When all is said and done about the 2014-15 awards season, I think many organizations and critics are going to regret not giving more nominations and attention to Selma. I haven’t even seen the film yet, but it looks incredible, and I think it’s been hampered by a too-late release date. It should have been released around Thanksgiving. The BAFTA nominations came in this morning, and guess what? No Selma. No Unbroken. No nomination for Angelina Jolie as director. No nomination for Jennifer Aniston’s Cake either. But there’s plenty of Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Eddie Redmayne and Amy Adams (yay). You can see the full list of nominations here.
Best Film:
Birdman
Boyhood
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
The Theory of EverythingBest director:
Wes Anderson – Grand Budapest Hotel
Damian Chazelle – Whiplash
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu – Birdman
Richard Linklater – Boyhood
James Marsh – The Theory of EverythingBest actor:
Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game)
Ralph Fiennes (Grand Budapest Hotel)
Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler)
Michael Keaton (Birdman)
Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything)Best actress:
Amy Adams (Big Eyes)
Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything)
Julianne Moore (Still Alice)
Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl)
Reese Witherspoon (Wild)Best supporting actor:
Steve Carell – Foxcatcher
Ethan Hawke – Boyhood
Edward Norton – Birdman
Mark Ruffalo – Foxcatcher
JK Simmons – WhiplashBest supporting actress:
Patricia Arquette – Boyhood
Rene Russo – Nightcrawler
Keira Knightley – The Imitation Game
Imelda Staunton – Pride
Emma Stone – Birdman
The lack of diversity is sad, but it just occurred to me that Selma might not have qualified for the BAFTAs because of its too-late release date. Huh. Anyway, I’m happy that everyone loves Ralph Fiennes because he really is the best. I love that JK Simmons is still getting so much love. I love that Aniston couldn’t finagle a BAFTA nomination. But overall… I kind of think the BAFTAs are going to be kind of boring this year?
PS… see the Best Actress list? Is it wrong that I really hope that’s how the Oscar nominations pan out, exactly like that?
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Great films.. congrats.
but damn this is such a boring awards year.
I think Ralph Fiennes is long over due, for Oscar.
Good luck to him.
I have to disagree. I can’t pick between Grand Budapest Hotel, Birdman, Interstellar, Gone Girl and The Theory of Everything. They’re all spectacular films and all made so very well with excellent casts.
Sorry @lisa2, what I meant is I agree that those are great films but I do think the awards shows will be exciting in that I won’t know who to root for when they call out the nominees.
Selma was robbed!!!
Back to the trainwreck: was she showing at the nye party pics? Where was that held anyways?
And no Spall for best actor? Wow.
oh right no Selma but to be honest it isn’t out here until Feb. maybe that’s why
@claire Her bust looked pretty big…there was no other pics that we know of unless ms. Brinkley gets some kind of deal from a society mag or something?
I’ve seen The Imitation Game, and I just don’t get the appeal. The man, Alan Turing, was clearly massively influential, magnificent and persecuted, but the movie was, for me, pure meh. And I know that cumberbatch is popular, but there is no way he deserves all these accolades he so consistently gets. The Theory of Everything is a better film in every way, but there are so much more impressive films out there than both of them.
Lisa2 is right, up above; this awards season is shaping up to be the most boring in recent memory. Let’s face it, when jennifer Anniston is being talked about as a contender, well… I’ve lost a ton of respect for this whole stupid affair 😐
Imitation is forth down the list in terms of nomination’s behind Budapest ,Theory and Birdman
Yes, some categories of the Oscar race this year are really boring like Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress/Actor. Dearth of worthy nominees.
The Best Actor race though is pretty intriguing. Sure it is usually one of the more competitive categories but this year there are so many possible permutations. Keaton, Cumberbatch and Redmayne are safe I think, with Jake, Cooper, Fiennes and Oyewolo fighting for the last two spots. All four are very good, and their placement in the race keeps changing as more precursors are announced.
In a just world, Miles Teller wld get a Best Actor nom too for Whiplash. But alas that is not happening.
I’m with you on TIG, but I don’t think TTOE wasn’t as good as Boyhood, Birdman, GBH, Nightcrawler or Unbroken. I may add Selma or Turner to my list once I see them this weekend. TIG and Benedict don’t deserve all the attention they are getting imo, but that’s Weinstein’s marketing talents for ya.
Check out Reese at the GG pre party is she preg?? too? Come on Michael…. 🙂 Surprised Timothy Spall isn’t in there either.
Appalling that there’s nothing for Spall.
I know and he is playing a great British painter no less. I don’t know what they use as criteria but it’s shameful. They could omitted BC and included him if that’s what they had to do but of course his s…t don’t stink so they have to have him in everything.
Exactly.
These awards are just meaningless to me. They’ve turned into a an arse kissing contest. Spall will always be ignored because he won’t play the game.
I was so sure would get a nom for the bafta…tis soo not fair!!
How does Spall not get a BAFTA nom? Weird.
They probably kept Cumberbatch on for the ratings. He does have a large fanbase.
I agree. Timothy Spall deserved a nomination. Mr Turner had beautiful cinematography too.
