Rise and shine, dear readers! Today’s headlines are buzzing with scandal, success, and the silver screen. From a royal entanglement to corporate climb, and an Oscar triumph, let’s dive into the Monday morning mix!
Last night’s 96th Academy Awards showcased a predictable procession of winners, with frontrunners dominating the top categories. Christopher Nolan clinched Best Director, while his film Oppenheimer secured the coveted Best Picture accolade. Yet, amidst the expected outcomes, a sense of anticipation lingered for a spark of surprise that failed to ignite.
The awards season kicked off on shaky ground, as Golden Globes host Jo Koy’s attempt at humor fell flat with some tasteless jabs aimed at Barbie and Taylor Swift. In contrast, Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel played it safe, navigating through the evening’s festivities with nods to Greta Gerwig’s perceived snub and reserving risqué banter for Ryan Gosling.
Amidst the parade of wins, standout moments emerged, from Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s captivating performance earning her the Best Supporting Actress Oscar to Billie Eilish’s soulful rendition earning Best Original Song for “What Was I Made For.” French director Justine Triet and her life partner Arthur Harari celebrated victory with the Best Original Screenplay award for Anatomy of a Fall.
However, the night belonged to Emma Stone, whose portrayal of Bella Baxter in Poor Things secured her the Best Actress award. Stone’s heartfelt acceptance speech acknowledged her fellow nominees, including Lily Gladstone, who made history as the first Native American woman nominated in the category for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon.
Poor Things, lauded by some as a feminist triumph, grapples with themes of independence and sexuality. Yet, beneath the surface, lies a discomforting narrative that left many questioning its portrayal. As Bella Baxter navigates her journey of self-discovery amidst unconventional circumstances, the film’s reliance on tropes and clichés leaves a lingering unease.
Despite these reservations, Stone’s stellar performance and her enduring collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos underscore her achievement in clinching the Best Actress award for the second time at age 35. However, the film’s reliance on outdated narratives serves as a reminder of the need for fresh perspectives in storytelling, echoing the sentiment that “woman learning about herself through her sexuality” is a tired trope in need of retirement.
