Oscar Watch: For your consideration

January 9, 1:09 AMAtlanta Movies ExaminerRyan McNally

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Atlanta Movies Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

With Oscar nominations just a few weeks away, here’s a rundown of some criminally overlooked efforts that deserve awards consideration. The list is limited to performances et al. that haven’t been heavily touted as Oscar-worthy. For your consideration, I humbly submit the following:

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

John Malkovich, Burn After Reading
Malkovich is a talented thespian, but good roles have been few and far between for him in the last decade. So why not reward him for being the best thing about the Coen Brothers’ follow-up to their Oscar-winning No Country For Old Men? As Osbourne Cox, a down-on-his-luck CIA agent, Malkovich is alternately touching (reflecting on his failed career with his dad), funny (screaming at Brad Pitt), and scary (the occasional crazed meltdown).

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

1) Judith Light, Save Me
In this little-seen indie that pits scripture vs. homosexuality, sitcom Mom Light (Who’s The Boss) reinvents herself as Gayle, the matriarchal head of the Genesis House—a place where young men are cured of their “gay affliction.” Light delivers a deeply moving portrayal that defies easy stereotypes. What a shame this superlative career-capping performance is going unrecognized. (Click here for a full review of Save Me.)

2) Ahney Her, Gran Torino
Whether warding off the advances of street punks, playing protective sibling to her shy brother Thao, or trading barbs with her ornery neighbor Walt (Clint Eastwood), Her delivers a natural, appealing performance. In winning the heart of Walt—and audiences—she makes a stirring film debut that merits awards consideration in a traditionally weak category. (Click here for a full review of Gran Torino.)

BEST DIRECTOR

Chris Smith, The Pool
Despite a shoestring budget, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker (American Movie) didn’t let lack of funds get in the way of his ambitions, merely heading to India to shoot his latest movie. Working in a foreign locale with young, mostly first-time actors in another language, Smith created an immensely entertaining and moving film about a “room boy” yearning for a better life. (Click here for a full review of The Pool and here for an exclusive interview with Smith.)
 

BEST PICTURE

The Wrestler
This story about an aging, down-on-his-luck wrestling star is the perfect mix of roaring entertainment and ambitious artistry. The performances are uniformly excellent, starting with Mickey Rourke in the lead role down through Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood in memorable supporting roles. Aronofsky strikes the right balance between rousing sentiment and wrenching heartbreak, and Bruce Springsteen nails the closing song. Bonus points for the impressive selection of ‘80s metal.


BEST DOCUMENTARY

Stranded: I’ve Come From a Plane That Crashed in the Mountains
Whether voter ineptitude or obscure eligibility requirements are to blame, the result is the same: This riveting documentary isn’t even among the Top 15 finalists for the Best Documentary Oscar. So here’s a plea to the Academy to overhaul the labyrinthine rules system that makes doc and foreign film Oscar eligibility so complicated. (Click here for a full review of Stranded.)

So, what films, performances, directing and writing do you feel went unnoticed in 2008 and deserve Oscar consideration? Post your picks below.