“THE BIG SHORT” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner // Directed by Adam McKay // // Dated Viewed: Sunday, February 28th, 2016 // Stream // 0 films – 1 day //
BOY AND THE WORLD Alê Abreu FILM SYNOPSIS: Despite his family’s poverty, young Cuca lives a satisfying life, full of wonder at his rural surroundings, until his father goes on a train trip and disappears. While searching for his father, Cuca meets a wide variety of people as he journeys from a farming camp to the ocean and a large factory and then back … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [38] “Boy And The World” – Best Animated Feature
FILM SYNOPSIS: Years after an apocalypse has devastated the world, Australia has become a wasteland ruled by outlaws hoarding fuel, water and other resources. Desperate to escape a tyrant called Immortan Joe, loner Max Rockatansky joins forces with Imperator Furiosa, who is fleeing from Joe and his fanatical followers with a precious cargo that she has smuggled from Joe’s stronghold. There was a sudden … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Best Picture
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD John Seale Cinematography is key in creating the aesthetic of “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Imagine having the visionary George Miller come to you with this idea of a film being completely comprised of a chase scene in the desert, and fathoming how you will achieve such an effect. Imagine having you camera attached to vehicles, having explosions happening everywhere, and … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Best Cinematography
GEORGE MILLER “Mad Max: Fury Road” An interesting course of events happened this year before and after the Oscar nominations. Beforehand, most pundits would tell you that this year’s Best Directing category would be a showdown between Ridley Scott (“The Martian”), who many felt was overdue for some recognition, and George Miller (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), who returned to his own franchise after three … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Best Directing
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Jenny Beaven Best Costume gets tricky. On one hand, you’ve got a film like “Cinderella” which is almost made by the costumes. Without those impressive costumes, that film has zero nominations and is just another Disney live action film. But the costumes are utterly breathtaking and unforgettable. They make the movie. Then you have “Mad Max: Fury Road,” where although … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Best Costume Design
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Margaret Sixel No matter what the film, pacing is everything. And most of that happens on the editing room floor. But consider the film that is touted as one giant chase scene in “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Obviously a chase scene brings about the idea of tension and suspense, but leaving the throttle on full throughout the entire film would … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Best Film Editing
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Lesley Vanderwalt, Elka Wardega and Damian Martin Look at any given character in “Mad Max: Fury Road” and you will see some Makeup or Hairsyling aspect given to the character, whether its bald caps or actually shaving their heads, whether its the boils on the characters begging for water, or the intense detail to the grotesque Immortan Joe, or war … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Best Makeup & Hairstyling
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Colin Gibson (Production Design); Lisa Thompson (Set Decoration) There’s building locations and designing sets and then there’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” where you’re custom building 130 vehicles to take part in one of the most epic chase scenes of all time. And these aren’t just vehicles that were driven onto set. These vehicles are meticulously designed to match the spirit … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Best Production Design
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Andrew Jackson, Tom Wood, Dan Oliver and Andy Williams Watch the VFX breakdowns above and you’ll see that most of the film was created through visual effects, adding landscapes and the giant storm that they enter, the tint to the entire film to make it feel post apocalyptic, and enhancements to the characters, specifically Furiosa (Charlize Theron) and her missing … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [36] “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Best Visual Effects
THE HATEFUL EIGHT Ennio Morricone There are moments in “The Hateful Eight” that are completely defined by Ennio Morricone’s score. The opening sequence on the crucified Jesus statue as the horse and carriage travel in the distance is marked by that score and sets the tone for the entire film. There are moments when the score bolsters scenes that are not necessarily even that … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [35] “The Hateful Eight” – Best Original Score
THE HATEFUL EIGHT Robert Richardson When you choose to take on shooting a film in 65mm, you obviously have to know what you’re doing and Robert Richardson is an experienced enough cinematographer to take on that sort of challenge. The sweeping landscapes, the spectacular reveals of characters, and the ability to keep a film shot in a log cabin interesting for almost 3 hours … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [35] “The Hateful Eight” – Best Cinematography
