The 97th Academy Awards: Best Picture Nominees

 In Anora, Mikey Madison stars as a young sex worker in Brooklyn who marries Vanya, the son of a Russian oligarch. Directed, written, edited, and produced by Sean Baker, the comedy drama turns chaotic after the family pressures for an annulment and Vanya goes missing. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, it won the coveted Palme d’Or. 

Anora is nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor—Yura Borisov, and Best Original Screenplay.

Krissen’s Thoughts

Anora is rather enjoyable and excels in the chaos. It’s surprisingly emotional and moving by the end, beyond all the ridiculous romps of the majority of the film. Madison is clearly the shining star with her incredible Brooklyn accent, but Yura Borisov’s nomination is also well-deserved as the quiet but intriguing Igor. 

The film could have improved in better characterization of Madison’s character, as a lot of Anora’s background is unexplained or ignored, and it does lean perhaps a bit too much into the Cinderella-esque fairytale at the beginning. All of the nuance is saved for the last 30 minutes, but good minutes they are. 

I rate it 8/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

Easily the most chaotic movie of the year…in a good way. Following the last hour with the world’s most inept security team was as funny as it was infuriating.

It reminded me a lot of Parasite in that the first half tells a lighter story and just as you settle into it the beat drops and it becomes something else entirely. Once the fairytale is turned off it quickly goes off the rails into a fury of ridiculous and tense moments.

The acting is excellent. From the initial romance, to the messy arguments of the bodyguards and family, to the subtle and tender relationship that builds between Ani and Igor, it juggles many contrasting themes and emotions pretty well. 

All these things definitely made for a bizarre and wild ride of a film.

I give it a 7/10.

Krissen’s Thoughts

The cinematography is really gorgeous in this. That’s probably this film’s best feature, closely followed by acting. But a lot of the story didn’t work for me, especially in the third act. The build of this film makes it seem like this is based on a real person (like 2022’s Tár) rather than a fictional character. With that in mind, it’s hard to rationalize some of the earlier scenes and the long runtime: not all that is shown is necessary to get the story across. 

It’s one of those movies that is impressive, but I doubt I’ll ever return to it. There’s not enough to draw me back.

I rate it 7/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

There’s no denying that this film was beautifully shot and acted, but I never felt blown away with any other aspect of it. In Part 1, I loved seeing Laszlo’s process of creating the unique building styles in such detail after his long journey to America. However Part 2, specifically the last 30 minutes, kind of soured it for me. The strongest and most pivotal scenes, although very emotional and disturbing, felt forced and rushed.

I also thought it was kind of bizarre to have the last line of the film be “it’s about the destination, not the journey,” even though we just spent 3 and a half hours watching this man’s journey and a lot felt unconcluded in its ending.

I didn’t hate the film by any means, but given all the buzz and praise surrounding it, I guess I was hoping for a little more all around.

I give it a 6/10.

Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, The Substance is the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity disenchanted with Hollywood’s treatment of her age, who turns to a strange black market drug to create a younger version of herself, though things quickly go from bad to gruesome in this psychological body horror.

The Substance is nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actress—Demi Moore, Best Director—Coralie Fargeat (the ninth woman with that distinction), and Best Original Screenplay.

Krissen’s Thoughts

I admit that my entire view of The Substance is likely marred by my vehement dislike of horror, but at the end of the day I found the plot and storytelling choices more of an issue than the gore. The performances by Moore and Qualley carried everything.

As one of only a few of the nominees this year not based on something preexisting, I will say that this was certainly an original concept. It’s intriguing, but so much of the plot left me with questions about the world of the movie. The heavy handedness of the editing and lack of anything new to say left me wanting so much more.

I rate this 4/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

This story could have been better explored and deeply moving, however what we get is an extremely basic and superficial mess of shock value gore that becomes very tired and repetitive. My biggest issue is that it’s so heavy handed that it didn’t allow me to feel anything on my own. It loses even its satirical aspects as it throws subtlety out the window and abandons any deep social commentary to beat you over the head with surface level horror.

The editing drove me crazy. The film assumes the audience is incapable of paying attention, constantly using flashbacks and voice-overs to remind you of things from 20 minutes before. 

The only thing I liked about this film was the powerful performance from Demi Moore.

I give it a 3/10

Krissen’s Thoughts

I will say, this film wasn’t the worst film I’ve ever seen, but it certainly was not a good film either. The movie itself is clichéd and unmemorable. The musical component added very little to the storytelling, and most of the songs felt unfinished and cringeworthy. 

Every year with these nominees the discussion of who gets to tell what story comes up in some shape or another. This time, we have a French writer/director who filmed the movie not in Mexico, with a cast consisting of only one Mexican actor, though not in a primary role. And while it is celebratory that the Academy has nominated a trans actor for the first time in Karla Sofía Gascón, her role was filled with troubling troupes about trans people and Mexico. 
Zoe Saldana is the only shining light in this film and I feel like all the awards going her way are partly to recognize how she somehow made it through this disaster.

I rate this 4/10. 

