FILM #19
OF 39
95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE
“TÁR”
FEBRUARY 16, 2023
4K ULTRA HD
DAY 24
OF 48
Best MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR
Produced by Todd Field, Alexandra Milchan and Scott Lambert
Best Achievement in Directing
Directed by Todd Field
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Cate Blanchett
Best Writing (ORIGINAL Screenplay)
Screenplay by Todd Field
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Cinematography by Florian Hoffmeister
Best Achievement in Film Editing
Edited by Monika Willi
Cate Blanchett can make any film better, regardless of the subject matter. “Carol” wasn’t the most exciting film, but she made it captivating with her performance. “Blue Jasmine” was about an awful woman, yet it was all more palatable with Blanchett in the title role. She does some of the same work in “TÁR” by taking a mediocre screenplay about a perfectionist composer/conductor and adding life to it.
“TÁR” is like a train on course to crash. The words fly a mile a minute, about compositions and musical theory, with Lydia Tár barreling through life from one setting to another. She’s riding high on being the best and the first. However, her vice regarding young female musicians is finally catching up with her in a big way. It affects her home life with her partner Sharon (Nina Hoss), her work life with her assistant, Francesca (Noémie Merlant), and her friend, Eliot (Mark Strong). She thinks she knows everything, and to her downfall, she does not.
Overall, the film felt overhyped. It has received so much praise and accolades that you’d think it would stand out in more ways than just Cate Blanchett, but it doesn’t. Florian Hoffmeister’s cinematography is fine, but there’s not much to point at regarding outstanding imagery. Monika Willi’s editing doesn’t ever distract from the piece, but I couldn’t tell you exactly why it was nominated, either. Even the screenplay isn’t jaw-dropping. It’s a decent script, but it’s often too “inside baseball” for its good. But people like different things, so perhaps “TÁR” wasn’t for me.
PREVIOUS NOMINATIONS
Todd Field
| 79th Academy Awards (2006) | Best Adapted Screenplay | “Little Children” | Nominee |
| 74th Academy Awards (2001) | Best Picture | “In the Bedroom” | Nominee |
| Best Adapted Screenplay | “In the Bedroom” | Nominee |
Alexandra Milchan
| First-time nominee |
Scott Lambert
| First-time nominee |
Cate Blanchett
| 88th Academy Awards (2015) | Actress in a Leading Role | “Carol” | Nominee |
| 86th Academy Awards (2013) | Actress in a Leading Role | “Blue Jasmine” | WINNER |
| 80th Academy Awards (2007) | Actress in a Supporting Role | “I’m Not There” | Nominee |
| Actress in a Leading Role | “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” | Nominee | |
| 79th Academy Awards (2006) | Actress in a Supporting Role | “Notes on a Scandal” | Nominee |
| 77th Academy Awards (2004) | Actress in a Supporting Role | “The Aviator” | WINNER |
| 71st Academy Awards (1998) | Actress in a Leading Role | “Elizabeth” | Nominee |
Florian Hoffmeister
| First-time nominee |
Monika Willi
| First-time nominee |
Set in the international world of Western classical music, the film centers on Lydia Tár, widely considered one of the greatest living composer-conductors and the very first female director of a major German orchestra.
Directed by Todd Field
Focus Features
October 28, 2022
158 minutes
ACCOLADES
BAFTA Awards — Best Leading Actress [Winner]
BAFTA Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
BAFTA Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
BAFTA Awards — Best Screenplay (Original) (Nominee)
Screen Actors Guild Awards — Female Actor in a Leading Role (Nominee)
AACTA International Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
AACTA International Awards — Best Lead Actress (Nominee)
AARP Movies for Grownups Awards — Best Movie for Grownups (Nominee)
AARP Movies for Grownups Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
AARP Movies for Grownups Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
AARP Movies for Grownups Awards — Best Screenwriter (Nominee)
AFI Awards — Movie of the Year [Winner]
Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards — Best Film Editing (Nominee)
American Cinema Editors Awards — Best Edited Feature Film – Dramatic (Nominee)
Atlanta Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Atlanta Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
Austin Film Critics Association Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Austin Film Critics Association Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Austin Film Critics Association Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Austin Film Critics Association Awards — Best Film Editing (Nominee)
Austin Film Critics Association Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
Boston Online Film Critics Association Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Boston Online Film Critics Association Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
Boston Society of Film Critics Awards — Best Director [Winner]
British Society of Cinematographers Awards — Cinematography in a Theatrical Feature (Nominee)
Camerimage Awards — Golden Frog Cinematography [Winner]
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Chicago Indie Critics Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Chicago Indie Critics Awards — Best Studio Film (Nominee)
Chicago Indie Critics Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Columbus Film Critics Association Awards — Best Lead Performance [Winner]
Columbus Film Critics Association Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Columbus Film Critics Association Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Columbus Film Critics Association Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
Critics Association of Central Florida Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Critics Choice Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Critics Choice Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Critics Choice Awards — Best Cinematography (Nominee)
Critics Choice Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Critics Choice Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Critics Choice Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Denver Film Critics Society Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Denver Film Critics Society Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Denver Film Critics Society Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Directors Guild of America Awards — Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film (Nominee)
DiscussingFilm Critics Awards — Best Motion Picture (Nominee)
DiscussingFilm Critics Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
DiscussingFilm Critics Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
DiscussingFilm Critics Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Film Independent Spirit Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
