I’m always worried that the work of deserving filmmakers will get overlooked by the Academy Awards. It’s time for the critic’s awards, which can prompt Oscar nominations. And I have some opinions about some nuggets that should be recognized.
BEST PICTURE
I’m glad to see the San Francisco Film Critics Circle at least shortlisted Hell or High Water as a finalist for Best Picture. It’s getting overlooked among all the Holiday Prestige Movies, but it’s my pick for the best film of the year.
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
- Lily Gladstone’s heartrending performance is the most indelible in Certain Women, a movie co-starring much more recognizable actresses (Laura Dern, Michelle Williams and Kristen Stewart).
- You can imagine the entire back story of Katy Mixon’s waitress in Hell or High Water, a gal who is fiercely determined to hang on to her tip, no matter what.
- The absolutely irreplaceable Margo Martindale is the heart of The Hollars.
- Michelle Williams doesn’t need any help from me to be nominated for her six or seven heartbreaking minutes in Manchester by the Sea.
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
- The late Alan Rickman is more than a sentimental choice for a posthumous award for Eye in the Sky; it’s one of the best performances by any actor this year.
- Simon Helberg’s hilarious non-verbal reactions are actually the funniest part of Florence Foster Jenkins.
- I would also recognize Devin Druid in Louder Than Bombs; it’s easy to overlook even the most brilliant portrayals of teenage boys who don’t talk much and sure don’t show their feelings (like Miles Teller in Rabbit Hole or James Frecheville in Animal Kingdom).
- Michael Shannon is the best thing about Nocturnal Animals.
- Jeff Bridges should get another nomination for his superb performance in Hell or High Water.
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
- Isabelle Huppert’s performance in Elle is so astonishingly sui generis, it is so essential to the movie’s success and she has such an amazing body of work, that I can’t imagine her not winning this Oscar. It doesn’t help that, as usual, there’s shortage of other excellent roles for women.
- I loved Imogen Poot in Frank & Lola. The entire movie hinges on whether she is a Bad Girl or a Troubled Girl, and she plays it credibly both ways.
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
- Like Huppert, Casey Affleck is a deserving lock to win the Oscar for Manchester by the Sea.
- But, in Hell or High Water, Chris Pine finally got to act in a complex, textured role and he really delivered. Deserves a nod.
BEST WRITING, ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
- Kenneth Lonergan will certainly snag a nomination for Manchester by the Sea.
- So I am campaigning for Taylor Sheridan and his masterpiece screenplay for Hell or High Water.
