to the Oscar circles for Ronan while Gerwig will hopefully get her first ever (and long overdue) nomination. If nothing else, it looks to be a delightful coming of age story with a feisty central performance full of rich humor.

The Runner-Ups: Greta Gerwig in "20th Century Women"

Greta Gerwig

Every Oscar season, there are a handful of actors who get tagged with the "snubbed" moniker. While it is always unfortunate to see our favorites not honored with at very least a nomination, there's another trend that goes largely unnoticed: those who never even got that far. The Runner-Ups is a column meant to honor the greats in cinema who put in phenomenal work without getting the credit that they deserved from The Academy. Join me every other Saturday as I honor those who never received any love. This list will hopefully come to cover both the acting community, and the many crew members who put the production together.

Review: "20th Century Women" is a Great Big Hug of a Movie

Scene from 20th Century Women

In 2011, director Mike Mills raised eyebrows with his highly acclaimed Beginners, which chronicled the life of an elderly man revealing that he was gay. The most surprising thing was that this comedy was a bit autobiographical to Mills' actual life. Even then, he showed a knack for creating an indie film with artistic flourishes that didn't overshadow the main drama. In his follow-up, 20th Century Women, he explores the other parental figure of his life: his mother. The story takes place in Santa Barbara, California in 1979 and focuses around a 15-year-old being raised by three women. It's a film that's just as personal and reflects the strength and diversity of its female cast while also telling a powerful and candid story that will resonate for anyone with close ties to their own mothers. 

Review: "Jackie" Turns a Familiar Moment Into an Original, Heart-Wrenching Drama

Natalie Portman

Throughout history, public leaders have been turned into mythic giants with infallible gifts. They lead their countries through hard times often at the risk of legacy-ruining scrutiny. While time has a habit of only enforcing this mindset more, it does feel important to remember the one truth: they were just humans. Never has that been more apparent in late 20th century American history than on November 22, 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It's a moment that history won't let anyone forget, even as it's over 50 years old. Yet there's one side that's often overlooked that was there that day. His wife Jacqueline Kennedy was by his side, but whose story has rarely been given attention. Director Pablo Larrain's Jackie uses this construct to explore more universal themes with a script whose prose reads as a long essay on the grieving process. With poetic language and even more beautiful cinematography, the film sparks with life in one of the most original biopics to come out this past year.