Oscar Volley: Best supporting actor haunted by nostalgia for “Succession” – Blog

After a short break, the Oscar Volleys resume with Elisa Giudici and Abe Friedtanzer to discuss the Best Supporting Actor category…

Denzel Washington dans GLADIATOR II | © Paramount Pictures

ELISA : This year’s Oscar race seems particularly open to surprises, which is very exciting, especially after several years where the results seemed almost predetermined, right? Unfortunately, due to local release dates, I haven’t been able to watch some candidates, but I wouldn’t bet on anyone being truly ‘locked’ at this point.

Take Denzel Washington, for example. He was widely acclaimed for his performance in Gladiator II — undoubtedly the only part of the film unanimously recognized for its quality. It’s the classic, flamboyant role that could earn an actor of Washington’s caliber a new nomination, especially given his respect and notoriety…

If we can make such a theatrical character work in a film that is not without its flaws, doesn’t that deserve some recognition? Maybe this year we will see several actors named sans the boost of a nomination for Best Film?

On the other hand, Guy Pearce in The Brutalist offers a completely different atmosphere. He never really disappeared from the screens, but this role gives the impression of a big comeback that could make some noise. His talent allows him to embody this story of the respected actor whose greatness we have perhaps forgotten. He may not have the overwhelming popularity of Denzel, but his frankness about his ouster by Warner Bros. could give him an advantage — or potentially backfire, who knows?

Guy Pearce dans THE BRUTALIST | © A24

ABE : I agree that Washington and Pearce should have no problem being nominated, since one has been honored numerous times, including for films like Roman J. Israel, Esq. who didn’t have much buzz, while the other was never nominated, despite acclaimed performances in L.A. Confidential et Memento. well that Gladiator II doesn’t seem like a real awards titan, The Brutalist certainly is.

There is, however, a third player who seems well on his way, even if those who vigorously oppose category fraud say he has no place here. This is Kieran Culkin, who enjoys enduring popularity thanks to Succession. He has the added bonus of a remarkable performance in a well-received film. A Real Pain might have some nominations in other categories. Regardless of how the film performs on nominations morning, Culkin is sure to be there.

After these three, things are less certain. There are undoubtedly several men vying for the final two spots, and with groups like the Golden Globes and the Critics Association nominating six people, it’s hard to say who’s in the lead. Who do you put on your list next?

Yura Borisov dans ANORA | © NEON

ELISA : My choice is Yura Borisov, although I am surprised by my own answer. The general consensus seems to place him among the favorites to secure one of the two available spots, thanks to his role in Anora (which, for once, is clearly a supporting role).

There is no doubt that Borisov has great acting skills. His role has a similar narrative arc to that of his international role in the Finnish film Compartment No. 6with the addition of a character that is both fun and subtle. As the film begins, you might ask yourself, “Why did you cast Borisov in a supporting role?” only for the ending to give you the answer.

Borisov is undoubtedly lhe Russian actor of the moment — much more so than his co-star Mark Eydelshteyn — and one of the most acclaimed on the festival circuit in his age group. With a touch of cynicism, however, I wonder to what extent NEON’s successful campaign for the film works in its favor. Will the buzz around Mikey Madison’s remarkable performance also bring attention to Borisov? We’ve already seen his stellar performances go completely unnoticed. Sometimes it’s also about being in the right movie, and this Palme d’Or winner offers a great place to start.

Do you agree that Borisov deserves this recognition? Who’s next on your list?

ABE : I think Borisov is great in the film. At one point I thought Anora could well end up with multiple nominations for Best Supporting Actor as a true Oscar contender. I think this period has (slightly) passed, but I think Borisov is in a good position. Eydelshteyn is also excellent and deserves recognition.

Clarence Maclin dans SING SING | © A24

We are now in last place, which is hotly contested. I support Clarence Maclin, an ex-convict who is helping to tell his own story in Sing Sing. However, his absence from the Golden Globes, while not significant in terms of Oscar relevance, reminds us that he is not a household “name,” and that there are plenty of other options for voters. Edward Norton is a triple nominee and is also notable in the very recent A Complete Unknown. We see him appear several times with star Timothée Chalamet. There’s also Jeremy Strong, coming off an extensive awards streak for Succession with a very different but equally focused performance in The Apprentice. Will Trump’s re-election have an impact on his nomination? I’m not sure.

I mentioned the Globes and the Critics Association earlier, which, with six nominations, left out Maclin and Strong, respectively. As for other contenders, I think the films September 5 et Conclave have some good options, but none of them have gotten enough attention. I’d like to hold out hope for Adam Pearson in A Different Manbut I don’t think his Gotham and Spirit nominations are enough, no matter how good his performance is.

Who do you have for fifth place, and is there anyone else on your radar?

ELISA : From this point on, it’s really difficult to make reliable predictions, with differing opinions on who will make it into the final quintet. Will it be Edward Norton riding the wave of Timothée Chalamet to A Complete Unknown ? Or Sing Sing will he manage to secure a new nomination with Clarence Maclin following in the footsteps of Colman Domingo? It seems to come down to who has the best dynamics, backed by a powerful lead performance. If Conclave outperforms in the nominations (and it’s possible), even Stanley Tucci could make an entrance.

Jeremy Strong dans THE APPRENTICE | © Briarcliff Entertainment

But if Kieran Culkin seems well established, also thanks, but not only to the wave of Successionmy suggestion is therefore: why not Jeremy Strong for The Apprentice ? This film, for obvious reasons, is the real wild card of the season. In promoting his film, Sebastian Stan managed to skillfully and without harming anyone highlight the pressures and missed opportunities due to his “controversial” subject. I wonder if, in the privacy of the ballot box, this could work in favor of him and Strong, in a race where everything could depend on a few votes.

ABE : Quite! But I think I’ll go with this last list: Culkin, Pearce, Washington, Borisov, Maclin. What is your final list?

ELISA : Hmm, I’m sticking with a more conservative approach: Culkin, Pearce, Washington, Borisov — but I’ll trade Strong for Maclin, just for variety.

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Kieran Culkin dans A REAL PAIN | © Searchlight Pictures

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