From the box office battle of Barbenheimer, to exquisite original stories and impactful adaptations, it has been a year of extraordinary storytelling.
And as this awards season comes to a close, it is time for my favorite tradition — sharing my “hot takes” about who will win and who should win the coveted Oscar. So shall we?
Best Supporting Actor
A strong collection of performances filled this year’s roster, but only one performance was “KENOUGH” for me.
Ryan Gosling’s performance as Barbie’s iconic partner, Ken, is a once in a generation moment. Gosling is so fearlessly committed to his character. His performance is a “SUBLIME” master class in comedy and one of my favorite characters of all time. I would have much rather seen this season have some more fun and embrace the “KENERGY.”
However, the more transformative roles tend to appeal more to the awards voters — especially if the role is based on a historical figure. It is without a doubt that Robert Downey Jr. shines as the vindictive Lewis Strauss of “Oppenheimer.” Downey sheds every typecast from his Marvel days to give us something so icy it is impressive.
Downey is also appreciated immensely in the industry, the definition of a survivor and overdue for this accolade. After a clean sweep all season, it would be baffling for him not to score the Oscar.
Plus it would be a HUGE slap in the face to the whole essence of “Barbie” to give Ken the award over Margot, Greta — the two women who made “Barbie” come to life. But that’s another story.
Who Should Win: Ryan Gosling
Who Will Win: Robert Downey Jr.
Best Supporting Actress
I love a good awards season sweep — especially when the actor deservingly dominates the awards circuit with such grace and genuine gratitude.
As the heart of Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers,” Da’Vine Joy Randolph is unstoppable. Her raw emotion, sheer charisma and humanity make her the front runner this season. There’s not much else to say here because it is hers to lose at this rate.
Who Should Win: Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Who Will Win: Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Best Actor
This year comes down to two strong performances from two acting giants: Paul Giamatti and Cillian Murphy. Both performances couldn’t be more opposite in execution.
Giamatti is over the top, witty and achingly heartbreaking as a crabby history professor left behind for winter break. It is a memorable performance from the beloved actor and perhaps one of his bests besides “Sideways” (or “Big Fat Liar.”)
Meanwhile, Murphy’s nuanced and calculated performance as the titular character of “Oppenheimer” is fascinating to watch unfold. It’s a quiet performance but nevertheless devastating.
Statistically speaking, Murphy is more likely to win the award between his recent SAG win and starring in the Best Picture front runner. And although Giamatti puts his heart and soul into the performance and is a favorite amongst the community (and myself), I can’t fight the stats on this one.
Oppenheimer may have become the destroyer of worlds, but he is now certainly the winner of the Oscar.
Who Should Win: Paul Giamatti
Who Will Win: Cillian Murphy
Best Actress
My oh my. WHAT A STACKED GROUP! I swear this category is getting more and more difficult to predict each year.
Every performance is so deserving of recognition, however, this season has also come down to two contenders: Emma Stone and Lilly Gladstone.
Both are phenomenal in their own right. Although Stone gives a career best performance as Bella Baxter in “Poor Things”, it is Gladstone’s stoic silence and heartache in “Killers of the Flower Moon” that has stuck with me all season.
Gladstone’s commitment to telling Molly’s heart wrenching true story in such a nuanced manner is unforgettable. She is without a doubt THE MOMENT.
If you haven’t heard, Gladstone is also the first Native American woman to be nominated for “Best Actress” in Oscars history. I am here for history (or should I say, “her”story) and would love to have her be the first winner.
Who Should Win: Lilly Gladstone
Who Will Win: Lilly Gladstone
Best Director
Another very stacked category, however, it is very clear this is Christopher Nolan’s year.
After decades of pushing the limits of storytelling, it is about damn time this visionary director and beloved legend receives this accolade. Nolan crafted an impressive triumph, managing to make a dense biography appealing to a very a wide audience, breaking box office records and receiving critical praise globally.
Who Should Win: Christopher Nolan
Who Will Win: Christopher Nolan
Best Picture
This year, every film nominated for the top award is so deserving of its nomination. Bravo all around.
If you know me well enough, you know “Barbie” is my movie of the year. It was well crafted, fun, and yet so poignant.
However, “Oppenheimer” has everything a best picture winner should have. This period piece boasts a stellar ensemble of performances (many in which are career bests), marvelous technical achievements, and just really rich and relevant storytelling. It is everything Hollywood magic is made of!
It may not be my favorite of the bunch, but there is no denying Oppenheimer is a remarkable work and deserves the recognition.
Who Should Win: Oppenheimer
Who Will Win: Oppenheimer
Heather's Hot Takes 