Saturday, December 31, 2016

The Oscar Narrative: Pre-Guild Predictions - Screenplays

Best Original Screenplay
Nicholas Martin "Florence Foster Jenkins"
Taylor Sheridan "Hell or High Water"
Damien Chazelle "La La Land"
Efthymis Filippou and Yorgos Lanthimos "The Lobster"
Kenneth Lonergan "Manchester By the Sea"

Other Contenders - Matt Ross "Captain Fantastic", Mike Mills "20th Century Women", Noah Oppenheim "Jackie", Byron Howard, Jared Bush, Rich Moore, Josie Trinidad, Jim Reardon, Phil Johnston, Jennifer Lee "Zootopia", Maren Ade "Toni Erdmann", Joel and Ethan Coen "Hail Caesar!", Guy Hibbert "Eye in the Sky", Peter Berg, Matt Cook, Joshua Zetumer "Patriots Day", Richard Linklater "Everybody Wants Some!!", Jim Jarmusch "Paterson", Asghar Farhadi "The Salesman", Woody Allen "Cafe Society", Ira Sachs "Little Men", Jared Bush, Ron Clements, Chris Williams, Don Hall, Pamela Ribon, Aaron Kandell, and Jordan Kandell "Moana"

Commentary - Both categories got a jolt after Loving and Moonlight were moved to adapted. This opened up two slots in this category. I think this is a three-way race between Manchester, Hell or High Water, and La La Land, and all are pretty much guaranteed nominations. Its that last two slots that are tricky. I could see some indies like Captain Fantastic, 20th Century Women, Jackie, Paterson, Toni Erdmann, or Little Men taking advantage of these slots. Animated films have done well in the past, so don't discount the awesome scripts from Moana and Zootopia. Finally, previous nominees like Richard Linklater, Woody Allen, and Asghar Farhadi could once again charm voters with their gift for words. For last two slots, though I am picking the incredibly original The Lobster, which feels right up the writers' branch alley, and Florence Foster Jenkins. It did well with the Globes, and SAG, and if you start looking at the categories across the board, you see that Florence Foster Jenkins will do really well across a lot of categories. I think its a bigger contender than folks are giving it credit for.

Best Adapted Screenplay
Eric Heisserer "Arrival"
August Wilson "Fences"
Luke Davies "Lion"
Jeff Nichols "Loving"
Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney "Moonlight"

Other Contenders - Theodore Melfi and Allison Schroeder "Hidden Figures", Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan "Hacksaw Ridge", Tom Ford "Nocturnal Animals", Jay Cocks "Silence", Todd Komarnicki "Sully", Whit Stilman "Love & Friendship", Park Chan-Wook "The Handmaiden", James Schamus "Indignation", Kelly Reichardt "Certain Women", Ben Affleck "Live By Night", Justin Marks "The Jungle Book", Michael Showalter and Laura Terruso "Hello, My Name is Doris", Andrew Stanton, Victoria Strouse, Bob Peterson, and Angus MacLane "Finding Dory"

Commentary - This category got a lot tighter with the aforementioned category swap, and yes I made room for both Loving and Moonlight, two scripts I think writers will enjoy. That leaves three strong previous contenders in Fences, Moonlight, and Arrival, rounding out the top five. Neither Hidden Figures nor Hacksaw Ridge seem like strong screenplay possibilities, but they are big Best Picture contenders, so that gives them a lot more leeway in this category. Silence, Sully, and Nocturnal Animals are flirting with Oscar attention, and then we hit the indies, foreign, and animated contenders hoping that the quirky folks in this branch are paying attenion: Love & Friendship, Hello My Name is Doris, Indignation, Live By Night, Finding Dory, Certain Women, and The Handmaiden.

Top 10 Television Programs of 2016

10. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life - After all the crappy remakes and horrible reboots of television shows or movies turned into crappy television shows, I was worried about the reboot of one of my favorite television shows of all time: Gilmore Girls. There is a lot of the four-episode Year in the Life reboot that didn't work. I'm not such a fan that I can't realize that fact. Hell, the original series was not a perfect show. It was a weird, often frivolous show that succeeded if you were willing to suspend disbelief and embrace the wacky, and yet somehow honesty of these lovable characters. I did, and I was rewarded for the journey. Except for that seven season. Without showrunner Amy Sherman-Palladino, the seven season just left us fans feeling like we had missed something. So while this new Netflix reboot had its issues, it felt like the old days. The razor-sharp wit, the lovable characters, the family tension. Everything we loved about Gilmore Girls was back, and it was so nice to revisit Stars Hollow. And if this really is the finale of Gilmore Girls, I'm glad Sherman-Palladino, and this amazing cast, got to end it their way.

9. Full Frontal with Samantha Bee - This 2016 election was an absolute disaster. In fact 2016 in general has felt like a disaster. Through it all a new voice on the late-night spectrum expressed just how we were feeling. After The Daily Show and The Colbert Report left the air, it felt like there was a void. Then came the magnificent Samantha Bee. Her humor was infectious, her energy was undeniable. But what sets her apart from so many others is that for all her humor, it was her anger that was the most endearing. This was a year for anger. We, as liberals, as Americans, deserve to be angry at our new political reality. She knew that, she expressed that at just the right moments. The moment I knew I loved Full Frontal, was the episode after the Orlando nightclub shootings. It was not a particular humorous episode, but it was just the anger, and the emotion that all of us were feeling. It was one of the most brilliant moments on television this year, and proved that Samantha Bee is the voice we all need, and the one we will cling to for hope the next four years.

8. (TIE) Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Hairspray Live! - In an article for Indiewire talking about Cameron Crowe's failed Roadies (a show that had some of the highest and lowest moments on television all year), Ben Travers wrote a beautiful piece defending the show for one important reason: it was sincere. His basic point was that in a time when even the funniest comedies on television are dark, that despite its flaws, it was nice to have a show on television that actually had uplifting moments and a bit of hope and joy. While I think Roadies had too many flaws to make this list, I agree with Travers' sentiment (here is the link to that article: http://www.indiewire.com/2016/08/roadies-finale-review-cameron-crowe-showtime-defense-1201720541/). There were two programs that came to mind when re-reading this article recently. The first was the Emmy-nominated Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Led by an incredible quartet of Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Carl Kane, and Jane Krakowski, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a cheerful, fun, goofy, yet endearing series that makes the viewer end every episode with a goofy grin on their face. The other joyful addition to television this year was NBC's Hairspray Live! Now television critics, in their supposed infinite wisdom were not terribly kind to this production. They lamented Harvey's voice despite its endearing quality, they rolled their eyes at mistakes in the live production, as if any mistake is not allowed. Seriously this was not a television show, this was a Broadway production that happened to be filmed. And it was a hell of a lot better than the boring Grease Live! which these same critics could not get enough of. Most horribly, they lamented the fact that this version of the well-worn story of Hairspray wasn't a revolutionary or groundbreaking adaptation. Are these sullen, pretentious critics so stuck up their own asses that everything they watch must be The Sopranos or Breaking Bad to warrant any positive attention? This production was not meant to be a revolution in the musical genre or television genre. It was meant to be a fun, lighthearted production that leaves you humming and tapping your toes. In that sense it was incredibly successful. And with with all the darkness that 2016 brought us, this was a welcomed exuberant, and yes sincere, three hours that left me filled with nothing but joy.

7. Insecure - Issa Rae has proven herself to be an hilarious comedian, and her book The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl proved she is an amazing writer. Well in 2016, all of her talent came to fruition with her new HBO series Insecure. HBO wanted their Sarah Jessica Parker return Divorce to be their big hit, and maybe in terms of viewers it is. But in terms of quality, it is Rae's first venture into television that is cracking top ten lists, earning raves from critics, and growing a passionate following. That is because Insecure is wildly funny, led by Rae's fantastic Golden Globe-nominated performance, it is brutally honest, and shows us both the struggle and fun, of finding your place in the world. A triumph I cannot wait to continue to watch.

6. Veep - Veep had a lot going against it in 2016. It was starting to enter what will probably be its later seasons, usually when a show starts to dip. It's showrunner had moved on, and it had just come off a killer fourth season that felt like it was going to be hard to top. Well, Veep just kept proving why its one of the best comedies on television, as its fifth season might have actually been its best. As Selina sought to continue her presidency, we saw the madness that politics can develop. Upon her loss, I think we saw Julia Louis-Dreyfus have some of her best episodes of a role that has earned her four straight Emmy Awards. Her anger, her shock, her nastiness, and yet the realization that despite her being awful, you were kind of rooting for her all resonated, particularly this year. The audience felt it because Selina and her staff felt it. It was such a brilliantly wrought season. I don't know what Veep's next move is, but I can't wait to find out.

5. black-ish - In its second season, black-ish only improved upon its great first outing, proving itself to be enormously funny, an excellent ensemble piece, and culturally relevant. Its third season seemed to take a few episodes to get back into the groove. But the last five or so of 2016 once again saw black-ish returning to its comedic heights, and hopefully has set up a great second half of the season. Finally black-ish is starting to rack up award nominations doing well at the Critics Choice, Golden Globes, and SAG Nominations. Apparently these groups are starting to realize just how damn good this show is. Also on a personal not, this is the official start of the 2017 Emmy Campaign to get Jenifer Lewis an Emmy nomination.

4. This is Us - In this day and age, it is hard to have the kind of success that This is Us is having for NBC. A lot of folks credit its success to its Voice lead in, or the fact that it had some recognizable stars from across the television spectrum. But the real reason that This is Us is resonating so much is that it is just a hell of a show. It is so well-written, realistically painting these characters that are actual humans, and intertwining humor and heartbreak beautifully together. I also think that in the horror show that seemed to be 2016 socially, culturally, and politically, that something like This is Us, which at its core is about hope, struck a chord with viewers who were looking for something to hope for.

3. (TIE) Atlanta and Better Things - FX already had success with comedies like Louie, You're the Worst (which had another great season), and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. This year, FX added to already impressive repertoire with two hot new comedies that are some of the year's best. Atlanta is a quirky, authentic dramedy, starring the great Donald Glover that drew me in immediately. Better Things, from Pamela Adlon, a frequent Louis C.K. collaborator, was a show I just absolutely loved. It was what Louie wanted to be, but never managed to be. Louie seemed great at the time, but Better Things proves that you can have that same quirky comedy, but actually care about the characters. And Sam is a much more endearing character than poor Louie ever thought about being.

