Tag: academy awards

Selma and the Academy Awards

Jeannie Marie Leave a comment

Almost exactly a year ago, I made a post that will end up being eerily similar to this one. Why, you may ask?

It is, once again, AWARDS SEASON.

*cue excited music*

Okay, okay, I have a confession. Yes, I love awards season, and yes, I’m still excited to see who will win. But something just isn’t right this year.

As you may have heard, Selma got majorly snubbed in the noms for the Academy Awards this year. And I’m not particularly happy about that.

First, before I say anything else, I want to reiterate that I am, in fact, a white female, and thus am speaking from a view of someone who is privileged, and I try to acknowledge that as much as possible. But all I ever want to be, both writing these columns and in my everyday life is honest. And honestly, this is not okay.

Last year, I watched the Academy Awards, and when they called the name of Lupita Nyong’o, I could literally see the joy and surprise she felt when they called her name. I beamed when she acknowledged what an amazing opportunity this was, how she instantly became a role model, just like actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Amy Adams became for me.

And yet now, are we really going to take a step backward from that? Frankly, I’m not surprised, but immensely disappointed at the Academy. I have yet to see Selma (though you can bet I’m planning on it), but even without seeing it I already know what a phenomenal movie it is.

All I can say is America, we can do better.

Okay, now that that’s over with, I present my picks and favorites for the Academy Awards 2015 in the major categories. Feel free to disagree in the comments…I’m actually really excited to do this publicly, because I’ve always made my picks, but usually just told my mom right before they announce the winner.

Also, disclaimer, if you didn’t read my post from last year, I also try and challenge myself to see every best picture/best actor/actress nominated movie, because they aren’t movies I typically see in my casual movie-going habits (that would be How to Train Your Dragon 2…I mean…what…who said that…). So, something to keep in mind, I probably haven’t seen the movies I pick. So…make of that what you will.

Best Picture:
Pick: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Favorite: Boyhood

Best Actor:
Pick: Michael Keaton, Birdman
Favorite: No particular favorite

Best Actress:
Pick: Julianne Moore, Still Alice
Favorite: No particular favorite

Best Supporting Actor:
Pick: Edward Norton, Birdman
Favorite: Ethan Hawke, Boyhood

Best Supporting Actress:
Pick: Laura Dern, Wild
Favorite: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood

Animated Feature Film:
Pick: The Tale of Princess Kaguya
Favorite(s): How to Train Your Dragon 2, Big Hero 6

Best Director:
Pick: Richard Linklater, Boyhood
Favorite: Richard Linklater, Boyhood

A Precious Golden Statue

Jeannie Marie 1 Comment

Ah. Do you smell that? It’s my favorite season.

Wait.

Did you think I meant winter? No no no – this southern girl is NOT made for the cold.

But it’s January, and that means that it’s awards season, one of my favorite times of the year. The funny thing is though – I don’t watch awards shows.

I mean, I do. I remember very vividly piling onto my mom’s bed with her and guessing who we thought would win Best Picture. But while I love awards shows, I really only made it my priority to watch the Academy Awards.

And yet, I love all them. I don’t know why – they’re mostly filled with stiff jokes and horrible acting. But for some reason, rooting for my favorite, watching someone rise to the top, or watching Leo DiCaprio get passed off yet again for that golden statue – it’s all so exciting to me.

I think the roots come from the fact that I wanted to stand on that stage one day, and smile and laugh and cry while knowing that I won something. And I can’t help to think that Anne Hathaway was that same way when she was 16.

Now, of course, I’m not 16 and I’m no longer striving to be an actress as I once was. So maybe I love awards season just because it’s nostalgic for me. Maybe I secretly love the punch lines read from cue cards (or is it cue computers now?). Who knows. But even if I didn’t watch the Golden Globes, I still love the thrill, the excitement, the sheer beauty of that one night when the people I see as talented and a literal star get rewarded for what I consider one of the hardest jobs on the market.

And so, without further ado, I present to you my challenge.

I started this a few years ago, and have not once succeeded. There is an even less likely chance that I’ll succeed this year. But my challenge is to watch every movie that was nominated for Best Picture of the Year for the 2014 Academy Awards. I won’t make it before the show (which will be airing on Sunday March 2nd for those interested), but I will try to watch them all before December. Like I said, I haven’t yet succeeded, since I’m still working on many years passed, but I want to set it as a goal, because if I don’t, I won’t put forth any effort.

And if you’d like, I extend the challenge to you. They’re just movies – take an afternoon off, watch the movies, and select which one you think deserves the award and which won you think will win (because, as often is the case, the two may not coincide). I invite you to try and watch something you may not thought of watching, and surprise yourself. All I ask is that you try, and I will do the same.