This morning’s Oscar nominations broke in many directions.
“Emilia Perez” and “Wicked” led the list with the most nominations.
But only “Emilia” picked up Best Director, as well, for Jacques Audiard. Jon M. Chu, of “Wicked” was left behind.
That’s a head scratcher.
Of the 10 movies that made Best Picture, only five also had Best Directors. They were “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “A Complete Unknown,” “The Substance,” and “The Brutalist.”
Knocked out of the directing race were Edward Berger, for “Conclave,”Denis Villenueve for “Dune Part 2,” Walter Salles for “I’m Still Here,” and RaMell Ross for “Nickel Boys.”
Strange? Yes, since those directors really had ‘director’s movies.” They are personal visions very dependent on the person behind the camera.
It’s hard to imagine that the ultimate Best Picture and Director won’t be either from the same movie, or from the list of the top 5.
How would it split? Brady Corbet seems like the odds on favorite for Best Director. “The Brutalist” is a mighty project, and he would be rewarded for even thinking of it.
If Corbet takes Best Director, what about Best Picture? If it’s from the five which share the Directing noms, it could go to “The Brutalist.” Nut the movie is very long, not many have finished it, and it’s not pleasant. In that case, I’d go for “A Complete Unknown,” and spread the riches around.
And what “Emilia Perez”? And “Anora”? Are they too edgy for Best Picture? Remember, the winner of Best Picture is the one you’re stuck with forever, at festivals, on TV, and so on. They’re each superior films. But what life will they have beyond March 2nd?
Now the race begins!
