If I Picked The Winners: The 95th Academy Awards
With audience pleasers like “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Elvis” alongside original works like “The Fabelmans,” “Tár” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once” all up for the top prize, this year’s Oscars are going to be memorable.
With the 95th Academy Awards approaching this weekend, I can’t help but grow excited to see so many of my favorite films from this past year get the recognition they deserve. Last year, I didn’t watch the Oscars because
I was working on a short film
I was infuriated at the Academy’s decision to sideline many technical awards to a smaller ceremony that took place earlier that day.
This year, the Academy has rescinded last year’s slap-in-the-face to cinematographers, editors, sound designers, makeup artists and composers, which means that all of the categories will be announced live at the televised ceremony. So, I’m happy.
Of course, every year I have strong opinions over what films should win the coveted golden statue and this year is no different. So, before this year’s Academy Awards, I present my personal picks of winners. Keep in mind, this is who I think should win, not who will win. I’m not interested in prediction, I just want to express my personal opinion. For the 95th Academy Awards, here’s what would win if I picked the winners.
Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans” would be a good pick for Best Picture with its intimate look at the life of the legendary director.
Best Picture: “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans” or “Top Gun: Maverick”
For this year, I have no clue what’s going to win. At awards shows like the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs, the winners for the best film of 2022 have been all over the place. But if I were to take the absolute best films that I think are worthy of the Best Picture Oscar, it would have to be these three.
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” was a massive trip of a film with kung fu fights, existential drama, a racoon that controls people by pulling their hair, googly eyes, multiversal travel and so much insane imagery. However, at its heart, this film was a sweet story about a family coming together which can resonate with us all. It’s distinctly original, entertaining and has all the makings of a classic.
As for “The Fabelmans,” it’s pretty obvious why I want this film to do well. It was my favorite film of 2022. Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical take on his life translated beautifully to the big screen and made for a film that is going to inspire generations of filmmakers. But even if you’re not a filmmaker, this film has such a powerful story about the importance of art and the effect it can have on a tight-knit family. If there’s any filmmaker that deserves a film showing their inspirational life, it’s Spielberg.
“Top Gun: Maverick” was many things: a massive box office sensation, a thrilling action film and a powerful look at relationships. But most importantly, it came out on my birthday and made it awesome. I don’t even like the first “Top Gun” that much but this sequel amazed me with the powerful characters, witty dialogue and some of the greatest aerial action ever filmed with practical effects and camera set ups. Everything about this film reminded me just how effective cinema can be in taking an audience and taking them on a journey.
Best Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
In a stacked category with legends like Steven Spielberg and up-and-coming giants like Martin McDonagh, the directing duo Daniels wowed me with their utterly mind-bending vision for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Their work is outstanding and I’m still amazed how these two took a small budget and made a science fiction epic that will forever be stuck in my mind.
Best Actor: Austin Butler for “Elvis”
This was a tough one for me. Between Butler, Colin Farrell and Brenden Fraser, this was a really great group of actors. However, the more I thought about it, I found that I admired Austin Butler’s transformation into Elvis Presley the most. Not only did his take on the King give me a deeper understanding of this 20th century icon, but it was probably one of the most difficult performances an actor can do. Everyone knows how to do an Elvis impression so how do you play him without impersonating him? Well, Butler found the key and, by the film’s half-hour mark, I didn’t even see an actor. I just saw Elvis.
Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
This was another tough category for me to judge, but I have a feeling that the award is going to come between Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh. While Blanchett’s performance as Lydia Tár was marvelous, Michelle Yeoh took us on such an incredible journey as a seemingly ordinary woman who must save the multiverse by mending the relationship with her daughter. Combine that with amazing fight sequences and choreography and this is a terrific and Oscar-worthy performance.
Best Original Screenplay: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
The pure originality on display from Daniels makes them worthy of winning the Oscars for both directing and writing. Where else can you find a story that has the use of google-eyed pet rocks to debate the meaning of life after seeing a giant bagel with literally everything on it?
Best Adapted Screenplay: Rian Johnson for “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”
Following the masterful writing of “Knives Out,” Rian Johnson continues to amaze with his skills as a screenwriter with the brilliant follow up “Glass Onion.” With daring twists, fantastic comedy and a mystery that continues to subvert expectations, “Glass Onion” was one of the year’s best written films.
Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
After a long hiatus from acting, Ke Huy Quan’s return to stardom just feels so good to see. His performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was action-packed, badass, emotional and heartfelt at the same time. In a film where everyone gave it their all, this performance really stood out for the passion that was put into it.
Best Supporting Actress: Stephanie Hsu for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
Rounding out my desired winners for acting is the third link in the family of “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Stephanie Hsu’s dual performance as Evelyn Wang’s daughter Joy and the nihilistic Jobu Tupaki was full of wit, cynicism and a surprising amount of compassion. Part of what makes this film so powerful is how all three members of the Wang family perfectly came together to make this film one of 2022’s best.
