Picture: 12 Years a Slave
Actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Actress: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Supporting Actor: Jared Leto, The Dallas Buyers Club
Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong’O, 12 Years a Slave
Director: Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
Adapted Screenplay: John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
Original Screenplay: Spike Jonze, Her
Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity
Visual Effects: Gravity
Art Direction/Production Design: Damien Drew et.al. and Catherine Martin et.al., The Great Gatsby
Foreign Language: Blue is the Warmest Color
Animated: Frozen
Documentary: The Act of Killing
Breakout: Lupita Nyong’O, 12 Years a Slave
Golden Orange: Dana Keith
Bryce:
I, too, was moved by The Great Beauty. It’s interesting not only because of the main character’s mid-life crisis, but for all the peripheral characters surrounding him: his boss, his friends, his lover, the other artists with whom he cavortes.
There are so many scenes which burn into your memory: the cranes on the deck with the nun, the “man with the keys” to every museum in Rome, the disappearing giraffe.
I loved this movie. It’s my choice for best picture of the year.
OT: Just saw THE GREAT BEAUTY. All I have to say is I’m stupefied. What a feverish ride if there’s been any in 2013. Some scenes will make you weep, others laugh hysterically. Absolutely enthralling. And what a tribute to the masters –LA DOLCE VITA, yeah of course, but Visconti (vindication) and Leone too (composition). Much like with THE TREE OF LIFE, I have no idea how the critics went about reviewing this one –depraved, honest, grotesque, dream-like, ethereal, and sightly metaphysical; you require a 20-page paper instead. The exquisite writing properly matches the enhancing presentation of its majestic settings. The craft, oh my God, I need another post, but let me just say that it’s sinful not experiencing it in a theater because it’s an aural expedition as much as a visual one. I don’t know how this doesn’t end in my top 5. Is it a prolonged epiphany of disillusion? As we think back to the very beginning of the film (not the quote) that’s what it seems, but then the ending betrays that, especially since these momentary crisis are all-too familiar. I don’t know, man, but I’m seeing it again. The narrative is rather straightforward with a few segments I understand as idealized flashbacks, or flashbacks to a former state of mind. There is much fragmentation because frankly it’s the only way this character goes through this journey in only 140 minutes –no worries because the editing feat is accomplished and the blend is as smoothly compromised as in SPRING BREAKERS. Unfortunately, I already can see the moral set not getting past this structure and deem it superficial; remember this is also consistent with the whole “imaginary” deal, so that should be a warning for the LEVIATHAN crowd. Anyways, remember in THE LEOPARD, Don Fabrizio’s emotional journey in the ballroom sequence and how we experience every blow and nuance through his facial expressions, well prepare to be similarly floored by Sorvino. He joins Sandra Bullock as the profession’s chief virtuosos of 2013. No contest (thus far).★★★★★
Kane – I am championing for HER because I like the movie, I like Spike Jonze, I like his vision, I like his attitude towards cinema. Last year I was championing for Amour and the year before it was The Artist. This does not mean I hate other people and nominees at all. I believe 12YRS is a great movie made by a great talent.
It’s a shame he hasn’t won an Oscar and should probably have 3 to his name already. However, cinematography is constantly evolving. Deakins’ work has included movies with heavy CGI set pieces (like Skyfall) so where would you draw the line on what deserves to win and what doesn’t? Is 3D the issue or is it effects-heavy movies?
Kane – I am very upset about the fact that a legend like Roger Deakins sits there without an Oscar whereas those 3D guys are getting the awards every year.
Sammy, you’ve been a huge champion of Her when it wins original screenplay. When was it too much? Do these people not deserve to be rewarded by a group who feels it’s the best? And no they are not replicating Oscar night since the Oscars haven’t even listed their nominations. Even if it’s not like the Oscars “call dibs” on Nyong’o, Ejiofor, Blanchett, Leto ect. If they’re the best then they’re the best. While variety can a cool thing to see now and again I feel like this year all the critics awards are zoning in on films that are truly, truly the best. I mean if bodies were voting for The Butler and Saving Mr. Banks 24/7 and not 12 Years a Slave then I’d know something was up.
Also, Pfister won the cinematography Oscar by shooting Inception in 2D film. You may be thinking of Fiore or Richardson (Avatar and Hugo).
Boring choices all around – trying to replicate Oscar night!! I would like to see Sean Bobbit winning Cinematography rather than those 3D guys. Pfister, Miranda and now Lubezki – GO 3D….!!!
As much as these are all deserved wins, it’s getting boring now to see 12 years, ejiofor, blanchette, leto, nyongo, mcqueen, jonze, ridley, lubezki, over and over and over and over, just like it will play out in February!
Is this a consensus yet? I mean in the major categories.