Academy Awards Nominees 2023

[Dave Gray]

Everything was announced this week.  I'll keep returning to this thread to post my thoughts as we get towards the ceremony.


-  Something that a lot of people skip over are the short films.  They are usually very good and can be watched for free.
I really enjoyed this documentary short, called "Stranger at the Gate" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPbbl1S6foM

It's 30 minutes, but very worth it.



I have watched 9 of the 10 best pictures nominees so far.
Everything Everywhere All At Once is my favorite, which Banshees of Inisherin at #2.

[Dave Gray]

I watched Bardo -- nobody is going to want to watch that but hardcore movie nerds....it's too out there.  Not enough traditional plot.


But you will like, and you should definitely check out Navalny (2002).  Great documentary on Netflix and there is a scene that I can't believe they caught it on camera.

[SlothVomit]

I watched The Whale. Not everyone is gonna get this movie. It has to "hit home" I think to be fully effective. In my case, and ain't ashamed of it, I think (lol) ...it destroyed me. My GF was sobbing uncontrollably next me. When I first left the theatre I thought of this movie as torture porn. I still think the majority of folks that see this will think the same, but after a few days, I can't stop thinking about how close it hit home for me and its not that to me now. More a realization that this shit is real and people I know and have known have been close enough to the material used in this film. I honestly can't wrap my head around why this isn't up for film of the year when hot garbage like Triangle of Sadness is, but Fraser sure as shit is getting my vote for best actor. Who knew Encino Man had it in him.

[Dave Gray]

I liked Triangle of Sadness and thought there was a lot there to warrant Best Picture, but I haven't seen the Whale yet.

That said, I do like movies that some people will not connect with -- I think it's better for a movie to be like The Whale where it will deeply affect some people even if other people don't get it.  You gotta swing for something.