The Oscars: A History of Multiplex and Celebration

T H E

GUIDES HOW TO GET NOMINATED AND WIN!

A

LOOK

INTO THE FUTURE

THE

RAZZIES

A History of Multiplex and Celebration

WHO PULLS

THE STRINGS

NOMINEES

WINNERS LOSERS

CONTENTS 3

A History of Multiplex and Celebration

7

How to Be Nominated

6 9

12

Who pulls the strings?

Nominees 2013/2014 Those we Lost

13

The Razzies: A Different Kind of Celebration

14

Consistent Loser

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15

The Winners of the 86th Academy Awards The Future

A

HISTORY

OF AND

MULTIPLEX

CELEBRATION

“I shall always hold it as a beacon for anything that I may be able to do in the future” Best Supporting Actress – Hattie McDaniel - Gone with the Wind - 1940

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T

“A change is gonna come”

he Oscar awards or better known in the United States as the Academy Awards is one of few ceremonies dedicated to film recognition. Dating back to 1920s when doo-woop music sprung to life, black and white television was a luxury and pop-eye the sailor man created modern gym buddies, the Oscars is the oldest award ceremony followed by the Emmy awards (Television), Tony awards (Theatre) and the Grammy awards representing the music industry.

Sammy Cook

On May 10th 1940 Winston Churchill succeeded Neville Chamberlain as British Prime Minister, the Tokyo Olympics was cancelled and the 12th annual Oscar ceremony saw a new star in the making, one who paved way for many of her race to follow. Gone with the Wind was directed by David O’Selznick (Selzick International pictures) and starred Scarlett O’ Hara and Ashley Wilkes who play a historical romantic duo set against the backdrop of the American Civil war. Despite behind delayed for two years, Selzinick’s film won the award for outstanding production. In the mix was Hattie McDaniel’s award for best supporting actress (the mammy) which was a significant achievement in itself because Hattie was the first African America to win an Academy award.

In May of 1929 the first Oscar award ceremony was held in the Blossom room of the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel in honour of movies released between August 1st 1928 and August the following year. Just as glamorous but not as rich as what we see in today’s effort, the venue was host to 270 people with fifteen awards on standby for potential winners. The price into the ceremony cost no more than $5 as opposed to the grapevine whisperers speaking of numbers between $30,000 and $40,000 just to attend an Oscar event today. The ceremony in 1929 was due to last no longer than fifteen minutes. The nominees were announced prior to the event. The winners were announced to the media three months before the event would take place. The 21st century has chosen an opposite routine, and quite obviously going with the element of surprise concept.

The generous policy of sharing the winners lasted up until 1940. Thanks to the Los Angeles Times, an embargo was broken in 1940, much to the displeasure of the Academy. The LA newspaper chose to publish the winners of the event in its evening edition prior to the official ceremony. This is what led to the “sealed envelope” concept. Introduced in 1941, the sealed envelope turned out to be the most logical approach to concealing potential winners and is used to raise the anticipation today.

There were only a handful of names at the first Oscar ceremony. Some would go on to receive awards in years to come. Among the winners were Frank Borzage for best director on 7thHeaven; titled under “Dramatic Picture” and starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. It is the thirteenth highest grossing silent film in cinema history and went on to gross 2.7 million at the box office.

Female protagonist Janet Gaynor went on to take the award for best actress in a leading role. The award for “Outstanding Picture” went to Wings; a story of two WWI pilot friends. Another creation of the silent movie era, Wings was directed by William A. Wellman and beat Frank Borzage’s 7thHeaven to claim the “Best Picture” award.

Accepting the award on February 29th 1940 Hattie was humbled to say the least; “Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, fellow members of the motion picture industry and honoured guests: This is one of the happiest moments of my life, and I want to thank each one of you who had a part in selecting me for one of their awards, for your kindness. It has made me feel very, very humble; and I shall always hold it as a beacon for anything that I may be able to do in the future. I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry. My heart is too full to tell you just how I feel, and may I say thank you and God bless you”.

History shows a dark day in New York’s Wall Street. Forever remembered as “Black Tuesday”, the crash of the stock market began in October 1929. It is forever known as the greatest stock market crash in the history of the United States. The great depression saw the birth of the second Academy awards which was held in Coconut Grove of the Ambassador Hotel. The Broadway Melody stole best picture, Warner Braxter took best actor for In Old Arizona, Hans Kraley was awarded for penning The Patriot and Twinkies are introduced to bakeries around the United States.

Throughout the late 30s and 1940s the Oscar award ceremony was consistent in its success and dedication toward onscreen recognition. In 1943 the Oscar awards introduced a new category of awards in honour of the pretentious work ethic of those who often go unnoticed; Best documentary feature (1943), Best Foreign language film (1947), Best costume design (1948) and best makeup and hairstyling (1981). In the mix was the celebration of best animated short, best visual effects and best sound mixing; most of these categories have withstood the test of time from the years 1940 right the way through to 2010. Such categories and more have gone on to boost the face of the Oscars which helped celebrate every aspect of film craftsmanship. Not every category has made it as far. Some categories were discontinued since the early 20s and late 60s. One such award is the best comedy picture which was strangely presented to a Lewis Milestone for Two Arabian Knights. Unfortunately, though the last movie you may have seen had you hurting with laughter, you will not see such nourishment at the Oscars today, in fact that award in 1929 was the first and last. Along with the extinguished is the award for best Dance direction (1935-1937), best original story (1928-1956) and best title writing (1928). An award for best title design was almost introduced in 1999 but was later rejected.

On November 10th 1931 the fourth annual awards was held at the Sala D’Oro in the Biltmore Hotel honouring movies released between August 1 1930 and July 31, 1931. A Free Soul starring Lionel Barrymore, Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard is the story of an alcoholic defence attorney who is forced to defend his daughter’s ex-boyfriend on charges of murder. Nigel Barrymore went on to take the award for best actor and director Clarence Brown was nominated for best director in which he lost to Norman Taurog for Skippy which was based on a comic-strip by Percy Crosby. Six months later, in the year of 1932 the citizens of New York were witness to the opening of the Empire state building. On October 17th, pint sized crime boss Al Capone was sentenced to 11 years for tax evasion and the 5th Academy awards would follow on November 18th.

Held at the Fiesta room in the Ambassador hotel, the 5th Academy award ceremony was home to faces old and new. Routine winners such as director Frankie Borzage picked up the award for best director on Bad Girl; a dramatic tale of various characters living mundane lives. Bad Girl starred Sally Eilers and James Dunn. Released in 1931, Bad Girl was adapted from the novel and play by Vina Delmare, therefore picking up the award for bestscreenplayadaptionalso.