JENNIFER JASON LEIGH “The Hateful Eight” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Jennifer Jason Leigh plays Daisy Domergue, a female outlaw in the 19th century who has been apprehended by a bounty hunter and is being taken to face justice. Not many women could pull off the acid-tongued outlaw from Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight.” For that reason alone, Jennifer Jason Leigh deserves this nomination. In a film … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [35] “The Hateful Eight” – Best Supporting Actress
BRYAN CRANSTON “Trumbo” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Bryan Cranston portrays Dalton Trumbo, a successful Hollywood screenwriter who struggles to survive professionally after being blacklisted in the late 1940s. Coming off his performance on one of the most talked about television series of all-time, “Breaking Bad,” the voting bodies that be were just waiting for any reason to commemorate Bryan Cranston and his continued impressive work as … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [34] “Trumbo” – Best Leading Actor
KATE WINSLET “Steve Jobs” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Kate Winslet portrays Joanna Hoffman, the marketing executive who helps to steer Steve Jobs’s computer companies to success. Too often does Kate Winslet play the sex object or love interest in a film. Looking over her past Oscar nominations, this is even clearer. But in “Steve Jobs,” she finally plays the neutral sidekick. There is dialogue line from … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [33] “Steve Jobs” – Best Supporting Actress
MICHAEL FASSBENDER “Steve Jobs” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Michael Fassbender plays Steve Jobs, a technology innovator whose personal relationships are marred by discord while his career is filled with both groundbreaking achievements and shattering losses. Even though Danny Boyle’s “Steve Jobs” was not a commercial success, Michael Fassbender’s performance still stood out as one of the best of the year. Playing the title character, Fassbender plays … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [33] “Steve Jobs” – Best Leading Actor
STUTTERER || From my limited experience in the Oscar Challenge, I can tell you that more often than not, the Academy drifts towards the shorts that make them feel warm and cozy. They tend not to like being challenged by their shorts and for that, “Stutterer” is the sweet story of a young man that has a nasty stutter. But that doesn’t stop him … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: Best Live Action Short
JENNIFER LAWRENCE “Joy” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Jennifer Lawrence plays Joy, a single mother with a conflicted extended family, whose determination to better her life prompts her to invent the Miracle Mop. Most years when David O. Russell releases a film, the acting categories fill up with his players. “The Fight,” “American Hustle,” and “Silver Linings Playbook” all saw their respected actors getting nominations and in … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [32] “Joy” – Best Leading Actress
FILM SYNOPSIS: In 1957, in the midst of the Cold War, New York insurance lawyer James Donovan is enlisted to provide a pro-bono defense for Rudolf Abel, who is accused of spying for the Russians. The CIA then sends Donovan to East Berlin to conduct precarious negotiations with the Soviets to exchange Abel for a recently captured U.S. Air Force pilot, Francis Gary Powers. … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [31] “Bridge Of Spies” – Best Picture
MARK RYLANCE “Bridge Of Spies” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: As Rudolf Abel, Mark Rylance plays an undercover KGB agent stationed in the U.S. who is apprehended and tried for espionage. Whether you’re Tom Hanks or someone unknown, being in a Steven Spielberg film will likely catapult your career, not just because there’s tons of eyes on a Spielberg piece, but because he’s an except director. Mark … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [31] “Bridge Of Spies” – Best Supporting Actor
“SPOTLIGHT” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Blye Pagon Faust, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, and Michael Sugar // Directed by Tom McCarthy // // Dated Viewed: Wednesday, February 24th, 2016 // BLU-RAY // 5 films – 5 days //
BRIDGE OF SPIES Thomas Newman The paranoia and uneasiness of the Cold War are brought to life by Thomas Newman’s score for “Bridge Of Spies.” On top of being a period piece, the film itself is a re-teaming of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, which brings about reminiscent qualities that are shared with the score. Pushing scenes like the final bridge exchange, the battle … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [31] “Bridge Of Spies” – Best Original Score
BRIDGE OF SPIES Adam Stockhausen (Production Design); Rena DeAngelo and Bernhard Henrich (Set Decoration) Listening to “Bridge Of Spies” production designer Adam Stockhausen talk about his process, the thing he mentions a few times is how much Berlin has changed since the days of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall, which make it almost impossible to film a historically accurate period piece there … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [31] “Bridge Of Spies” – Best Production Design
BRIDGE OF SPIES Written by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen FILM SYNOPSIS: In 1957, in the midst of the Cold War, New York insurance lawyer James Donovan is enlisted to provide a pro-bono defense for Rudolf Abel, who is accused of spying for the Russians. The CIA then sends Donovan to East Berlin to conduct precarious negotiations with the Soviets to … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [31] “Bridge Of Spies” – Best Original Screenplay
