It's that time of the year - Nick and Katy try and watch all the movies they can (and this year mostly succeeded) and then discuss them on their annual Oscar podcast. This is a transcript of their conversation, which has been edited for the website.
The Balcony is now open!
WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
The Nominees:
AMERICAN FICTION - Written for the screen by Cord Jefferson
BARBIE - Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach
OPPENHEIMER - Written for the screen by Christopher Nolan
POOR THINGS - Screenplay by Tony McNamara
THE ZONE OF INTEREST - Written by Jonathan Glazer
NICK: This a strong category. I really loved “Zone of Interest,” and “Poor Things” was one of my favourites of the year. “American Fiction” was a nice surprise, it was darkly funny which I wasn’t expecting. “Oppenheimer” is a masterpiece but I think the Academy is going to give a nod to “American Fiction” since it won’t win Best Picture.
KATY: There’s a lot here, and it’s a tricky category because I feel like they give it to the film that won’t win Best Picture, so for that reason, I think “Barbie” may have the edge.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: POOR THINGS WILL WIN: AMERICAN FICTION
Katy: SHOULD WIN: AMERICAN FICTION WILL WIN: BARBIE
WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
The Nominees:
ANATOMY OF A FALL - Screenplay - Justine Triet and Arthur Harari
THE HOLDOVERS - Written by David Hemingson
MAESTRO - Written by Bradley Cooper & Josh Singer
MAY DECEMBER - Screenplay by Samy Burch; Story by Samy Burch & Alex Mechanik
PAST LIVES - Written by Celine Song
KATY: This is the hardest category for me, they are all deserving. I loved every one of these movies except for “Maestro” – sorry B.C! I think “Anatomy of a Fall” will win, but my ‘should win’ goes to “Past Lives.”
NICK: The ‘should’ and ‘will’ win for me is “Anatomy of a Fall.” All of these are great scripts, but I think “Anatomy…” has the winning formula for this award.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: ANATOMY OF A FALL WILL WIN: ANATOMY OF A FALL
Katy: SHOULD WIN: PAST LIVES WILL WIN: ANATOMY OF A FALL
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
The Nominees:
IO CAPITANO – Italy
PERFECT DAYS – Japan
SOCIETY OF THE SNOW – Spain
THE TEACHERS' LOUNGE – Germany
THE ZONE OF INTEREST - United Kingdom
NICK: This is such a great list of international films, but it’s interesting that “Anatomy of a Fall” was not nominated. There’s no doubt to me that “Zone of Interest” will win. It’s a remarkable movie and beautifully done. The symmetry in the cinematography was mesmerizing, great performances, and it serves as another harsh reminder of our past. “Io Capitano” was breathtakingly good, I haven’t felt that anxious during a film in a long time. If it ended up being a surprise winner, I‘d be beyond thrilled for them. “Perfect Days” is a Wim Wenders movie. Interesting that he ended up doing something in Japan. The lead actor was very good, and it had a great soundtrack too. “Society of the Snow” is a remarkable achievement, harrowing to watch. I didn’t see “Alive” when it came out, but this movie is based on the same tragedy. It had a great script and terrific acting. I liked “The Teachers’ Lounge” but don’t think it stands up quite as much to all the others in this category.
KATY: Nick has taught me to appreciate international cinema. I did see “Zone of Interest” though I initially didn’t want to. I was 100% blown away. It’s so timely and a reminder of how quickly people can fall in line without thinking about the consequences of their actions. I did see “The Teachers’ Lounge” and really liked it, but it’s not the best International Film (in my opinion).
Nick: SHOULD WIN: IO CAPITANO WILL WIN: THE ZONE OF INTEREST
Katy: SHOULD WIN: THE ZONE OF INTEREST WILL WIN: THE ZONE OF INTEREST
ANIMATED FILM
The Nominees:
THE BOY AND THE HERON - Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki
ELEMENTAL - Peter Sohn and Denise Ream
NIMONA - Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary
ROBOT DREAMS - Pablo Berger, Ibon Cormenzana, Ignasi Estapé and Sandra Tapia Díaz
SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE - Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Amy Pascal
KATY: This is typically “my” category because I have younger children and see more animated films then Nick does. I pow-wow’ed with Hayden & Tanner, and between us, we’ve seen 4 of the 5 nominated movies. My ‘should’ win is “Elemental” and it is a biased choice. I love Pixar and I love Wendi McClendon-Covey, who stars in the movie. I am afraid “The Boy and the Heron” will win since there’s a big buzz on both the movie and the director, but I didn’t care for it at all. And the big cartoon birds in the film freaked me out – ick!
NICK: I really liked “The Boy and the Heron” – it was unusual, surreal, and interesting. I thought it looked great and I like the Japanese ‘craziness’ in animation. I didn’t see any of the other films, so I guess it’s my pick!
