banner image by DJ TAJ
Good evening everyone and welcome to the show.
In past years we here at DFO have had extensive coverage (and amazing original artwork) of Oscar Season provided by our very own Make It Snow. This year due to several commitments he was unable to provide coverage.
We will attempt to fill the void.
My bonafides?
I’ve seen all 9 films that are nominated for best picture this year and most of the acting performances as well.
I’ll cover the major categories and give my opinion on who should win.
First of all welcome and feel free to give your opinions on the movies as well as any damn thing else you feel like talking about down in the comment section.
The Oscars are legacy viewing for me. My Mom was a big movie fan and she in turn passed that trait along to me. I’ve actually watched every Oscar presentation since 1971 (French Connection won) but I have never done the whole Oscar party thing. Unless an Oscar party means drinking a ton of booze while watching the show.
Along with the Superb Owl, the Oscars are one of only 2 things I watch as they air, meaning I don’t DVR them so I can fast forward through the idiot fucking commercials like I do for everything else.
I’ve saved so many brain cells this way.
This also means I can join in the live blog thing with all y’all in the comments.
Fuck it lets do this thing.
First award is for…
Best Picture of the Year:
The nominees are:
“1917”
“Ford v Ferrari”
“The Irishman”
“Jojo Rabbit”
“Joker”
“Little Women”
“Marriage Story”
“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”
“Parasite”
A quick thought on each is in order.
1917 was goddamn amazing to watch for its technical expertise. Many of you know by now that the concept is the film was done as one long take. Basically an uninterrupted continuous shot. You can see where the edits are if you’re looking for that type of thing but holy shit it had some incredible “oners” throughout. The films’ use of light and shadow is fucking incredible and the score keeps the tension rolling throughout the entire film. This one is the favorite to win and if we’re going on technical wizardry and a good clean story, it will win. The reason it may not win is it’s a very simplistic plot. “Deliver this very quickly or a lot of people will die” is the whole plot. The acting is as good as it needs to be but nothing really to sing the praises of. If you’re going to see this film, see it on the biggest screen possible. This has a legitimate shot to win a bunch of hardware tonight.
Ford v Ferrari is just a damn good movie. The racing scenes are top notch, the interaction with the actors keeps it lively. Feel free to see this on the big screen as well and you will come out of the theater saying “That was a damn good movie.” It’s not going to win.
The Irishman is currently streaming on Netflix and watching it at home is the way to go. This one felt like Scorsese just wanted to “get the band back together one more time, man.” It’s a totally fine film but holy shit is it ever long. Three and a half hours or so. I had to break it up into 2 viewings. Boy can you ever tell this is a Scorsese movie. It takes about 30 seconds after the film starts to recognize that. Good story about Jimmy Hoffa and the guy who MAY have been responsible for his disappearance. Got a little Good Fellas, a little Mean Streets. Not his best film. The de-aging process was a mixed bag in that it DID eliminate the wrinkles on the actors but they still tottered like the old-ass men that they are. Since Marty already got the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award when he won for The Departed, Hollywood will feel he’s already got his. Not gonna win.
Jojo Rabbit is pretty goddamn divisive and for good reason. Not just anybody can pull of a goofball comedy about a boy in the Hitler Youth who has Hitler as his imaginary friend. I watched the first half hour just scratching my head like, “What exactly are you doing here people?” Then it found it’s pace and holy shit did I end up loving the fuck out of this movie. So much fucking heart and just an incredible finish. Not for everybody for sure. This film has a punchers chance of winning but it will probably alienate a few too many old school Hollywood voters to do so.
Joker is not gonna make it folks. While I also was seriously impacted by this movie, it is not the type of film that will win for Best Picture. This will get its accolades when Joaquin Phoenix wins for Best Actor which is a veritable goddamn lock. Loved the anarchy in this movie but the violence and the fact that it’s a comic book movie will keep it from winning.
