Cruz's performance was the best, most nuanced, subtle performance by an actress. The winner, much as I like her, delivered a caricature of a caricature, a much easier thing to do.
Even before the slap, Smith would not have been my choice for best actor. Cumberbatch, Garfield or even Washington...
I have not been able to find the short documentary When We Were Bullies. Can anybody guide me to a streaming platform where I might be able to view it? Thanks.
This and Cyrano are the only films with nominations that I've yet to see, and I refuse to rent Cyrano for $19.99.
I've seen ALL the movies nominated in ALL categories except for Cyrano, Spider-Man, When We Were Bullies, and Writing with Fire. The last one will play PBS tomorrow night.
I quite agree with your rankings, at least the first 3 in that order. And I don't understand how some of the titles wound up on that list of nominees anyhow.
I keep saying, CODA is this year's Green Book. Both are good films; just not extraordinary films. And yes, I liked both quite a lot. I just don't think they are "best film" material.
The "Hollywood Elites" who nominate the movies are comprised of the working stiffs who belong to the guilds. Some may earn more money than others, but all of them are working people in the industry.