2. (TIE) O.J.: Made in America and The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story - 22 years ago, O.J. Simpson was arrested for the killing of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. In the last 22 years, the myth, the legend, and the controversy of O.J. Simpson have been ingrained into the national culture. In 2016, a year that saw more violence, more racial issues, and the election of a man who surrounds himself with white supremacists, suddenly O.J. Simpson came roaring back. Ryan Murphy's miniseries beautifully reconstructs the drama surrounding the trial and the failure to convict. Ezra Edleman's Oscar-bound O.J.: Made in America provides not only a documentary of the events, but builds around the O.J. trial the tensions in L.A., the history of O.J.'s life and career, and the resonance that this time period still has today. These two shows brilliant captured the Simpson era, and most importantly, made this decades-old story feel relevant and managed to re-capture the attention of a nation whose wounds may never heal.

1. The Americans - The Americans finally got some Emmy love this year, and all I have to say is: it's about damn time! This season of The Americans continue to build on its own greatness, as it dove to new dramatic dark depths, expanded its characters, and continued, despite its many opportunities to do the opposite, to maintain its quiet, resolute, and subtle mood. Simply put: The Americans was the best show on television this year.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

The 5th Annual Awards Psychic Music Award Winners

Album of the Year
Winner - Beyonce "Lemonade"
Runners Up - David Bowie "Blackstar", Solange "A Seat at the Table", Frank Ocean "Blonde"
Commentary - Bowie has won here before, and Solange and Ocean prove they are formidable. But no album was as well-written, culturally relevant, or had more impact on music this year than Beyonce's surprise HBO-driven Lemonade. It is a fierce, bold record that shows Beyonce trying new things (rock and country to start), and showing us why she is our finest pop star today. I also felt the need to support Beyonce on a social level. After staying true to the pop and R&B genres that have defined most of her work, Beyonce finally broke through those norms to create an album that speaks to the oppression of black people, Black Lives Matter, and other culturally relevant issues. This of course sparked a backlash. Look no further than the racist comments made after her CMA performance. I even mention Beyonce's name around some of my friends or co-workers, and I hear "she's racist" or "I don't like her anymore". Yes, unfortunately in 2016, when an artist speaks honestly about her culture and the issues facing her people, she is labeled racist. In this year especially, I salute her bravery and power.

Single of the Year
Winner - Beyonce "Formation"
Runners Up - David Bowie "Lazarus" and Solange "Cranes in the Sky"
Commentary - Mostly look at Album of the Year. One addition is this: If people were looking for a power anthem to rise up, Formation is it.

Best New Artist
Winner - Chance the Rapper
Runners Up  - Anderson .Paak and Maren Morris
Commentary - This has been a great year for new artists, and some of the best nuggets from the Grammy nominations came from nominations for folks like Maren Morris and Anderson .Paak, both supremely talented artists, with bright futures ahead of them. But my favorite of the year was Chance the Rapper. He is making a name for himself in the hip-hop game with a blend of great lyrics, expertly produced tracks, and a mix of street cred and popular appeal.

Best Pop Album
Winner - Adele "25"
Runner Up - Troye Sivan "Blue Neighbourhood"
Commentary - I know! The indie music favorites are rolling their eyes at this win. I don't care. Yes I know that of here three albums 25 is probably a solid third place, and I don't care. In what seemed like a particularly weak year for pop music, Adele once again stole our hearts, and our airwaves with her catchy, and heartbreaking anthems.

Best Rap Album
Winner - Chance the Rapper "Coloring Book"
Runners Up - Kendrick Lamar "untitled unmastered" and Kanye West "The Life of Pablo"
Commentary - Lamar once again proved he is the best rapper in the game, and despite the ridiculousness that is Kanye West, The Life of Pablo proved that he is still an incredible artist. But Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book launched him into rap superstar-dom. Considered a mixtape, this complete work is an album at its core, and even earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album in the process. Like Lemonade, Coloring Book is a beautifully constructed piece that explores black history and culture, blending in great featured performances, gospel and soul vibes, and a dose of honesty that is refreshing, and a wonderful and important listen.

Best Rock/Alternative Album
Winner - David Bowie "Blackstar"
Runners Up - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds "Skeleton Tree"
Commentary - Bowie had to go out on top, and boy did he ever with his final work, release not long before his death, Blackstar. Like Bowie himself, this final farewell was a brilliant mix of experimental sounds, jazz, blues, rock n' roll, with great lyrics, fun melodies, and was everything Bowie fans could hope for on their final outing with the legend.

Best R&B Album
Winner - (TIE) Beyonce "Lemonade" & Solange "A Seat at the Table"
Runners Up - Frank Ocean "Blonde" and Anderson Paak "Malibu"
Commentary - So you already know I loved Lemonade, but many forget that Beyonce has an incredibly talented younger sister. Solange is now rivaling her sister for incredible albums, as A Seat at the Table is easily on this year's best R&B records. Like her sister, she challenges the issues facing Black America today, but does so in a more subtle, painful way, compared to the loud formation of Lemonade. Both work imminently well, and prove that this family is not short on talent.

Best Country Album
Winner - Sturgill Simpson "A Sailor's Guide to Earth"
Runners Up - Brandy Clark "Big Day in a Small Town" and Maren Morris "Hero"
Commentary - One of the best surprises of Grammy nomination morning was the inclusion of Sturgill Simpson in the Album of the Year race. I tend to find most country music eye-rolling and cheesy. But Simpson proves that adding a bit of edge, a bit of soul, and a huge does of individuality, country music can be engaging, beautiful and heartfelt.

Best Pop Performance
Winner - Adele "Hello"
Runners Up - Sia "Reaper" and Tegan and Sara "Boyfriend"
Commentary - Dare you to not start humming this song the second you read it. Enough said.

Best Rap Performance
Winner - Kanye West Featuring Chance The Rapper, Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin & The-Dream "Ultralight Beam"
Runner Ups - Chance the Rapper feat. Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz "No Problem" and Kendrick Lamar "untitled seven"
Commentary - So Kanye crazy, right? It's actually kind of scary how his mental health has seemed to overcome him as of late. In all honesty, while the TMZs and Twitters of the world make fun of him, write him off, or worse, say he deserves it, I do hope that whatever is causing him pain starts to heal. All of that being said, these awards are for music, and Ultralight Beam, with its R&B, gospel, and hip-hop mix is a bold record, with some of the best talent working today involved.

Best Rock Performance
Winner - Leonard Cohen "You Want it Darker"
Runners Up - David Bowie "Lazarus" and Angel Olsen "Sister"
Commentary -  You know Bowie isn't the only legend we lost this year in music. Prince is one that comes to mind, and of course Leonard Cohen. His album will be eligible next year, and I have a feeling it will rack up a lot of support on my part. In his decades of great work, this final album, and its title song, might be his best, or least towards the top. Cohen is not for the weak at heart, and You Want it Darker is definitely Cohen at his deepest and darkest. Rest in peace Cohen, your music will live on forever.

Best R&B Performance
Winner - Beyonce "Formation"
Runners Up - Solange "Cranes in the Sky" and Frank Ocean "Pink + White"
Commentary - See Single of the Year

Best Country Performance
Winner - Maren Morris "80's Mercedes"
Runners Up - Brandy Clark "Love Can Go to Hell" and Loretta Lynn "Who's Gonna Miss Me?"
Commentary - Maren Morris is a breath of fresh air in country music, reminding me of the breakthroughs from Kacey Musgraves and Brandy Clark in recent years. She also continues a tradition of great female country artists who prove they can be just as good, and in most cases, better than the boys. She had a lot of great songs off of Hero, but 80's Mercedes is my personal favorite of the bunch.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

The 5th Annual Awards Psychic Music Award Nominations

Album of the Year
Adele "25"
Beyonce "Lemonade"
David Bowie "Blackstar"
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds "Skeleton Tree"
Chance the Rapper "Coloring Book"
Kendrick Lamar "untitled unmastered"
Maren Morris "Hero"
Frank Ocean "Blonde"
Anderson Paak "Malibu"
Sturgill Simpson "A Sailor's Guide to Earth"
Solange "A Seat at the Table"

Single of the Year
Adele "Hello"
Beyonce "Formation"
David Bowie "Lazarus"
Chance the Rapper feat. Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz "No Problem"
Kendrick Lamar "untitled seven"
Maren Morris "80s Mercedes"
Frank Ocean "Pink + White"
Rihanna feat. Drake "Work"
Solange "Cranes in the Sky"
Kanye West Featuring Chance The Rapper, Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin & The-Dream "Ultralight Beam"

Best New Artist
The 1975
Kelsea Ballerini
The Chainsmokers
Chance the Rapper
Maren Morris
Anderson .Paak
Troye Sivan

Best Pop Album
Adele "25"
Fifth Harmony "7/27"
Lukas Graham "Lukas Graham"
Santigold "99c"
Sia "This is Acting"
Troye Sivan "Blue Neighbourhood"
Britney Spears "Glory"
Gwen Stefani "This is What the Truth Feels Like"
Tegan and Sara "Love You to Death"

Best Rap Album
Chance the Rapper "Coloring Book"
Drake "Views"
Dreezy "No Hard Feelings"
Kendrick Lamar "untitled unmastered"
Pusha T "King Push - Darkest Before the Dawn: The Prelude"
Schoolboy Q "Blank Face LP"
Ty Dolla $ign "Free TC"
Kanye West "The Life of Pablo"
Young Thug "Jeffrey"

Best Rock/Alternative Album
1975 "I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It"
The Avett Brothers "True Sadness"
Bon Iver "22, A Million"
David Bowie "Blackstar"
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds "Skeleton Tree"
PJ Harvey "The Hope Six Demolition Project"
Angel Olsen "My Woman"
Radiohead "A Moon Shaped Pool"
Weezer "The White Album"

Best R&B Album
Beyonce "Lemonade"
BJ the Chicago Kid "In My Mind"
Fantasia "The Definition Of..."
Jeremih "Late Nights"
Maxwell "BlackSUMMERS'night"
Frank Ocean "Blonde"
Anderson Paak "Malibu"
Corinne Bailey Rae "The Heart Speaks in Whispers"
Rihanna "Anti"
Solange "A Seat at the Table"

Best Country Album
Brandy Clark "Big Day in a Small Town"
Dierks Bentley "Black"
Loretta Lynn "Full Circle"
Maren Morris "Hero"
Jake Owen "American Love"
Dolly Parton "Pure & Simple"
Sturgill Simpson "A Sailor's Guide to Earth"
Carrie Underwood "Storyteller"
Lucinda Williams "The Ghosts of Highway 20"