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That wonderful toy

There are innumerable awards granted to those worthy, but not all of them come in the form of what we perceive to be an Oscar award. To put it correctly, each statuette, no matter its design is an Oscar award per say. Apart from, let’s say the Academy Award for Technical Achievement, the John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation, the Student Academy Award and many more of that niche, the statuette differs and is indeed the most historically recognised award known as The Academy Award of Merit; plated in copper, nickel silver and 24 karat gold, it stands tall and weighs approximately 8 ½ pounds. The appearance renders a knight holding a crusaders sword posing on a reel of film with five spokes attached. The five spokes represent the original branches of the academy which are the actors, directors, writers, producers and technicians; Pretty cool right?

So who the hell is Oscar? While the name of Oscar Wilde and many other fabricated but pretty nice philosophical related stories have circled in its time, Rebecca Murray of Hollywood Movie Entertainment has settled on one such story that the Academy has gone on to use; “the most popular story has been that Academy librarian - and eventual executive director - Margaret Herrick believed it looked a lot like her Uncle Oscar. After she made that observation, the Academy staff began calling the award 'Oscar.' The Academy didn't officially use the nickname until 1939”.

TH

38 AWARDS

– The Oscar ceremony in 1966 was the first to be televised in color.

ST

41 AWARDS

– The April 14, 1969, Oscar ceremony was the first major event held at the new Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Los Angeles County Music Center.

TH

54 AWARDS

– Makeup became an annual category, with Rick Baker winning for his work on the 1981 movie “An American Werewolf in London.” The Gordon E. Sawyer Award, recognizing technological contributions to the industry, was established.

Pause for significance

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Below are some notable millstones in the history of the Academy Awards.

74 AWARDS

– The Animated Feature Film Award is added, with “Shrek” winning for 2001.

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Media Intervention

14 AWARDS

– In 1941, a documentary category appeared on the ballot for the first time.

The origins of the Oscar ceremony are of very little significance regarding publicity and advertisement. Far from what we see today, the Oscar ceremony was an intimate way of toasting to those representing the film industry and the future it long beholds. Unlike the drama and the significant glamour involved today, the first Oscar ceremony managed to suppress from the public eye. The reception and coverage that followed would forever blow this little place of many characters into a global reception. The privilege of being nominated and better yet, to win, was blown up by the little existing media of that time. The second Academy Awards was significant in its enthusiasm and its self-indulgent concept that would be forever ponderous. And so, for the very first time the Oscar awards was broadcast on air for approximately one hour and of course going on to do so ever since. Do you think the mysterious broadcaster would have guessed the many ways we could watch the Oscars today?

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20 AWARDS

– The first special award to honor a foreign language motion picture was given in 1947 to the Italian film “Shoe-Shine.” Seven more special awards were presented before Foreign Language Film became an annual category in 1956.

TH

21 AWARDS

– Costume Design was added to the ballots for 1948.

In 1953 the first televised Academy Awards enabled millions through-out America and Canada to celebrate their favourite action star, tear-jerking love story, musical wonder and female protagonist, all from the comfort of their living room. Just like video tapes to DVDs, or cassettes to CDs, it was the dawn of the colour television in 1966 that gave home audience the immersive interaction that would blow their socks off. A bit like the forceful concept of 3D multiplex today, the difference with the introduction of colour TV was that it actually worked, and we as human beings, have gone on to inherit nothing else since.

The Oscar award ceremony reached new heights in 1969 when it began broadcasting internationally in over 200 countries.

TH

25 AWARDS

– For the first time, the Oscar presentation was televised. The NBC-TV and radio network carried the ceremony, honouring the films of 1952, live from Hollywood with Bob Hope as master of ceremonies, and from the NBC International Theatre in New York with Conrad Nagel as host.

TH

29 AWARDS

– The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award was established and Y. Frank Freeman was its first recipient.

ST

36 AWARDS

– The Special Effects Award was divided into Sound Effects and Special Visual Effects beginning with the honors for films released in 1963.

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pulls

who

strings

the

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et’s take a look at who decides what movies are nominated, what actors and actresses are worth celebrating.

b) no false claims of Academy Award consideration are made in any advertising medium,

In December every year the voting process will commence. Staff and managing directors will oversee the exuberant amount of mails regarding future nominees. Discussion and debate will continue up until January.

The academy will return to its international firm in Pricewaterhousecoopers where they will announce the nominees at a press conference in the academy’s Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills.

d) the necessary legal protection is provided for the trademark and copyright owner, i.e., the Academy.

c) the public is not misled by any statement or implication that any achievement has won or been nominated for an Academy Award when that is not so, and

The academy is strict in its rules, especially throughout the build-up of each event. Any advertisement using the signature statuette without the boards consent will be consulted. In the rare occasion of the academy allowing the use of its statuette image in some advertisement, he or she may only do so if its image appears in no more than one sequence. The awarding body is cautious and seems to thrive on its perspective that it is indeed a respected board in its build up to a ceremony. The boards call for privacy has worked in the past. Regardless of the results, its constructed privacy has been widely praised.

“Regular awards are presented for outstanding individual or collective film achievements in up to 25 categories. Members from each of the branches vote to determine the nominees in their respective categories – actors nominate actors, film editors nominated film editors etc.”

The academy is divided into the specific branches, each branch will relate to a specific aspect of film. Those members who have dabbled in photography will be placed into the voting branch of best cinematography, or the majority of sound editors will most likely vote for best original score in a movie. This is the academy’s way of adjusting the voting process so it is a fair and professionally systematic way of determining a worthy winner. Considering the imperative award for best movie, all 6,000 members of the academy have the right to vote.

The final balloting process takes place in late January (when the winners will be decided). The official winners will be returned to the board a week prior to the event.

– The Oscars According to Oscars.org, the academy consists of up to 6,000 members.

There is a persistent generosity from movie productions to send “gimmicks” and “gifts” to members of the awarding body in a bid to sway their decision or to focus on a particular movie. This favouritism has often occurred. Claims of corruption within the board have forced the academy to come up with its own rules and regulations. We can assume bribery is forbidden in these regulations.

a) the rights of past and future Academy Award recipients are fully protected,

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HOW TO BE NOMINATED...

AND

WN approach in his acting. It was his signature. Marlon was hailed by many after him as the pioneer of method acting. He turned what sounded so simple into a style. He was Oscar nominated throughout his legendary career, winning an Oscar for best performance as Terry Malloy in On the Waterfront (1954). Marlon Brando was nominated a total of eight times in his career. He received another award for a performance that will remain his most prolific; Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (1972). Brando was one of only three professional actors, along with Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe to be featured in Time magazine’s “100 Persons of the Century”. It was an early Robert DeNiro and Pacino who set the standard for recognised acting, paving way for Daniel Day Lewis, Christian Bale and many more to follow.

The Method Inheritance

“Method acting is what all actors have always done whenever they acted well.”

R

- Lee Strasberg

enowned for shifting his weight onscreen, Christian Bale is one of the best method actors of the 21st century. Following much dedication in movies such as American Psycho (2000), The Machinist (2004) and The Fighter (2010), Bale’s onscreen portrayal of various uncanny characters has saw global applause. Method acting is somewhat recent, sort of. Long before Bale there was Marlon Brando.