Little Women: exactly the same as every other time it was made. Great performances, beautiful film but how many fucking times do we need a remake of this film? Ain’t winning.
Marriage Story: also available on Netflix. That’s the best way to see it. You know what this movie is? Kramer vs Kramer. Almost to a goddamn “T.” Hell, the son is the same age. Scarlett Johanssen is fantastic though. Decent watch if nothing is on. No sir. Not winning tonight.
Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood: Completely entertaining movie. I’ve seen it twice already. Great scenes, terrific acting, surprisingly upbeat considering the fringe subject matter. I’ve got a funny feeling that this one may just win. Remember what I said up there about Scorsese and his lifetime achievement award? Same concept here. This is NOT Tarrentino’s best film but it’s his most Oscar voter friendly film. My upset pick to win.
Parasite: Best film of the year of the nominated films. Completely unique, captivating, heart felt. A true insight into the class struggles inside Korea. Surprisingly upbeat then incredibly dark. Excellent film. I’m going to hedge my bets and say if this does not win for Best Foreign Language film? It wins it all. It’s going to win for Best Foreign Language Film.
Best actual film of the year?
The Lighthouse.
Fuck me was this movie awesome. Seriously in the running for one of my favorite movies of all time. Love this damn thing.
Lightning round!
Best Director:
nominees:
Bong Joon Ho, “Parasite”
Sam Mendes, “1917”
Todd Phillips, “Joker”
Martin Scorsese, “The Irishman”
Quentin Tarantino, “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”
Will win: Sam Mendes. Deserves to win? Mendes. This is going to happen.
Best Actor:
Joaquin Phoenix, “Joker”
Leonardo DiCaprio, “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”
Antonio Banderas, “Pain and Glory” *
Adam Driver, “Marriage Story”
Jonathan Pryce, “The Two Popes”
* Did not see this film
Will win? Joaquin Phoniex. Period. Lock it in. Quick aside; does anyone else feel that Adam Driver’s acting is a little wooden? Just me? Fair enough.
Best Actress:
Cynthia Erivo, “Harriet”
Scarlett Johansson, “Marriage Story”
Saoirse Ronan, “Little Women”
Charlize Theron, “Bombshell”*
Renee Zellweger, “Judy”
*missed this film too
According to every prognosticator and recent awards show, this is going to be a lock for Renee Zelwegger. Cynthia Erivo was excellent in Harriet (as she is currently on “The Outsider” on HBO) and Saoirse Ronan was her usual solid self in Little Women. Scarlett gets to hit the full range of emotions in Marriage Story.
Renee Zelwegger was incredible in “Judy”. Stunning. Give her my money! And a sandwich!
Best Supporting Actor:
Tom Hanks, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
Anthony Hopkins, “The Two Popes”
Al Pacino, “The Irishman”
Joe Pesci, “The Irishman”
Brad Pitt, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
I’ve seen every one of these films so I feel a little more confidant here. For some reason EVERYBODY and their deranged aunt is predicting Brad Pitt to win this baby. I thought he was great in his role and played it with a great deal of confidence and swagger but wasn’t he, you know, playing Brad Pitt? Hopkins was fantastic in The Two Popes but he’s already been fully decorated by the Academy. Personally I would choose Tom Hanks because he was fucking incredible as Mister Rogers. Loved that movie. I guess Brad Pitt wins though. Good for him.
Best Supporting Actress:
Kathy Bates, “Richard Jewell”
Laura Dern, “Marriage Story”
Scarlett Johansson, “Jojo Rabbit”
Florence Pugh, “Little Women”
Margot Robbie, “Bombshell”*
*missed this one too. A little too Fox Newsy for me
As with Brad Pitt, every damn body is gift wrapping this for Laura Dern for Marriage Story. She was solid in it, but it’s hard to feel sympathy for somebody playing an attorney who acts like a shithead. Loved Scarlett in Jojo Rabbit – a LOT – but Kathy Bates had a fantastic role in Richard Jewell. Honestly thought that movie would get more nominations but if the controversy about the film is true, that’s just too goddamn sleazy to get behind. My upset pick is Kathy Bates for Richard Jewell
Adapted Screenplay:
“The Irishman,” Steven Zaillian
“Jojo Rabbit,” Taika Waititi
“Joker,” Todd Phillips, Scott Silver
“Little Women,” Greta Gerwig
“The Two Popes,” Anthony McCarten
Best guess is Jojo Rabbit.
