89th Academy Awards Thread — Page 5

I know it's a lost cause, but I'm rooting for Arrival for the top prize Sunday night. I love every single aspect of the film. I truly believe Amy Adams was robbed of a nomination and win. Her performance and that story was just so riveting and poignant. I will never get over the fact Meryl was only nominated for her political rant. Meryl's performance in Florence was simply subpar and can't compare to the other contenders.

A string of opinions to annoy various people...

- I not only liked La La Land. I think it's the best of the nominated films I've seen (which now includes everything but Lion and Hacksaw Ridge). It's got flaws that have been beaten into the ground by now. But if it wasn't the Academy Award favorite, the movie wouldn't draw so much resentment. I flat-out enjoyed it more than the other films, and I don't think any of them are masterpieces.

- It won't win anything, but my second-favorite of the nominated films is the underappreciated Hell or High Water. It's not as unique as La La Land, but the film does pack some surprises and some subtle character work along the way. It's a small, tightly-written story that touches on some bigger issues. It would be my choice for Best Original Screenplay.

- A lot of people I respect just love Moonlight, and I didn't. It's a sincere, heartfelt film, and its middle section is very strong. But I didn't really find the ending as moving as others have, in part because I really didn't buy that entire section with "Black." Shoot, that early scene in which the drug dealer delivers a moving speech to "Little" about anti-gay talk is apparently based on real life, but it didn't feel real on the screen.

- If Hidden Figures was the Academy Award favorite, that film would get the annoyance that everyone throws at La La Land. The source material was fascinating, but it's the sort of movie with black characters who are written so white people aren't uncomfortable at all. And those tiresome, feisty speeches that would never have happened in that environment, along with a nice white supervisor... It's a crowd-pleaser, and tells a nice story that feels like a fairy tale even though it's based on real people.

- The only problem with Viola Davis' performance in Fences is that she's really the lead female character. Otherwise, I have no problem with her winning, and she was the best thing about what was basically a filmed play. I thought Denzel Washington chewed a little too much scenery.

- I respected Manchester by the Sea but didn't particularly like it. I think I like Arrival now more than when I saw it, and I didn't dislike it at the time.

Updated On: 2/25/17 at 04:08 AM

"Colored actors"?

Ruth Negga looks great, especially with the ACLU ribbon.

I know she has zero chance, but I would love to see her win. I totally disagree with Mister Matt's assessment...I know the performance was more subtle than showy, but to me, her portrayal of Mildred Loving glowed with warmth and dignity and she absolutely deserves her spot on the shortlist.

Emma Stone is great and all, but it seems like I've seen her play this same performance before in her other movies. I don't see why she's especially deserving this time.

I'd love to see Isabelle Huppert's reaction if she won. Also totally deserving.

Updated On: 2/26/17 at 07:25 PM

That Moana performance was GORGEOUS! And only 16 years old!

I screamed when Arrival one! So happy it was awknowledge since I don't think it will take the top prize, which it deserves.

Also, did Auli'i get in the head by one of the waves?

Also, did Auli'i get in the head by one of the waves?

I think the fabric just swiped the back of her head, but that was it.

The move to Supporting for Viola was calculated. If there was any faith for her performance and it's strength then why the move? Her role was clearly leading and should have been placed there. The move robbed a more deserving actress from winning the award in their rightful category.

This is why I don't put too much stock into award shows.

Fair enough, but in terms of this particular movie, I would say Viola was every bit Denzel's equal (at least) and so deserved equal recognition. Still, an Oscar's an Oscar!

I'm good w Viola regardless if it was done by maneuvering the category.

Suicide Squad for makeup ( hell for ANY thing) is sticking in my craw tho.

I only care about two awards: Best Actress (Portman deserves it, "Jackie" should be a best picture nominee), and Best Picture (come on, "Moonlight", come on!)

Is it me, or is this telecast super boring and just not that good? I keep easily drifting away from the screen and onto other things when they're not announcing the winners.