Exploring the top contenders for Best Picture at the Oscars, including foreign language films. Discussion on the influence of social media on award shows and the drama, diversity, and snubs at the Oscars. Celebrating underdog cinema with predictions for this year's awards.
Diverse films like 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' being recognized in expanded Best Picture nominations.
Shift towards honoring international films, reflecting a more open-minded US audience receptive to non-English films.
Deep dives
Expanding Best Picture Nominations and Embracing International Films
The Oscars expanded their Best Picture nominations to include blockbusters, allowing diverse films like 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' to be recognized. Additionally, a shift towards honoring international films, such as 'Anatomy of a Fall' and 'Zone of Interest', reflects a more open-minded US audience receptive to non-English films.
Surprising Films and Snubs
Unexpectedly thoughtful films like 'Barbie' subverted expectations, while 'Anatomy of a Fall' and 'The Holdovers' offered nuanced storytelling. Snubs, like the absence of 'Past Lives' nominations for Greta Lee and Celine Song, sparked disappointment. 'Origin' and 'May, December' were highlighted as overlooked gems deserving recognition.
Oscars Predictions and Excitement for Underdog Wins
Predictions lean towards 'Oppenheimer' for Best Picture, with a competitive Best Actress race between Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone. The anticipation surrounds potential surprises and upsets in various categories. Excitement remains for underdog victories, echoing past 'Moonlight' and 'Parasite' successes that challenge traditional Oscar norms.
Barbenheimer was the summer blockbuster phenomenon of 2023 around the movies Barbie and Oppenheimer. Both movies made a box office splash and now Oppenheimer is leading in the Oscar nominations race with 13 nods. But there are plenty of lesser known films in the running, including three primarily in a foreign language, vying for best picture. To help understand which films and stars are the favorites to win we are joined this week by Pop Culture Happy Hour hosts Aisha Harris and Linda Holmes.