As we reflect on the most recent film awards season, it’s important to take note of which films and filmmakers came out on top, as well as those who fell short of expectations. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest winners and losers of the season.
First and foremost, it’s impossible to talk about film awards season without mentioning the historic sweep of “Parasite” at the 92nd Academy Awards. The South Korean film, directed by Bong Joon-ho, made history as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture, as well as taking home three other awards including Best Director. “Parasite” was widely praised for its unique storytelling and commentary on social inequality, making it a clear standout among the competition.
Another standout film of the season was “Joker”, which garnered eleven Oscar nominations and ultimately won two, including Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix’s haunting portrayal of the titular character. While the film sparked controversy for its depiction of violence and mental illness, there’s no denying the impact it had on audiences and critics alike.
On the flip side, some films and filmmakers fell short of expectations during awards season. “The Irishman”, directed by Martin Scorsese, received ten Oscar nominations but ultimately failed to win any awards. The film, which starred industry heavyweights Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, was highly anticipated but ultimately failed to deliver the awards season success many predicted.
Another film that was expected to perform well but ultimately fell short was “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, directed by Quentin Tarantino. While the film received ten Oscar nominations, it only won two, with Brad Pitt taking home Best Supporting Actor and the film winning Best Production Design. Many critics felt that the film’s lengthy runtime and self-indulgent nature hindered its chances of success.
As we reflect on the latest film awards season, it’s clear that there were both clear winners and losers. While some films exceeded expectations and made history, others fell short and left audiences disappointed. Nevertheless, each awards season brings with it the excitement and anticipation that only the world of film can deliver.