SANJAY’S SUPER TEAM || Not only are Disney and Pixar known for representing in the Best Animated Feature with most of their releases, they also clean up when entered into the Best Animated Short category as well. Last year, Disney’s “Feast” won and Pixar has had at least 11 short films nominated by the Academy. So putting “Sanjay’s Super Team” at the top of … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: Best Animated Short
“MANTA RAY” FROM “RACING EXTINCTION” Music by J. Ralph; Lyric by Anohni From the award winning directors of “The Cove” comes another documentary that will leave you absolutely furious with the state of our society and what is deemed acceptable when it comes to depleting natural resources and basically contributing to our own extinctions. Hence the title “Racing Extinction.” Director Louie Psihoyos once again … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [30] “Racing Extinction” – Best Original Song
“WRITING’S ON THE WALL” FROM “SPECTRE” Music and Lyric by Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith In 2013, the James Bond series was completely reinvigorated with “Skyfall,” an ode to the character and the franchise while being one of the best films of the year. It garnered five Academy Award nominations and even won two, including Best Original Song. Bond was never a stranger to … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [29] “Spectre” – Best Original Song
SYLVESTER STALLONE “Creed” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Sylvester Stallone plays Rocky Balboa, a former heavyweight champion who is persuaded to come out of retirement to train the son of his late best friend. Forty years after his groundbreaking turn as Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone returns to star in Ryan Coogler’s (“Fruitvale Station”) passion project, “Creed,” which passes the torch in the most honorable of ways. Playing … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [28] “Creed” – Best Supporting Actor
THEEB (JORDAN) Naji Abu Nowar FILM SYNOPSIS: In Hejaz province, Arabia, recently orphaned brothers Hussein and Theeb, who live a traditional Bedouin life, are caught up in the world events of 1916 when a British officer asks them to guide him through the desert to strategically important Ottoman train tracks. Their journey, fraught with danger, leads them in an unanticipated direction. Gaining Jordan’s first … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [27] “Theeb” – Best Foreign Language Feature
INSIDE OUT Screenplay by Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, & Josh Cooley Original story by Pete Docter & Ronnie del Carmen FILM SYNOPSIS: When 11-year-old Riley and her parents move to a new city, it’s up to Riley’s five main emotions — Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust — to help her adjust. Joy and Sadness are accidentally launched on a journey through Riley’s brain … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [26] “Inside Out” – Best Original Screenplay
INSIDE OUT Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera FILM SYNOPSIS: When 11-year-old Riley and her parents move to a new city, it’s up to Riley’s five main emotions — Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust — to help her adjust. Joy and Sadness are accidentally launched on a journey through Riley’s brain to preserve her core memories, and as the duo races back to Headquarters, … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [26] “Inside Out” – Best Animated Feature
MUSTANG France; Directed by Deniz Gamze Ergüven FILM SYNOPSIS: Five orphaned teenage sisters enjoy the summer in their village in northern Turkey, but one day, their romping with male friends is misinterpreted and reported to their family as sexual licentiousness. Determined to keep the girls pure, the family effectively imprisons them, prompting the girls to become even more closely knit as they rebel against … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [25] “Mustang” – Best Foreign Language Feature
THE MARTIAN Arthur Max (Production Design); Celia Bobak (Set Decoration) Bringing to life the world of NASA in the not-too-distant future doesn’t seem like the greatest stretch of the imagination. Production Designer Arthur Max describes getting sketches and details about the true-to-life probes that were created in the film. Max also discusses creating the life-sized exterior of the HAB, which is the place character … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [24] “The Martian” – Best Production Design
FILM SYNOPSIS: Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead and left behind when an unexpected storm hits Mars, forcing his crewmates to abandon their mission. Watney, a botanist, must engineer ways to feed himself and survive the harsh environment, and after he reestablishes communication with NASA, scientists around the globe race against time to rescue him. Prior to the nominations being announced, “The Martian” had … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [24] “The Martian” – Best Picture
MATT DAMON “The Martian” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Matt Damon plays Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded on Mars who must engineer the means to survive the planet’s harsh environment long enough to be rescued. Before reading a book, I generally hate knowing who’s been cast in the film adaptations because picturing a certain person as any particular character can be detrimental to the imagination process. If … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [24] “The Martian” – Best Leading Actor
