The Oscar's 2019 need to be more inclusive

The Academy Awards should represent a wider range of films (and people who work on them) to remain fair and relevant in our modern era

'The Oscar's 2019' CREDIT: The Academy (MGN)

by Jack Linsdell

So, as a bit of fun and just ahead of tonight's Academy Award ceremony, I wanted to reflect on this years nominations before the media discussion turns to who's actually won the awards. Now, let me make it clear that all award ceremonies, especially the main ones (namely the BAFTA's, Golden Globes and Oscars) are often politically-biased and indeed, every film critic, cinema goer, movie nerd or just your 'average' audience member will each have different views on who should and shouldn't be included in the nominations for the awards shows. However, I believe that the ceremonies are losing their integrity and relevance in our modern age by only 'celebrating' a select few films each year, often awarding the same films awards in multiple categories. 

Of recent, there has been a trend to give films a 'free pass' into other category nominations and indeed filmmakers who've recently enjoyed awards success and it feels like their work is only being celebrated again because of what they did last time. For example, The Favourite, which has ironically become the favourite in most categories, has been given a complete sweep at these ceremonies (think how many awards it won at the BAFTA's recently) when it doesn't necessarily deserve some of them. Yes, every person is entitled to their own opinion and yes, I'm not saying it doesn't deserve it at all. But, in comparison to some other movies that have been released in the last year, perhaps not so much. So, without further ado, here's a few movies I believe should have been included this year.

Okay, first up is Christopher McQuarrie's Mission: Impossible - Fallout which was not only the best in the Tom Cruise-led franchise, but is a well made film deserved of a few nods for how well it was artistically and narratively put together. It does stand out amongst recent action films, which is especially an achievement for big blockbuster fare for which it belongs. Firstly, McQuarrie's script should be a contender for Best Adapted Screenplay, as it's twists and turns, complexity, strong female characters and the way the action is integrated into the story (or to enhance character development) makes it a key study piece for any wannabe screenwriter trying to make an action film. As a screenwriter myself, I appreciate good scripts and this is right up there. Also, the film's musical score by Lorne Balfe, is truly sublime to the point that I've had it only repeat since the film came out last July. It is also worthy for nods in cinematography, editing, sound or one of the effects categories - plus it should win a Best Stunt award if the category existed. Say it with me now, people! Tom Cruise should get some recognition for risking his life every three-four years! I'm not saying the film should score nominations across the board in all the aforementioned categories, but at least for Adapted Screenplay and Score at least.

Talking of action films, I know many will question why this next choice is being mentioned but genuinely I believe Sicario 2: Day of the Soldado is worthy of some note. Firstly, it's cinematography is mesmerizing, as the film looks so beautiful (especially during the convoy scene) and it truly gives audiences the amazing visual spectacle they so crave (or miss from older action/thriller films) but doesn't rely on it for entertainment alone. Also, Stefano Sollima is worthy of a Best Director nod like anyone in the present nomination list, as his choice of shots and the way he approached the film in the legacy of the Oscar nominated original without copying it (yes, I'm the one person that believes this gritter and simpler sequel is better than 2015's Sicario) is first class. For example, that masterful oner shot where the camera stays outside the retail store as the bombers enter is masterful. Also, Isabela Moner's performance is as worthy of a Best Supporting Actress nod as any of those presently in that category, and to prove how good she really is check her out in UK cinemas right now in Mark Walhberg's Instant Family in which she is phenominal once again (and co-wrote/sung a beautiful song for it). Indeed, you heard it here first folks, but she is one to watch out for in the future!

Another shocking miss from the nominations this year is George Tillman Jr's The Hate U Give which is one of the only films to make me cry continuously throughout it. It's masterful and truly thought provoking political/family drama about police brutality, racism, family, friendship, finding yourself, standing up for what you believe in (amongst many other things) is something outside of this world in terms of quality. Truly, it is an important film I urge everyone to watch it (we all NEED to see it!) as it's issues are so contemporary and so important it's truly deserving. Amandla Stenberg is a definite Best Actress nominee for sure - word's cannot describe the talent that young actress has. And, Best Director, Best Score and Best Adapted Screenplay are all very deserving categories for the film too. Truly, it deserved at least one of them!

Also this year, Travis Knight's Transformer's prequel/reboot Bumblebee was another deserved nominee this year. This 1980's set, coming of age/family drama especially deserves a Best Visual Effects nod as I have never seen CGI this good in a blockbuster film (especially given it's mere $100 million budget - most Marvel films are made for at least $200 million), making it a masterful, spectacle of a movie. Also, and yes regular readers will no I'm her biggest admirer, Hailee Steinfeld's lead performance is just as worthy of a nod (she's great in anything she's in), capturing the confused and emotionally complex age that is adolescence. 

Moving on, David Gordon Green's Halloween (legacy sequel/reboot?) is another loser this year. For sure, a Best Score nod for John Carpenter and co. is most deserved, with the music being another one of my soundtrack favourites from this year. Indeed, it does complement and enhance the visuals so well and really amp up the tension/horror that it at least deserved a nomination. Also, a Best Director and/or Adapted Screenplay credit would be equally deserved - for those unaware, David Gordon Green is one of the very best (and underrated) filmmakers working today and the film's star Jamie Lee Curtis agrees with me - just watch her interview for BUILD series on YouTube. 

And lastly, as an avid Paul Greengrass fan and admirer, it is a shame his Netflix film 22 July has been snubbed from the awards this year (especially consider Alfonso Cuaron's Roma has got so much attention as a Netflix release too). Indeed, the harrowing account of Brevik's horrific shooting in Norway deserves nods for Greengrass in Director or Screenplay categories, along with nods for it's main stars who are all relatively unknown local actors. 

So, there we go! That's a brief list of those films and cast/crew from them that I believe truly missed out this year at Oscar nominations. Indeed, when films like The Favourite and Roma take over every category (and most likely, every award) it hardly seems fair when others have (perhaps) more deservedly earned a nomination and/or win in their place. As ever, we'll see.