Nolan’s Thoughts

I feel like this film owes an apology to everyone it was trying to tell a story about.

The idea of a male cartel leader transitioning into a woman was certainly a strong premise and had potential, but I thought almost every aspect of telling that story was fumbled here. 

Instead of being inclusive and powerful, it ended up uneven and insensitive.

Aside from its many underlying problems (including outside the movie itself), even the production is messy. It is over edited and the tone and storytelling are all over the place. Also this being a musical added absolutely nothing to the film. Every song felt so forced and unpolished. And none of them were memorable.

The fact that this film has more Oscar nominations than Return of the King is insane to me.

I give it a 3/10.

 Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, Conclave is about the election of the next pope. Based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris, Edward Berger directs this tense political thriller with Fiennes’ Cardinal Lawrence at the head of the conclave investigating secrets and scandals about the major candidates. 

Conclave is nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Actor—Fiennes, Best Supporting Actress—Rossellini, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.

Krissen’s Thoughts

I love when films surprise me! I admit that when this first was released, it looked incredibly dull and I was dreading having to watch it. But what an engaging, riveting, and suspenseful film! It’s well-acted, precisely shot, and extremely well-paced and edited. I have little complaints and am not ashamed to say this is probably my favorite of the bunch. 

I will say that I am not entirely sure why Isabella Rossellini was nominated. Nothing against her as an actress or even her performance, but she had very little to work with here that I’m not sure her five lines of dialogue should really translate into a nomination..

I rate this 9/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

This was an unexpected delight this year. I loved the light eeriness that sits around this entire film. The score and cinematography are relatively subtle, but work in the best way. I really felt confined in the environment and connected with the intimate moments between all the cardinals. 

I also loved how the whole process of choosing the new pope played out with almost a murder mystery vibe. It was fascinating seeing them learn each other’s secrets and expose each other as the last few candidates become clear.

Who knew a movie about choosing the next pope would actually be one of the most progressive and thrilling films of the year.

I give it a 9/10.

Directed by James Mangold, A Complete Unknown is a biographical drama starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan. The film follows his rise to fame in the early 1960s, chronicling events from his first meeting with Woody Guthrie to the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, based on the book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald. The film also stars Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, and Elle Fanning. 

A Complete Unknown is nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Actor—Chalamet, Best Supporting Actor— Norton, Best Supporting Actress—Barbaro, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. At 29-years-old, Chalamet is the youngest two-time Best Actor nominee since James Dean in 1957.

Krissen’s Thoughts

I had very high expectations for Timmy and was pleasantly surprised at how convincingly he portrayed Dylan. The film did well enough to teach those in the audience who were unfamiliar with Dylan’s music and history without being too rooted in insider knowledge. It does feel, perhaps, overly sanitized and safe at times, but it is a bit refreshing to see a biopic not rooted in nothing but drug use and tragedy. 

The highlight of the movie is really the music, as it should be about a musician, and Chalamet and Barbaro both shine and impress with their musical performances. Even Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, whose portrayal seems like he must have been the loveliest man in the world, was a treat to listen to.

I rate this 8/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

This film is simple in its presentation in a very good way. James Mangold does an excellent job of letting all the songs breathe, giving the audience a chance to take in the heart of the words. Timothée Chalamet and Monica Barbaro give raw and nuanced performances, especially when performing the music. I was extremely impressed with their commitment to sing and play the instruments themselves. It really made for an intimate and authentic experience.

This film didn’t shy away from showing Dylan’s flaws and complications, but also showcased his uniqueness and passion with equal measure which set it apart from similar films in this genre.

I give it a 7/10.

Based on the 2019 novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead, Nickel Boys explores the story of two African-American boys, Elwood and Turner, at the abusive Nickel Academy reform school in 1960s Florida. The film is directed by RaMell Ross and employs a first-person point-of-view. The film is inspired by the Dozier School for Boys, a now-closed Florida reform school notorious for its abusive treatment. 

Nickel Boys is nominated for two Academy Awards. In addition to Best Picture, it is nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Krissen’s Thoughts

I’ve never seen a movie use first-person point-of-view cinematography before and it certainly adds a unique and immersive quality. I do think it would have been even more impactful if the POV hadn’t switched so much between Elwood and Turner, as at times it feels overly jarring and leans too heavily into context clues, making it feel less in service of the story.

The story, however, is beautifully told and heartbreaking. The difficult subject matter is never exploited. The two young actors, Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson, are both excellent, as is Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.

I rate this 8/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

In both its most tense and its most tender moments, Nickel Boys is told simply, but powerfully. It immerses you and lets you see and feel the experience of being sent to this place that holds a lot of dark secrets. 

I did think its POV style becomes a little jarring and awkward in certain parts as it cuts back and forth between the characters, but it does work very well by the end in telling the story of the two boys.

Another aspect I liked was how the film conveyed the terrible violent acts that went on at the Nickel Academy without needing to show them explicitly. It was very impactful sitting in the audience and being forced to imagine what horrors and heinous acts took place rather than seeing them.

It was a bold take and a very emotional one that resonates long after the credits roll.

