2017 Academy Awards

[PaloAltoCougar]

I admit to really enjoying the Oscars, and this year will be interesting than most, with Kimmel hosting and with a lot of very tight races. Among the nominees, La La Land is the obvious front runner, but I can make a case for any of the other eight best film nominees being worthy of a win, although none of the nine nominees were flawless by any means. I enjoyed, in no particular order, Manchester by the Sea, Hidden Figures, Hacksaw Ridge, Arrival, Lion and Hell or High Water more than LLL.

It’s unfortunate that last year’s understandable outcry about the lack of black nominees might lead some to believe the abundance of color among these year’s candidates was a kind of make up call.

Unlike past years, I think every single acting nominee is very deserving, although I would have nominated Amy Adams ahead of Meryl Streep. I suspect the reason for that error was Adams had two good performances that may have split the vote, and Streep’s rip on Trump at the Golden Globes probably won her some support. I’m also disappointed The Founder didn’t get any nods.

I may add a poll for predictions, but I recognize the number of people here with any interest may be limited.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

You don't think the idea that Streep could give the Oscars some much desired political and media attention played a part?

[PaloAltoCougar]

You don't think the idea that Streep could give the Oscars some much desired political and media attention played a part?

Yeah, I do, unfortunately. Even without her, I suspect a few others will take a shot or two.

[Pelado]

Haven't seen any of those yet.

The smart money is on Rogue One to win.

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[jay santos]

Haven't seen any of those yet.

The smart money is on Rogue One to win.

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:thumbsdown:

My post from the latest movies thread:

I'm really obsessed with Manchester by the Sea right now. That for best film and Casey Affleck for actor are no brainers for me. I was reading about Best Score, because I love how the score was integrated into a few of the key scenes of this film, but I guess it was disqualified for using too many non-original pieces. That blows. No one cares if the score is original or not but how it's used. They should change that category.

[Omaha 680]

:thumbsdown:

My post from the latest movies thread:

I'm really obsessed with Manchester by the Sea right now. That for best film and Casey Affleck for actor are no brainers for me. I was reading about Best Score, because I love how the score was integrated into a few of the key scenes of this film, but I guess it was disqualified for using too many non-original pieces. That blows. No one cares if the score is original or not but how it's used. They should change that category.

If there's anything that we have too much of these days, it's original music!

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Yeah, I do, unfortunately. Even without her, I suspect a few others will take a shot or two.

Unfortunately as much as I love movies and going to the movies, I've only been to 2-3 this year that weren't animated. I haven't seen any of the contenders, however I just found out that a friend from our ward is in the Screen actors Guild and gets screener DVDs of all the movies, most importantly is willing to share. :thumbsup:

[Katy Lied]

As much as I think Casey Afleck is a great actor, I dont think anyone who has two separate sexual harassment allegations against him is going to get the nod. Constance Wu went after him big time, and though she's no Casey Afleck, I really admire her for taking this stand.

[PaloAltoCougar]

As much as I think Casey Afleck is a great actor, I dont think anyone who has two separate sexual harassment allegations against him is going to get the nod. Constance Wu went after him big time, and though she's no Casey Afleck, I really admire her for taking this stand.

I was unaware of that. Oh well, if that disqualifies him for an Oscar, he can always run for President.

[wuapinmon]

As much as I think Casey Afleck is a great actor, I dont think anyone who has two separate sexual harassment allegations against him is going to get the nod. Constance Wu went after him big time, and though she's no Casey Afleck, I really admire her for taking this stand.

I haven't seen the film, and I've always found him obnoxious, but he's never been convicted and he settled out of court without any admission of wrongdoing and still denies the claims. All that stands against him are unsubstantiated allegations and no police charges, ever. Constance Wu is a bully.

[creekster]

I haven't seen the film, and I've always found him obnoxious, but he's never been convicted and he settled out of court without any admission of wrongdoing and still denies the claims. All that stands against him are unsubstantiated allegations and no police charges, ever. Constance Wu is a bully.

Agreed.

[PaloAltoCougar]

Thinking about the Best Picture nominees, I realize how unsophisticated my tastes in movies are. I thought all of the nominees were very good, but I often don't enjoy the experience of watching a film I know is well crafted if it doesn't really entertain or move me. That was especially true for me with Fences and Moonlight. Both are very well done, and it was interesting to see lives and circumstances with which I'm very unfamiliar, but I really didn't enjoy them. My ranking, in terms of entertainment:

Hidden Figures
Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
Arrival
Lion
Manchester by the Sea
La La Land
Fences
Moonlight

La La Land is the presumptive favorite, but I wouldn't be surprised by an upset from any of the other nominees (Lion would be the biggest surprise); it's that close this year.

[cougjunkie]

Thinking about the Best Picture nominees, I realize how unsophisticated my tastes in movies are. I thought all of the nominees were very good, but I often don't enjoy the experience of watching a film I know is well crafted if it doesn't really entertain or move me. That was especially true for me with Fences and Moonlight. Both are very well done, and it was interesting to see lives and circumstances with which I'm very unfamiliar, but I really didn't enjoy them. My ranking, in terms of entertainment:

Hidden Figures
Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
Arrival
Lion
Manchester by the Sea
La La Land
Fences
Moonlight

La La Land is the presumptive favorite, but I wouldn't be surprised by an upset from any of the other nominees (Lion would be the biggest surprise); it's that close this year.

I agree on Hidden Figures and Hacksaw Ridge. By far the two most entertaining on the list.

[Walter Sobchak]

Predictions for political speech by the actors/actresses/directors? (Implies predictions of winners.)

Viola Davis. No.
Mahershala Ali. No idea.
Emma Stone. No.
Denzel. Yes.
Damien Chazelle. No.

[creekster]

Predictions for political speech by the actors/actresses/directors? (Implies predictions of winners.)

Viola Davis. No.
Mahershala Ali. No idea.
Emma Stone. No.
Denzel. Yes.
Damien Chazelle. No.

I say Emma stone is a yes. And, like her acting/role, it will not be nearly as profound as she thinks it is.

Denzel is also a yes but his is more reasoned.