‘Anora’ Is Pure Cinema and the Best Picture Race Is Completely Up in the Air
Oct 21, 2024
01:47:55
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John Crowley, director of ‘We Live in Time,’ is known for his heartfelt romantic dramas. In this discussion, he shares insights on his collaboration with stars Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, revealing what drew him to their performances. The conversation dives into the complexities of cinematic storytelling versus theater, highlighting Crowley’s dedication to exploring sincere romantic narratives. They also touch on the unpredictable Best Picture race, with a focus on the urgency and emotional depth of the newly released film ‘Anora.’
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Quick takeaways
The podcast discusses the unpredictability of this year's Best Picture race, with 26 contenders and no clear favorites.
Sean Baker's film 'Anora' stands out as a significant competitor, capturing audiences with its unconventional romance and emotional depth.
John Crowley highlights the importance of star power in films, particularly praising Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh for their authentic performances.
The discussion emphasizes a potential shift in the Academy Awards toward recognizing diverse storytelling beyond traditional genre norms.
Deep dives
The Podcast Overview
The episode focuses on the evolution of the podcast from discussing the 90s to exploring the 2000s, highlighting the notable shifts in music and culture during that decade. The host emphasizes the significance of key artists like The Strokes, Rihanna, J-Lo, and Kanye West, suggesting that these figures shaped the sound and landscape of the 2000s music scene. There's an introduction to the fully electric Volvo EX90 SUV, which symbolizes innovation and safety in modern transport, indicating a shift towards environmentally conscious vehicle production. Additionally, Pluto TV is presented as a free alternative for streaming films, underscoring the changing dynamics of media consumption in the early 2000s.
The Best Picture Race Insights
The discussion transitions to the highly competitive landscape of the Best Picture race, acknowledging the peculiar uncertainty regarding strong frontrunners this year. The host outlines 26 potential contenders and emphasizes that there is no clear standout like previous years’ Oppenheimer or Everything Everywhere All At Once. Notable mentions include Anora, which is described as a strong competitor, suggesting that films like this could significantly shape the awards season. The narrative underlines how recent years saw films like CODA and The Power of the Dog generate noise around the Oscars but contrasts this with the unpredictability of the current race.
Focus on Anora
Anora is highlighted as a major contender, partly due to its intriguing plotline surrounding a somewhat unconventional romance intertwined with complex life situations. The discourse suggests that audiences are likely to engage deeply with the emotional undertones of the story, particularly given its strong performances. The film has showcased impressive reviews and box office performance, indicating audience approval and potential for award recognition. Conversations surrounding the movie showcase anticipation for its wider release and how it captures themes relevant to contemporary society.
The Brutalist and Emerging Films
The Brutalist is presented as another film generating significant praise during its festival circuit runs, with spa reviews from both Venice and New York Film Festivals fueling excitement. The conversation emphasizes its critical acclaim as a bold film about important themes, positioning it favorably among awards contenders. There's contemplation about whether this film can replicate success at the Academy Awards, as it resonates strongly with critics, making it a strong candidate for major nominations. This exemplifies the ongoing exploration of films that embody deep cinematic exploration of complex human experiences.
Dune Part 2's Potential
Dune Part 2 is positioned as a strong front-runner for the Best Picture race this year, particularly due to its anticipated grandiosity and thematic depth. The host reflects on Denis Villeneuve's previous work and hints at a potential Oscar nod for him, noting that many Academy members likely resonate with the film's epic scale. The film's ability to achieve blockbuster success while also engaging critically showcases a unique balance that might attract awards attention. This positioning highlights a shift in how genre films, especially those with a wide-reaching fanbase, could dominate awards season.
Emerging Trends in Oscar Contenders
The episode brings attention to the trend of individual films competing for Best Picture against established genre norms, particularly emphasizing awards recognition for actors and a varied approach to storytelling. The dialogue includes mention of Emilia Perez, signifying another film that diverges from typical Academy narratives while aiming for recognition. This acknowledgement suggests that the Academy may broaden its horizons, allowing more diverse storytelling forms and perspectives to enter mainstream awards conversations. It highlights a potential paradigm shift in representation and the type of narratives deemed worthy of accolades.
Exploring the Role of Star Power
Conversations also delve into how the emergence of star power affects the prospects of films and their awards chances, particularly focusing on rising talents like Mikey Madison and established stars like Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. The discussion acknowledges the cultural significance of these performances, noting how the actors bring vulnerability and authenticity to their characters. This exploration illustrates how nuanced acting can elevate projects and attract heightened interest, helping them navigate the competitive landscape of awards. It signals that these stars might usher in a new era of performances that resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Now that ‘Anora’ has hit select theaters, Sean assesses the state of the Best Picture race by running through a long (emphasis on long) list of 26 films that have a chance to be nominated at the Oscars (1:00). Then, Sean and Amanda discuss ‘Anora,’ Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or–winning drama about a whirlwind romance between a sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch (30:00). Finally, Sean is joined by John Crowley, the director of the new Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh romance ‘We Live in Time’ (1:15:00). They discuss, among other things, the qualities that attracted Crowley to Garfield and Pugh, how he chooses to work in film vs. theater, his long-running project of sincere romantic dramas, and more.