I give it a 8/10.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, and adapted from the first act of the wildly popular 2003 Broadway musical, Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, loosely based on Gregory Maquire’s 1995 novel and a reimagining of the Oz books and the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. This first installment focuses on the origin of their friendship while meeting at Shiz University before the events of The Wizard of Oz.

Wicked is nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Actress—Erivo, Best Support Actress—Grande, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound

Krissen’s Thoughts

As a big fan of the musical, I had extremely high expectations and was nervous that a lot of changes would be made. I was pleasantly surprised by this first part, finding it a great adaptation with wonderful visual design and, as anticipated, stunning vocals. Erivo and Grande are the obvious highlights, but I was equally impressed with Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero. And while Michelle Yeoh doesn’t have the vocal chops of her costars, she has perfected menacing and is a wonderful Madame Morrible. (Frankly, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard was the one casting choice I never ever questioned.)

I’m excited to see how part two delivers with—dare I say—the best and most underrated songs of the musical.

I rate this 9/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

As far as stage musical adaptations go, this was pretty spectacular. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are both as charming as they are insanely talented. I was very impressed by their commitment to record all of the vocals for the songs live. The energy and emotion really comes through when musicals take that route.

Everything else in this film is also operating on an epic scale and features a very satisfying visual experience. From the production design to the creative and unique costumes in the crazy cast of characters, and then the elaborate dance choreography to the monstrous scale of some of the environments, this film definitely delivers for blockbuster movie lovers and musical fans alike.

I give it an 8/10.

Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s 2015 memoir, I’m Still Here is the story of Eunice Paiva, played by Fernanda Torres, a devoted wife and mother who struggles to cope and seek justice after the forced disappearance of her husband, Rubens, during the 1970s  military dictatorship in Brazil

I’m Still Here is nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best International Feature (Brazil) and Best Actress. This is the first time a Brazilian or a Portuguese-language film has been nominated for Best Picture. Torres’s mother, Fernanda Montenegro (who briefly appears in the film) was the first Brazilian to be nominated for Best Actress in 1998.

Krissen’s Thoughts

I didn’t really know what this movie was about when I sat down in the theater, but I was instantly so engaged and captivated by the Paiva family. The film does an incredible job in emotionally connecting you with the characters and all of the actors, especially Torres, are wonderful and deeply moving.

I had no clue that the film was based on a true story until the end, when the closing title cards provide further context. Really the only part of the movie that felt a bit slow to me were the two time jumps that occur in the last act, but their importance is necessitated by being a reflection of reality.

I rate this 8/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

This film really pulled at my heartstrings from the beginning and never let up. It’s definitely one of the most emotionally moving films in the lineup this year. It’s paced very well and really allows you to get to know and care about the Paiva family before the terrible events take place. 

The older video camera footage of the family was used very well and helped connect deeply with their intimate moments as we follow their lives after the tragedy.

I love watching powerful stories of resilience. Fernanda Torres’s raw and authentic performance really showed her character’s tremendous strength and refusal to ever give up.

I give it 8/10.

 Immediately following the events from Dune (2021), Dune: Part Two finishes the adaptation of the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert, following Paul Atreides uniting the Fremen people of Arrakis in a war against House Harkonnen. Returning cast includes Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Stellan Skarsård, and Josh Brolin, with Austin Butler and Florence Pugh joining, among others. 

Dune: Part Two is nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.

Krissen’s Thoughts

Dune: Part Two is a solid sequel and probably even more technically refined in cinematography and sound than the first. But for such a visual spectacle, I think the story got lost, though it’s worth noting that since this is the second half of the novel, it was always bound to feel less than whole. And while Butler’s Feyd-Rautha seemed to be universally praised, his portrayal was overrated to me and underdeveloped in the film, whereas he’s much more compelling in the book.

For me, I think the first installment is better for its worldbuilding and tone (and obviously I miss Duncan Idaho, undoubtedly Jason Momoa’s best role).

I rate this 7/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

This film is just as visually striking and epic in scale as the first, but the cinematography might be even better. The worm riding scene and the almost purely black and white dueling scene were pretty amazing to watch in the theater.

It’s very consistent and cohesive in its tone and visuals with the first film which is hard to pull off, but I’m not sure there were enough new aspects that stood out for me to say this was much better than the first film a few years ago.

I liked seeing the worldbuilding expand, especially with the additions of Florence Pugh and Austin Butler (although his character had immense potential and was vastly underutilized).

It’s not in my top films of the year, but I’m still very interested to see how everything plays out with Paul shifting from savior to villain.

I give it an 6/10.

Krissen’s Ranking

1. Conclave
2. Wicked
3. I’m Still Here
4. A Complete Unknown
5. Anora
6. Nickel Boys
7. The Brutalist
8. Dune: Part Two
9. Emilia Perez
10. The Substance

Nolan’s Ranking

1. Conclave
2. Im Still Here
3. Wicked
4. Anora
5. A Complete Unknown
6. Nickel Boys
7. The Brutalist
8. Dune: Part Two
9. The Substance
10. Emilia Perez