Original Screenplay:
“Knives Out,” Rian Johnson
“Marriage Story,” Noah Baumbach
“1917,” Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Quentin Tarantino
“Parasite,” Bong Joon-ho, Jin Won Han
This really feels like a win for Parasite.
Cinematography:
“Joker,” Lawrence Sher
“The Lighthouse,” Jarin Blaschke
“1917,” Roger Deakins
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Robert Richardson
Best Documentary Feature:
“American Factory,” Julia Rieichert, Steven Bognar
“The Cave,” Feras Fayyad
“The Edge of Democracy,” Petra Costa
“For Sama,” Waad Al-Kateab, Edward Watts
“Honeyland,” Tamara Kotevska, Ljubo Stefanov
Uhhh, I saw American Factory and was officially “whelmed” by it? Heard good things about Honeyland so let’s give it them. Yeah.
Best International Feature Film:
“Corpus Christi,” Jan Komasa
“Honeyland,” Tamara Kotevska, Ljubo Stefanov
“Les Miserables,” Ladj Ly
“Pain and Glory,” Pedro Almodovar
“Parasite,” Bong Joon Ho
Bet the farm on Parasite here, unless – see above in Best Picture section. Parasite is the only one of these I watched.
Film Editing:
“Ford v Ferrari,” Michael McCusker, Andrew Buckland
“The Irishman,” Thelma Schoonmaker
“Jojo Rabbit,” Tom Eagles
“Joker,” Jeff Groth
“Parasite,” Jinmo Yang
Thelma Schoonmaker has been Scorsese’s long term editor and there’s always a possibility for her to win again. I’ll go with Ford V Ferrari though, the racing action was exceptional.
Sound Editing:
“Ford v Ferrari,” Don Sylvester
“Joker,” Alan Robert Murray
“1917,” Oliver Tarney, Rachel Tate
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Wylie Stateman
“Star Wars: The Rise of SkyWalker,” Matthew Wood, David Acord
I think 1917 is going to win all the technical shit since it missed out on the big bastard. 1917 wins.
Sound Mixing:
“Ad Astra”
“Ford v Ferrari”
“Joker”
“1917”
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
1917 again – see above.
Production Design:
“The Irishman,” Bob Shaw and Regina Graves
“Jojo Rabbit,” Ra Vincent and Nora Sopkova
“1917,” Dennis Gassner and Lee Sandales
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Barbara Ling and Nancy Haigh
“Parasite,” Lee Ha-Jun and Cho Won Woo, Han Ga Ram, and Cho Hee
ditto 1917.
Original Score:
“Joker,” Hildur Guðnadóttir
“Little Women,” Alexandre Desplat
“Marriage Story,” Randy Newman
“1917,” Thomas Newman
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” John Williams
Makeup and Hair:
“Bombshell”
“Joker”
“Judy”
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”
“1917”
This has to be Judy doesn’t it? Anytime there’s a transformation involved it usually gets recognized.
Costume Design:
”The Irishman,” Sandy Powell, Christopher Peterson
“Jojo Rabbit,” Mayes C. Rubeo
“Joker,” Mark Bridges
“Little Women,” Jacqueline Durran
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Arianne Phillips
Toss up here between Once Upon a Time… and Little Women. Let’s give this one to Little Women to avoid the shutout.
Visual Effects:
“Avengers Endgame”
“The Irishman”
“1917”
“The Lion King”
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”
Feels like 1917 again since the movie WAS basically a visual effect. Slight chance for Star Wars here if this really is their last film. Sure.
