Hi again! It’s been too long. Since my last post I had a baby so have been a bit busy. But I am very excited about this year’s Oscars ceremony. I’ve had the chance to see many of the nominated films (still some to go!) and have read most of the predictions and analyses. Recently, I was captivated by Rami Malek’s performance as the singular Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Not only was his physical appearance an astonishing transformation, but his gait, speech, singing voice, and mannerisms were exceptionally accurate. More than this character study, though, I was swayed by the deeply sensitive and nuanced portrayal of a larger than life artist, born too early, who died too young. The depiction of an immigrant family, the AIDS epidemic, and 1970s British rock and roll came together in a slightly melodramatic Hollywoodized biopic, but Malek’s performance (with a hilarious cameo by Mike Myers) led the film and kept it focused on the story of Mercury. Another standout for me was Mahershala Ali’s performance in Green Book. Ali has hit home runs repeatedly in the last few years with his scene-stealing role in House of Cards, followed by the poignant portrayal of a soft-hearted drug dealer in Moonlight, and most recently his (I would say) best performance to date as a dementia battling detective in the South in the latest rendition of HBO’s “True Detective.” In Green Book, Ali plays a genius pianist traveling in the most racist Southern states while he unwittingly befriends his rough and tumble body man/driver played by Viggo Mortenson. The movie is well done, and stays pace with the simple but effective story of a changing time and a friendship that transcends some of the most obvious barriers. But Ali rises above even Mortenson’s solid portrayal of Tony Lip with his multilayered depiction of a man skilled at presenting a facade that masks a gutting torment.

As an annual tradition, I saw the Oscar Nominated Live Action Shorts and my prediction (shared with the NY Times) is that the American made “Skin” will take home the award. All five films were disturbing in their mostly horrific stories centered around violence and young boys (with the exception of one film about an aging woman living in nostalgia and regret). I thought that “Mother” (Madre) was a better film than the others, and began the showing of the five with a punch — albeit one that created anxiety and fear at an increasingly heightened level.

A film that I was disappointed didn’t get as much recognition included “A Quiet Place.” We know that the Academy will honor horror films, and this was a breakout in terms of style, storytelling, and riveting performances by unknown child actors. While it has been recognized in technical categories, I think it was shortchanged, especially since non-traditional Oscar films (e.g. “Black Panther”) have been rightfully considered.

Other final thoughts: I think Spike Lee should take the award for Best Director for “BlakKklansman.” He’s one of the most prolific and longstanding members of the cinematic community and has created some of the most memorable and historic contributions to film (including a very relevant “Bamboozled,” the classic “Malcom X” and the whipsmart “25th Hour”). I thought that “BlakKlansman” was so well done that I saw it twice — and especially appreciated the thoughtful score and the surprising supporting role of Adam Driver (a long way from his Girls anti-social hipster). I saw “The Favourite” a few months ago and while I was sincerely impressed with Rachel Weiz (though not surprised as I think she’s always good), as well as Emma Stone (great British accent!), the true standout was Olivia Colman who I had mostly only seen in the BBC’s “Broadchurch.” This film was raunchy but witty, and has brought a more light-hearted and ironic offering to the Oscars table. In “A Star is Born” I thought Lady Gaga was talented in her role as Ally, and of course her singing was spot on (that song will win, I’m guessing), but overall this newest remake was just what the Academy typically honors but that we all hope they won’t and will instead favo(u)r something more on point with the times — including stories about women/people of color, poverty, war, loss, dictators. (“Vice”, anyone? Sam Rockwell was superb).

The Oscars can be predictable, which is why everyone bets on ballots before the fateful unsealing of the golden envelope (and hopefully accurate reading of its contents). But I always hope that this year will surprise us just a little, and I don’t mean a La La Land/Moonlight snafu. Many are rooting for the groundbreaking “Roma” (which I need to finish!), and likely accurately predicting that Glenn Close will take the statuette for Best Actress in her highly praised performance in “The Wife.” I still need to see “If Beale Street Could Talk” (I’m afraid it will break my heart but hopefully put it back together), and really hope that “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” gets some recognition — especially Richard E. Grant as the fast talking, homeless sidekick to Melissa McCarthy’s perfectly painful/comedic Lee Israel. But I’m not sure he can get past Ali’s unequaled Don Shirley.

In fact, the thing I’m least concerned about is the lack of a host.

Enjoy!

Until next time..

*Writer’s Note: With Green Book’s Best Picture win I’ve read more about the controversy surrounding its story and over-simplistic and perhaps condescending telling of Don Shirley’s life (or at least the part in the film). I still think Ali’s performance was noteworthy. But a discussion about how racism is depicted in stories/films is important.