Film Independent Spirit Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Film Independent Spirit Awards — Best Lead Performance (Nominee)
Film Independent Spirit Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Film Independent Spirit Awards — Best Cinematography (Nominee)
Film Independent Spirit Awards — Best Feature (Nominee)
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
GALECA: Society of LGBTQ Ent. Critics Awards — Film of the Year (Nominee)
GALECA: Society of LGBTQ Ent. Critics Awards — Director of the Year (Nominee)
GALECA: Society of LGBTQ Ent. Critics Awards — Screenplay of the Year (Nominee)
GALECA: Society of LGBTQ Ent. Critics Awards — Film Performance of the Year (Nominee)
Georgia Film Critics Association Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Georgia Film Critics Association Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Georgia Film Critics Association Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Georgia Film Critics Association Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Golden Globes Awards — Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama [Winner]
Golden Globes Awards — Best Motion Picture – Drama (Nominee)
Golden Globes Awards — Best Screenplay – Motion Picture (Nominee)
Gotham Awards — Best Screenplay [Winner]
Gotham Awards — Best Feature (Nominee)
Gotham Awards — Outstanding Lead Performance (Nominee)
Greater Western NY Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Greater Western NY Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Greater Western NY Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Greater Western NY Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Greater Western NY Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Cinematography (Nominee)
Greater Western NY Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Hawaii Film Critics Society Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
Hawaii Film Critics Society Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Hawaii Film Critics Society Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Hawaii Film Critics Society Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Hawaii Film Critics Society Awards — Best Cinematography (Nominee)
Hollywood Critics Association Awards — Best Independent Film (Nominee)
Hollywood Critics Association Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Hollywood Critics Association Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Hollywood Critics Association Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Hollywood Critics Association Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Houston Film Critics Society Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Houston Film Critics Society Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Houston Film Critics Society Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Houston Film Critics Society Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
Indiana Film Journalists Association Awards — Best Original Screenplay [Winner]
Indiana Film Journalists Association Awards — Best Director [Winner]
Indiana Film Journalists Association Awards — Best Lead Performance [Winner]
Indiana Film Journalists Association Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Indiana Film Journalists Association Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Indiana Film Journalists Association Awards — Best Cinematography (Nominee)
Internet Film Critic Society Awards — Best Drama [Winner]
Iowa Film Critics Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Iowa Film Critics Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Latino Ent. Journalists Ass. Film Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Latino Ent. Journalists Ass. Film Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Latino Ent. Journalists Ass. Film Awards — Best Actress in a Leading Role (Nominee)
Latino Ent. Journalists Ass. Film Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Latino Ent. Journalists Ass. Film Awards — Best Cinematography (Nominee)
Latino Ent. Journalists Ass. Film Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
London Critics Circle Film Awards — Film of the Year [Winner]
London Critics Circle Film Awards — Director of the Year [Winner]
London Critics Circle Film Awards — Actress of the Year [Winner]
London Critics Circle Film Awards — Screenwriter of the Year (Nominee)
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards — Best Picture [Winner]
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards — Best Director [Winner]
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards — Best Lead Performance [Winner]
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards — Best Screenplay [Winner]
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Awards — Best Cinematography (Nominee)
Music City Film Critics’ Association Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
Music City Film Critics’ Association Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Music City Film Critics’ Association Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Music City Film Critics’ Association Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
National Society of Film Critics Awards — Best Film [Winner]
National Society of Film Critics Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
National Society of Film Critics Awards — Best Screenplay [Winner]
New York Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
New York Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Film [Winner]
New York Film Critics Online Awards — Top Films of the Year [Winner]
North Carolina Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Narrative Film (Nominee)
North Carolina Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
North Carolina Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
North Carolina Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
North Carolina Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
North Dakota Film Society Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
North Dakota Film Society Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
North Dakota Film Society Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
North Dakota Film Society Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
North Dakota Film Society Awards — Best Cinematography (Nominee)
North Dakota Film Society Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
North Texas Film Critics Association Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
North Texas Film Critics Association Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Online Ass. of Female Film Critics Awards — Best Female Lead (Nominee)
Online Ass. of Female Film Critics Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Online Ass. of Female Film Critics Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Online Film Critics Society Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Online Film Critics Society Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Online Film Critics Society Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Online Film Critics Society Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Online Film Critics Society Awards — Best Cinematography (Nominee)