With 11 nominations, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” leads the ballot at this year’s Oscars and, if I had my way, would have the most awards of the evening.
Best Cinematography: “All Quiet on the Western Front”
With an abundance of destruction and carnage, the visuals of “All Quiet on the Western Front” not only transport you to the trenches of the first World War but also somehow find beauty in chaos.
Best Film Editing: “Top Gun: Maverick”
Out of all the films released in 2022, none were as white-knuckled as “Top Gun: Maverick.” The brilliant editing made the all-too-real action sequences pop and created a masterful sense of tension that refused to leave, especially during the heart-pounding climax.
Best Sound: “Top Gun: Maverick”
Not only did “Top Gun: Maverick” strive for realism in its visuals, but it also has some of the best sound in a 2022 film. The deafening mix brought the world of Naval aviation to the masses with a plethora of sound effects that sucked you into the incredible life of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.
Best Original Score: “Babylon”
While “Babylon” itself may be a polarizing film, we all can agree that the score is a magnetic piece of jazz-fueled insanity. The track “Voodoo Mama” alone should nab Justin Hurwitz his third Academy Award.
Best Original Song: “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR”
I could go on about how awesome this song was. However, I think that anything remotely related to “RRR” should be experienced with no build up. The less you know, the more wowed you will be. Just go watch “RRR.”
Best Visual Effects: “Top Gun: Maverick”
“Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Top Gun: Maverick” are certainly in the lead so it’s really a matter of preference. Do you prefer realistic CGI or the use of real fighter jets? To be honest, it’s a hard call to make but “Top Gun: Maverick’s” stunt work and plane coordination made for one of the most engrossing experiences I’ve had at the movies.
More people need to watch “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On” for its endearing main character and charm.
Best International Film: “All Quiet on the Western Front”
Germany’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” took a war that’s just over a century old and showed it in a way never before seen. Its brutality is powerful and its anti-war-message is especially powerful in today’s landscape.
Best Animated Film: “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”
“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” is going to win this category and that’s okay. It’s a wonderful film with a lot of heart. However, no animated film of 2022 gave me a warm, euphoric feeling on the same level as “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.” It’s an unbelievably sweet movie that needs more attention.
Best Documentary: “Fire of Love”
Telling the powerful story of Katia and Maurice Kraft, this documentary is a marvelous look at how science and love are far closer than we might think. It’s a fascinating look at volcanology as well as how love beats all, even death.
Best Live-Action Short: “Le pupille”
In the face of facism, compassion shines through in this warm and rich story. The message of hope in the face of darkness is definitely one we all need.
Best Documentary Short: “Stranger at the Gate”
This year, I’ve found myself drawn to stories of compassion and that’s on full display in this film. Telling the story of a Marine who was planning to bomb a local mosque only to find himself surrounded by love from people he’s trying to hate. The film boldly casts aside hate and makes for one powerful piece of documentation.
Best Animated Short: “Ice Merchants”
Depicting the love of family in a unique way, I think it’s best to let you walk into this film blind and be shown wildly beautiful images as I was. This visual feast was so remarkable and I still am hanging onto the feelings this short brought out in me.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: “The Whale”
The transformation of Brenden Fraser was possible not only through his remarkable performance, but through the efforts of a dedicated make-up team. Their work was remarkable and, while watching “The Whale,” it never felt like I was looking at a guy in a fat suit.
Best Costume Design: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
While this award usually goes to period pieces, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” truly had a unique eye for costuming that took concepts like traveling between universes and needing to use kung fu to save the world and condensed them into the coolest pieces of clothing. The film took having hot dogs for hands and made that look legitimate. Think about that.
The fact that “Nope” wasn’t nominated for Best Cinematography for its revolutionary use of turning day-time footage into night-time scenes is a massive insult to horror and the art of cinematography.
Films That Deserved More:
I was certainly very happy with many of the nominations but I do think that some deserving films and genres (mainly horror) were overlooked. So, here are some 2022 films that I think deserved much more love from the Academy or films that did get nominations but not in categories that they really deserved.
RRR: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score
Glass Onion: Best Supporting Actress (Janelle Monae), Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Costume Design
Top Gun: Maverick: Best Actor (Tom Cruise), Best Cinematography
The Batman: Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design
Babylon: Best Picture, Best Actress (Margot Robbie), Best Actor (Diego Calva), Best Supporting Actor (Brad Pitt), Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Nope: Best Picture, Best Actress (Keke Palmer), Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound
Vengeance: Best Original Screenplay
Pearl: Best Actress (Mia Goth)
The Menu: Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Ralph Fiennes)
The Woman King: Best Director, Best Actress (Viola Davis), Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design
Moonage Daydream: Best Documentary
The Northman: Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actress (Nicole Kidman)
