The Oscars are a double-edged sword for film enthusiasts. On one hand, the Academy's prestigious recognition can validate an artist's life work and elevate their craft to new heights. On the other, it often perpetuates misconceptions about what constitutes "great" cinema.
This year's nominations have left me with a mix of emotions - excitement, disappointment, and, above all, a deep appreciation for the art form that brings us together in the first place. Take Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice," for instance, which was glaringly snubbed by the Academy despite being a masterclass in dark comedy and suspense.
The snubs are a constant reminder of how far we still have to go as an industry in recognizing and rewarding unique voices. The Academy's Best Picture nominations often favor big-budget blockbusters over indie gems that dare to take risks, like Lee Byung-hun's Oscar-snubbing performance in "No Other Choice."
However, there are also moments of pure joy when the Oscars do get it right. Ethan Hawke's nuanced portrayal of love and loss in "Blue Moon" has earned him a nomination, and for good reason - his commitment to the role is palpable.
One of the most astonishing aspects of this year's nominations is the sheer number of genre films that made the cut. The inclusion of "Sinners," a fantastical epic that defies conventions, is a testament to the Academy's willingness to experiment and recognize innovative storytelling.
But as we count down to the Oscars, I'll be keeping a close eye on which films will ultimately take home the coveted awards - and which ones should have been recognized. The debate will rage on, but one thing remains certain: every great film deserves our love and appreciation, regardless of whether it's a Best Picture contender or not.
If you haven't had a chance to catch up with some of these hidden gems, now is the perfect time. From the stunning visuals of "Train Dreams" to the poignant deconstruction of motherhood in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," there's something for everyone on this list. So go ahead, indulge in these cinematic miracles - they're worth every ounce of anxiety and excitement that comes with watching them.
This year's nominations have left me with a mix of emotions - excitement, disappointment, and, above all, a deep appreciation for the art form that brings us together in the first place. Take Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice," for instance, which was glaringly snubbed by the Academy despite being a masterclass in dark comedy and suspense.
The snubs are a constant reminder of how far we still have to go as an industry in recognizing and rewarding unique voices. The Academy's Best Picture nominations often favor big-budget blockbusters over indie gems that dare to take risks, like Lee Byung-hun's Oscar-snubbing performance in "No Other Choice."
However, there are also moments of pure joy when the Oscars do get it right. Ethan Hawke's nuanced portrayal of love and loss in "Blue Moon" has earned him a nomination, and for good reason - his commitment to the role is palpable.
One of the most astonishing aspects of this year's nominations is the sheer number of genre films that made the cut. The inclusion of "Sinners," a fantastical epic that defies conventions, is a testament to the Academy's willingness to experiment and recognize innovative storytelling.
But as we count down to the Oscars, I'll be keeping a close eye on which films will ultimately take home the coveted awards - and which ones should have been recognized. The debate will rage on, but one thing remains certain: every great film deserves our love and appreciation, regardless of whether it's a Best Picture contender or not.
If you haven't had a chance to catch up with some of these hidden gems, now is the perfect time. From the stunning visuals of "Train Dreams" to the poignant deconstruction of motherhood in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," there's something for everyone on this list. So go ahead, indulge in these cinematic miracles - they're worth every ounce of anxiety and excitement that comes with watching them.
I gotta say, it's pretty wild how the Oscars can be both super hyped up and kinda lacking at the same time 
. Like, on one hand, recognizing talented artists like Park Chan-wook is a total win 
, but on the other, snubbing some amazing indie films is just frustrating 
. And don't even get me started on how much I love "No Other Choice" - Lee Byung-hun's performance was insane 
! But what really gets me is when big-budget blockbusters get prioritized over these smaller, risk-taking films 
. Like, can't the Oscars just find a way to balance it all out? 
Anyway, I'm super hyped for "Blue Moon" - Ethan Hawke's role was so emotional and raw 
I know some ppl are gonna say it's not for everyone but trust me it's SO worth the watch. And can we pls talk about Ethan Hawke's nomination for "Blue Moon"? his portrayal of loss is so raw and emotional, I'm getting all the feels 
. and btw have u seen "Sinners" yet? 
. And don't even get me started on how many amazing indie films are always getting overlooked in favor of those big-time productions 
. But hey, I guess that's what makes life interesting, right? The fact that we can still find something to love in the midst of all the chaos.
i've seen park chan-wook's movie and it's literally mind-blowing 
what's up with that?! can't wait to see which ones win and which ones should have won 
Either way, I'm gonna be watching all the nominees with bated breath - who will win and who should have won is on my mind 
.