THE MARTIAN Richard Stammers, Anders Langlands, Chris Lawrence and Steven Warner Anytime you’re filming a science fiction film, especially one in space, the visual effects and what they will accomplish become almost a front-runner in determining how your film is going to be perceived. “The Martian” places its characters on Mars. Obviously they are not filming on Mars, so whatever desert plain they do … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [24] “The Martian” – Best Visual Effects
THE MARTIAN Screenplay by Drew Goddard Based on “The Martian” by Andy Weir FILM SYNOPSIS: Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead and left behind when an unexpected storm hits Mars, forcing his crewmates to abandon their mission. Watney, a botanist, must engineer ways to feed himself and survive the harsh environment, and after he reestablishes communication with NASA, scientists around the globe race against … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [24] “The Martian” – Best Adapted Screenplay
“MAD MAX: FURY ROAD” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Doug Mitchell, George Miller, and P. J. Voeten // Directed by George Miller // // Dated Viewed: Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 // BLU-RAY // 6 films – 6 days //
“THE HATEFUL EIGHT” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Richard N. Gladstein, Shannon McIntosh, and Stacey Sher // Directed by Quentin Tarantino // // Dated Viewed: Monday, February 22nd, 2016 // STREAM // 7 films – 7 days //
“STEVE JOBS” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Danny Boyle, Guymon Casady, Christian Colson, Mark Gordon, and Scott Rudin // Directed by Danny Boyle // // Dated Viewed: Tuesday, February 16th, 2016 // BLU-RAY // 9 films – 13 days //
“BRIDGE OF SPIES” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Steven Spielberg, Marc Platt, and Kristie Macosko Krieger // Directed by Steven Spielberg // // Dated Viewed: Sunday, February 14th, 2016 // DVD // 11 films – 15 days //
“INSIDE OUT” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Jonas Rivera // Directed by Pete Docter & Ronnie del Carmen // // Dated Viewed: Saturday, February 6th, 2016 // BLU-RAY // 16 films – 23 days //
“THE MARTIAN” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Simon Kinberg, Ridley Scott, Aditya Sood, Michael Schaefer, and Mark Huffam // Directed by Ridley Scott // // Dated Viewed: Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016 // BLU-RAY // 18 films – 26 days //
SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE Mark Burton and Richard Starzak FILM SYNOPSIS: Shaun and his fellow sheep are disgruntled with the Farmer’s adherence to his rigid schedule, which leaves no room for spontaneous fun, but when he goes missing in the Big City, the flock and sheepdog Bitzer leave their rural home to hunt for their pal, all the while eluding a power-mad animal containment … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [23] “Shaun The Sheep Movie” – Best Animated Feature
WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Yoshiaki Nishimura FILM SYNOPSIS: After lonely young Anna is sent to live in Hokkaido with her relatives, she spends her time drawing and exploring her rural home. Anna is befriended by a mysterious blonde girl named Marnie who lives in an isolated mansion, and as their bond grows, Anna becomes obsessed with uncovering the secret of Marnie’s … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [22] “When Marnie Was There” – Best Animated Feature
CINDERELLA Sandy Powell The real star of Disney’s latest live action film “Cinderella” is actually the iconic blue gown that Cinderella wears to the ball. 500 hours of work went into making just that one gown and it will forever be reminiscent of this amazing film and the character that goes along with it. Sandy Powell opens up about having complete freedom when it … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [21] “Cinderella” – Best Costume Design
SICARIO Jóhann Jóhannsson No other film score this year has gotten my heart pounding like the one of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s in “Sicario.” Mixing a rumbling orchestra with bending tones of tension and suspense, Jóhannsson crafts an incredibly unique and even once in a lifetime score that pumps through several key scenes, like the first trip into Juarez, the border incident, and the descending into … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [20] “Sicario” – Best Original Score
SICARIO Roger Deakins Easily one of the best cinematographers of all time, it will never make sense that Roger Deakins has still never won an Academy Award for his work even after being nominated thirteen times. Stepping into “Sicario,” I did not know that it was Roger Deakins behind the camera, but within the first ten minutes of the film, I felt like it … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [20] “Sicario” – Best Cinematography
CHARLOTTE RAMPLING “45 Years” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: As Kate Mercer, Charlotte Rampling plays a woman whose plans for a party to celebrate her 45th wedding anniversary are disrupted by unsettling news. In her over 50 years of experience, actress Charlotte Rampling (69) has never even been nominated for an Academy Award. Now, this year, she is recognized for the role that won her the Silver … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [19] “45 Years” – Best Leading Actress
EX MACHINA Written by Alex Garland FILM SYNOPSIS: Twenty-something computer programmer Caleb wins a contest to spend a week at the isolated home of his boss, the CEO of the Internet’s largest provider. Caleb is thrilled to meet Nathan, whom he idolizes, but quickly learns the real reason for his presence: to administer a Turing test that judges the consciousness and abilities of Ava, … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [18] “Ex Machina” – Best Original Screenplay