Born on April 1924, Brando is "Unchallenged as the most important actor in modern American Cinema” according to St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture. Debatable statement no doubt but Marlon Brando is certainly up there with the best. Marlon was known for is “mumbling”

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With over ninety films under his belt, Robert De Niro is one of the best actors, ever. The king of Comedy (1976) and Taxi Driver (1982) are fantastic examples of method acting. He has been nominated throughout the majority of his career; best actor in Taxi Driver, Cape Fear (1991) and Silver Linings playbook (2012) of late to name a few. Despite losing out, DeNiro has two prolific awards sitting in his glass cabinet; best sup-

porting actor for The Godfather II (1974) and best actor in Raging Bull (1980). Like Stallone was to Arnold, Al Pacino to DeNiro was more of a “friendly” rivalry. Al Pachino was nominated eight times in his career including Serpico (1973), Dog day afternoon (1975) before eventually taking an award home for best actor in 1992 for Scent of a women. Like many before him, Daniel Day-Lewis found the key to recognition and career celebration, inheriting method acting in movies such as My Left Foot (1989), There will be Blood (2000) and Lincoln (2012). Irishman Lewis took an award for best actor in all three appearances – the first actor in the industry to bring home three statuettes.

SANDRABULLOCK

Best Actress for The Blind Side (2009)

ROONEYMARA

Best supporting actress for The Girl with the dragon tattoo (2011)

Method acting is a way of personal transformation; to live as the scripted character (as some have literally), enabling them to maintain focus both on and off set. Lee Strasberg was an American actor, director and acting teacher. If you believe Lee when he tells us that method acting is the job done according to profession, well then majority of Hollywood actors today are doomed. Let’s not twist his words. According to The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, such technique is nothing new and is as old as Western Civilisation;

JENNIFERLAWRENCE

Jennifer Lawrence: Best supporting actress for silver linings playbook (2012)

CHRISTIANBALE

Christian Bale: Best Supporting actor for The Fighter (2010)

“The Method trains actors to use their imagination, senses and emotions to conceive of characters with unique and original behaviour, creating performances grounded in the human truth of the moment”

JEFFBRIDGES

Jeff Bridges: Best Actor for Crazy Heart (2009)

The Power of the Arts

– Lee Strasberg

Here is a list of unmentioned method actors who have been awarded for their “out of skin” performances:

While the actors receive most of the praise, without a good script the only thing they will be taking home on the night is their drunken self. In order for the actors to grab an Oscar the screenplay needs a ground breaking story of relevance, and as previous ceremonies have shown, controversy and socially related material will go a long way. The screenplay is the legs of the movie, the support. If the actor is not on his or her day well then they are letting down the fantastic screenplay that invited them to participate in the first place. The average screenwriter is responsible for researching the story, writing the narrative, the creative development and the emotional impact it delivers to audience upon its release. We see now more than ever the vast inclusion of high profile actors sometimes crammed into one plot, with good results and often bad. Just like the importance of a screenplay to feed the leading star, the supporting cast may also wish to participate in making the leading stars performance stand out quite significantly, or, as we have seen in movies such as The Fighter and The Dark Knight, the protagonist may also perform so well that the actor who arrived on set to play second fiddle may also find themselves nominated for an award i.e. “Best Supporting Actor”. History shows the supporting actor often brushing our leading star to the side respectively; Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive 1993), Kevin Spacey (The Usual Suspects 1995), Cuba Gooding Jnr (Jerry Maguire 1996), the late Heath Ledger won for his spine-tingling show in The Dark Knight (2008), and of course the mesmerising Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting picked up in (1997).

TOMHANKS

Best Actor Philadelphia (1993) & Forrest Gump (1994)

JACKNICHOLSON

Best Actor in One flew over the cuckoo’s nest (1975) & As good as it gets (1997)

ANTHONYHOPKINS

Best Actor in Silence of the Lambs (1991)

HILARYSWANK

Best Actress in Boys don’t cry (1991) & Million Dollar Baby (2004)

ROBINWILLIAMS

Best supporting actor in Good Will Hunting (1997)

HEATHLEDGER

Heath Ledger: Best Supporting Actor in The Dark Knight (2008)

DENZELWASHINGTON

Best Actor for Glory (1989) and Best Supporting actor for Training Day (2001)

CHARLIZE THERON

Best Actress for Monster (2003)

REESEWITHERSPOON

Best supporting Actress for Walk the Line (2005)

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NOMINEES Best Picture

2013/2014 Martin Scorsese’s Wolf of Wall Street was hampered by the fact Leonardo DiCaprio has yet to win an Oscar. Unfortunately for Leo it may prove to be the very reason this fanatic story based on a wall street broker will sink when the Oscars come around.

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

Directed by David Russell, American Hustle is the second movie by David to be greeted with open arms at the Oscars. Silver Linings Playbook, which also starred Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, received 8 academy award nominations last year. Jennifer Lawrence won best supporting actress.

AMERICAN HUSTLE

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Tom Hanks finds himself involved in the best movie category and not for the first time. Winning best actor in Forrest Gump, Robert Zemickis’s triumphant tale also won best picture in 1994. Renowned for the “Bourne” trilogy, director Paul Greengrass takes the true story of Captain Philips to serious depth and intensity.

Playing a hairpiece conman by the name of Irvin Rosenfeld, Christian Bale’s performance, along with Jennifer Lawrence, may have given American Hustle unnecessary hype; nevertheless as an individual he deserves to be nominated.

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

CHRISTIAN BALE(AMERICAN HUSTLE)

Bruce Dern was praised for carrying this unique movie to the point of true enjoyment and heart felt nonetheless.

BRUCE DERN(NEBRASKA)

The media had a field day regarding the transformation of Matthew McConaughey. Eleven years after How to lose a guy in 10 days, Matthew’s career has been the subject of much praise. At the forefront of Jean-Marc Vallee’s amazing true story, the Dallas Buyers Club is tipped to win best picture and much more.

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

Yet to win an Oscar, Leonardo;s chances are still very slim The performances of Bale and McConaughey has left fans of Leos in serious doubt.

LEONARDO DICAPRIO (THE WOLF OF WALL STREET)

Visually stunning to say the least, Alfonso Cuarin’s space odyssey took cinemas buy storm upon its release and set a high standard regarding the philosophy of modern cinematography. Starring Sandra Bullock as the protagonist, Gravity’s nail-biting visionary is no surprise in the category of best picture.

A fantastic movie no doubt but leading star Chiwetel Ejiofor was outshined by the supporting cast from start to finish. Joaquin Phoenix (Her) or Oscar Isaac (Inside Lewyn Davis) should have replaced him.

GRAVITY

CHIWETEL EJIOFOR (12 YEARS A SLAVE)

The bookies favourite; Matthew McConaughey’s portrayal of aids riddled Ron Woodroof is one of true remembrance.