Didn’t see any of the animated films and only heard a couple of the nominated songs so I’m not even going to venture a guess or waste your damn time on those categories.
So what do you think?
Who gives a shit and let’s just drink?
That works for me too.
I guess I need to finish watching Parasite now.
The show or…….
Soju for everyone!
/is that racist?
One that they got right, “Ford vs. Ferrari” was the best sounding movie I’ve maybe ever seen.
His entire acceptance speech is just the lyrics to shots!
EVERYBODY!!!
Gonna be some spicy takes tomorrow
I kinda feel like none of these deserve to win
HaHa, get fucked “fox news” crowd
Controversial using the pirates of the Caribbean theme.
Johnny Depp being a known domestic abuser and all /s
The acceptance speeches have jumped off a cliff. Let’s get Bong back up there to do some lines between shots
I was looking up something about bombshell, and I found this picture again, and now I don’t remember what I was looking for:
Sometimes you just give your best speech at the Globes.
This speech makes me feel very justified for rooting against Joaquin Phoenix for this category
May have forgotten about River Phoenix
So can we stop making the joke that “the wrong kid died?”
I appreciate the sentiment bud, but man take it down a notch.
Guy’s worked so long for this, and he makes it political?
YOU’RE GOD DAMNED RIGHT HE DOES! HIS MOMENT IN THE SUN! SUCK IT ANTI-POLITICAL CORRECTNESS CROWD
Yeah, let’s not allow this guy to talk again.
Bong Joon-ho?
No. Let him drink until tomorrow and say whatever he wants.
oh no joaquin, you’re going off the rails
SHOOT THE PRESENTER! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!
Banderas wins an oscar… I dont know man
I just hate the way Adam Driver talks so much
I don’t get the allure either.
Also, good for them including Peter mayhew after forgetting Kenny baker
Time to go to Twitter to see who was missed
Hearing somebody named Epstein was left out
Haur deserved a clip, not just a picture
Preferably something from “Hobo With A Shotgun.”
Weren’t the life long Niners fans Boyz II Men close enough to do this song for them?
Look, I’ll say it if no one else will: Dear Basketball is one of the worst Oscar-winners ever and Kobe can eat shit.
Aw man the guy from alligator died?
This isn’t a joke I fucking love that movie
Billie Ellish and spike lee:
The celebrities I dont care much for personally, but I know they piss certain people off, so I kinda like them ironically
The memoriam:
Aka, who are we gonna piss off this year?
They knocked out Kobe and Rip Torn early.
Who knew all you had to do to get a standing ovation was mention Marty?
They might just fucking do it. They might just give Parasite Best Picture.
Down to the big four.
Oo, this one’s better.
Aw yes, the start of my glove love
What’s with the weird passive aggressive m&m commercials?
I think it’s sexual tension.
Of course they love the Hersey Highway.
GREATEST AIRPLANE NAME EVER
“There’s nothing colder than a witch’s tit”
Someone put a lot of work into that to spend every minute from that point forward being laughed at for the typo
They are flyboys.
Might be Olde English.
The guy who painted that doesn’t seem like a guy who made mistakes.
I just love Bong Joon-Ho so much. Absolute star.
He can be a hit?
So do I, whoever that is. God Bless you all.
He’s a very drunk Korean
This sure beats Australian Football recaps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWGLaCqvISc
Just looked up at my TV and am very concerned
THAT movie shoulda won all the awards.
What was that Tudors comment?
Sayyyyy, is that velvet?
Polite reminder that the winner of Editing will not win Best Picture.
You mean Yugo vs Daihatsu has no chance?
Will Ferrell still amuses me. Is that a hot taek?
There’s a Mennonite character on Letterkenny who serves as a vehicle for dick jokes that feels like what Will Ferrel playing an Amish character on SNL would have been.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzJrR8BYPak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVeROHwAPnk
Will Sasso’s best work.