EX MACHINA Andrew Whitehurst, Paul Norris, Mark Ardington and Sara Bennett The biggest visual effect that “Ex Machina” takes part in is turning actress Alicia Vikander into an Artificial Intelligence robot, with a human face, but a robotic body. As shown in the featurette, the creators stayed away from green screens as much as possible as to be able to film in a real … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [18] “Ex Machina” – Best Visual Effects
“SICARIO” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Basil Iwanyk, Thad Luckinbill, Trent Luckinbill, Edward McDonnell, and Molly Smith // Directed by Denis Villeneuve // // Dated Viewed: Saturday, January 30th, 2016 // BLU-RAY // 22 films – 30 days //
“EX MACHINA” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich //Directed by Alex Garland // // Dated Viewed: Friday, January 29th, 2016 // AMAZON PRIME // 24 films – 31 days //
“TIL IT HAPPENS TO YOU” FROM “THE HUNTING GROUND” Music and Lyric by Diane Warren and Lady Gaga From the documentary, “The Hunting Ground,” which focuses on the allegations that major universities are covering up their sexual abuse cases as a way to keep people coming to their campuses, Lady Gaga and Diane Warren present a heartfelt ballad to express this emotional hurt that … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [17] “The Hunting Ground” – Best Original Song
STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON Screenplay by Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff Story by S. Leigh Savidge & Alan Wenkus and Andrea Berloff FILM SYNOPSIS: In the mid-1980s, five young men from Compton — Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, DJ Yella and MC Ren — form a hip-hop group called N.W.A. As their music takes off, they attract the attention of veteran rock manager Jerry Heller, … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [16] “Straight Outta Compton” – Best Original Screenplay
CAROL Cartel Burwell At its core, and as described in the Adapted Screenplay category as well, “Carol” is a love story. So Carter Burwell’s main drive in composing the score for “Carol” was to highlight those moments of discovering love, exploring the characters feelings for one another, and ultimately the characters acting on those feelings, all while trying to use of instruments relevant to … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [13] “Carol” – Best Original Score
CAROL Screenplay by Phyllis Nagy Based on “The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith FILM SYNOPSIS: In the early 1950s, department store clerk Therese Belivet is entranced by Carol Aird, a self-assured suburban housewife. As their relationship intensifies, Therese and Carol find themselves subjected to vehement scrutiny, especially by Carol’s soon-to-be ex-husband, Harge, and Carol is pressured to abandon the affair in order to … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [13] “Carol” – Best Adapted Screenplay
CAROL Sandy Powell Watching the featurette for Costume Design in “Carol,” as with the one from “The Revenant,” you really get a sense of what the thought process is for costume designers. Although Sandy Powell accredits most of the elements to Todd Haynes and producers, you also hear her describe finding Therese’s hat and it calling to her, even despite the fact that she … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [13] “Carol” – Best Costume Design
CAROL Ed Lachman Edward Lachman and Todd Haynes have collaborated on three films now, all three having been nominated for an Academy Award in some capacity, with Lachman getting a previous nomination in 2002 for “Far From Heaven” and along with a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Cate Blanchett, who Haynes and Lachman team with again in “Carol.” Lachman has a way of completely … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [13] “Carol” – Best Cinematography
ROONEY MARA “Carol” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Rooney Mara plays Therese Belivet, a department store clerk in the 1950s who longs for a more fulfilling life and falls in love with a refined older woman. Rooney Mara plays Therese in “Carol” with a quiet reserved nature. She a thoughtful person does not express much, yet you know where her gaze lies and that usually where her … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [13] “Carol” – Best Supporting Actress
CATE BLANCETT “Carol” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Cate Blanchett plays Carol Aird, a sophisticated housewife who is threatened with losing custody of her daughter because of her relationship with another woman. There’s absolutely no question why Cate Blanchett has been nominated by the Academy seven times now. When she plays a role, she not only completely transforms into that character, but she travels to every end … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [13] “Carol” – Best Leading Actress
“SIMPLE SONG #3” FROM “YOUTH” Music and Lyric by David Lang What will likely end up being my favorite film of the year, “Youth” is the perfect example of why I continue to take part in this Oscar Challenge, as to discover films I might not otherwise see. With so much range of emotion, with stellar performances all around, “Youth” is not only well … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [15] “Youth” – Best Original Song
THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED Love Larson and Eva von Bahr Knocking out better known films like “Mr. Turner,” “Concussion,” and the one that I personally thought would be nominated by transforming Johnny Depp into Whitey Bulgar in “Black Mass,” the unknown Swedish comedy “The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared” found itself nominated in the … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [14] “The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared” – Best Makeup & Hairstyling