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB)

Directed by Spike Jonze, Her stars the brilliant Joaquin Phoenix in a futuristic romantic drama. Her is one of the least talked about movies nominated this year which is a shame considering its original concept.

HER

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Female competition didn’t interrupt Amy Adams and her wonderful performance playing the adamant Sydney Prosser.

AMY ADAMS (AMERICAN HUSTLE)

Shot in the mixed opinion of black and white, Alexzander Payne’s comedic drama follows Woody Grant’s (Bruce Dern) alcoholic troubles through-out a journey from Montana to Nebraska. Alexzander’s The Descendants won an academy award for best adapted screenplay in 2011.

NEBRASKA

Cate Blanchett adapted a role that involved serious dedication and difficulty. Playing a deeply troubled socialite in Jasmin, Woody Allen made what could be the performance of Blanchett’s career.

CATE BLANCHETT (BLUE JASMINE)

Philomena is a British drama directed by Stephen Frears. Starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, it tells an emotional true story the story of Martin (Coogan), a political journalist who joins Philomena (Dench) in the search of her son.

PHILOMENA

Stealing the headlines with its hot and far from forgotten topic, 12 Years a Slave is thrown in the mix for obvious reasons. A stellar cast and emotional (yet difficult) story, whether it wins anything or not, Steve McQueen’s latest movie is one that will be talked about for years.

Sandra Bullock was our leading protagonist revealing some true emotions in her fight to for space survival.

SANDRA BULLOCK (GRAVITY)

Judi Dench’s Philomena gives a warming performance in a bid to find her feet (and son) since taking shelter in a convent.

JUDI DENCH (PHILOMENA)

12 YEARS A SLAVE

Violet Weston (Streep) is just one of a large and somewhat uncanny family who return to the origin of the family home in Oklahoma.

MERYL STREEP (AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY)

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Nominated for a plethora awards so far, there is no reason why Steve McQueen can’t win best director.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Winning the best director award for The Departed (2009), Martin Scorsese is nominated for the eighth time in his career.

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (MARTIN SCORSESE)

With zero experience on the big screen, Somalia pirate Muse (Abdi) was thrown on board to terrorise Captain Philips (Hanks). The result is frightening. Barkhad Abdi is considered the underdog in this category.

BARKHAD ABDI (CAPTAIN PHILLIPS)

Best Documentary Feature

Like Matthew McConaughey, Bradley Cooper’s career has been very surprising of late. With Silver Linings Playbook and the Place beyond the Pines of late, there won’t be many out there who will refuse this man an Oscar.

BRADLEY COOPER (AMERICAN HUSTLE)

Colourful on the outside, dark and monstrous on the inside; The Act of Killing is the story of Indonesian death squad leaders who comply with transforming their cruel history of killings into a theatre style pantomime.

THE ACT OF KILLING (JOSUA OPPENHEIMER, SIGNE BYRGE SØRENSEN)

Joining the whirlwind cast of 12 Years a slave, Michael Fassbender’s performance may be remembered for the wrong reasons. The impact he has in the life of our protagonist is long lasting, tormenting and terrifyingly wonderful.

MICHAEL FASSBENDER (12 YEARS A SLAVE)

It tells the story of renowned New York based boxing painter Ushio Shinohara and female companion Noriko.

CUTIE AND THE BOXER (ZACHARY HEINZERLING, LYDIA DEAN PILCHER)

An intense insight into various Iraqi war operations, ones the United States government had no intention of sharing. A scary look at what goes on behind closed doors.

DIRTY WARS(RICHARD ROWLEY, JEREMY SCAHILL)

Playing Donnie Azoff, Jonah Hill’s introduction to this tale of debauchery is a career break only, leading to many opportunities in the near future. Therefore I have always ruled his mediocre performance out of the Oscar race.

JONAH HILL (THE WOLF OF WALL STREET)

Fighting for a new society in Egypt’s corrupt Government regime, various revolutionaries risk their lives to change the conscience of society and the agenda of the government.

SQUARE (JEHANE NOUJAIM, KARIM AMER)

Looking back at the mindbender that was Requiem for a Dream (2009), Jared Leto is physically unrecognisable as Ron Woodroof’s narcotic companion. Playing the role of troubled transsexual Rayon, Jared Leto gives the performance of his career.

JARED LETO (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB)

20 feet from stardom looks at life as a backing singer, rather than the leading superstar in whom we pay money to see.

20 FEET FROM STARDOM (NOMINEES TO BE DETERMINED)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Best Animated Feature

Sally Hawkins plays Ginger, the sister of Jasmin who thrives to better life for herself. The disruption of her delusional sister brings out a performance that is darkly comedic.

SALLY HAWKINS (BLUE JASMINE)

It has been an average year as far as animation goes, but The Croods got a surprisingly good reception which speaks volumes regarding its position. Characters are voiced by Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone.

THE CROODS (CHRIS SANDERS, KIRK DEMICCO, KIRSTINE BELSON)

Outweighing the male dominance alongside Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence’s jealous “on the side” wife is riveting. This is not surprising regarding the form Jennifer has been in lately.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE (AMERICAN HUSTLE)

This sequel follows an average predecessor with the leading character Gru (Steve Carell) proving irritating to listen to the longer it went on.

However, the prolonged use of the minions this time around result in a hilarious sequel.

DESPICABLE ME 2 (CHRIS RENAUD, PIERRE COFFIN, CHRIS MELEDANDRI)

Steve McQueen must have put something in the water because Lupita Nyong’o is far from fazed by the actors surrounding the set of 12 years a slave – continuing the trend of onscreen female dominance.

LUPITA NYONG’O (12 YEARS A SLAVE)

Ernest and Celestine reinvents classic animation, in it, telling a simple story of an unlikely friendship between a bear (Ernest) and a mouse (Celestine).

ERNEST & CELESTINE(BENJAMIN RENNER, DIDIER BRUNNER)

Part of the dysfunctional Weston family; Barbara (Roberts) tries to mend family issues despite her war of words with Violet (Streep).

JULIA ROBERTS (AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY)

Mistaken or an all-round demographic, Disney sticks to its roots in bringing back sing along animation. This imaginary tale got a great reception upon its release; one in which feels slightly overrated.

FROZEN (CHRIS BUCK, JENNIFER LEE, PETER DEL VECHO)

Nominated for her portrayal as Woody’s quirky wife June.

JUNE SQUIBB (NEBRASKA) Best Director

The Japanese have taken the animation category by storm, inventing a whole new world of storytelling with fascinating visuals in the critically acclaimed Spirited Away (2001) and Ponyo (2008). The Wind Rises is no different, crafting a story relevant to World War II and the creation of the Japanese fighter planes.

