A stunning Oscar statue gleams on the red carpet at the 97th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 2, 2025. Image Credit – Courtesy of Getty Images
Many individuals enjoy predicting the winners of the prestigious Oscars. However, isn’t it more enjoyable to simply cheer for your personal favorites without any financial stakes involved? That’s my approach every year. I maintain a healthy dose of skepticism towards the Oscars, believing that Academy voters don’t always select the most deserving films or performances. Influences such as campaigns, personal biases, and prevailing trends can impact their decisions, sometimes leading to choices that I personally find lacking tastefulness. As the Oscars approach, I firmly assert that my taste is paramount, and I encourage you to uphold the same belief in your preferences. Here are a few of my favorite nominees this year, along with a notable performance that I believe was unfairly overlooked.
Timothée Chalamet, nominated for his outstanding performance in “A Complete Unknown” for Best Actor
Chalamet is an exceptionally talented actor, but not every role resonates with everyone. Recently, in films such as “Dune” (parts 1 and 2) and “Bones and All,” I found my admiration for Chalamet waning. However, he made a strong comeback in the portrayal of a young Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s excellent film “A Complete Unknown.” Chalamet skillfully embodies the young Dylan’s arrogance and audacity, portraying the emerging genius’ callousness, particularly towards women. His portrayal transcends mere imitation, making it a captivating and beautiful performance.
Yura Borisov, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Anora”
Borisov portrays Igor, a tough character tasked with overseeing the film’s heroine, Ani, a spirited dancer and sex worker played by Mikey Madison, in Sean Baker’s “Anora.” While initially appearing stern, Borisov gradually reveals a tender and heartfelt performance through subtle expressions and gestures. By the film’s conclusion, it becomes evident that he possesses the purest heart among the male characters, challenging initial impressions in a delightful manner.
“Flow,” nominated for Best Animated Film
In a time where hope is needed more than ever, Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis delivers a poignant yet uplifting tale in the wordless animation “Flow.” Following a massive flood, a clever black cat joins a diverse group aboard a boat, including a dog, capybara, lemur, and a secretary bird. Despite their differences, they learn to cooperate. This thought-provoking and visually stunning film subtly conveys a message of unity and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of sticking together for survival.
Arianne Phillips and Lisy Christl, both nominated for Best Costume Design
Phillips’ costumes in “A Complete Unknown,” featuring sl
Threads galore. When it comes to Conclave, I have a soft spot for royal papal attire. Show me all the capes adorned with golden stitching, the stylish Cardinal beanies, the supple suede of those tiny red slippers! Christl delivers the most fashionable Catholic ensembles.
“Porcelain War,” up for Best Documentary, is a stunning and cautiously optimistic film by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev. It offers a unique perspective on war, following three Ukrainian artists who remain dedicated to their craft despite Russian aggression. Leontyev and his wife, Anya Stasenko, create delicate porcelain creatures that capture the beauty of the Ukrainian countryside, while also training citizens in self-defense. Andrey Stefanov, a painter turned cinematographer, provides a visually captivating perspective. “Porcelain War” underscores the significance of artists’ visions, especially in times of conflict.
“In Oscar-Nominated Ukrainian Documentary Porcelain War, Three Artists Cut Through the Noise of War”
Another noteworthy film is “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” a contender for Best International Feature. Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof crafted this poignant work in response to the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. The narrative revolves around a government official who grapples with the repercussions of his actions on his family, particularly his daughters. Rasoulof intricately explores the ramifications of a society seeking to control women at any cost. Forced to leave his homeland due to backlash from Iranian authorities, Rasoulof’s film is a gripping portrayal of real-life injustices.
“Anora,” vying for Best Picture, is Sean Baker’s captivating tale of a dancer and sex worker played by the talented Mikey Madison. The film delves into shattered expectations and the necessity of confronting harsh truths to find true happiness. “Anora” highlights the transformative power of facing reality head-on amidst disillusionment.
Lastly, Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s exceptional performance in “Hard Truths” deserves recognition, even though she was not nominated for Best Actress. In Mike Leigh’s film, Jean-Baptiste portrays Pansy, a complex character navigating life with a cloud of negativity. While Pansy’s demeanor may wear on those around her, the story delves into the underlying reasons for her behavior, shedding light on themes of depression and inner turmoil.
Overall, these films showcase the diverse narratives and talents present in the film industry, inviting audiences to engage with multifaceted storytelling and thought-provoking performances.
Mother has been deceased for five years, yet her daughter continues to grapple with profound sorrow. Nonetheless, Jean-Baptiste’s portrayal skillfully acknowledges the constraints of our simplistic assessments from afar. Pansy is not merely a clinical term, but rather a multidimensional individual – a distinction Jean-Baptiste masterfully articulates with poignant precision. If only the Academy had recognized this nuance. For further correspondence, please reach out to us at letters@time.com.