ANOMALISA Charlie Kaufman, Duke Johnson and Rosa Tran FILM SYNOPSIS: Michael Stone, a middle-aged motivational speaker who is grappling with an existential crisis, attends a customer service convention in Cincinnati to give a speech. At the hotel, he meets and falls for Lisa, a seemingly ordinary woman who sparks his imagination and energizes him to reexamine his life. Charlie Kaufman is an Academy favorite, … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [12] “Anomalisa” – Best Animated Feature
ALICIA VIKANDER “The Danish Girl” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Alicia Vikander plays Gerda, a painter in the 1920s who wrestles with her course of action when her husband reveals his desire to live as a woman. A brilliant young actress, Alicia Vikander first caught my eye in the Academy Award nominated “Anna Karenina” in 2012. Despite playing the very supporting role of Kitty, alongside Domhnall Gleeson, … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [11] “The Danish Girl” – Best Supporting Actress
EDDIE REDMAYNE “The Danish Girl” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: As Lili, Eddie Redmayne portrays an artist torn by the societal norms and restrictions of the early 20th century while trying to transition from male to female. Last year, he transformed into Stephen Hawking, not just as a character but physically putting his body into the mold of someone suffering from ALS in believable fashion. This year, … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [11] “The Danish Girl” – Best Leading Actor
THE DANISH GIRL Paco Delgado Costumes in “The Danish Girl” are integral to the story-line as Einar toys with the idea of becoming Lili and then eventually makes the full fledged leap into transformation. It starts with the simple nightgown that Gerda wears and Einar puts on under his clothes. Or the stockings and the dress that Gerda is painting in Ulla in but … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [11] “The Danish Girl” – Best Costume Design
THE DANISH GIRL Eve Stewart (Production Design); Michael Standish (Set Decoration) In “The Danish Girl,” the audience is taken to many flats of the era, whether it be Einar and Gerda’s home in Copenhagen, which doubles as their art studio, the theater where they borrow wigs and stage clothes, or the many art gallery showings to which they attend, where the paintings of the … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [11] “The Danish Girl” – Best Production Design
FILM SYNOPSIS: In 1952, Eilis Lacey leaves Ireland to immigrate to Brooklyn, where she has a better chance of finding work. Crushed by homesickness, Eilis finds her spirits lifted by an Italian-American suitor with whom she falls in love. When she must return to Ireland, Eilis is courted by a hometown boy and finds herself torn between two countries and the two men who … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [10] “Brooklyn” – Best Picture
BROOKLYN Screenplay by Nick Hornby Based on “Brooklyn” by Colm Tóibín FILM SYNOPSIS: In 1952, Eilis Lacey leaves Ireland to immigrate to Brooklyn, where she has a better chance of finding work. Crushed by homesickness, Eilis finds her spirits lifted by an Italian-American suitor with whom she falls in love. When she must return to Ireland, Eilis is courted by a hometown boy and … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [10] “Brooklyn” – Best Adapted Screenplay
SAOIRSE RONAN “Brooklyn” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Saoirse Ronan plays Eilis, a young woman who finds love after immigrating to America, although her relationship and feelings for her new country are tested when she returns to Ireland. Saoirse Ronan is one of those actress that, for as long as she stays in the game, will likely be showing up at the Oscars quite a bit. She’s … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [10] “Brooklyn” – Best Leading Actress
AMY || The clear front-runner, “Amy” has swept the awards season so far and will likely keep sweeping until the very end. Offering an unprecedented look into the life of deceased jazz singer Amy Winehouse, the film chronicles her life from a teenager to pop star, with in depth interviews with all those that knew and cared for her and endless footage of her … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: Best Documentary Feature
AMY Asif Kapadia and James Gay-Rees Never has a documentary, in my opinion, given such an in depth look at one particular figure than that of “Amy.” Following Amy Winehouse from her teenage years to her breakout as a jazz/pop artist to her eventual downfall, there is so much footage and so many personal interviews with those that knew her best and even recorded … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [9] “Amy” – Best Documentary Feature
THE LOOK OF SILENCE Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen In 2012, Joshua Oppenheimer brought us the wholly original documentary, “The Act Of Killing,” in which he interviewed, showed footage to, and even had reenactments from Indonesian death squad leaders. Throughout the course of that documentary, you felt the remorse coming from one of the main leaders and there was always a sense that … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [8] “The Look Of Silence” – Best Documentary Feature