THE WIND RISES (HAYAO MIYAZAKI, TOSHIO SUZUKI)

Following the success of both Silver Linings Playbook and The Fighter (also starring Christian Bale), David is looking to further his recognition in film by adding the best director award.

AMERICAN HUSTLE (DAVID O. RUSSELL)

Best Foreign Language Film

Gravity was visually stunning which may see it pick up the award for best cinematography; however Alfonso finds himself accompanied by magnificent directors in this category.

GRAVITY (ALFONSO CUARÓN)

Director Felix Van Groeningen conveys a love story on the bases of a loved up couple baring little or no chemistry. Although the existence of their daughter gives them something to fight for.

THE BROOKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN (BELGIUM)

One thing the academy awards lacks is surprises. Many nominees are often predicted before the official outcome. But if any, Alexzander Payne’s indie comedy may cause a stir.

NEBRASKA (ALEXANDER PAYNE)

12 YEARS A SLAVE (STEVE MCQUEEN)

Jep Gambardella (Tony Servillo) trades lavish nightclubs for land-

THE GREAT BEAUTY (ITALY)

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scape sculptural beauty. Courtesy of an unexpected blast from the past, Jep vouches to see the hidden gems of the world.

"Ordinary Love" (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

Similar to Kevin Bacon’s The Woodsman, The Hunt also touches on the sensitive topic of child perversion. Mads Mikkelsen plays Lucas; a lonely school supervisor who finds himself wrongfully accused of an unspeakable situation, one the locals refuse ignore.

American Hustle (Judy Becker, Heather Loeffler) Gravity (Andy Nicholson, Rosie Goodwin, Joanne Woollard) The Great Gatsby (Catherine Martin, Beverley Dunn) Her (K.K. Barrett, Gene Serdena) 12 Years a Slave (Adam Stockhausen, Alice Baker)

Best Production Design

THE HUNT (DENMARK)

Best Animated Short Film

Rithy Panh uses clay figures, archival footage, and narration to recreate the atrocities Cambodia's Khmer Rouge committed between 1975 and 1979.

THE MISSING PICTURE (CAMBODIA)

Feral (Daniel Sousa, Dan Golden) Get a Horse! (Lauren MacMullan, Dorothy McKim) Mr. Hublot (Laurent Witz, Alexandre Espigares) Possessions (Shuhei Morita) Room on the Broom (Max Lang, Jan Lachauer)

A young Palestinian freedom fighter agrees to work as an informant after he's tricked into an admission of guilt by association in the wake of an Israeli soldier's killing.

OMAR (PALESTINE)

Best Live Action Short Film

Best Documentary Short

Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me) (Esteban Crespo) Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything) (Xavier Legrand, Alexandre Gavras) Helium (Anders Walter, Kim Magnusson) Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)

(Selma Vilhunen, Kirsikka Saari) The Voorman Problem (Mark Gill, Baldwin Li)

CaveDigger (Jeffrey Karoff) Facing Fear (Jason Cohen) Karama Has No Walls (Sara Ishaq) The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life (Malcolm Clarke, Nicholas Reed) Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall (Edgar Barens)

The Arts

Best Sound Editing

Best Cinematography

All Is Lost (Steve Boeddeker, Richard Hymns) Captain Phillips (Oliver Tarney) Gravity (Glenn Freemantle) The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Brent Burge, Chris Ward) Lone Survivor (Wylie Stateman)

The Grandmaster (Philippe Le Sourd) Gravity (Emmanuel Lubezki) Inside Llewyn Davis (Bruno Delbonnel) Nebraska (Phedon Papamichael) Prisoners (Roger A. Deakins)

Best Sound Mixing

Best Costume Design

Captain Phillips (Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith, Chris Munro) Gravity (Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead, Chris Munro) The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick, Tony Johnson) Inside Llewyn Davis (Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff, Peter F. Kurland) Lone Survivor (Andy Koyama, Beau Borders, David Brownlow)

American Hustle (Michael Wilkinson) The Grandmaster (William Chang Suk Ping) The Great Gatsby (Catherine Martin) The Invisible Woman (Michael O'Connor) 12 Years a Slave (Patricia Norris)

Best Film Editing

Best Visual Effects

American Hustle (Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers, Alan Baumgarten) Captain Phillips (Christopher Rouse) Dallas Buyers Club (John Mac McMurphy, Martin Pensa) Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón, Mark Sanger) 12 Years a Slave (Joe Walker)

Gravity (Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk, Neil Corbould) The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton, Eric Reynolds) Iron Man 3 (Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash, Dan Sudick) The Lone Ranger (Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams, John Frazier) Star Trek Into Darkness (Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann, Burt Dalton)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Dallas Buyers Club (Adruitha Lee, Robin Mathews) Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (Stephen Prouty) The Lone Ranger (Joel Harlow, Gloria Pasqua-Casny)

Best Adapted Screenplay

Best Original Score

Before Midnight (Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke) Captain Phillips (Billy Ray) Philomena (Steve Coogan, Jeff Pope) 12 Years a Slave (John Ridley) The Wolf of Wall Street (Terence Winter)

The Book Thief (John Williams) Gravity (Steven Price) Her (William Butler, Owen Pallett) Philomena (Alexandre Desplat) Saving Mr. Banks (Thomas Newman)

Best Original Screenplay

Best Original Song "Happy" (Despicable Me 2) "Let It Go" (Frozen) "The Moon Song" (Her)

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American Hustle (Eric Warren Singer, David O. Russell) Blue Jasmine (Woody Allen) Dallas Buyers Club (Craig Borten, Melisa Wallack) Her (Spike Jonze) Nebraska (Bob Nelson)

THOSE WELOST

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“When Academy Award nominations were read out before dawn Thursday, Hanks' name was never called” -Los Angeles Times

hat has been hailed as one of the greatest years at the cinema, the 2013/14 Oscar service is bound to be one of controversy.

Like a prisoner of war, some make it, others don’t. There has been a divided opinion regarding the criteria of movies nominated, causing much deliberation among fans and the movie industry; results have shown a difference in independently financed movies and studio supported productions – both vital in their own right but Oscar recognised for various reasons and not always for the final product. The release of nominations went viral and critics were quick to hunt down the forgotten movies, performances and individually directed pieces just to show that the Oscar board are so often forgetful. All opinion of course, and while there are too many movies to be recognised per year, let’s not forget what could have been. The Cohen Brothers are renowned for their movie complexity. Often hailed as the Beatles of the movie industry, their resume is a celebration of movie artistry blended with humour, drama, horror and romance. Both Joel and Ethan Cohen are academy award winners from the director’s seat, screenwriting, movie production and the editing suite. The brothers were nominated for their most renowned work in Barton Fink (1991), Fargo (1996), O’ Brother Where art Thou? (2000) and No Country for Old Men released in 2007. Over the years the Cohens have been nominated thirteen times for various aspects of film.

