The Malta Independent on Sunday
Oscars shortlists revealed: Here are the films one step closer to a nomination
The “Barbie” power ballad “I’m Just Ken” and AP and Frontline’s documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” just got one step closer to an Oscar nomination. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Thursday shortlists in 10 categories, including best original song, documentary feature, international feature, original score, and crafts like hair and makeup, visual effects and sound.
Mstyslav Chernov’s “20 Days in Mariupol” was shortlisted in both the documentary and international feature categories, representing Ukraine in the latter.
As expected, Greta Gerwig's “Barbie,” Christopher Nolan's “Oppenheimer” and Martin Scorsese's “Killers of the Flower Moon” were prominently represented among the finalists in many categories, including score and sound, as was Jonathan Glazer's “The Zone of Interest.” Yorgos Lanthimos' “Poor Things” also advanced in makeup, visual effects and score and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” in visual effects, song and score.
Among the 15 international features advancing are “The Zone of Interest” (United Kingdom), Tr n Anh Hùng’s “The Taste of Things” (France), Lila Avilés’ “Tótem” (Mexico) and Aki Kaurismäki’s “Fallen Leaves” (Finland). Justine Triet's acclaimed “Anatomy of a Fall” was not selected to represent France and thus was not eligible in the category.
Original song contenders competing against “I’m Just Ken” include two other songs from “Barbie”: Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” and Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” Only two songs from a single movie can advance to the nomination stage, however. Both “Flora and Son” and “The Color Purple” had two songs advance.
Other contenders include Sharon Van Etten for “Quiet Eyes” from “Past Lives,” Olivia Rodrigo for “Can't Catch Me Now,” from “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” Jon Batiste for “It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony,” Lenny Kravitz for his “Rustin” song “Road to Freedom” and Jarvis Cocker's “Dear Alien (Who Art In Heaven)” from “Asteroid City.”
Diane Warren will also get another shot at a nomination for “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin' Hot.” But several expected finalists were left off, including Justin Timberlake for “Trolls Band Together" and Jack Black for his “Super Mario Bros. Movie” ballad “Peaches.” “Wonka” was also missing from the list.
The 15 original score finalists included a number of familiar players, including John Williams ("Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"), Ludwig Göransson (“Oppenheimer”), Mica Levi (“The Zone of Interest”) and the late Robbie Robertson for “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Joe Hisaishi could also be headed for his first Oscar nomination for “The Boy and the Heron.”
Composer Kris Bowers advanced for “The Color Purple,” but not for “Origin,” which also missed out in the song category. “Past Lives,” by Christopher Bear and Daniel Rossen, was another surprise exclusion from the score finalists.
Documentary nominees in addition to “20 Days in Mariupol” include “American Symphony,” about Batiste, “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project,” “The Eternal Memory,” “A Still Small Voice” and “Four Daughters.” Some were surprised at the omission of “Kokomo City,” about the lives of Black trans sex workers, and “Little Richard: I Am Everything.”
“Barbie” missed the cut for makeup and hairstyling, which included nominations for “Beau is Afraid,” “Poor Things,” “Maestro,” “Oppenheimer," “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Napoleon.”
Though “Oppenheimer” fared well in most categories, it was not among the finalists in the visual effects category. The film’s surprising omission from the list of the original 20 finalists was previously reported. The visual effects contenders are often comprised of superhero and franchise films that aren't otherwise considered big awards players — this year that includes Zack Snyder's poorly reviewed “Rebel Moon-Part One: A Child of Fire,” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Live action, animated and documentary shorts finalists were also announced. The live action category is a little starrier than usual, with both Pedro Almodóvar’s Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal western “Strange Way of Life” and Wes Anderson’s “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” with Benedict Cumberbatch and Ben Kingsley, among the contenders.
For the most part, shortlists are determined by members in their respective categories, though the specifics vary from branch to branch: Some have committees, some have minimum viewing requirements.
Final nominations in all categories will be announced on 23 January 2024. The 96th Oscars, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be held on 10 March from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
This year saw the return of MADC to the Teatru Manoel with their traditional Christmas pantomime, the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast, and what a brilliant comeback it was. Written and directed by Chiara Hyzler, the show follows Belle, together with her siblings Val and Raf and nanny Betty, on her journey to find her father. While the story is true to the wellloved original fairytale, Hyzler fills it with lots of twists and the usual political jibes we have come to expect during a pantomime.
Hyzler has landed the perfect tone for this year’s pantomime; her clever wit and poignant writing allowed for a familyfriendly, laugh-filled show. Although Hyzler is a familiar face in the pantomime scene, this was her first year writing and directing, and she certainly rose to the occasion making it one of the best pantomimes to grace the Teatru Manoel stage.
Veteran Alan Montanaro has once again exceeded all expectations, this time as Belle’s nanny Betty. The moment Montanaro steps on stage he has the audience engaged and captivated, waiting eagerly to see what he comes up with next. His quick sense of humour can best be seen during his audience interaction, especially with the children.
The story was brought to life by an array of show-stopping talented actors. Hannah Spiteri gives the lead role of Belle a refreshing take on the traditional fairytale princess. Spiteri did this through her flawless performance, alongside her exceptional vocal abilities. Belle’s siblings Val (Jasmine Farrugia) and Raf (Neil Cutajar) were hilariously funny as they played social media influencers. Francesco Nicodeme’s portrayal of the evil Hector Pector, the villain in this year’s pantomime, got many customary boos and just as many cheers for his devilish rendition of Bon Jovi’s It’s My Life. Nicodeme was accompanied by his comical assistants Uiva (Maria Buckle) and Mhux Xorta (Rambert Attard) who were this year’s lovable sidekicks.
Gianluca Mifsud plays the titular character of The Beast, together with his delightful posse of animate furniture and objects. The story unfolded with the help of the playful and charming Bozza Mixghula (Jake Curti), Gradenza Sultana (Lisa Baldacchino), Kikkra Tereza (Nicole Cassar) and Tick Tock (Maximillian Dingli).
Credit must also be given to the triple treat chorus in this production. Their wonderful dance moves and impeccable singing is certainly something that should be commented on, as they transformed themselves from villagers, to trolls, to various pieces of cutlery.
Musical direction was in the capable hands of Kris Spiteri who gave a seamless musical accompaniment to the entire show. The song choices featured an array of various genres from different eras, making it enjoyable for audiences of all ages. These were complemented by Nicodeme’s impressive choreography which matched the unique style of each song. A particular highlight of this show was the rendition of the showstopping number Be Our Guest at the end of Act One.
The set and costume design for this year’s pantomime has clearly set a new standard for the Maltese islands. Each new scene came with a new set of backdrops, set pieces and intricate costumes. The breathtaking set design by Matthew Cassar was the perfect backdrop for the story with touches of magic, tied together with Denise Mulholland’s stunning costume designs. Cassar and Mulholland have seamlessly blended their designs together to create the perfect visuals for this pantomime. Cassar created a magical set which kept changing scene after scene, leaving the audience in awe every time a new scene appeared. Mulholland’s stunning creations were an undeniable highlight throughout the show, from the opening number right up to the finale.
This show brought together a talented group of individuals, who worked together as a team, giving the Maltese audience a pantomime that will be long remembered for its beauty and its humour. MADC’s production of this year’s pantomime managed to leave its mark on the Teatru Manoel stage, making this the perfect Christmas treat for all those who had the privilege of attending.