Best Pop Performance
Adele "Hello"
The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey "Closer"
Fifth Harmony feat. Ty Dolla $ign "Work From Home"
Lukas Graham "7 Years"
Sia "Reaper"
Troye Sivan "Youth"
Britney Spears feat. G-Eazy "Make Me..."
Gwen Stefani "Misery"
Tegan and Sara "Boyfriend"
Justin Timberlake "Can't Stop This Feeling"

Best Rap Performance
Chance the Rapper feat. Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz "No Problem"
DJ Khaled feat. Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, and Betty Wright "Holy Key"
Drake "Controlla"
Fat Joe & Remy Ma featuring French Montana and Infrared "All the Way Up"
Kendrick Lamar "untitled seven"
Schoolboy Q feat. Kanye West "That Part"
Rae Sremmurd feat. Gucci Mane "Black Beatles"
Ty Dolla $ign feat. Big TC "No Justice"
Kanye West Featuring Chance The Rapper, Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin & The-Dream "Ultralight Beam"

Best Rock Performance
The 1975 "Love Me"
Bon Iver "22 Over Soon"
David Bowie "Lazarus"
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds "I Need You"
Leonard Cohen "You Want it Darker"
Kings of Leon "Walls"
Metallica "Hardwired"
Angel Olsen "Sister"
Radiohead "Burn the Witch"
Twenty One Pilots "Heathens"

Best R&B Performance
Beyonce "Formation"
BJ The Chicago Kid "Turnin' Me Up"
Fantasia "Sleeping With the One I Love"
Lalah Hathaway "Angel"
Maxwell "Lake By the Ocean"
Musiq Soulchild "I Do"
Frank Ocean "Pink + White"
Anderson .Paak "Come Down"
Rihanna feat. Drake "Work"
Solange "Cranes in the Sky"

Best Country Performance
Dierks Bentley feat. Elle King "Different For Girls"
Kenny Chesney and P!nk "Setting the World on Fire"
Brandy Clark "Love Can Go to Hell"
Miranda Lambert "Vice"
Loretta Lynn "Who's Gonna Miss Me?"
Maren Morris "80s Mercedes"
Dolly Parton "I'm Sixteen"
Thomas Rhett "Die a Happy Man"
Sturgill Simpson "In Bloom"

Austin Film Critics Association Award Winners

Best Film
Moonlight (dir: Barry Jenkins)

Best Director
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

Best Actor
Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea

Best Actress
Isabelle Huppert, Elle

Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali, Moonlight

Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis, Fences

Best Original Screenplay
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

Best Adapted Screenplay
Eric Heisserer, Arrival

Best Cinematography
Linus Sandgren, La La Land

Best Score
Justin Hurwitz, La La Land

Best Foreign-Language Film
The Handmaiden (dir: Park Chan-wook)

Best Documentary
Tower (dir: Keith Maitland)

Best Animated Film
Kubo and the Two Strings (dir: Travis Knight)

Best First Film
The Witch (dir: Robert Eggers)

The Robert R. “Bobby” McCurdy Memorial Breakthrough Artist Award
Keith Maitland, Tower

Austin Film Award
Tower (dir: Keith Maitland)

Special Honorary Award
To the ensemble cast of Moonlight and casting director Yesi Ramirez for excellence as an ensemble.

Special Honorary Award
To honor Anton Yelchin for his contribution to the cinema of 2016, including performances in Green Room and Star Trek Beyond. His was a brilliant career cut profoundly short.

Special Honorary Award
To A24 Films for excellence in production in distribution. Their work gave us Moonlight, Green Room, Swiss Army Man, The Lobster, The Witch, and 20th Century Women, among others.

Special Honorary Award
To filmmaker Keith Maitland and his film Tower for revisiting a tragic event in Austin, Texas history in a sensitive and unique manner.

AFCA 2016 Top Ten Films
Moonlight
La La Land
Arrival
The Handmaiden
Manchester by the Sea
Elle
Hell or High Water
The Lobster
Jackie
Sing Street

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

The Oscar Narrative: Pre-Guild Predictions - Technical Categories

Best Cinematography
Bradford Young "Arrival"
Stephane Fontaine "Jackie"
Linus Sandgren "La La Land"
James Laxton "Moonlight"
Rodrigo Prieto "Silence"

Other Contenders - Simon Duggan "Hacksaw Ridge", Robert Richardson "Live By Night", Greig Fraser "Lion", Roger Deakins "Hail, Caesar!", Vittorio Storaro "Cafe Society", Seamus McGarvey "Nocturnal Animals", Greig Fraser "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", Bill Pope "The Jungle Book", John Toll "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk", Danny Cohen "Florence Foster Jenkins", Caleb Deschanel "Rules Don't Apply", Janusz Kaminski "The BFG", Charlotte Bruus Christensen "Fences"

Best Costume Design
Allied
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Florence Foster Jenkins
Jackie
La La Land

Other Contenders - Live By Night, Silence, Fences, Love & Friendship, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Doctor Strange, Rules Don't Apply, The Dressmaker, Hidden Figures, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, The Dressmaker, Cafe Society, Hail, Caesar!, The Witch, Loving, The Huntsman: Winter's War, 20th Century Women, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Best Film Editing
Arrival
Fences
La La Land
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight

Other Contenders - Hell or High Water, Live By Night, Silence, Hacksaw Ridge, Hidden Figures, Lion, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Sully, Jackie, The Jungle Book, Florence Foster Jenkins, Deadpool, The Lobster, 20th Century Women, Miss Sloane, Deepwater Horizon, Captain Fantastic, Allied, Gold

Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Florence Foster Jenkins
A Man Called Ove
Star Trek Beyond

Other Contenders - The Dressmaker, Deadpool, Suicide Squad, Hail, Caesar!

Best Original Score
John Williams "The BFG"
Alexandre Desplat "Florence Foster Jenkins"
Justin Hurwitz "La La Land"
Dustin O'Halloran and Hauschka "Lion"
Michael Giacchino "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"

Other Contenders - John Debney "The Jungle Book", Mica Levi "Jackie", Mark Mancina "Moana", Thomas Newman "Finding Dory", James Newton Howard "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", Pharrell Williams and Benjamin Wallfisch "Hidden Figures", Alexandre Desplat "The Light Between Oceans", Harry Gregson-Williamson "Live By Night", Abel Korzeniowski "Nocturnal Animals", Alan Silvestri "Allied", Carter Burwell "Hail, Caesar!", Rupert Gregson-Williams "Hacksaw Ridge", Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross "Patriot's Day", Thomas Newman "Passengers", Dario Marianelli "Kubo and the Two Strings"

Best Original Song
Hidden Figures - Runnin'
Jim: The James Foley Story - The Empty Chair
La La Land - Audition (The Fools Who Dream)
La La Land - City of Stars
Moana - How Far I'll Go

Other Contenders - Rules Don't Apply - The Rules Don't Apply, Sing - Faith, Trolls - Can't Stop This Feeling, Alice Through the Looking Glass - Just Like Fire, Before the Flood - A Minute to Breathe, Moana - We Know the Way, Sing Street - Drive It Like You Stole It, 13th - Letter to the Free, Miss Sharon Jones - I'm Still Here, Hidden Figures - I See Victory, Live By Night - Moonshine, Zootopia - Try Everything, Suicide Squad - Heathens, The Eagle Huntress - Angel By the Wings, Lion - Never Give Up

Best Production Design
Arrival
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Florence Foster Jenkins
La La Land
Silence

Other Contenders - Rules Don't Apply, Allied, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Hacksaw Ridge, Hidden Figures, Fences, Love & Friendship, The Jungle Book, Hail, Caesar!, Jackie, The Handmaiden, Alice Through the Looking Glass, The BFG, A Monster Calls, Passengers, 20th Century Women

Best Sound Mixing
Arrival
Hacksaw Ridge
La La Land
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Sully

Other Contenders - Patriot's Day, Deepwater Horizon, Silence, Live By Night, The Jungle Book, Passengers, Hell or High Water, Jason Bourne, 13 Hours, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, Star Trek Beyond, Captain America: Civil War, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Doctor Strange, Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Deadpool, Suicide Squad, Pete's Dragon, The BFG, Moana, Florence Foster Jenkins

Best Sound Editing
Arrival
Deepwater Horizon
Hacksaw Ridge
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Sully

Other Contenders - Patriot's Day, La La Land Silence, Live By Night, The Jungle Book, Passengers, Hell or High Water, Jason Bourne, 13 Hours, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, Star Trek Beyond, Captain America: Civil War, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Doctor Strange, Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Deadpool, Suicide Squad, Pete's Dragon, The BFG, Moana, Florence Foster Jenkins

Best Visual Effects
Arrival
Doctor Strange
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
The Jungle Book
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Other Contenders - Kubo and the Two Strings, Captain America: Civil War, The BFG, Passengers, Deepwater Horizon

Online Film Critics Society Award Nominations

Best Picture
Arrival
The Handmaiden
Hell or High Water
Jackie
La La Land
Manchester By the Sea
Moonlight
O.J.: Made in America
Paterson
The Witch

Best Animated Feature
Finding Dory
Kubo and the Two Strings
Moana
The Red Turtle
Zootopia

Best Director
Damien Chazelle – La La Land
Barry Jenkins – Moonlight
Pablo Larraín – Jackie
Kenneth Lonergan – Manchester By the Sea
Denis Villeneuve – Arrival

Best Actor
Casey Affleck – Manchester By the Sea
Adam Driver – Paterson
Ryan Gosling – La La Land
Viggo Mortensen – Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington – Fences

Best Actress
Amy Adams – Arrival
Isabelle Huppert – Elle
Ruth Negga – Loving
Natalie Portman – Jackie
Emma Stone – La La Land

Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali – Moonlight
Tom Bennett – Love & Friendship
Jeff Bridges – Hell or High Water
Lucas Hedges – Manchester By the Sea
Michael Shannon – Nocturnal Animals

Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis – Fences
Lily Gladstone – Certain Women
Naomie Harris – Moonlight
Octavia Spencer – Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams – Manchester By the Sea

Best Original Screenplay
Hell or High Water – Taylor Sheridan
Jackie – Noah Oppenheim
La La Land – Damien Chazelle
The Lobster – Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthymis Filippou
Manchester By the Sea – Kenneth Lonergan

