Hollywood beckons most open Oscars ever

With all-black ensembles and Time’s Up pins taking over the red carpet at events like the Golden Globes, the onus is now on the Oscars to respond to Hollywood’s tumultuous year of acknowledging years of sexual assault within the industry. 

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel will host the show, that will be aired on Star Movies Select HD, for a second consecutive year, and global viewers will eagerly await his every political innuendo and take on the Harvey Weinstein scandal — that opened the floodgates for activism to enter films. 

At the centre of all the drama is the perfect harbinger to the theme of our times — Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri — Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy chronicling the tale of a single mom who takes on the system seeking justice, for her daughter’s rape and murder. With dynamite performances from the likes of Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell (all of whom are nominated), the small-budget film is already a circuit favourite and is touted to win major honours. 

The Shape of Water, a surreal love story between a mute woman and an amphibian creature set in the 1960s, leads the nomination pack with 13 nods — including one for Mexican director Guillermo del Toro. With critics coining the phrase ‘magical realism’ to describe the film, it wouldn’t be a surprise to witness the Oscar jury bat for this much-discussed project. 

Rank outsiders Lady Bird and Get Out are also in the news for their diverse yet progressive tales. The former, helmed by Greta Gerwig (the fifth woman ever to be nominated for Best Director) is a fascinating take on adolescence as well as a mother-daughter relationship that hits it out of the park. Get Out, meanwhile, is a critics’ favourite; Jordan Peele’s genre-bending solo debut with racism as its central terror appealing to audiences and becoming a blockbuster. 

Best Picture nominees include Christopher Nolan’s war epic Dunkirk — which while being technically brilliant, hasn’t seen much love from juries. Meanwhile, Gary Oldman’s immaculate portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour makes him a shoo-in for Best Actor. Coming-of-age outing Call Me By Your Name, Phantom Thread, and The Post are others that make up the extensive list. 

Allison Janney (I, Tonya) and Mary J Blige (Mudbound) will contest the Best Supporting Actress award with striking performances, while Sam Rockwell’s emotional arc as a racist cop (Three Billboards) should garner him a much-deserved win. 

All eyes will also be on the Best Cinematography category, where Rachel Morrison becomes the first female director of photography to be nominated for Mudbound. The technician is also in the news for her inspirational work in Black Panther. 

With many calling this year’s race the most open Oscars ever, the show promises to be a fascinating watch. Will the Academy prioritise progressive movies over those that pay tribute to the art in itself? Most importantly, will there be any more gaffes after last year’s Best Picture envelope mix-up?!