Nick: SHOULD WIN: THE BOY AND THE HERON WILL WIN: THE BOY AND THE HERON
Katy: SHOULD WIN: ELEMENTAL WILL WIN: THE BOY AND THE HERON
CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Nominees:
EL CONDE - Edward Lachman
KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON - Rodrigo Prieto
MAESTRO -Matthew Libatique,
OPPENHEIMER - Hoyte van Hoytema,
POOR THINGS - Robbie Ryan
KATY: I don’t know much about this category because I am limited in my knowledge - not in the films but what people look for in judging this category. I think “Poor Things” was really beautifully shot but where is “Zone of Interest”? Why no nom?
NICK: I’ve seen everything in this category. “El Conde” is a stylishly shot B/W vampire movie, there’s nothing not to like about that. “Killers of the Flower Moon” was great, looked great, but I struggled with the length of it. I enjoyed “Maestro,” though not sure it should have been in this category. “Oppenheimer” looked immaculate. That said, I hope “Poor Things” wins. it was an extraordinary achievement.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: POOR THINGS WILL WIN: OPPENHEIMER
Katy: SHOULD WIN: POOR THINGS WILL WIN: OPPENHEIMER
ACTRESS IN A SUPPPORTING ROLE
The Nominees:
EMILY BLUNT – Oppenheimer
DANIELLE BROOKS - The Color Purple
AMERICA FERRERA - Barbie
JODIE FOSTER – Nyad
DA'VINE JOY RANDOLPH - The Holdovers
NICK: Da’Vine, Da’Vine, Da’Vine all the way. Everyone in that movie should get an acting award. For me, there’s no contest, all the other performances were good, but she was extraordinary.
KATY: Every actress in this category is so deserving (except Emily Blunt, sorry Em!). In my Instagram review of “The Holdovers” (that I wrote in October!), I said I hope she’d be nominated. She was – yay – and 100% she will win.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: DA'VINE JOY RANDOLPH WILL WIN: DA'VINE JOY RANDOLPH
Katy: SHOULD WIN: DA'VINE JOY RANDOLPH WILL WIN: DA'VINE JOY RANDOLPH
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
The Nominees:
STERLING K. BROWN - American Fiction
ROBERT DE NIRO - Killers of the Flower Moon
ROBERT DOWNEY JR. – Oppenheimer
RYAN GOSLING - Barbie
MARK RUFFALO - Poor Things
KATY: Every one of these guys deserves an Oscar, and it’s shame they all can’t have one. Sterling K. Brown is mostly known as a television actor, and this role in “American Fiction” is a much-deserved breakout for him. Robert DeNiro was outstanding in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the film reminds you what kind of actor he is. Ryan Gosling was kenough in “Barbie.” And Mark Ruffalo! He would win in a different year for his role in “Poor Things.” But once again a total 100% lock, this time for Robert Downey Jr. for his role in “Oppenheimer.” He deserves it, he earned it, it’s his.
NICK: I also loved Sterling K. Brown in “American Fiction.” That role was a gift. DeNiro is great in almost everything, and I like him as Scorsese’s ‘bad guy.’ Ryan Gosling did everything he was supposed to do as Ken in “Barbie.” I thought Mark Ruffalo was quirky and mad in “Poor Things”… but Robert. He’s so overdue to win. He’s great in everything he’s in. Of course, he’s our friend, but he deserves the Award for the role he played in “Oppenheimer.” Good luck Robert, I am looking forward to seeing you win.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: ROBERT DOWNEY JR. WILL WIN: ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
Katy: SHOULD WIN: ROBERT DOWNEY JR. WILL WIN: ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
The Nominees:
ANNETTE BENING – Nyad
LILY GLADSTONE - Killers of the Flower Moon
SANDRA HÜLLER - Anatomy of a Fall
CAREY MULLIGAN – Maestro
EMMA STONE - Poor Things
NICK: Annette Bening is remarkable in most things she is in, but I don’t think it’s her year. Sandra Huller was as good – or better – as any one this year. Carey Mulligan was the best thing about “Maestro." Then you have Lily Gladstone for “Killers of the Flower Moon.” She was great, and quite deserving of recognition. It was a difficult part to play, but not as difficult as Emma Stone’s part in “Poor Things.” I thought she was just fabulous. She played such a surreal, strange, darkly funny part in the most perfect way possible. I’d love to see her win. I’m going to stick my neck out and say Emma is going to win, even though Lily is the favorite.
KATY: Annette Bening has done no campaigning, and I love her for it. She was amazing in “Nyad,” it was a true ‘best actress’ performance… but she’s not going to win. Sandra Huller was wonderful in “Anatomy of a Fall,” and I’d be so happy if she won, but she’s not going to. My ‘should win,’ Carey Mulligan, was fantastic in a very meh movie (sorry B.C!). Lily G has won the SAG and the Globe, she was great, but she played a supporting role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” I do not believe that was a lead performance, she was in bed for ½ the movie. The upset could be Emma Stone for “Poor Things.” She was sterling and won the BAFTA. Could it happen? Maybe!