Best Adapted Screenplay
Arrival – Eric Heisserer, Ted Chiang
Elle – David Birke, Philippe Djian
Love & Friendship – Whit Stillman
Moonlight – Barry Jenkins, Tarell Alvin McCraney
Nocturnal Animals – Tom Ford

Best Editing
Arrival – Joe Walker
Cameraperson – Nels Bangerter
Jackie – Sebastian Sepulveda
La La Land – Tom Cross
Moonlight – Joi McMillon, Nat Sanders

Best Cinematography
Arrival – Bradford Young
Jackie РSt̩phane Fontaine
La La Land – Linus Sandgren
Moonlight – James Laxton
The Neon Demon – Natasha Braier

Best Film Not in the English Language
Elle – France
The Handmaiden – South Korea
Neruda – Chile
The Salesman – Iran
Toni Erdmann – Germany

Best Documentary
13th
Cameraperson
I Am Not Your Negro
O.J.: Made in America
Weiner

Best Non-U.S. Release
After the Storm
The Death of Louis XIV
The Girl With All the Gifts
Graduation
Nocturma
Personal Shopper
A Quiet Passion
Staying Vertical
The Unknown Girl
Yourself and Yours

North Carolina Film Critics Association Award Nominations

BEST NARRATIVE FILM
Arrival
Hell or High Water
La La Land
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight

BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM
13th
I Am Not Your Negro
Life, Animated
O.J.: Made in America
Weiner

BEST ANIMATED FILM
Finding Dory
Kubo and the Two Strings
Moana
Sausage Party
Zootopia

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Elle
The Handmaiden
A Man Called Ove
Toni Erdmann
Things to Come

BEST DIRECTOR
Damien Chazelle — La La Land
Barry Jenkins — Moonlight
Kenneth Lonergan — Manchester by the Sea
David Mackenzie — Hell or High Water
Chan-woo Park — The Handmaiden

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Chung-hoo Chung — The Handmaiden
James Laxton — Moonlight
Giles Nuttgens — Hell or High Water
Linus Sandgren — La La Land
Bradford Young — Arrival

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS
Arrival
Captain America: Civil War
Doctor Strange
Jungle Book
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

BEST ACTOR
Casey Affleck — Manchester by the Sea
Joel Edgerton — Loving
Ryan Gosling — La La Land
Viggo Morteneon — Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington — Fences

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Mahershala Ali — Moonlight
Jeff Bridges — Hell or High Water
Ben Foster — Hell or High Water
Lucas Hedges — Manchester by the Sea
Sam Neill — Hunt for the Wilderpeople

BEST ACTRESS
Annette Bening — 20th Century Women
Kate Beckinsale — Love & Friendship
Ruth Negga — Loving
Natalie Portman — Jackie
Emma Stone — La La Land

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Viola Davis — Fences
Greta Gerwig — 20th Century Women
Naomie Harris — Moonlight
Nicole Kidman — Lion
Michelle Williams — Manchester by the Sea

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Damien Chazelle — La La Land
Barry Jenkins — Moonlight
Kenneth Lonergan — Manchester by the Sea
Mike Mills — 20th Century Women
Taylor Sheridan — Hell or High Water

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Tom Ford — Nocturnal Animals
Eric Heisserer — Arrival
Seo-kyeong Jeong and Chan-wook Park — The Handmaiden
Whit Stillman — Love & Friendship
Taika Waititi — Hunt for the Wilderpeople

KEN HANKE MEMORIAL TAR HEEL AWARD
(To an artist or film with a special connection to North Carolina.)
Anthony Mackie
Jeff Nichols
Starving the Beast

Friday, December 23, 2016

The Oscar Narrative: Pre-Guild Predictons - Best Actor

Pre-Guild Predictions
Casey Affleck "Manchester By the Sea"
Andrew Garfield "Hacksaw Ridge"
Ryan Gosling "La La Land"
Viggo Mortensen "Captain Fantastic"
Denzel Washington "Fences"

Other Contenders - Joel Edgerton "Loving", Tom Hanks "Sully", Colin Farrell "The Lobster", Ryan Reynolds "Deadpool", Michael Keaton "The Founder", Warren Beatty "Rules Don't Apply", Chris Pine "Hell or High Water", Jake Gyllenhaal "Nocturnal Animals", Matthew McConaughey "Gold", Michael Keaton "The Founder"

Commentary - Will the Oscars really match up with SAG 19/20 this year? Even a year after they went 13/20? The answer is: of course they can. As soon as the SAG nominations came out last year, pundits immediately knew that they were completely off the mark. And while there are always those nominations that immediately feel like they are out (Emily Blunt is this year's), this year, the SAG nominations neatly lined up with a lot of what we all assumed was happening in the awards race. Sure in races like Best Actress, some big names were left off like Annette Bening, Isabelle Huppert, Taraji P. Henson, Ruth Negga, etc. But in a category as stacked and competitive as that one, it was bound to happen. So once again, I am going to move around my predictions in Best Actor to match the SAG five (and all five were nominated by the Globes as well). Casey Affleck and Denzel Washington seemed locked at this moment, and are probably going to be the two battling it out for the win. Affleck was clearly in the lead, but the resurfacing of his past sexual harassment claims are hurting his chances, and Denzel could overtake him. Or Oscar voters could go for younger talent like Ryan Gosling and Andrew Garfield, both of whom feel like pretty safe bets for a nomination. Both are leads in Best Picture contenders, both are popular in their field, and if they don't want to rush Denzel to a third one so fast, then this race might shift entirely over the next couple of weeks. The final slot was reserved for Joel Edgerton or Tom Hanks for most of the season. But neither made the SAG list, and Hanks also missed the Globe cut, paving the way for an out of the box pick. Captain Fantastic has been slowly gaining steam over the last couple of weeks, and now Mortensen has an Indie Spirit, Golden Globe, and SAG nomination under his belt. While BAFTA could throw us for a loop with that slot, I think Mortensen is on his way to a surprise second Oscar nomination.

Florida Film Critics Circle Award Winners

BEST PICTURE
The Lobster
Runner-Up: La La Land

BEST DIRECTOR
Damien Chazelle – La La Land
Runner-Up: Yorgos Lanthimos – The Lobster

BEST ACTOR
Casey Affleck – Manchester by the Sea
Runner-Up:  Joel Edgerton – Loving

BEST ACTRESS
Isabelle Huppert – Elle
Runner-Up: Emma Stone – La La Land

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Jeff Bridges – Hell or High Water
Runner-Up: Ralph Fiennes – A Bigger Splash

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Michelle Williams – Manchester by the Sea
Runner-Up: Viola Davis – Fences

BEST ENSEMBLE
American Honey
Runner-Up: Moonlight

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
The Lobster
Runner-Up: Manchester by the Sea

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Love & Friendship
Runner-Up:  Moonlight

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
La La Land
Runner-Up: The Handmaiden

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Arrival
Runner-Up: Doctor Strange

BEST ART DIRECTION/PRODUCTION
La La Land
Runner-Up: Jackie

BEST SCORE
La La Land
Runner-Up: Jackie

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Cameraperson
Runner-Up: OJ: Made In America

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Elle
Runner-Up: The Handmaiden

BEST ANIMATED FILM
Kubo and the Two Strings
Runner-Up: Zootopia

BEST FIRST FILM
The Edge of Seventeen
Runner-Up    The Witch

PAULINE KAEL BREAKOUT AWARD:
Barry Jenkins – Moonlight
Runner-Up: Lucas Hedges – Manchester by the Sea

GOLDEN ORANGE
The Cast and Crew of Moonlight

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Alliance of Women Film Journalists EDA Award Winners

Best Film: Moonlight
Best Director: Barry Jenkins – Moonlight
Best Screenplay, Original: Manchester by the Sea – Kenneth Lonergan
Best Screenplay, Adapted: Moonlight – Barry Jenkins
Best Documentary: 13th – Ava DuVernay
Best Animated Film: Zootopia – Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
Best Actress: Ruth Negga – Loving
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Viola Davis – Fences
Best Actor: Casey Affleck – Manchester By The Sea
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Mahershala Ali – Moonlight
Best Ensemble Cast – Casting Director: Moonlight – Yesi Ramirez
Best Cinematography: Moonlight – James Laxton
Best Editing: Moonlight – Joi McMillon and Nat Sanders
Best Non-English-Language Film: The Handmaiden – Park Chan-Wook, South Korea

EDA FEMALE FOCUS AWARDS

Best Woman Director: Ava DuVernay – 13th
Best Woman Screenwriter: Kelly Reichardt – Certain Women
Best Animated Female (tie): Judy in Zootopia – Ginnifer Goodwin AND Moana in Moana – Auli’i Cravalho
Best Breakthrough Performance: Ruth Negga – Loving
Outstanding Achievement by A Woman in The Film Industry: Ava DuVernay – For 13th and raising awareness about the need for diversity and gender equality in Hollywood

EDA SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS

Actress Defying Age and Ageism (tie): Annette Bening – 20th Century Women AND Isabelle Huppert – Elle and Things to Come
Most Egregious Age Difference Between The Lead and The Love Interest Award: Rules Don’t Apply – Warren Beatty (b. 1937) and Lily Collins (b. 1989)
Actress Most in Need Of A New Agent: Jennifer Aniston – Mother’s Day and Office Christmas Party
Bravest Performance: Isabelle Huppert – Elle
Remake or Sequel That Shouldn’t have been Made: Ben Hur
AWFJ Hall of Shame Award: Sharon Maguire and Renee Zellwegger for Bridget Jones’s Baby

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

National Film Registry Announces 2016 Additions

So this is a bit late, but here are the 25 films added to the National Film Registry this year, including the likes of Blackboard Jungle, Breakast Club, Funny Girl, The Lion King, Princess Bride, Rushmore, Thelma & Louise, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit:

The Atomic Cafe (1982)
Ball of Fire (1941)
The Beau Brummels (1928)
The Birds (1963)
Blackboard Jungle (1955)
The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
East of Eden (1955)
Funny Girl (1968)
Life of an American Fireman (1903)
The Lion King (1994)
Lost Horizon (1937)
Musketeers of Pig Alley (1912)
Paris Is Burning (1990)
Point Blank (1967)
The Princess Bride (1987)
Putney Swope (1969)
Rushmore (1998)
Solomon Sir Jones films (1924-28)
Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928)
Suzanne, Suzanne (1982)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916)
A Walk in the Sun (1945)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Nevada Film Critics Society Awards

