
Day 2 and we're on to acting performances! As surprising as this might be, I've never really studied acting and don't know all the details that go into an Oscar-worthy performance. Which makes me uniquely qualified to review actors. So let's dive in!
Didn't Watch: Colman Domingo - Rustin
My apologies to Colman Domingo. It's a lot of movies to watch and I didn't get to this one. I'm sure he was great, and if he wins, that'll be on me. Best of luck to Mr. Domingo.
4. Jeffrey Wright - American Fiction
As much as I loved the movie, when stacked up against some of these other performances, I have to put Jeffrey Wright at the bottom. Don't get me wrong, there were no bad performances and Jeffrey Wright was no exception. His performance was pretty subtle, as his character wasn't supposed to be overly emotive (except frustration and annoyance). But you could still see his internal struggles, even in the softer scenes. His acting made it easy to sympathize and care about the character and ultimately root for him to find the answers he's looking for.
3. Paul Giamatti - The Holdovers
Paul Giamatti seems like one of those actors who just gets the nomination when he's done some kind of drama. Because he is fantastic in everything he does. And The Holdovers was no different. All the little quirks the character had and the ups and downs of his story were fully on display. And he really knows how to make even somewhat average characters more interesting and real. It's fun to watch him perform and he made the movie more enjoyable to watch.
2. Bradley Cooper - Maestro
Okay, yes, it's the Oscar-bait movie and it didn't rank highly in my Best Picture list, but really the highlight of the movie was the acting. I haven't seen many interviews with Bernstein, but from what I have seen, Bradley Cooper really did a fantastic job. Between the voice and the way he held himself and learning to mimic a conductor isn't the easiest, especially when you're conducting some of the biggest pieces ever written like a Mahler symphony. It was a big role and he really stepped up to the plate.
1. Cillian Murphy - Oppenheimer
And the Unhelpful Reviews Oscar goes to!
Not only was this my favorite performance, I'm also pretty sure he's taking the Oscar. Again, a big role and Cillian Murphy stepped up to the plate. There were so many incredible scenes, but the scene that really sealed it for me was when Oppenheimer announced that America had bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That barely-keeping-it-together expression as the gravity of what's happen sinks in was so hard to watch in the best way possible. He really carried that movie in a sea of excellent performances and, in true Cillian Murphy fashion, made it seem like you were never quite sure what the character was thinking or feeling. It was an excellent performance and I'm feeling pretty good about getting this one right.
More acting categories to come! Stay tuned! And sound off on who you think is taking home the Lead Actor Oscar.
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