However the Cohen’s may be disappointed to have only four academy awards; Original Screenplay (Fargo) and Adapted Screenplay (No Country for Old Men) in which they also won best picture. The Berlin film festival was kind to the uncanny and brilliantly scripted The Big Lebowski in 1998, while The Bafta Awards saw them nominated for their brilliantly crafted Fargo. Inside Llewyn Davis was one of the surprising candidates to be shunned at this year’s ceremony which is disappointing for fans of the Cohen’s work. The movie reviews spoke a different sound, branding their most recent flick directionless and mediocre. However if not for the movie’s plot, cinemagoers, who enjoyed the loving soundtrack, may have expected a mention regarding the best original song award at least? Whether or not the leading performance by Oscar Isaac should have been mentioned is also up for debate.

Tom Hanks has a face that is all too familiar when it comes to the Academy Awards. Nominated umpteen times, the award for best actor in Philadelphia (1993) epitomises what was and still is an outstanding career. His latest movie, Captain Phillips, was nominated for reasons that don’t necessary include him. Nominated for best picture and best supporting actor in Somali antagonist Barkhad Abdi, Tom Hanks was noticeably shunned for his performance as the Captain due to the fierce yet obvious competition. There was no room for the biographical drama that was Saving Mr Banks (2013) either, in which Tom played Walt Disney in the development of Mary Poppins.

Receiving mixed reviews upon its release, Oprah Winfrey’s performances tipped her to be nominated for best supporting actress.

Tony Soprano was and still is everybody’s favourite mob doss. The Sopranos (1999) is renowned as one of the most successful television shows ever. It featured an iconic character in Tony Soprano played by the late James Gandolfini. Hollywood mourned the death of James in June of last year following a heart attack which left his devastated wife Deborah to aid their 13 year old son Michael and baby daughter Liliana.

Throughout the dominance of The Sopranos (1999-2007), Gandolfini’s movie career was played out in small parts, acting characterised roles similar to Tony Soprano; both ruthless and humorous as seen in True Romance (1993), Get Shorty (1995) and Killing Them Softly (2012) to name a few. His supporting role in Nicole Holofcener’s Enough Said (2013) tipped James to be nominated for best supporting actor four months after his death. Playing the latest love interest in the life of Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Gandolofini’s “Albert” character was a surprising performance according to critics and disappointing considering his passing. But more importantly, the lack of celebration at the academy awards was disappointing.

Spike Jonze’s fascinating tale of one man’s relationship with himself (for the most part) in Her was nominated for best movie. Taking its competition into account, Spike Jonze’s directorial challenge seemed more viable. Ignored for best director, Spike Jonze was forced to settle within a category that critics claimed had already inherited the possibility of two winners, and Her was not one of them. For me, the most surprising decision in this years nominated is actually the lack of attention given to Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners (2013) starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. This bleak tale of abduction is the most forgotten about movie of the year. Looking at the performances carried out from both Hugh Jackman and Gyllenhaal, it could be considered outlandish they didn’t make the cut for best actor, supporting or even best movie. This masterful peace of filming is probably too depressing for its own good, making it excellent Oscar material. Unfortunately for Villeneuve’s concept it was released in September of last year, which, if looking for a valuable excuse regarding its loss, its early release may be a worthy one.

The category for best documentary is a tough cookie, one that requires a vicious intent to grab the attention of the board using a relevant investigation, an indebt story, uniquely portrayed and most importantly, a significant result for the demographic. This year’s bundle sees some crafty stories in Dirty Wars, The Act of Killing and 30 Feet from Stardom. So which would you substitute for Gabriela Cowerthwaite’s BlackFish (2013). The story of Florida’s largest tourist attraction, Seaworld, is channelled into a horrible tale of animal cruelty, corruption and death.

Seaworld’s most indulging performer and killer whale Tilkum is the poster for the controversy.

Robert Redford has been awarded for simply being alive. His contributions in the world of film are vast; founder of the Utha based Sundance Film Festival being one of them. Time magazine conjoined his movie whirlwind and in its 100th annual, calling Robert Redford one of the most influential people in the world. He received two academy awards; Ordinary People in 1981 and the celebrated award of The Lifetime achievement in 2002. The Academy Awards failed to seek out Robert Redford’s individually led performance in All is Lost (2013), despite the extravagant reviews. The Independent newspaper gave it a five star rating. Redford’s return to form was not enough. The early release of the movie may have caused it to drift.

Historical drama The Butler (2013) starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey was another movie shunned at the Oscars. Directed by Lee Daniels, he followed the criteria of Oscar recognised material in its racially sensitive topic, yet its emotionally heartfelt story would look appropriate alongside this year’s nominated movies.

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Monsters Inc (2001) joined a plethora of critically acclaimed animated movies in Toy Story (1995), Shrek (2001) and Ice Age (2002). It won the academy award for Best Original Song (If I didn’t have you by Randy Newman) in 2002. Nominated for Best Animated Movie also, the lovable monsters lost out as the big green Ogre was awarded instead.

Mike and Scully, voiced by Billy Crystal and John Goodman once again, return 12 years later with Monsters University only to find they have been left out in the cold in favour of Disney’s Frozen, The Croods and Despicable Me 2. Ouch!

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THE WINNERS OF THE 86

THE RAZZIES: A DIFFERENT

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KIND OF CELEBRATION ACADEMY AWARDS The Golden Raspberry Awards (Razzies) is a parodic award ceremony renowned for shining the spotlight on the worst movies of the year.

Poor acting performances, directorial attempts and remakes are highlighted in humorous fashion. Founded by a John J.B.Wilson in 1980, the first ceremony was held in his living room. The 4th annual awards were covered by CNN. John realised the extent of coverage coming from various wire services, therefore choosing to continuously host the ceremony the day before the Academy Awards. John saw immediate success in its coverage prior to the Oscars. The Golden Raspberry Foundation is a paid members’ board with journalists, film fans and members of the film industry determining the winners.

Best Picture “12 Years a Slave” Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen and Anthony Katagas, Producers Best Actor in a Leading Role Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyers Club” Best Actress in a Leading Role Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine”

Best Actor in a Supporting Role Jared Leto in “Dallas Buyers Club”

Best Actress in a Supporting Role Lupita Nyong’o in “12 Years a Slave”

The Razzies are often accused of thrashing Hollywood cinema to the point of bullying a particular movie and any actor associated with it.

Notable victims include comedian Adam Sandler, director M. Night Shyamalan, the Twilight saga and pretty much any actress looking for a career in film; Lindsey Lohan, Selena Gomez and Kim Kardashian being among the nominated. The tongue in cheek awards are a noholds barred crucifixion of the poorest film entertainment, all in the opinion of its members of course. In January 2013, Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 was nominated 11 times into various categories, with worst actor nominations for Robert Pattinson and of course worst actress for vampire wife Kristen Stewart.