Best Film
Hell or High Water

Best Actor
Casey Affleck - Manchester by the Sea

Best Actress
Annette Bening - 20th Century Women

Best Supporting Actor
Ben Foster - Hell or High Water

Best Supporting Actress 
Greta Gerwig - 20th Century Women

Best Youth Performance
Alex Hibbert - Moonlight

Best Director
David Mackenzie - Hell or High Water

Best Original Screenplay
Taylor Sheridan- Hell or High Water

Best Adapted Screenplay
Eric Heisserer - Arrival

Best Ensemble
Moonlight

Best Documentary
O.J. Made in America


Best Animated Movie
Moana

Best Production Design
David Wasco and Sandy Reynold-Wasco - La La Land

Best Cinematography
Linus Sandgren - La La Land

Best Visual Effects
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Academy Announces 7 Finalists for Best Makeup and Hairstyling

The Academy has announced its seven finalists for Best Makeup and Hairstyling:

Deadpool
The Dressmaker
Florence Foster Jenkins
Hail, Caesar!
A Man Called Ove
Star Trek Beyond
Suicide Squad

With this list, I honestly don't know what to do. Usually a foreign film sneaks in, so look for A Man Called Ove. Here's what I'm thinking

Deadpool
A Man Called Ove
Star Trek Beyond

Florida Film Critics Circle Award Nominations

BEST PICTURE
Hell or High Water
La La Land
The Lobster
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight

BEST DIRECTOR
Damien Chazelle – La La Land
Barry Jenkins – Moonlight
Yorgos Lanthimos – The Lobster
Kenneth Lonergan – Manchester by the Sea

BEST ACTOR
Casey Affleck – Manchester by the Sea
Joel Edgerton – Loving
Ryan Gosling – La La Land
Viggo Mortensen – Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington – Fences

BEST ACTRESS
Annette Bening – 20th Century Women
Isabelle Huppert – Elle
Ruth Negga – Loving
Natalie Portman – Jackie
Emma Stone – La La Land

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Mahershala Ali – Moonlight
Jeff Bridges – Hell or High Water
Ralph Fiennes – A Bigger Splash
Andr̩ Holland РMoonlight
Michael Shannon – Nocturnal Animals

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Viola Davis – Fences
Greta Gerwig – 20th Century Women
Lily Gladstone – Certain Women
Naomie Harris – Moonlight
Octavia Spencer – Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams – Manchester by the Sea

BEST ENSEMBLE
20th Century Women
American Honey
Hidden Figures
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
20th Century Women
Hell or High Water
La La Land
The Lobster
Manchester by the Sea

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Arrival
Fences
Love & Friendship
Moonlight
Nocturnal Animals

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Arrival
The Handmaiden
Jackie
La La Land
Moonlight

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Arrival
Doctor Strange
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
The Jungle Book
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

BEST ART DIRECTION/PRODUCTION DESIGN
Arrival
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Jackie
La La Land
Love & Friendship

BEST SCORE
Arrival
Jackie
La La Land
Moonlight

BEST DOCUMENTARYCameraperson
I Am Not Your Negro
Life, Animated
O.J.: Made In America
Weiner

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Elle
Embrace of the Serpent
The Handmaiden
The Salesman
Toni Erdmann

BEST ANIMATED FILM
Kubo and the Two Strings
Moana
Sausage Party
Zootopia

BEST FIRST FILM
The Childhood of a Leader
The Edge of Seventeen
Spa Night
Swiss Army Man
The Witch

BREAKOUT AWARD
Barry Jenkins – Moonlight
Lucas Hedges – Manchester by the Sea

Seattle Film Critics Society Inaugural Seattle Film Awards

After Atlanta, Seattle has also formed a Seattle Film Critics Society, and has announced its first annual film awards. Congratulations to the film critics and film community in Seattle for this momentous occasion and for starting what I hope will be a fine annual tradition. Here is this website: www.seattlefilmcritics.com, and here are the inaugural nominees!

BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR:
13th
Arrival
Elle
The Handmaiden
Hell or High Water
Jackie
La La Land
Manchester By the Sea
Moonlight
The Witch

BEST DIRECTOR:
Damien Chazelle – La La Land
Robert Eggers – The Witch
Barry Jenkins – Moonlight
Paul Verhoeven – Elle
Denis Villeneuve – Arrival

BEST ACTOR in a LEADING ROLE:
Casey Affleck – Manchester By The Sea
Ryan Gosling – La La Land
Logan Lerman – Indignation
Viggo Mortensen – Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington – Fences

BEST ACTRESS in a LEADING ROLE:
Amy Adams – Arrival
Kate Beckinsale – Love & Friendship
Isabelle Huppert – Elle
Natalie Portman – Jackie
Emma Stone – La La Land

BEST ACTOR in a SUPPORTING ROLE:
Mahershala Ali– Moonlight
Jeff Bridges – Hell Or High Water
Kyle Chandler – Manchester By The Sea
John Goodman – 10 Cloverfield Lane
Lucas Hedges – Manchester By The Sea

BEST ACTRESS in a SUPPORTING ROLE:
Viola Davis – Fences
Lily Gladstone – Certain Women
Naomie Harris – Moonlight
Kate McKinnon – Ghostbusters
Michelle Williams – Manchester By The Sea

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST:
Captain Fantastic
Hell Or High Water
Fences
Manchester By The Sea
Moonlight

BEST SCREENPLAY:
Arrival – Eric Heisserer
Hell Or High Water – Taylor Sheridan
La La Land – Damien Chazelle
Manchester By The Sea – Kenneth Lonergan
Moonlight – Barry Jenkins and Tarell McCraney

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE:
Finding Dory – Andrew Stanton, director; Angus MacLane, co-director
Kubo And The Two Strings – Travis Knight, director
Moana – Ron Clements and John Musker, directors
Tower – Keith Maitland, director
Zootopia – Byron Howard and Rich Moore, directors; Jared Bush, co-director.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM:
Elle – Paul Verhoeven, director
The Handmaiden – Park Chan-wook, director
The Innocents – Anne Fontaine, director
Under The Shadow – Babak Anvari, director
The Wailing – Na Hong-jin, director

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:
13th – Ava DuVernay, director
Cameraperson – Kirsten Johnson, director
O.J.: Made In America – Ezra Edelman, director
Tickled – David Farrier, Dylan Reeve, directors
Weiner – Josh Kriegman, Elyse Steinberg, directors

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Arrival – Bradford Young
Jackie РSt̩phane Fontaine
La La Land – Linus Sandgren
Moonlight – James Laxton
The Witch – Jarin Blaschke

BEST COSTUME DESIGN:
The Handmaiden – Cho Sang-kyung
Jackie – Madeline Fontaine
La La Land – Mary Zophres
Love & Friendship – Eimer Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh
The Witch – Linda Muir

BEST FILM EDITING:
Arrival – Joe Walker
Cameraperson – Nels Bangerter, David Teague
Hell Or High Water – Jake Roberts
La La Land – Tom Cross
Moonlight – Nat Sanders, Joi McMillon

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE:
Arrival – Jóhann Jóhannsson
Jackie – Mica Levi
La La Land – Justin Hurwitz
Moonlight – Nicholas Britell
Swiss Army Man – Andy Hull, Robert McDowell

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN:
Arrival – Patrice Vermette (production designer); Paul Hotte (key decorator)
The Handmaiden – Ryu Seong-hee
Jackie РJean Rabasse (production designer); V̩ronique Melery (set decorator)
La La Land – David Wasco (production designer); Sandy Reynolds-Wasco (set decorator)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – Doug Chiang, Neil Lamont (production designers); Lee Sandales (set decorator)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS:
Arrival – Louis Morin
Captain America: Civil War – Dan DeLeeuw, Dan Sudick, Russell Earl, Greg Steele
Doctor Strange – Stephane Ceretti, Paul Corbould, Richard Bluff, Vince Cerelli
The Jungle Book – Robert Legato, Andrew R. Jones, Adam Valdez, Dan Lemmon
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – John Knoll, Mohen Leo, Hal Hickel, Neil Corbould

BEST YOUTH PERFORMANCE 
Alex Hibbert – Moonlight
Royalty Hightower – The Fits
Sunny Pawar – Lion
Harvey Scrimshaw – The Witch
Anya Taylor-Joy – The Witch

BEST VILLAIN:
Darcy Banker – Green Room – portrayed by Patrick Stewart
Black Phillip – The Witch – portrayed by Charlie and voiced by Wahab Chaudary
Orson Krennic – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn
Norman Nordstrom (a/k/a ‘The Blind Man’) – Don’t Breathe – portrayed by Stephen Lang
Howard Stambler – 10 Cloverfield Lane – portrayed by John Goodman

Utah Film Critics Association Awards

Best Picture: "La La Land"
       Runner-up: "Moonlight."

Directing: Barry Jenkins, "Moonlight"
       Runner-up: Damien Chazelle, "La La Land."

Lead Actor, Male: Casey Affleck, "Manchester by the Sea"
       Runner-up: Joel Edgerton, "Loving."

Lead Actor, Female: Emma Stone, "La La Land"
       Runner-up: Ruth Negga, "Loving."

Supporting Actor, Female: Viola Davis, "Fences"
       Runners-up: (TIE) Naomie Harris, "Moonlight" AND Michelle Williams, "Manchester by the Sea."

Supporting Actor, Male: (TIE) Mahershala Ali, "Moonlight" AND John Goodman, "10 Cloverfield Lane."

Original Screenplay: Taylor Sheridan, "Hell or High Water"
        Runner-up: Kenneth Lonergan, "Manchester by the Sea."

Adapted Screenplay: Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney, "Moonlight"
        Runner-up: Eric Heisserer, "Arrival."

Cinematography: Linus Sandgren, "La La Land"
        Runner-up: Bradford Young, "Arrival."

Original Score: Justin Hurwitz, "La La Land"
        Runner-up: Johann Johannsson, "Arrival."

Documentary Feature: "Cameraperson"
        Runner-up: "Weiner."

Animated Feature: "Kubo and the Two Strings"
        Runners-up: (tie) "Moana" and "Zootopia."

Non-English Language Film: "The Handmaiden" (South Korea)
        Runners-up: (TIE) "Elle" (France) AND "Toni Erdmann" (Germany).