CARTEL LAND Matthew Heineman and Tom Yellin With El Chapo in the news as well as Donald Trump’s continued talk of closing off the border, it’s not a surprise “Cartel Land” shows up in the Best Documentary Feature category. It’s timely. Unfortunately, it also feels unfinished and lacking in both the regards mentioned. The film work is impressive and the complete access to people … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [7] “Cartel Land” – Best Documentary Feature
FILM SYNOPSIS: A young woman who has been held in captivity in a small shed for seven years tries to make as normal a life as she can for her five-year-old son, Jack, who knows her only as “Ma.” When Ma and Jack escape their captor, Old Nick, they must cope with the outside world and forge relationships with Ma’s conflicted family. Of all … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [6] “Room” – Best Picture
“CAROL” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley, and Christine Vachon //Directed by Todd Haynes // // Dated Viewed: Saturday, January 23rd, 2016 // LAEMMLE NOHO // 29 films – 37 days //
“THE DANISH GIRL” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Anne Harrison, Tom Hooper, and Gail Mutrux //Directed by Tom Hooper // // Dated Viewed: Saturday, January 23rd, 2016 // LAEMMLE NOHO // 31 films – 37 days //
“BROOKLYN” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey //Directed by John Crowley // // Dated Viewed: Friday, January 22nd, 2016 // AMC CITYWALK // 32 films – 38 days //
ROOM Screenplay by Emma Donoghue Based on “Room” by Emma Donoghue FILM SYNOPSIS: A young woman who has been held in captivity in a small shed for seven years tries to make as normal a life as she can for her five-year-old son, Jack, who knows her only as “Ma.” When Ma and Jack escape their captor, Old Nick, they must cope with the outside … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [6] “Room” – Best Adapted Screenplay
BRIE LARSON “Room” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Brie Larson portrays Ma, a woman held captive in a small shed for seven years, who strives to create a normal life for her young son. During last year’s Oscar season, many people were hoping that the young and talented Brie Larson would get a nomination in what many consider her breakout role in “Short Term 12” as a … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [6] “Room” – Best Leading Actress
LENNY ABRAHAMSON “Room” The only other thing I know Lenny Abrahamson from is directing the small comedy “Frank” starring Michael Fassbender and Domhnall Gleeson back in 2014. Other than that, he’s been mostly off the radar. So to get an Academy Award nomination for his film “Room,” which he requested to be apart of when he wrote a letter to the author, Emma Donoghue, … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [6] “Room” – Best Directing
“THE REVENANT” FILM SYNOPSIS: While on a danger-laden journey through the American wilderness in the early 1800s, frontiersman Hugh Glass is badly mauled by a grizzly and abandoned by his fellow trappers. Barely surviving his wounds, Glass is driven by thoughts of his family and a desire for revenge as he endures the frigid winter and pursues the men who left him for dead. … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Picture
LEONARDO DICAPRIO “The Revenant” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Hugh Glass, a 19th-century American frontiersman who is left for dead by his comrades after being mauled by a bear during a winter expedition. During the 2013-2014 Oscar season, many thought it was Leonardo DiCaprio’s year to win, for his leading performance in “The Wolf Of Wall Street.” It was such a different role … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Leading Actor
TOM HARDY “The Revenant” OscarsⓇ Nominated Role: As John Fitzgerald, Tom Hardy plays an early 19th-century trapper who goes against orders and abandons a gravely injured comrade in the wilderness. Believe it or not, this is Tom Hardy’s first time being nominated for an Academy Award. And if he continue the trajectory he is on with his career, this will definitely not be his last. … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Supporting Actor
THE REVENANT Emmanuel Lubezki Epic and intimate are two adjectives that are normally not used together, especially in relationship to cinematography. Most epics are not quite able to achieve intimacy. It takes a keen eye to deliver that, and there are only a handful of cinematographers talented enough or willing to take enough chances to deliver on both of those things. Emmanuel Lubezki is … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Cinematography
THE REVENANT Jacqueline West If there’s a theme popping up from all these categories that “The Revenant” is nominated for, it is attention to detail. Nothing is skimped on when it comes to this production and that goes just as much for the costumes, which Jacqueline West put painstaking detail into, using sketches and descriptions from folklore as to what the men wore. Dressing … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Costume Design
ALEJANDRO G. IÑÀRRITU “The Revenant” As someone in the above featurette points out, director Alejandro G. Iñárritu is a genius. He’s uncompromising, has a true vision, and delivers moments and visuals that have not been seen by audiences. This being opposed to a director that delivers things that have been seen over and over again. Alejandro takes on feats that most directors would shy … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Directing
THE REVENANT Siân Grigg, Duncan Jarman and Robert Pandini When Leonardo DiCaprio’s character is mauled by a bear in “The Revenant,” his epic journey that follows is also a showcase of brilliant makeup and prosthetic design that is applied to DiCaprio’s body, showing the true scope of the attack in his limbs and on his skin. Along the way, we are shown various stages … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Makeup & Hairstyling