Online Film Critics Society Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Producers Guild of America Awards — Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures (Nominee)
Philadelphia Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Philadelphia Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Philadelphia Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Phoenix Critics Circle Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Phoenix Critics Circle Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Phoenix Critics Circle Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Phoenix Critics Circle Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards — Top Ten Films [Winner]
Portland Critics Ass. Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Portland Critics Ass. Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Portland Critics Ass. Awards — Best Actress in a Leading Role (Nominee)
Portland Critics Ass. Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
San Fran. Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Director [Winner]
San Fran. Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Original Screenplay [Winner]
San Fran. Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
San Fran. Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Cinematography [Winner]
San Fran. Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
San Fran. Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Film Editing (Nominee)
Satellite Awards — Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama (Nominee)
Satellite Awards — Best Motion Picture, Drama (Nominee)
Satellite Awards — Best Screenplay, Original (Nominee)
Satellite Awards — Best Film Editing (Nominee)
Seattle Film Critics Society Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Seattle Film Critics Society Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Seattle Film Critics Society Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Seattle Film Critics Society Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
Seattle Film Critics Society Awards — Best Film Editing (Nominee)
Southeastern Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Picture (Nominee)
Southeastern Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
St. Louis Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
St. Louis Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
St. Louis Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Sunset Film Circle Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Sunset Film Circle Awards — Best Director [Winner]
Sunset Film Circle Awards — Best Film [Winner]
Sunset Film Circle Awards — Best Screenplay [Winner]
Sunset Film Circle Awards — Best Cinematography [Winner]
Toronto Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Toronto Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
UK Film Critics Association Awards — Actress of the Year (Nominee)
UK Film Critics Association Awards — Screenplay of the Year (Nominee)
Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Screenplay (Nominee)
Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Female Actor (Nominee)
Washington DC Area Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Actress [Winner]
Washington DC Area Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Film (Nominee)
Washington DC Area Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Director (Nominee)
Washington DC Area Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Washington DC Area Film Critics Ass. Awards — Best Editing (Nominee)
Women Film Critics Circle Awards — Best Actress (Nominee)
Writers Guild of America Awards — Original Screenplay (Nominee)
Best Motion Picture of the Year
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
1. “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
2. “The Banshees of Inisherin”
3. “The Fabelmans”
4. “Top Gun: Maverick”
5. “TÁR”
6. “Elvis”
7. “All Quiet on the Western Front”
8. “Avatar: The Way of Water”
9. “Triangle of Sadness”
10. “Women Talking”
PERSONAL PREDICTIONS
1. “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
2. “The Banshees of Inisherin”
3. “The Fabelmans”
4. “TÁR”
5. “All Quiet on the Western Front”
6. “Top Gun: Maverick”
7. “Women Talking”
8. “Elvis”
9. “Triangle of Sadness”
10. “Avatar: The Way of Water”
Best Achievement in Directing
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
1. Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert — “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
2. Steven Spielberg — “The Fabelmans”
3. Martin McDonagh — “The Banshees of Inisherin”
4. Todd Field — “TÁR”
5. Ruben Östlund — “Triangle of Sadness”
PERSONAL PREDICTIONS
1. Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert — “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
2. Martin McDonagh — “The Banshees of Inisherin”
3. Todd Field — “TÁR”
4. Ruben Östlund — “Triangle of Sadness”
5. Steven Spielberg — “The Fabelmans”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
1. Cate Blanchett — “TÁR”
2. Michelle Yeoh — “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
3. Michelle Williams — “The Fabelmans”
4. Andrea Riseborough — “To Leslie”
5. Ana de Armas — “Blonde”
PERSONAL PREDICTIONS
1. Michelle Yeoh — “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
2. Cate Blanchett — “TÁR”
3. Ana de Armas — “Blonde”
4. Andrea Riseborough — “To Leslie”
5. Michelle Williams — “The Fabelmans”
Best Writing (ORIGINAL Screenplay)
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
1. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
2. “The Banshees of Inisherin” — Martin McDonagh
3. “TÁR” — Todd Field
4. “The Fabelmans” — Steven Spielberg & Tony Kushner
5. “Triangle of Sadness” — Ruben Östlund
PERSONAL PREDICTIONS
1. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
2. “The Banshees of Inisherin” — Martin McDonagh
3. “TÁR” — Todd Field
4. “The Fabelmans” — Steven Spielberg & Tony Kushner
5. “Triangle of Sadness” — Ruben Östlund
Best Achievement in Cinematography
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
1. “All Quiet on the Western Front” — James Friend
2. “Elvis” — Mandy Walker
3. “Empire of Light” — Roger Deakins
4. “TÁR” — Florian Hoffmeister
5. “Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths” — Darius Khondji
PERSONAL PREDICTIONS
1. “Empire of Light” — Roger Deakins
2. “All Quiet on the Western Front” — James Friend
3. “Elvis” — Mandy Walker
4. “Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths” — Darius Khondji
5. “TÁR” — Florian Hoffmeister
Best Achievement in Film Editing
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
1. “Top Gun: Maverick” — Eddie Hamilton
2. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — Paul Rogers
3. “Elvis” — Matt Villa & Jonathan Redmond
4. “The Banshees of Inisherin” — Mikkel E.G. Nielsen
5. “TÁR” — Monika Willi
PERSONAL PREDICTIONS
1. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — Paul Rogers
2. “Elvis” — Matt Villa & Jonathan Redmond
3. “Top Gun: Maverick” — Eddie Hamilton
4. “The Banshees of Inisherin” — Mikkel E.G. Nielsen
5. “TÁR” — Monika Willi