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Indiana Film Journalists Association Awards

Best Film - "Moonlight"
       Runner-up: "Hell or High Water"

Other Finalists (listed alphabetically):
"American Honey”
“Arrival”
“Deadpool”
“Everybody Wants Some!!”
“La La Land”
“The Lobster”
“Manchester by the Sea”
“Sing Street”

Best Animated Feature - "Kubo and the Two Strings"
      Runner-Up: "Sausage Party”

Best Foreign Language Film - "The Handmaiden”
       Runner-Up: "A Man Called Ove”

Best Documentary - "O.J.: Made in America”
       Runner-Up: "Weiner"

Best Original Screenplay - Kenneth Lonergan, “Manchester by the Sea”
       Runner-up: Taylor Sheridan, “Hell or High Water”

Best Adapted Screenplay - Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight”
       Runner-up: Eric Heisserer, “Arrival”

Best Director - Damien Chazelle, “La La Land”
       Runner-up: Kenneth Lonergan, “Manchester by the Sea”

Best Actress - Rebecca Hall, “Christine”
       Runner-up: Natalie Portman, “Jackie”

Best Supporting Actress - Viola Davis, “Fences”
       Runner-up: Naomie Harris, “Moonlight”

Best Actor - Casey Affleck, “Manchester by the Sea”
       Runner-up: Ethan Hawke, "Born to Be Blue"

Best Supporting Actor - Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight”
      Runner-up: Jeff Bridges, “Hell or High Water”

Best Vocal/Motion Capture Performance - Alan Tudyk, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
       Runner-up: Nick Kroll, “Sausage Party”

Best Ensemble Acting - “Everybody Wants Some!!”
       Runner-up: “Don’t Think Twice”

Best Musical Score - Mica Levi, “Jackie”
       Runner-up: Justin Hurwitz, “La La Land”

Breakout of the Year - Robert Eggers, "The Witch”
       Runner-up: Sasha Lane, “American Honey”

Original Vision Award - "The Lobster"
       Runner-up: "Sausage Party"

The Hoosier Award - Andrew Cohn, "Night School"

Austin Film Critics Association Award Nominations

Best Film:
Arrival
The Handmaiden
La La Land
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight

Best Director:
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Damien Chazelle, La La Land
Denis Villeneuve, Arrival
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea
Park Chan-wook, The Handmaiden

Best Actor:
Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea
Colin Farrell, The Lobster
Denzel Washington, Fences
Joel Edgerton, Loving
Ryan Gosling, La La Land

Best Actress:
Amy Adams, Arrival
Annette Bening, 20th Century Women
Isabelle Huppert, Elle
Natalie Portman, Jackie
Ruth Negga, Loving

Best Supporting Actor:
Ben Foster, Hell or High Water
Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water
Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Michael Shannon, Nocturnal Animals
Trevante Rhodes, Moonlight

Best Supporting Actress:
Greta Gerwig, 20th Century Women
Michelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea
Min-hee Kim, The Handmaiden
Naomie Harris, Moonlight
Viola Davis, Fences

Best Original Screenplay:
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Damien Chazelle, La La Land
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea
Mike Mills, 20th Century Women
Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthymis Filippou, The Lobster

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Eric Heisserer, Arrival
Luke Davies, Lion
Park Chan-wook, Jeong Seo-kyeong, The Handmaiden
Tom Ford, Nocturnal Animals
Whit Stillman, Love & Friendship

Best Cinematography:
Bradford Young, Arrival
Chung Chung-hoon, The Handmaiden
James Laxton, Moonlight
Linus Sandgren, La La Land
Stéphane Fontaine, Jackie

Best Score:
Cliff Martinez, The Neon Demon
Jóhann Jóhannsson, Arrival
Justin Hurwitz, La La Land
Mica Levi, Jackie
Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Hell or High Water

Best Foreign-Language Film:
The Brand New Testament
Elle
The Handmaiden
Things to Come
Toni Erdmann

Best Documentary:
13th
I Am Not Your Negro
O.J.: Made in America
Tower
Weiner

Best Animated Film:
Kubo & The Two Strings
Moana
The Little Prince
Tower
Zootopia

Best First Film:
The Birth of a Nation
The Edge of Seventeen
Krisha
Swiss Army Man
The Witch

The Robert R. “Bobby” McCurdy Memorial Breakthrough Artist Award:
Anya Taylor Joy, The Witch
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Keith Maitland, Tower
Sasha Lane, American Honey
Trevante Rhodes, Moonlight

Best Austin Film:
Loving (dir. Jeff Nichols)
Midnight Special (dir. Jeff Nichols)
Slash (dir. Clay Liford)
Tower (dir. Keith Maitland)
Transpecos (dir. Greg Kwedar)

Black Film Critics Circle Awards

Best Film
Moonlight

Best Director
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

Best Actor
Denzel Washington, Fences

Best Actress
Ruth Negga, Loving

Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali, Moonlight

Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis, Fences

Best Original Screenplay
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

Best Adapted Screenplay
August Wilson, Fences

Best Cinematography
James Laxton, Moonlight

Best Foreign Film
Elle, from France

Best Documentary
13th

Best Animated Film
Zootopia

Best Ensemble
Fences

Phoenix Film Critics Society Award Winners

Best Picture
La La Land

Best Director
Damien Chazelle "La La Land"

Best Actor
Casey Affleck "Manchester By the Sea"

Best Actress
Emma Stone "La La Land"

Best Supporting Actor
Jeff Bridges "Hell or High Water"

Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis "Fences"

Best Ensemble
Hell or High Water

Best Original Screenplay
Taylor Sheridan "Hell or High Water"

Best Adapted Screenplay
Robert Schenkkan and Andrew Knight "Hacksaw Ridge"

Overlooked Film of the Year
Sing Street

Best Animated Film
Zootopia

Best Foreign Language Film
Elle

Best Documentary
Gleason

Best Original Song
La La Land - City of Stars

Best Original Score
Justin Hurwitz "La La Land"

Best Cinematography
Linus Sandgren "La La Land"

Best Film Editing
Hacksaw Ridge

Best Production Design
La La Land

Best Costume Design
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Best Visual Effects
Doctor Strange

Breakthrough Performance
Anya Taylor-Joy "The Witch"

Best Performance By a Youth
Alex R. Hibbert "Moonlight"

London Film Critics Circle Award Nominations

Film of the Year
“American Honey”
“Fire at Sea”
“I, Daniel Blake”
“La La Land”
“Love and Friendship”
“Manchester by the Sea”
“Moonlight”
“Nocturnal Animals”
“Son of Saul”
“Toni Erdmann”

British/Irish Film of the Year
“American Honey”
“High-Rise”
“I, Daniel Blake”
“Love and Friendship”
“Sing Street”

Foreign Language Film of the Year
“Fire at Sea”
“Son of Saul”
“Things to Come”
“Toni Erdmann”
“Victoria”

Documentary of the Year
“The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years”
“Cameraperson”
“The Eagle Huntress”
“Fire at Sea”
“Life, Animated”

Director of the Year
Damien Chazelle, “La La Land”
Kenneth Lonergan, “Manchester by the Sea”
Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight”
László Nemes, “Son of Saul”
Maren Ade, “Toni Erdmann”

Screenwriter of the Year
Damien Chazelle, “La La Land”
Whit Stillman, “Love and Friendship”
Kenneth Lonergan, “Manchester by the Sea”
Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight”
Maren Ade, “Toni Erdmann”

Actor of the Year
Casey Affleck, “Manchester by the Sea”
Adam Driver, “Paterson”
Andrew Garfield, “Hacksaw Ridge”
Jake Gyllenhaal, “Nocturnal Animals”
Peter Simonischek, “Toni Erdmann”

Actress of the Year
Amy Adams, “Arrival”
Kate Beckinsale, “Love and Friendship”
Sandra Hüller, “Toni Erdmann”
Isabelle Huppert, “Things to Come”
Emma Stone, “La La Land”

Supporting Actor of the Year
Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight”
Tom Bennett, “Love and Friendship”
Jeff Bridges, “Hell and High Water”
Shia LaBeouf, “American Honey”
Michael Shannon, “Nocturnal Animals”

Supporting Actress of the Year
Viola Davis, “Fences”
Greta Gerwig, “20th Century Women”
Naomie Harris, “Moonlight”
Riley Keough, “American Honey”
Michelle Williams, “Manchester by the Sea”

British/Irish Actor of the Year
Tom Bennett, “Love and Friendship” and “David Brent: Life on the Road”
Andrew Garfield, “Hacksaw Ridge” and “Silence”
Hugh Grant, “Florence Foster Jenkins”
Dave Johns, “I, Daniel Blake”
David Oyelowo, “A United Kingdom” and “Queen of Katwe”

British/Irish Actress of the Year
Kate Beckinsale, “Love and Friendship”
Rebecca Hall, “Christine”
Naomie Harris, “Moonlight,” “Our Kind of Traitor” and “Collateral Beauty”
Ruth Negga, “Loving” and “Iona”
Hayley Squires, “I, Daniel Blake”

Breakthrough British/Irish Filmmaker of the Year
Babak Anvari (writer-director), “Under the Shadow”
Mike Carey (writer), “The Girl With All the Gifts”
Guy Hibbert (writer), “Eye in the Sky” and “A United Kingdom”
Peter Middleton and James Spinney (writer-directors), “Notes on Blindness”
Rachel Tunnard (writer-director), “Adult Life Skills”

Young British/Irish Performer of the Year
Ruby Barnhill, “The BFG”
Lewis MacDougall, “A Monster Calls”
Sennia Nanua, “The Girl With All the Gifts”
Anya Taylor-Joy, “The Witch,” “Morgan” and “Split”
Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, “Sing Street”

Technical Achievement of the Year
Robbie Ryan (cinematography), “American Honey”
 “Arrival”, (sound design)
Mark Tildesley (production design), “High-Rise”
Mica Levi (music), “Jackie”
“Jason Bourne”, (stunt coordination)
Justin Hurwitz (music), “La La Land”
Nat Sanders and Joi McMillon (editing), “Moonlight”
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, (visual effects)
Gary Clark and John Carney (music), “Sing Street”
Sturla Brandth Grøvlen (cinematography), “Victoria”

British/Irish Short Film of the Year
“Isabella,”
“Jacked,”
“Sweet Maddie Stone,”
“Tamara,”
“Terminal,”

Vancouver Film Critics Circle Award Winners

BEST FILM
Manchester by the Sea

BEST ACTOR
Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea

BEST ACTRESS
Isabelle Huppert, Elle

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Mahershala Ali, Moonlight

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Michelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea

BEST DIRECTOR
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea

BEST SCREENPLAY
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Toni Erdmann

