A Look at the 2023 Awards Season
Now is the time to get caught up, Oscar season is here.
Everything Everywhere All At Once - My only 5-star-reviewed film of this year so far, Everything Everywhere is a treasure to behold. I think this will be a favorite rolling into the Oscars, as it has managed to keep excitement high since releasing back in March. Look for Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Acting, and Technical nominations. Do yourself a favor and go rent this movie ASAP. Trailer
Elvis - As you may have seen, Elvis is far from my favorite film of the year. In fact, there’s no way it ends up on my “best of the year” list, however, Austin Butler’s performance cannot be overlooked by anyone, and that includes the Academy. Stream it on HBO Max. Trailer
Tar - I was able to see this film just last weekend, and boy did it live up to the hype. Cate Blanchett gives a career-defining performance (seriously) and will most certainly be nominated for Best Actress, if not win. Overall the writing, cinematography, and direction all seem like quality contenders in this year’s awards season. Currently in theaters. Trailer
Triangle of Sadness - Winner of the Palme dOr (highest prize at the Cannes Film Festival), I’ve heard nothing but extreme takes on this film. I can’t wait to witness this with a large crowd (as I have been encouraged to do). Unsure how far this will go with the Academy as it does seem like a film that is looking to push the boundaries. Currently in theaters, (seeing it next week)! Trailer
Aftersun - This could very well be the C’mon, C’mon of the 2023 award circuit, but I certainly hope not. While I haven’t been able to see this beautiful-looking movie, the trailer has already won me over and maybe caused a tear. A24 will be campaigning hard with Everything Everywhere and The Whale, will it have time for this critical darling? Currently in a limited release. Trailer
The Fablemans - Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans is a coming-of-age story about a young man’s discovery of a shattering family secret and an exploration of the power of movies to help us see the truth about each other and ourselves. This autobiographical film will celebrate the film industry (something the Academy loves to do) and shed some light on one of the most prolific filmmakers of our time. Look for Best Picture, Screenplay, and Acting nominations. In theaters November 11th. Trailer
Women Talking - The synopsis is rather simple: based on a novel, “eight women from an isolated religious community grapple with reconciling their reality with their faith.” It’s the cast that makes my eyes widen: The film stars Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, and Frances McDormand. Look for Best Picture, Screenplay, and of course, Acting nominations. In theaters December 2nd. Trailer
The Whale - The much buzzed, “Brenden Fraiser Come Back” is finally arriving in theaters this holiday season. In fact, Fraiser is leading the Best Actor race with his heart-wrenching turn as an obese father trying to reconnect with his daughter. While I’m not a huge fan of director Darren Aronofsky, I’m here to see what Fraiser can do. In theaters December 9th.
Avatar: The Way of Water - It’s been 10+ years since we last saw the spectacle that was Avatar on the big screen. I expect nothing less from the follow-up. With expectations high, only time will tell how the Academy responds, but if James Cameron provides the satisfaction and wonder that he did the first time, we will have a slam dunk. Look for Best Picture, and Technical nominations, in theaters on December 16th. Trailer
Babylon - While it hasn’t been over ten years, it has been four years since we’ve seen Academy Award Winning Director, Damien Chazelle, give us a treasure. But there will be no need for reintroduction with his latest outing. With a cast including Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Jean Smart, and Tobey McGuire, and the backdrop of the Golden Age of Hollywood, how will the Academy resist? Look for Best Picture, Director, Acting, and Technical nominations. In theaters December 23rd. Trailer