Best Director “Gravity” Alfonso Cuarón

Best Documentary Feature “20 Feet from Stardom” Morgan Neville, Gil Friesen and Caitrin Rogers

Best Documentary Short “The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life” Malcolm Clarke and Nicholas Reed Best Animated Feature “Frozen” Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee and Peter Del Vecho

“Adam Sandler, for example, is a Razzies mainstay. This year, his most recent film, Grown-Ups 2, has been nominated in nine categories; last year he starred in That’s My Boy, which featured in eight; the year before that it was Jack and Jill, in twelve nominations”

Best Foreign Language Film “The Great Beauty” Italy The Arts

Best Cinematography Gravity (Emmanuel Lubezki)

Best Costume Design The Great Gatsby (Catherine Martin)

Best Film Editing Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón, Mark Sanger)

– Robbie Collin – The Telegraph

Best Original Score Gravity (Steven Price)

As you may assume, the nominated actors rarely choose to attend the Razzie awards. Fan favourite Adam Sandler would certainly receive a warm welcome for his awful performances. The nominated seem to take the abuse with a pinch of salt. There have been some brave attendees over the years; Bill Cosby, Tom Selleck, director Paul Verhoeven (for worst director) and Tom Green, which seems more than appropriate. The 24th Golden Raspberry Awards featured a plethora of nominations for Ben Affleck, spread out over three movies; Gigii, Dare Devil and Paycheck (all released in 2003). Even Ben Affleck was chuckled enough to accept the award. He humorously complained about not been giving an official statue, claiming he was "stiffed”. Ben eventually received his award which ended up on Ebay. In 2005 Halle Berry famously attended the ceremony to pick up her worst actress award for her role as the sleazy Catwoman (2004), turning a parodic ceremony into an award winning improvisation of a delighted yet sarcastic acceptance speech; “Thank you guys so much…I never in my life thought I would be up here, winning a Razzie!”. Halle Berry’s speech was brilliantly performed and actually received a warming applause.

Best Original Song “Let It Go” from “Frozen” Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

Best Production Design “The Great Gatsby” Production Design: Catherine Martin; Set Decoration: Beverley Dunn Best Animated Short Film “Mr. Hublot” Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares Best Live Action Short Film “Helium” Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson Best Sound Editing “Gravity” Glenn Freemantle

Best Sound Mixing “Gravity” Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro Best Visual Effects “Gravity” Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk and Neil Corbould Best Adapted Screenplay “12 Years a Slave” – Screenplay by John Ridley

Below are the winners of the 34th Annual Razzies

Worst Picture: Movie 43 Worst Actor: Jaden Smith - After Earth Worst Actress: Tyler Perry – A Madae Christmas Worst Supporting Actor: Will Smith – After Earth Worst Supporting Actress: Kim Kardashian - Temptation Worst Screen Combo: Jaden Smith & Will Smith – After Earth Worst Director: The 13 people who directed movie 43 Worst Remake, Rip-Off or Sequel: The Lone Ranger Worst Screenplay: Movie 43 (Written by 19 screen writers)

Best Original Screenplay “Her” – Written by Spike Jonze

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CONSISTENTLOSERS

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here there are winners at the academy awards there are losers, consistent ones. Some names stick out more than others. But while each actor may proudly present their own following of fans, their profile is missing something; an Oscar statue in place of that football trophy they so proudly received as a kid. This year’s build up has been focused around one or two people; Leonardo DiCaprio and Matthew McConaughey Despite the impact of Steve McQueen’s 12 years a slave, never has the media been so DiCaprio focused. Nominated for best leading actor in Scorsese’s Wolf of Wall Street, the Californian sensation lost out to critic favourite Matthew McConaughey, prolonging a losing streak that saw him come up short when he was nominated in 2005 for The Aviator only to lose to Jamie Fox for his wonderful performance in Ray (2004). Two years Leo was nominated for best actor once again in Blood Diamond (2006) only to step aside for Forrest Whitaker who took it home for his powerful portrayal in the Last King of Scotland (2006). Despite an extraordinary collaboration of director and actor in both Leo and Martin Scorsese, the wait goes on for both the fans and Leo.

Brad Pitt pitched a fine performance but did not deserve the full credit he, and the movie’s title alone, received. Norton, though the great actor he appears to be, may wonder why his name so often flies too low under the radar. He was awarded some recognition in 1999 when he was nominated for best actor in the thrilling classic American History X. Roberto Benegini, who led a romantic comedy in Life is Beautiful (1997) took the award in favour.

Leading the line of female action heroes, Sigourney Weaver was nominated on numerous occasions. One of those was for busting alien heads in sci-fi action sequel Aliens (1986). Repressing male dominance on the big screen, Sigourney Weaver and Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor were prolific action stars of 80s cinema. Considered the best of the alien saga, Sigourney Weaver’s gun-hoisting performance failed her when Marlee Matlin won the award for best actress in Children of a Lesser God (19866). Sigourney was nominated again in 1999 for Gorillas in the Mist, only to lose it to Jodie Foster for her performance in The Accused.

Johnny Depp is pretty much the equivalent of marmite; you either love him or hate him. Ignoring his excruciatingly boring performances of late, Johnny Depp has been nominated for worthy acting performances and has too been tipped to win, yet lose to a greater choice. While Mr Depp is not expected to appear at an Oscar bash anytime soon, his chances of a statuette was hampered in 2004 when Sean Penn won the award for best actor in Mystic River (2003). It was the origins of Captain Jack Sparrow that cinema-goers fell in love with, springing to life in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003). Depp’s Jack Sparrow was a heroic fan favourite with a humours edge. It should be noted, that despite his nomination, Jack Sparrow would go on to bleed the pockets of the fans, ultimately dragging out a character that is of simple annoyance today – despite the box office whirlwind of its trilogy.

It wasn’t always impossible missions and alien planets for Tom Cruise.

He defined 80s cinema with the adorably cheesy yet hard to despise Top Gun (1986), The Colour of Money (1986), Cocktail (1988) and Rainman (1988).Tom Cruise has many renowned movie scenes and Jerry Maguire (1996) features one of them. The “Show me the money” sequence is now historic cinema as Cruise and American footballer Rod, played by Cuba Gooding Jnr, talk money over an elaborate phone call. Cruise was nominated for best actor in Jerry Maguire but lost out to Geoffrey Rush in Shine (1996).

Travelling back to the year of 1977 when Saturday Night Fever and Grease dominated the big screen and the city nightlife. John Travolta’s slick dance moves and handsome face painted a new era of cinema. Mr Travolta was nominated for best actor at the 1978 Oscars. Moving to the disco great of Staying Alive by the Bee Gees, Saturday Night Fever’s impact did not suffice as Travolta lost out to Richard Dreyfuss in The Goodbye Girl (1977). Travolta was nominated again for Pulp Fiction (1994), but lost respectively to Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump (1994).

