Lethbridge Herald

Nominees set to grace the big screen ahead of Oscars

- Leonard Binning Leonard Binning operates the Movie Mill and is a past president of the Motion Picture Theatre Assoc. of Alberta.

Oscar nomination­s have been released, and we are doing our best to bring in as many nominees as are available. This week we debut a Best Picture candidate in “American Fiction.” This film is 117 minutes long, rated 14A and carries with a coarse language warning. It is scheduled to play daily at 3:30, 7:30 and 9:35pm.

“American Fiction” is Cord Jefferson’s hilarious directoria­l debut, which confronts our culture’s obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotype­s. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated novelist who is fed up with the establishm­ent profiting from “Black” entertainm­ent that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish “Black” book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.” – MGM Studios.

A second good film also debuts this weekend: “Freud’s Last Session” starring Sir Anthony Hopkins. This film is 109 minutes long, and rated PG with a mature subject matter warning. It is scheduled to play daily at 3:40 and 6:50pm.

“On the eve of the Second World War, two of the greatest minds on the twentieth century, C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud converge for their own personal battle over the existence of God. “Freud’s Last Session” interweave­s the lives of Freud and Lewis, past, present, and through fantasy, bursting from the confines of Freud’s study on a dynamic journey.” – Mongrel Films.

The Oscars, formally known as the Academy Awards, stand as one of the most prestigiou­s honors in the realm of cinema. Establishe­d in 1929 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Oscars celebrate excellence in filmmaking across various categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress, among others.

Each year, the Oscars ceremony captivates audiences worldwide, highlighti­ng glitz, glamour, and the pinnacle of cinematic achievemen­t. The event serves as a platform to recognize the talent, creativity, and dedication of filmmakers, actors, writers, and technician­s who contribute to the magic of cinema.

Beyond mere recognitio­n, an Oscar win can significan­tly impact careers and the trajectory of films. The coveted golden statuette symbolizes industry acknowledg­ment and can lead to increased visibility, prestige, and commercial success for winners.

However, the Oscars have not been without controvers­y, facing criticism over issues of diversity, representa­tion, and the perceived elitism of Hollywood. In recent years, there have been concerted efforts to address these concerns and promote inclusivit­y within the industry.

Despite its challenges, the Oscars remain a pinnacle event that celebrates the artistry and cultural impact of cinema, highlighti­ng the power of storytelli­ng to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought on a global scale.

The next three episodes of “The Chosen” Season 4 begin on Thursday Feb. 15. It will play daily at 12:30 and 6:30pm. And for those that want to see one of Tom Cruise’s early films, for our Throwback Thursday we present “Risky Business” showing at noon and 6:30pm. As always please consult our app or website for times and events.

Allow us to entertain you!

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