THE REVENANT Stephen Mirrione A slow burn epic revenge film might not land in comparison to faster paced action films, but there is still something to be said for a two hour and thirty-six minute wilderness film that still feels fresh past the second hour. Giving us enough character development and letting scenes breath is the forte of Mirrione in the editor’s chair of … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Film Editing
THE REVENANT Jack Fisk (Production Design); Hamish Purdy (Set Decoration) What can you say? The fort in the film, that was made by Jack Fisk, was made to be filmed 360 degrees without showing signs of construction. Instead of sound stages and sets, director Alejandro G. Iñárritu used actual wilderness, so location and the design of that location were key. The sets in the … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Production Design
THE REVENANT Rich McBride, Matthew Shumway, Jason Smith and Cameron Waldbauer Although not as prominent as say the visual effects in “Mad Max: Fury Road” or “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the effects used in “The Revenant” are still pertinent to the story. The highlight moment of the effects is the bear attack, combining a life action Leonardo DiCaprio with a CGI bear which … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [5] “The Revenant” – Best Visual Effects
WHAT HAPPENED, MISS SIMONE? Liz Garbus, Amy Hobby and Justin Wilkes Nina Simone (born Eunice Kathleen Waymon) was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist who worked in a broad range of musical styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop (Wikipedia). As is the case with many great artists, they are often the most troubled and Nina was … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [4] “What Happened, Miss Simone?” – Best Documentary Feature
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Neal Scanlan and Chris Corbould If anything can tell you how far visual effects have come, all you have to do is watch the “Star Wars” series. From the originals of Episode 4 to Episode 6 and from the prequels of Episode 1 to Episode 3 to the latest in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [3] “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” – Best Visual Effects
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS John Williams Let it be known, first of all, that composer John Williams, age 83, has been nominated by the Academy a total of fifty times following this nomination for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” On top of that already astonishing fact, Williams was nominated for his work on all three of the original “Star Wars” films and even … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [3] “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” – Best Original Score
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey Action movies are nothing without their editors, building suspense and tension, creating moments where perhaps they didn’t formerly exist. Timing is everything. And the timing in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is impeccable. Whether it’s editing the beats of a chase through the sand, where our heroes suddenly reveal to be getting on … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [3] “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” – Best Film Editing
“ROOM” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Ed Guiney //Directed by Lenny Abrahamson // // Dated Viewed: Monday, January 18th, 2016 // ARCLIGHT SHERMAN OAKS // 36 films – 42 days //
“THE REVENANT” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Arnon Milchan, Steve Golin, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mary Parent and Keith Redmon //Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu // // Dated Viewed: Sunday, January 17th, 2016 // LAEMMLE NOHO 7 // 37 films – 43 days //
“STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS” {click each category for individual look} // Produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J. J. Abrams, & Bryan Burk //Directed by J.J. Abrams // // Dated Viewed: Saturday, January 16th, 2016 // AMC CITYWALK 19 – IMAX 3D // 39 films – 44 days //
“EARNED IT” FROM “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” Music and Lyric by The Weeknd, Ahmad Balshe, Jason Daheala Quenneville and Stephan Moccio With The Weeknd’s popularity in 2015, it’s no surprise to see him pop up with an Academy Award nomination for his song in “Fifty Shades Of Grey.” With all the original music in that film, the chances were in its favor for getting … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [2] “Fifty Shades Of Grey” – Best Original Song
WINTER ON FIRE: UKRAINE’S FIGHT FOR FREEDOM Evgeny Afineevsky and Den Tolmor Two years ago, a Netflix documentary titled “The Square,” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary. The film was about Egypt’s passive fight to win back their freedom, which was being encroached on by the imposing government. It was gritty, in your face, on the street, with the people involved, … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [1] “Winter On Fire: Ukraine’s Fight For Freedom” – Best Documentary Feature
Seven years have come and gone since I started this Oscar Challenge. Its inception came from missing most of the major movies of 2009 that got nominated. A friend and I decided to take it upon ourselves to watch all the films nominated, most of which we had not seen. This included what are now some of my favorite films to this day, like … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: And So It Begins…
