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The night that makes moviegoers vibrate every year arrives once more.
This Sunday, March 27, the 94th edition of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood, commonly known as the Oscars, is celebrated.
The movies The Power of the Dog (“The power of the dog”) -with 12 nominations-, Dune (10), Belfast (7) and West Side Story (7) lead the nominations.
The Academy decided to resume this year the figure of the presenter and the comics Amy Schumer, Regina Hall y Wanda Sykes They will be the masters of ceremonies at the emblematic Dolby Theater.
And as it might not be missing, the critics’ predictions also return.
This year, at BBC Mundo we talk to 4 critics regarding what can happen in the category of best film and the surprises they expect to see during the ceremony.
Which one do you think will be the winner? the prize to best movie and why?
The best picture race comes down to the subtle art of The Power of the Dog (The power of the dog) vs. the absolute emotionality of CODA.
It is true that CODA it ticks the boxes traditionally loved by critics: it has the undertone of being the little movie that did it, a cast of deaf actors who would make history if it won, and an ending that touches the heart.
But the victory two years ago Parasite (Parasite) was a good sign for art films, perhaps reflecting the broader and more varied membership the Academy has had in recent years. so i think The power of the Dog will prevail.
What do you think should be the winning film the prize to best movie and why?
The Power of the Dogby Jane Campion, is a masterpiece, the best film of this year and many others.
It is beautifully shot with his typical biased and innovative vision. The performances are deep and nuanced, and the film is endlessly aware of the damaging consequences of secrets, lies, and sexual stereotypes.
What surprises do you expect for the ceremony?
The most difficult competition to predict, and the one that will probably surprise you the most, is that of best actress.
Penélope Cruz plays Janis in Pedro Almodóvar’s film “Madres Paralelas”.
Jessica Chastain has a slight edge following winning a SAG (Screen Actors Guild Awards) award for the film The Eyes of Tammy Faye (The Eyes of Tammy Faye), but it is far from certain.
Penelope Cruz might even be a surprise winner for “Madres Paralelas,” beating other more likely candidates like Chastain or Kristen Stewart for Spencer.
Which one do you think will be the winner? the prize to best movie and why?
I stick with the favorite The Power of the Dog in large part because of the great love that the Academy has for him, having awarded him 12 nominations.
Jane Campion was nominated for best director in 1994 for the film “The Piano.”
Although I see a surprise with CODA more possible than a week ago.
It should be an exciting final prize! (Assuming it is the final prize unlike what happened in 2021).
What do you think should be the winning film the prize to best movie and why?
The Power of the Dog was my #1 pick, which would make her a rare match with the Academy (which makes me think maybe CODA is a better option).
The Power of the Dog it’s a brilliant and nuanced character study, from a master of her craft. It is a film that will stand the test of time.
What surprises do you expect for the ceremony?
If I predict them, they would not be a surprise…
What do you think regarding this? I bet one of the favorites for best actor or actress doesn’t win and we’re in for a big surprise in one of those categories. It’s been that kind of year.
The film seems to have the momentum, especially following two years of pandemic, which affected the whole world. People are looking for a good time and some sign of hope and CODA provides a lot of that.
On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine, and four days later the distribution of CODA It won the SAG award for Best Ensemble and they all looked happy and cheerful and showed that the world is not as dark as we think it is.
What do you think should be the winning film the prize to best movie and why?
I am a very direct person. I choose the ten best films of the year and the one that is first is the one that I think should win. If not nominated, then whoever is in second place.
My favorite movie of the year is C’mon C’mon and is not nominated for anything, and the second is The Power of the Dog and i think i should win.
After seeing The Power of the Dog at the Telluride film festival in September I thought, “There’s no way it’s going to win best picture.” But who knows? We might be pleasantly surprised.
What surprises do you expect for the ceremony?
In terms of prizes, I allow myself one Ace per ceremony in which I go once morest common sense. But I predict that Penelope Cruz will win best actress on Sunday.
And CODA is regarding to break all the statistics that are known, why not include the first Oscar winner who was not nominated by the Golden Globes, the SAG, the Critic’s Choice or the BAFTA?
Only one actress in history has won the Oscar for acting without being mentioned in the other ceremonies and it was Marcia Gay Harden for Pollock in 2001.
