Oscars 2020
It’s almost that time of year again, when all movie fans eyes will be on the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the Academy Awards. Here’s a look at some of the main contenders for the big awards of the night.
Joker
Todd Phillips brings Gotham’s clown prince of crime to the big screen. Joaquin Phoenix gives a chilling performance as Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian battling with mental health issues who is pushed way beyond his breaking point. This isn’t your usual comic book movie. Dark, gritty and unsettling, the film is already being called a modern classic. Joker has caused some controversy due to its violent themes but that hasn’t put the academy off as it has more nominations this year than any other film. It has 11 nominations in total including best picture, best director and a best actor nomination for Phoenix.
1917
An immersive, hard hitting World War 1 film from director Sam Mendes. Two young British soldiers must deliver a message that could save the lives of 1,600 men, a task made seemingly impossible as they must venture through enemy territory to deliver it. The film is made to look like it was all done in one continuous shot as you follow the young soldier’s journey, which puts you right into the action as a spectator of the true horrors of war. Many people are tipping this to take home the coveted best picture Oscar.
Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood
An homage to the golden age of Cinema. Quentin Tarantino takes us on a trip to Hollywood, Los Angeles, 1969 in this beautiful, funny and occasionally disturbing film. A blend of fact and fiction, this is very much Tarantino’s idea of a fairy tale, complete with blood and gore. With a cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie this was always going to be a major contender at the academy awards.
Little Woman
Based on the Louisa May Alcott novel about the March sisters as they try to make their own way in life after The American Civil war. This is actually the seventh film adaption of the book, and probably the best. Much was made of director Greta Gerwig’s omission from the best director category but the film did still manage to rack up 6 Oscar nominations including best film, best supporting actress for rising star Florence Pugh and best actress for Ireland’s own Saoirse Ronan.
Jojo Rabbit
A World War II anti-hate satire following a young German boy, Jojo, and his half-witted imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler. Jojo’s faith in the German leader is brought into question after he discovers his mother has been hiding a Jewish girl in the attic and he starts to realise that not everything he has been told is true. Smart, heart-warming, heart-breaking, quirky, incredibly funny and moving. This is exactly what we’ve come to expect from writer and director Taika Waititi, who also stars in the movie. Despite its six Oscar nominations it is unlikely to win any of the major awards but this is one of the best films in recent years and is not to be missed.
The Irishman
Robert De Niro plays Frank Sheeran, a mob hitman, who takes a look back at his life and friendship with Jimmy Hoffa, who mysteriously disappeared in 1975. Another incredible film from legendary director Martin Scorsese who picks up his ninth nomination for best director making him the most nominated living director in Academy history. The Irishman is nominated for 10 Oscars overall but may miss out on taking any awards home due to the Academies snobbishness towards films made for streaming services such as Netflix.
Parasite
An unambitious family stumble across a business opportunity as they take an unusual interest in the rich and prominent Park family. It’s almost impossible to pigeonhole Parasite into a genre as it takes elements of comedy, drama, crime, thriller and even horror and blends them seamlessly. This Korean film was the surprise package of the year, coming out of nowhere to be a genuine contender for the best motion picture of the year. Overall the film has received six nominations including best director for Bong Joon Ho.
