Though cinemas have mainly remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic, a high percentage of film fans have become hesitant of sharing a small space with that mainly people. Some have always had this opinion; though this could be less about spreading diseases and more about sitting next to a loud chewer. Hence, streaming sites and finding the best TV package deals.
As streaming sites become more popular, new original content is produced and released by major companies such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. It benefits them as these films are exclusively shown on their websites and can attract new viewership for these.
With the Academy Award nominations announced on February the 8th, there are many contenders (both indie and blockbusters) that are in for a shot with Mr Oscar. Here are our opinions. Hopefully, we get at least a few right.
Disney +
It's a fair statement to say that Disney is primarily known for producing highly-rated animated features year after year. Since its incorporation in 2001, the Best Animated Feature Award has frequently had Disney produced content (including Originals and Pixar). With this in mind, it is looking likely that 2021 animated releases such as female-led films Raya the Last Dragon and Encanto and Pixar's Luca will be nominated. Our pick would be Luca, which offers a feeling of nostalgia for summer friendships and finding yourself, set in the beautiful Italian Riveria. Pixar has a history of taking this award, with films such as Ratatouille and Up, so it looks like Luca will soon follow suit.
As many film releases were affected by the pandemic, it is no wonder conglomerate companies such as Disney bought properties to add to their collection. Look no further than Ridley Scott's The Last Duel. With only 45 days in cinemas worldwide, the picture has been labelled a box-office bomb, with Scott blaming "millennials" that were brought up on mobile phones and are interested in nothing more. Whatever the reason for its underperformance in theatres, Disney + is the film's new home. Though Best Picture and acting categories are unlikely, The Last Duel has a high chance of taking some of the technical awards; such as Best Sound Mixing and Editing. Best Costume Design is also likely given that period pieces usually do well in this category.
Amazon Prime
In 2021, Amazon Prime received its first wins for original content; with Sound of Metal winning both Best Sound Mixing and Sound Editing. Amazon has consistently produced a wide range of content, spanning different genres. This is no exception with the musical biopic Everybody's Talking About Jamie, based on the popular west-end show. The film has primarily received positive reviews, showcasing the LGBTQ+ community and the feeling of belonging to viewers. With its original song "This Was Me" and its elaborate costumes, chances are high for it to receive nominations in multiple technical categories.
Another Amazon-produced biopic is Aaron Sorkin's Being the Ricardos, starring Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman as the iconic (I Love) Lucy. Though it has received mixed reviews, with many criticising the casting choices for both the Spanish Bardem attempting a Cuban accent and Kidman as Lucy, it is looking likely both will receive acting nominations.
Netflix
Netflix has continuously been nominated for Academy Awards for its original films and documentaries. 2022 will likely be no exception.
In the Best Actor category, Netflix seems to be a shoo-in with its recent films. Tick, Tick, Boom... stars Andrew Garfield as legendary playwright Jonathan Larson and is one of the frontrunners for the esteemed award. One-time nominated Garfield is the main contender for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical at the Golden Globes and is more than likely to be nominated for this.
Western-Psychological (yes, that is a genre) The Power of the Dog could potentially clean the sweep with Acting nominations; for Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-Mcphee. The film also marks director Jane Campion's return to mainstream film, famously one of the only seven females nominated in the Best Director category. She is likely to be once again nominated, with a higher chance of taking the title.
Though it is one of the most-watched titles on Netflix, Don't Look Up has received mixed reviews for its satirical and bleak view on how social media would affect an apocalyptic threat. Starring Meryl Streep's take on a Trump-Esque President, the cast is primarily Oscar winners and nominees and is directed by Adam McKay. McKay is our favourite for Best Original Screenplay, with his wittiness and dryness coming through the dialogue in every scene.
Apple
One of the newer streaming sites to receive critical acclaim in award season, Apple's 2021 film CODA is an underdog compared to massive blockbusters with well-known casts. A relatively small production made for the festival circuit, CODA focuses on the deaf and hard of hearing community and the effects this has on families. Troy Kotsur, who is deaf in real life, is in the race for Best Actor and would be the second deaf actor to be nominated in this category.
Now for a tale of the Bard. Joel Coen's adaptation of The Tragedy of Macbeth stars big names Denzel Washington as the tragic figure, with Frances McDormand as his conniving wife. In black and white, the film is likely to win Best Cinematography and Set Design for the elaborate Scottish Moors.
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Daisy works as a content creation specialist at broadbandmoneysaver.com