Never Nominated:

Jim Carrey: One of the funniest men to come out of America, Jim Carrey is not all comedic gags and rubber faces. His career of late is at an all-time low. Movies such as The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013) and the boring sequel that was Kickass 2 (2013), Jim’s filmography will be remembered for slapstick masterpieces such as Dumb and Dumber (1994) and Ace Ventura (1994). But he will feel slightly robbed in the Oscar department as surprising as that may sound. Jim received much praise for his performance in The Truman Show (2008), while his most dramatic movie to date is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) opened up to welcoming praise.

Julianne Moore and Kim Basinger are two of the best actresses to come out of Hollywood. The only difference is Kim Basinger, despite Julianne Moore being nominated four times throughout her career, has an Oscar.

Julianne Moore was nominated for best supporting actress in Boogie Nights (1998), but lost out to Kim Basinger for her lustful role in LA Confidential (1997).

It is okay to be nominated and bow out to a worthy opponent. However in the case of Joaquin Phoenix, sometimes you have to ask what the hell is going on. One of the best method actors today, Joaquin will be wondering why he has failed to fill the trophy cabinet. The Puerto Rican born actor was nominated in 2011 for his villainous role as Commodus; coliseum dictator and movie antagonist in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator (2000).

The riveting performance of Benico Del Toro in Traffic granted him the award for best actor. In 2006, Joaquin Phoenix found himself nominated once again for the magnificent portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line (2005). Up against Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Capote, Phoenix was robbed of the award. Unfortunately for Joaquin, he was nominated seven years later against Oscar favourite Daniel Day Lewis. The Irishman was leading the forefront for inheriting the act and terrifying image of President Abraham Lincoln. Joaquin was nominated alongside Lewis for his memorable performance (his best in my opinion) for The Master (2012).

Phoenix found himself on the wrong end again as Lincoln was so boringly powerful that the academy couldn’t resist awarding Daniel Day Lewis for his time.

Always the unlikely hero is Edward Norton. A fine actor who proves consistently underrated whenever he graces the screen. Edward outshined Brad Pitt in Fight Club (1999) and once again proved underrated.

Steve Buscemi: Known as the weasel guy among other weasel guys, Steve Buscemi would be the last guy you would want to give an award to, right? Well, despite cameos for Adam Sandler’s career, Steve has a Cohen Brothers production on his resume; Fargo, a movie that lit up whenever Steve’s uncanny character was onscreen, showcasing an exceptional performance with little or no trophies to show for it.

Kevin Bacon: Kevin Bacon is in the business longer than people may think. He has pretty much worked with every actor in Hollywood and featured in Oscar nominated movies. However as an individual he has failed to be nominated, despite appearances in JFK (1991), A Few Good Men (1992), Apollo 13 (1995) and Mystic River (2003). The powerful act of one man’s struggle with the past in The Woodsman (2004) is one of his greatest movies to date.

Richard Gere: Mr Handsome doesn’t have the greatest of movies to represent but his acting alone should have him nominated. Pretty Women aside, Richard Gere’s performance in both An Officer and a Gentlemen (1982) and Internal Affairs (1990) are worthy of Oscar recognition.

John Goodman: A veteran actor, John has a vast majority of films under his belt. John has recently started to come into his own, expressing a presence on screen that stands for more than just his husky voice.

John’s transition from television to movies was a drastic one, a decision that involved much risk. Nominated for a golden globe for his role in Barton Fink (1991), he has co-starred in Oscar winning movies such as The Artist (2011) and Argo (2012). He has memorable roles in The Big Lebowski (1998) and O’ Brother Where Art Thou? (2000).

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THE FUTURE T

he nominations for the academy awards 2014/15 are due to commence on January 15, 2015. It may be early days but let’s round off the magazine with a sneaky look at potential nominees. Cinema-goers are well aware of the summer that lies ahead. Like every summer, blockbusters will dominate the months of June, July then Marvel (or Disney) will rule the month August. The pretentious festive season will then make a loud enough noise in a bid to steal the attention before the Oscar academy sits down in January.

Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel was well received upon its release in March. The quirky comedy starring Ralph Fiennes, Bill Murray and a big hooray of actors is already circling the net in relation to next year’s nominees. Scarlett Johansson was tipped to be nominated for best supporting actress in Spike Jonze’s Her this last year. However she was shunned for one simple reason; her narration over the entire movie was beautifully crafted but her lack of screen presence let her down. For that reason, sci-fi drama Under the Skin may be her lifeline.

Directed by Jonathan Glazer, Under the Skin was a fascinating piece of work, one that brought out a riveting performance in Scarlett. Another personal choice of mine is The Raid 2. Okay, how strange would it be to see this movie on the big screen at next year’s Oscar venue? It would be no surprise to see The Raid 2 nominated for best foreign movie. Despite its daring length, director Gareth Evans has not created a sequel better than the first, but it is another masterpiece regarding its complex plot, characters and beautiful fight choreography.

The Lego Movie arrived too late. It was released to a receptive audience in February therefore it is tipped to be nominated among the nominees for best animated movies.

Brendan Gleeson has never been nominated for an Oscar. Comedies such as The Guard (2011) and In Bruges (2008) may have appeared too hard to decipher from a global standpoint. Calvary is yet another paring between Gleeson and director John Michael McDonagh. Calvary has received great reviews upon its release. While the topic is controversial (let’s not forget, the Oscars love that), the chance of a best movie nomination is slim. But, Brendan Gleeson’s performance is extravagant and could be remembered come nomination day. Tom Hardy gives us a master class in Locke. The British beefcake is one of the greatest actors in modern cinema and shows, not for the first time, that a one-man- show advertises his skills on a vast level; Bronson (2008) being his best performance to date.

In the animation department, How to Train your Dragon 2 lingers for success once again. The anticipated sequel features the return of Jay Barchul, with Kirsten Wiig, Jonah Hill and a Gerard Butler reprisal also.

Following the success of Despicable Me and Sequel, Universal Pictures has announced a Minions movie set for release in 2015. Everyone’s favourite miniatures will show off their heroics in what will surely reel in the cash; however whether it is truly necessary is another question.

Christopher Nolan returns in November with Interstellar; a sci-fi mystery breaking the limitations of human space travel. Nolan has given very little away, with a teaser trailer, well, proving quite teasing. The cast on the other hand includes Matthew McConaughy, Anna Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck and Michael Cain. Nolan does love that Michael Cain guy. The Godzilla remake looks extraordinary and terrifying. It is the cinematography that may see it creep in for nomination. Understanding that blockbusters like this rarely get the recognition they deserve, there is a first time for everything.

Get on Up is the biographical tale of James Brown’s rise from poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history. It is early days yet, but this, if all goes well, will be Oscar gold. They do love a good biopic and if all goes according to plan, actor James Bosesman may be in for media turbulence playing the man himself. Get on Up will be directed by Tate Taylor and will be released in August.

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MagazineEditor Gerard Dodd

MagazineWriter Gerard Dodd

Layout Design Omar El-Taweel

SpecialThanks Paul Gregan