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Cameraperson

Monday, December 19, 2016

The Oscar Narrative: Pre-Guild Predictions - Best Actress

Pre-Guild Predictions
Amy Adams "Arrival"
Isabelle Huppert "Elle"
Natalie Portman "Jackie"
Emma Stone "La La Land"
Meryl Streep "Florence Foster Jenkins"

Other Contenders - Annette Bening "20th Century Women", Ruth Negga "Loving", Emily Blunt "The Girl on the Train", Hailee Steinfeld "Edge of Seventeen", Jessica Chastain "Miss Sloane", Taraji P. Henson "Hidden Figures"

Commentary - One of the biggest shockers of the SAG nominations, one that was overshadowed by the La La Land snub, was the exclusion of Annette Bening from the nominations. I thought she was a lock, for SAG and for Oscar. Now, unless BAFTA puts her back in, I honestly think that she is going to be the big causality in this brutal Best Actress race. If SAG didn't nominate her, I don't know if the Academy will. All of that being said, I don't see Emily Blunt's shocking nomination translating to the Oscars. That film is just not well-liked enough across the board, period. Portman and Stone are in, and are probably the two battling it out for the win. Streep and Adams were on my bubble, but they are both so well-liked, and this SAG hurdle is a huge one for both of them. So I'm thinking, right now at least, that these four are pretty solid going into the holidays. That leaves one slot. Bening could reclaim it, Ruth Negga should be in the running, and Steinfeld and Chastain managed Golden Globe nominations. I also think that Hidden Figures is starting to hit its stride, so do not discount Taraji P. Henson, although I think SAG would have found room for her if they really wanted to. I think that Isabelle Huppert is going to pull the Marion Cotillard/Emmanuelle Riva/Charlotte Rampling "veteran European actress" slot that has become a wild card in recent years. Those years were a lot weaker, so they reached for better performances than the ones provided by SAG. But then again, none of those actress (with the exception of maybe Riva) had the type of buzz, critical attention, and momentum as Huppert does this year. I also think BAFTA will easily nominate her, giving her a nice boost right as ballots are ending for the Oscars.

Detroit Film Critics Society Award Winners

Best Picture
La La Land

Best Actor
Casey Affleck "Manchester By the Sea"

Best Actress
Emma Stone "La La Land"

Best Supporting Actor
Jeff Bridges "Hell or High Water"

Best Supporting Actress
(TIE) Viola Davis "Fences" AND Greta Gerwig "20th Century Women"

Best Director
Damien Chazelle "Moonlight"

Best Ensemble
20th Century Women

Best Breakthrough
Kelly Fremon Craig "Edge of Seventeen"

Best Screenplay
Damien Chazelle "La La Land"

Best Documentary
O.J.: Made in America

Southeastern Film Critics Association Awards

Top 10 Film
1. Moonlight
2. Manchester By the Sea
3. La La Land
4. Hell or High Water
5. Loving
6. Arrival
7. (TIE) Fences and Jackie
8. Nocturnal Animals
9. Hidden Figures

Best Actor - Casey Affleck "Manchester By the Sea"
       Runner Up - Denzel Washington "Fences"
Best Actress - Natalie Portman "Jackie"
       Runner Up - Ruth Negga "Loving"
Best Supporting Actor - Mahershala Ali "Moonlight"
       Runner Up - Jeff Bridges "Hell or High Water"
Best Supporting Actress - Viola Davis "Fences"
       Runner Up - Naomie Harris "Moonlight"
Best Ensemble - Moonlight
       Runner Up - Manchester By the Sea
Best Director - (TIE) Damien Chazelle "La La Land" and Barry Jenkins "Moonlight"
Best Original Screenplay - Kenneth Lonergan "Manchester By the Sea"
       Runner Up - Taylor Sheridan "Hell or High Water"
Best Adapted Screenplay - Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McRaney "Moonlight"
       Runner Up - Eric Heisserer "Arrival"
Best Foreign Language Film - The Handmaiden
       Runner Up - Elle
Best Animated Film - Zootopia
       Runner Up - Kubo and the Two Strings
Best Cinematography - La La Land
       Runner Up - Moonlight
The Gene Wyatt Award - Loving
       Runner Up - Moonlight

Sunday, December 18, 2016

The Oscar Narrative: Pre-Guild Predictions - Best Supporting Actor

Pre-Guild Predictions
Mahershala Ali "Moonlight"
Jeff Bridges "Hell or High Water"
Hugh Grant "Florence Foster Jenkins"
Lucas Hedges "Manchester By the Sea"
Dev Patel "Lion"

Other Contenders - Ben Foster "Hell or High Water" Simon Helberg "Florence Foster Jenkins", Michael Shannon "Nocturnal Animals", Aaron-Taylor Johnson "Nocturnal Animals", Kevin Costner "Hidden Figures", Stephen McKinley Henderson "Fences", Mykelti Williamson "Fences", Issey Ogata "Silence"

Commentary - After the WTF nominations that were the Golden Globes, the SAG nominations brought everything back into perspective. While I would not discount Aaron Taylor-Johnson, I think that the Academy is not going to like Nocturnal Animals the way the HFPA did, and if someone does get in, I would put money on previous nominee Michael Shannon instead. As for Simon Helberg, while I think Florence Foster Jenkins will surprise in several categories come Oscar morning, I think that Grant, who will be supporting here instead of lead like he is at the Globes, will come out on top, as he did at SAG. Dev Patel keeps racking up nods as Lion quietly continues to be a force, Jeff Bridges is definitely in, and while Lucas Hedges missed the Globe, the SAG is much more important. Clearly the industry loves this movie, and this performance. I think he's in. Ben Foster probably can't make it in up against his beloved co-star, the Fences guys needed SAG to get in the conversation, Kevin Costner is a possibility, and while Silence seems to be silenced (pun-intended), Issey Ogata is getting some notices and could be a dark horse.

St. Louis Film Critics Association Award Winners

Best Film - La La Land
       Runner Up - (TIE) Hell or High Water and Manchester By the Sea
Best Director - Damien Chazelle "La La Land"
       Runner Up - (TIE) Kenneth Lonergan "Manchester By the Sea" and Denis Villeneuve "Arrival"
Best Actor - Casey Affleck "Manchester By the Sea" 
       Runner Up - Joel Edgerton "Loving"
Best Actress - Isabelle Huppert "Elle"
       Runner Up - Natalie Portman "Jackie"
Best Supporting Actor - Mahershala Ali "Moonlight"
       Runner Up - Lucas Hedges "Manchester By the Sea"
Best Supporting Actress - Viola Davis "Fences"
       Runner Up - Michelle Williams "Manchester By the Sea"
Best Adapted Screenplay - Whit Stilman "Love & Friendship"
       Runner Up - Eric Heisserer "Arrival"
Best Original Screenplay - Taylor Sheridan "Hell or High Water"
       Runner Up - Kenneth Lonergan "Manchester By the Sea"
Best Cinematography - Linus Sandgren "La La Land"
       Runner Up - James Laxton "Moonlight"
Best Editing - Jackie
       Runner Up - (TIE) Hacksaw Ridge and La La Land
Best Production Design - The Handmaiden
       Runner Up - (TIE) Jackie, La La Land, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Best Visual Effects - The Jungle Book
       Runner Up - Doctor Strange
Best Score - Justin Hurwitz "La La Land"
       Runner Up - Mica Levi "Jackie"
Best Soundtrack - Sing Street
       Runner Up - La La Land
Best Song - La La Land - Audition (Fools Who Dream)
       Runner Up - La La Land - City of Stars
Best Animated Film - Zootopia
       Runner Up - Kubo and the Two Strings
Best Horror/Sci-Fi - The Witch
       Runner Up - Arrival
Best Action Movie - Captain America: Civil War
       Runner Up - Doctor Strange
Best Comedy Movie - Hail, Caesar!
       Runner Up - Popstar: Never Stop Popping
Best Scene - La La Land - Opening Traffic Jam
       Runner Up - Hail, Caesar! - Would That It Were So Simple
Best Foreign Film - Elle
       Runner Up - The Handmaiden
Best Documentary - I Am Not Your Negro
       Runner Up - Weiner
Worst Film of 2016 - Warcraft
       Runner Up - The Angry Birds Movie

Saturday, December 17, 2016

The Oscar Narrative: Pre-Guild Predictions - Best Supporting Actress

Pre-Guild Predictions
Viola Davis "Fences"
Naomie Harris "Moonlight"
Nicole Kidman "Lion"
Octavia Spencer "Hidden Figures"
Michelle Williams "Manchester By the Sea"

Other Contenders - Greta Gerwig "20th Century Women", Janelle Monae "Hidden Figures", Lily Gladstone "Certain Women", Molly Shannon "Other People", Helen Mirren "Eye in the Sky"

Commentary - This race has quickly closed ranks with the Globes and SAG matching up 5/5. We knew the four: Davis, Harris, Kidman, and Williams. Those four seem safe, as their films and their performances continue to make a mark. That fifth slot has been in flux for a while now, but it looks like a consensus is building. Greta Gerwig, the talented young star on the verge of a breakthrough, seemed like a solid contender, and with a Critics Choice nomination, is still in the fray. Molly Shannon is the front runner at the Independent Spirit Awards, and Lily Gladstone has managed some surprising upsets at some of the regional critics groups over bigger competition. Recently, I had landed on Janelle Monae. The folks behind Hidden Figures were pushing her over her co-stars, and momentum and precursors seemed to signal her rise. Then the Globes and SAG reigned in and another consensus emerged. It was not Monae, but previous winner Octavia Spencer that emerged as the fifth slot. We'll see what happens with BAFTA, they might throw in an interesting nominee and completely mix things up, say a Helen Mirren. But for the next three weeks, these are the five.