Nick: SHOULD WIN: EMMA STONE WILL WIN: EMMA STONE
Katy: SHOULD WIN: CAREY MULLIGAN WILL WIN: LILY GLADSTONE
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
NOMINEES
BRADLEY COOPER -Maestro
COLMAN DOMINGO -Rustin
PAUL GIAMATTI- The Holdovers
CILLIAN MURPHY- Oppenheimer
JEFFREY WRIGHT- American Fiction
KATY: I would give this to Paul Giamatti if I could. His role in “The Holdovers” was so great, and the character had an arc. I thought Bradley Cooper was chewing a lot of scenery in “Maestro” and while Jeffrey Wright was great in “American Fiction,” I didn't like the character. Colman Domingo, as they say, it’s an honour to be nominated. That leaves us with Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer.” You can’t say anything bad about his performance. It was a hard role, and he nailed it.
NICK: I am pretty much with you Katy, though I thought Jeffrey Wright was great in “American Fiction.” It was a clever and funny performance. I am super-glad he’s nominated. Bradley was great as Lenny in “Maestro,” but the two performances that stuck out for me this year were Paul Giamatti and Cillian Murphy. Paul is so good in “The Holdovers,” he’s so human. He has no fear in acting like a misfit. Cillian Murphy was pretty flawless in “Oppenheimer,” it’s such a big role to have taken on, and the grandeur of it was spectacular. It was complex, and so, I cannot possibly say he doesn’t deserve to win.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: CILLIAN MURPHY & PAUL GIAMATTI WILL WIN: CILLIAN MURPHY
Katy: SHOULD WIN: PAUL GIAMATTI WILL WIN: CILLIAN MURPHY
DIRECTING
The Nominees:
ANATOMY OF A FALL - Justine Triet
KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON - Martin Scorsese
OPPENHEIMER - Christopher Nolan
POOR THINGS - Yorgos Lanthimos
THE ZONE OF INTEREST - Jonathan Glazer
NICK: Not a bad movie in the bunch! I thoroughly enjoyed all five. They were all beautifully directed, I’d love to see any one of them win. Marty Scorsese for “Flowers” because he should always win. “Anatomy of a Fall” was so unique and well-acted. “Poor Things” was definitely the most out-there, original, crazy and imaginative movie of the year. “Zone of Interest” was both dark and serene, with superb cinematography and an amazing cast. However, “Oppenheimer” was a masterpiece, and Christopher Nolan deserves to win. I’d love to see “Poor Things” director Yorgos Lanthimos win, but in reality, it’s “Oppenheimer.”
KATY: Wow. I am surprised “Oppenheimer” is your ‘should’ win, Nicholas! Nolan will win, he got the DGA, the Globe, the BAFTA. But for me, “Zone of Interest”s Jonathan Glazer should win. The movie never showed you the visual atrocities taking place, but it made you feel them all, and that’s a feat in directing.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: OPPENHEIMER - Christopher Nolan WILL WIN: OPPENHEIMER - Christopher Nolan
Katy: SHOULD WIN: THE ZONE OF INTEREST - Jonathan Glazer WILL WIN: OPPENHEIMER - Christopher Nolan
BEST PICTURE
The Nominees:
AMERICAN FICTION - Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Cord Jefferson and Jermaine Johnson, Producers
ANATOMY OF A FALL - Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion, Producers
BARBIE - David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, Producers
THE HOLDOVERS - Mark Johnson, Producer
KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON - Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese and Daniel Lupi, Producers
MAESTRO - Bradley Cooper, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers
OPPENHEIMER - Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan, Producers
PAST LIVES - David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, Producers
POOR THINGS - Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, Producers
THE ZONE OF INTEREST - James Wilson, Producer
NICK: We’ve both seen all ten this year, it’s the strongest year for films in a long time. I really enjoyed watching them all. I had a little more time to meticulously work my way through these films and was so surprised with the great stories told. From the epic-ness of “Oppenheimer” and “Flowers of the Killer Moon” to the strangeness of “Poor Things,” to serious topics in “Zone of Interest” and “Anatomy of Fall,” to the whimsy of “Barbie” and the human story told in “Past Lives,” every film was great for what they delivered. It is going to be “Oppenheimer”s year. It deserves it, it’s the whole package.
KATY: I think all of these films are deserving of their nomination except for “Maestro,” (sorry B.C!). I would rather have had “May December” be in its place. “Oppenheimer” is untouchable, unbeatable, it’s done, wear your party shoes. For my ‘should’ win, I chose a three-way tie between “Past Lives,” (a beautiful little movie), “Zone of Interest” (I didn’t want to see it and it was a wonderful, breathtaking film) and “Anatomy of a Fall” (so well acted, the best “Law & Order” you never saw).
Nick: SHOULD WIN: OPPENHEIMER WILL WIN: OPPENHEIMER
Katy: SHOULD WIN: Three-way tie PAST LIVES/ ZONE OF INTEREST/ANATOMY OF A FALL WILL WIN: OPPENHEIMER
THE 96TH ACADEMY AWARDS will air live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024.
