Film Reviews: Oscar Edition

By David Vicaris Best Picture

BELFAST

Filmmaker Kenneth Branagh (Dead Again, Hamlet [1996], Thor) channels his youth living in Northern Ireland during the turmoil of the late 1960s in this wonderfully lowkey picture chronicling childhood fears, first love, and the passion for art.

EVENT DATE

SPRING PILGRIMAGE NATCHEZ POWWOW NATCHEZ BICYCLE CLASSIC MARCH 12 - APRIL 12 MARCH 26 APRIL 30

V I S I T N A T C H E Z . O R G

Best Actor

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH, POWER OF THE DOG

Cumberbatch delivers a multi-layered performance as a Montana rancher in 1925 who, on the surface, is a cruel bully. Eventually, we see the character's personal torment.

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Best Actress

JESSICA CHASTAIN, THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE

Chastain so completely embodies the Christian televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker that it is almost frightening. More than just mimicry and make-up, this is a sincere performance.

Best Supporting Actor

CIARAN HINDS, BELFAST

This is a warm and wonderful performance. The scene of Hinds' character giving his grandson advice on love is worth the price of admission.

Best Supporting Actress

ARIANA DEBOSE, WEST SIDE STORY

This is a “wow” performance. DeBose dazzles in both the musical sequences and the dramatic scenes.

Best Director

KENNETH BRANAGH, BELFAST

Branagh directs the hell out of this personal story, both visually (black and white with some startling color sequences) and emotionally (the dramatic tone with droplets of humor is perfect throughout).

Picks I Predict Will Win

• Belfast for Best Picture • Denzel Washington for Best Actor • Jessica Chastain for Best Actress • J.K. Simmons for Supporting Actor • Ariana DeBose for Supporting Actress • Kenneth Branagh for Best Director

By Fritz Esker Best Picture

BELFAST

Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical film about growing up in Belfast at the start of the Troubles is a lovely, understated film.

Best Actor

JAVIER BARDEM, BEING THE RICARDOS

Bardem puts his considerable charisma to good use in Aaron Sorkin’s excellent film about the classic sitcom I Love Lucy. Bardem never shies away from showing Desi Arnaz’s flaws, but you root for him in spite of them, and that’s a testament to Bardem. No complaints if Will Smith wins for King Richard, though.

Best Actress

NICOLE KIDMAN, BEING THE RICARDOS

Nicole Kidman has been doing interesting work for so long that I think people still underestimate how good of an actress she is. She captures the fierce intelligence, charm, and soul of Lucille Ball.

Best Supporting Actor

CIARAN HINDS, BELFAST

Hinds has been a solid and dependable character actor for decades. As the grandpa in Belfast, he’s funny, gruff, and compassionate. It’s a joy to watch him go back-and-forth with Judi Dench as his wife. Actually, it’s a joy to watch him whenever he’s on screen in the film.

Best Supporting Actress

ARIANA DEBOSE, WEST SIDE STORY

This was the toughest call for me as I could also go for Dench. But it’s always a pleasure as a moviegoer when you watch someone on screen and you just wonder “Who is that?” in a good way. Debose is terrific as the feisty Anita, and I suspect we’ll be seeing much more of her.

Best Director

KENNETH BRANAGH, BELFAST

Branagh’s had an all-over-the-place career, but he’s a talented director and this is the crowning achievement of his career.

Picks I Predict Will Win

• Belfast for Best Picture • Will Smith for Best Actor • Nicole Kidman for Best Actress • Ciaran Hinds for Best Supporting Actor • Ariana Debose for Best Supporting Actress • Jane Campion for Best Director

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