If there was any cinematic justice in this world then “TÁR” and “The Banshees of Inisherin” would be the frontrunners to win Best Picture. Of course, I’d also add David Cronenberg’s “Crimes of the Future,” but who are we kidding here? The Academy couldn’t even nominate that wildly out-there visionary movie.
All of this to say, Todd Field’s film made history last week after it won Best Picture from the London Film Critics Circle, it became only the fourth film in history to win London, New York, Los Angeles and the National Society of Film Critics. The other three are “L.A. Confidential,” “Schindler’s List” and “The Social Network.”
“TÁR” tackled taboo topics that are deeply ingrained in post #MeToo America. It’ll long be studied as a document of our current times, but it probably won’t win the Best Picture Oscar. I hate to say it, but the current frontrunner is … EEAO!
Not that it necessarily matters. I present to you just a few examples of Oscar hiccups: “Ordinary People” over “Raging Bull.” “Dances With Wolves” over “Goodfellas.” “Forrest Gump” over “Pulp Fiction.” “Driving Miss Daisy” over (not-even-nominated) “Do the Right Thing.” I could go on and on.
The ‘Smile’ franchise has a new director. David Bruckner, who made “The Night House” and the 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot, has been hired to direct “Smile 3” for Paramount.