An odd bunch. With no massive standout, you might think it would be an utter toss-up as to what will win the Oscar. Nope. There is one that, at least according to voters and experts alike, is a slam dunk. … Continue reading 2020 Oscar-Nominated Documentary Short Films
“Never Look Away” (Germany) Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck Let’s start off by confessing my love for von Donnersmarck’s Academy Award-winning “The Lives of Others”. It is well ensconced in my Top Ten favorite films of all time. It … Continue reading “Never Look Away” (Germany)
91st Annual Academy Awards So this year I actually screened every single piece of nominated film except “Christopher Robin” (which isn’t going to win anyway), and having discussed the awards with several people in and around the voting process, and … Continue reading Jason’s Predictions and Predilections for the 91st Annual Academy Awards
This was not a banner year for the animated shorts. You know that’s the case when at the theatrical presentation of the nominees, one of the shorts they add on as filler (also known as the “Highly Commended” group) should … Continue reading 2019 Oscar-Nominated Animated Shorts
Well, I must say…the nominating committees for much of this year’s categories sure have a penchant for the bleak, especially when it comes to kids. Between “Roma” (Foreign Film), “Of Fathers and Sons” (Doc), “Minding the Gap” (Doc), “Black Sheep” … Continue reading 2019 Oscar-Nominated Live Action Shorts
The day the Oscar nominations came out I thought there were some general omissions in the top of the line categories, but nothing outrageous (well, leaving out Olivia Davis or Elizabeth Debicki is kinda ridiculous). But then I got to … Continue reading 2019 Oscar Nominated Documentary Feature Films
“Roma” (Mexico) Directed by Alfonso Cuaron When is a point-of-view shot not a point-of-view shot, but still very much a point-of-view shot? When Alfonso Cuaron makes a movie. Huh? Okay…let me explain. A strict POV shot is when the camera … Continue reading “Roma” (Mexico)
“Green Book” Directed by Peter Farrelly It’s been a long time since there’s been an On-the-Road/Buddy picture as satisfying as “Green Book”. It may seem like a populist flick, but don’t make the mistake of thinking this is fluff. Within … Continue reading “Green Book”
This was, overall, one of the weakest crop of docs to be nominated in many, many years. This does not diminish the craft and effort put in to them. It simply means that none of them reach the level … Continue reading 2018 Oscar Nominated Documentary Feature Films
An interesting crop of short docs this year. Not nearly as devastating and life-devaluing as last year (with the notable exception “Joe’s Violin”). And, not for nothing, all uniquely American films. Nonetheless, very affecting, moving and…ultimately hopeful. Four focus on … Continue reading 2018 Oscar Nominated Shorts: Docs
The No Spoiler Critic 