Alliance of Women Film Journalists EDA Award Nominations

Best Film
Arrival
Hell or High Water
La La Land
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight

Best Director
Damien Chazelle – La La Land
Barry Jenkins – Moonlight
Kenneth Lonergan – Manchester by the Sea
David Mackenzie – Hell or High Water
Denis Villeneuve – Arrival

Best Screenplay, Original
20th Century Women – Mike Mills
Hail Caesar – Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Hell or High Water – Taylor Sheridan
La La Land – Damien Chazelle
Manchester by the Sea – Kenneth Lonergan

Best Screenplay, Adapted
Arrival – Eric Heisserer
Lion – Luke Davies
Love & Friendship – Whit Stillman
Moonlight – Barry Jenkins
Nocturnal Animals –Tom Ford

Best Documentary
13th – Ava DuVernay
Gleason – Clay Tweel
I Am Not Your Negro – Raoul Peck
OJ Made in America – Ezra Edelman
Weiner – Elyse Steinberg and Josh Kriegma

Best Animated Film
Finding Dory – Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane
Kubo and the Two Strings- Travis Knight
Moana – Ron Clements, Don Hall, John Musker, Chris Williams
Zootopia – Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush

Best Actress
Amy Adams – Arrival
Isabelle Huppert – Elle
Ruth Negga – Loving
Natalie Portman – Jackie
Emma Stone – La La Land

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Viola Davis – Fences
Greta Gerwig – 20th Century Women
Naomie Harris – Moonlight
Octavia Spemcer-Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams – Manchester by the Sea

Best Actor
Casey Affleck – Manchester By The Sea
Joel Edgerton – Loving
Ryan Gosling – La La Land
Tom Hanks – Sully
Denzel Washington – Fences

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Mahershala Ali – Moonlight
Jeff Bridges – Hell or High Water
Ben Foster – Hell or High Water
Lucas Hedges – Manchester By the Sea
Michael Shannon- Nocturnal Animals

Best Ensemble Cast – Casting Director
20th Century Women – Mark Bennett and Laura Rosenthal
Hail Caesar – Ellen Chenoweth
Hell or High Water – Jo Edna Boldin and Richard Hicks
Manchester by the Sea – Douglas Aibel
Moonlight – Yesi Ramirez

Best Cinematography
Arrival – Bradford Young
Hell or High Water – Giles Nuttgens
La La Land – Linus Sandgren
Manchester by The Sea – Jody Lee Lipes
Moonlight – James Laxton

Best Editing
Arrival – Joe Walker
I Am Not Your Negro — Alexandra Strauss
La La Land – Tom Cross
Manchester By The Sea – Jennifer Lame
Moonlight – Joi McMillon and Nat Sanders

Best Non-English-Language Film
Elle – Paul Verhoeven, France
Fire At Sea – Gianfranco Rosi, Italy
The Handmaiden – Chan-Wook Park, South Korea
Julieta – Pedro Almodovar. Spain
Toni Erdmann – Maren Ede, Germany

EDA FEMALE FOCUS AWARDS

Best Woman Director
Andrea Arnold – American Honey
Ava DuVernay -13th
Rebecca Miller – Maggie’s Plan
Mira Nair – Queen of Katwe
Kelly Reichardt – Certain Women

Best Woman Screenwriter
Andrea Arnold – American Honey
Rebecca Miller – Maggie’s Plan
Kelly Reichardt – Certain Women
Lorene Scafaria – The Meddler
Laura Terruso – Hello, My Name is Doris

Best Animated Female
Dory in Finding Dory –Ellen DeGeneres
Judy in Zootopia – Ginnifer Goodwin
Moana in Moana – Auli’i Cravalho

Best Breakthrough Performance
Sasha Lane – American Honey
Janelle Monai – Moonlight and Hidden Figures
Madina Nalwanga – Queen of Katwe
Ruth Negga – Loving

Outstanding Achievement by A Woman in The Film Industry
Ava DuVernay – For 13th and raising awareness about the need for diversity and gender equality in Hollywood.
Anne Hubbell and Amy Hobby for establishing Tangerine Entertainment’s Juice Fund to support female filmmakers.
Mynette Louie, President of Gamechanger Films, which finances narrative films directed by women.
April Reign for creating and mobilizing the #OscarsSoWhite campaign.

EDA SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS

Actress Defying Age and Ageism
Anette Bening – 20th Century Women
Viola Davis – Fences
Sally Field – Hello, My Name is Doris
Isabelle Huppert – Elle and Things to Come
Helen Mirren – Eye in the Sky

Most Egregious Age Difference Between The Lead and The Love Interest Award
Dirty Grandpa – Robert De Niro (b. 1943) and Aubrey Plaza (b. 1984)
Indepencence Day Resurgence – Charlotte Gainsbourg (b 1971) and Jeff Goldblum (b 1952)
Mechanic Resurrection – Jason Statham (b. 1967) and Jessica Aba (b. 1981)
Rules Don’t Apply – Warren Beatty (b. 1937) and Lily Collins (b. 1989)

Actress Most in Need Of A New Agent
Jennifer Aniston – Mother’s Day and Office Christmas Party
Melissa McCarthy – The Boss and Ghostbusters
Margot Robbie – Suicide Squad and Tarzan
Julia Roberts – Mother’s Day
Shailene Woodley – Divergent Series

Bravest Performance
Jessica Chastain – Ms. Sloane
Naomie Harris – Moonlight
Isabelle Huppert – Elle
Sasha Lane – American Honey
Ruth Negga – Loving

Remake or Sequel That Shouldn’t Have Been Made
Ben Hur
Ghostbusters
Independence Day Resurgence
The Magnificent Seven
My Big Fat Greek Wedding

AWFJ Hall of Shame Award
Sharon Maguire and Renee Zellwegger for Bridget Jones’s Baby
Nicholas Winding Refn and Elle Fanning for The Neon Demon
David Ayer and Margot Robbie for Suicide Squad
David E. Talbert and Mo’Nique for Almost Christmas

Women Film Critics Circle Award Nominations

BEST MOVIE ABOUT WOMEN
“Certain Women”
“Christine”
“Hidden Figures”
“20th Century Women”

BEST MOVIE BY A WOMAN
“Certain Women”
“Queen Of Katwe”
“The Dressmaker”
“13TH”

BEST WOMAN STORYTELLER [Screenwriting Award]
“Certain Women,” Kelly Reichardt
“Equity,” Amy Fox
“Maggie’s Plan,” Rebecca Miller
“13TH,” Ava Duvernay

BEST ACTRESS
Rebecca Hall, “Christine”
Taraji P. Henson, “Hidden Figures”
Ruth Negga, “Loving”
Natalie Portman, “Jackie”

BEST ACTOR
Casey Affleck, “Manchester By The Sea”
Joel Edgerton, “Loving”
Matthew McConaughey, “Free State Of Jones”
Christopher Plummer, “Remember”

BEST YOUNG ACTRESS
Sasha Lane, “American Honey”
Roylaty Hightower, “The Fits”
Madina Nalwanga, “Queen Of Katwe”
Hailee Steinfeld, “The Edge Of Seventeen”

BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS
Judy Davis, “The Dressmaker”
Sally Field, “Hello My Name is Doris”
Greta Gerwig, “Maggie’s Plan”
Kate McKinnon, “Ghostbusters”

BEST FOREIGN FILM BY OR ABOUT WOMEN
“Julieta”
“The Handmaiden”
“Things To Come”
“Toni Erdmann”

BEST DOCUMENTARY BY OR ABOUT WOMEN
“Audrie & Daisy”
“Miss Sharon Jones”
“The Eagle Huntress”
“13TH”

BEST FEMALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE
“Certain Women”
“Hidden Figures”
“Loving”
“Queen Of Katwe”

WORST FEMALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE
“Elle”
“Neighbors 2”
“Nocturnal Animals” [The obese naked women dancing]
“Zoolander 2”

BEST MALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE
“Free State Of Jones”
“Loving”
“Paterson”
“Snowden”

WORST MALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE
“Dirty Grandpa”
“Frank & Lola”
“Weiner”
“Zoolander 2”

WOMEN’S WORK/BEST ENSEMBLE
“Ghostbusters”
“Hidden Figures”
“The Dressmaker”
“20th Century Women”

SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS

COURAGE IN FILMMAKING
Ava Duvernay, “13TH”
Janet Grillo, “Jack Of The Red Hearts”
Meera Menon, “Equity”
Kelly Reichardt, “Certain Women”

COURAGE IN ACTING [Taking on unconventional roles that radically redefine the images of women on screen]
Annette Bening, “20th Century Women”
Lily Gladstone, “Certain Women”
Rebecca Hall, “Christine”
Zoe Saldana, “Nina”

ADRIENNE SHELLY AWARD: For a film that most passionately opposes violence against women
“American Honey”
“Audrie & Daisy”
“Colonia”
“The Uncondemned”

JOSEPHINE BAKER AWARD: For best expressing the woman of color experience in America
“Hidden Figures”
“Loving”
“Moonlight”
“Nina”

KAREN MORLEY AWARD: For best exemplifying a woman’s place in history or society, and a courageous search for identity
“Christine”
“Hidden Figures”
“Loving”
“Things To Come”

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN AWARD: [Performance by a woman whose exceptional impact on the film dramatically, socially or historically, has been ignored]
Lily Gladstone, “Certain Women”
Rebecca Hall, “Christine”
The women of “Hidden Figures”
Theresa Saldana, “Nina”

BEST SCREEN COUPLE
“Allied”
“Loving”
“Paterson”
“Snowden”

BEST FEMALE ACTION HERO
Emma Watson, “Colonia”
The women of “Free State Of Jones”
The women of “Ghostbusters”
Wonder Woman: Gal Gadot in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”

MOMMIE DEAREST WORST SCREEN MOM OF THE YEAR AWARD
Mila Kunis, “Bad Moms”
Laura Linney, “Nocturnal Animals”
Emma Thompson, “Barney Thomson”
Renée Zellweger, “The Whole Truth”

BEST LINE IN A MOVIE:
“I believe the characters we read on the page become more real than the men who stand beside us.” — “Jackie”

ACTING AND ACTIVISM AWARD:
Geena Davis: She has put in many decades of political service to feminist causes and has never held back even when speaking out could potentially harm her career. Her screen roles reinforce her beliefs. The Geena Davis Institute does research and advocacy.

Jane Fonda: For a lifetime of activism both on screen and off.

Emma Watson: UN Goodwill Ambassador, tells the UN General Assembly that universities need to be a safe space against campus sexual and racial assault, for women and people of color.

Shailene Woodley: For standing with the Water Protectors at Standing Rock and jailed for her activism there.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Julie Andrews
Annette Bening
Martha Coolidge
Viola Davis

BEST EQUALITY OF THE SEXES
“Allied”
“Hidden Figures”
“Loving”
“Paterson”

BEST ANIMATED FEMALE
“Finding Dory”
“Moana”
“The BFG”
“Your Name”

BEST FAMILY FILM
“Hidden Figures”
“Kubo and the Two Strings”
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”
“Queen Of Katwe”

WFCC Hall Of Shame
Women Dating Their Rapists In Movies:
“Elle”
“Frank & Lola”
“Sunset Song”