After seeing it today, I agree Veruca Salt. The cinematography was really, really good.
Long shot, but perhaps the AMPAS voters will give Spall the nom that everyone expects Cumby to get.
I would love this to be true but Best Actor nominations are quite tied to Best Picture and unfortunately TIG is too strong for BC to miss I think. 🙁
Mr Turner’s chances at the major categories at the Oscars have been dealt a huge blow. Without the British support, it’s looking v grim.
If they omitted Cumberbatch and put Spall in his place, then that would be the perfect list of contenders to me. I also hope the Oscars mirror the best actress list of noms from the BAFTAS as well. It *is* a stunning lack of diversity and a rather boring year.
Beth, TIG *shouldn’t* be. It’s doesn’t even crack the top 5 pictures I’ve seen this year.
Did Spall piss off a bunch of the voters? I don’t know anything about him, but seeing the Hollywood Reporter Roundtable, he strikes me as a no-nonsense kind of guy.
@MtnRunner
TIG may make my Bottom 5 movies I’ve watched in 2014. 😀
I just wanted to make sure JK Simmons and Jake G were nominated. I’m happy about Grand Budapest though – that may have been my favorite movie last year.
HBO seems to have it on continuous play right now. Brightens my day when I see it.
It’s on SKY so will watch this weekend (The Grand Budapest Hotel) Most I know say they loved it. Always liked Ralph Fiennes he use to live near us and my husband said oh just saw him, me 7 months preg leaning wayyyy out of the window on the 2nd floor to get a glimpse..
LB, GBH was my favorite too. I hope it gets a lot of love from AMPAS next week.
I am so wishing for The Grand Budapest Hotel to win! Such a beautiful movie!
I wanted to be blown away by The Grand Budapest Hotel because I love Wes Anderson…and I enjoyed it but just not as much as I expected. But Ralph was sublime, definitely deserves a best actor nod. That’s all I’ve got.
100% agree with everything you said!
And also booooo for no Timothy Spall!
I feel Ralph was robbed by Tommy Lee Jones in the supporting actor category all those years ago. In a perfect world, Ralph and Leo would have split that best supporting actor Oscar. I really can’t sanction that buffoonery, and I would love to see him finally get one (Leo, too… great actor imo).
Yes Ralph Fiennes, well deserved.
Jake and Ralph! Jake and Ralph! Imelda Staunton for Pride! Interesting that they put Carrell as supporting for Foxcatcher.
Presumably their solution to an overcrowded Best Actor category?
I thought that too.
Very predictable but I fail to understand the absence of Turner or Spall
Fry made a funny comment when Benny’s name was announced. I do think he is becoming a bit of a joke.
He is, isn’t he? Wonder how much side-eyeing and jokes are gonna happen at the various awards this year? Can’t wait for the GG just for Fey and Pohler’s jokes.
He’s very lucky that Ricky Gervais is not hosting this year.
Genuinely surprised at no Spall, I thought BAFTA was one place he was almost a shoe in, but I’m thrilled to see Grand Budapest Hotel getting some noms at last.
RE Spall me to.I wonder if the film and director are not populist enough. Bafta’s used to be much more about independent films but now they are chasing the ratings.
I’m happy GBH is getting love.
I loved grand Budapest hotel!!!! It was amazing!
Me too.
Selma isn’t out here until next month, so it might not have been eligible. I think they could have offered it up for screenings to make it so – although I don’t know if they did.
Bah @ not enough love for either Pride or Mr Turner. Presumably, BAFTA are throwing their weight behind getting AA noms for Redmayne and Cumbereverywhere?
Possibly. I am glad to see Imelda get recognized for Pride.
I really thought Mr Turner would get a best film nod, leaving the field open for Pride for best British film. Now I’m torn. Meh.
And for once, I’ve seen ALL the documentaries nominated.
I’m really surprised at the lack of love for Mr. Turner. I hope to see it this week. It opens here today but at a cinema that isn’t really easily accessible to me. I’ve slacked in my documentary viewing this year. When the Oscar noms come out, I’ll probably be dashing around trying to fit them in.
It’s a beautifully put together film, Lilac. I hope you like it. Not a shot out of place.
Same here Lilac. I’ll be driving an hour tomorrow to see Turner now that it’s finally in-state. With all the Brits raving about Spall, I’m shocked that he got snubbed.
Do actors nominate for the actor categories just like Oscars or is it a jury vote? Seems they have a different voting system there.
yes to Pride and Turner.
I always thought if a British film won best film it would then have to win best British film or it males no sense.
@MnteRunner “The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is comprised of members in the UK and around the world, the large majority of whom are creatives and professionals working in the film, television and video games industries. Over the last several years, the Academy’s membership has grown dramatically. We have developed a broader, more inclusive, more engaged membership that better reflects the ways our industries are evolving”
You have to apply and be accepted but having been a nominee/winner automatically gives you membership
you have to be a UK citizen,born in UK/Ireland and have five years experience in in TV/films /video games.In addition, all applicants must be deemed to have made a significant contribution to the industry by the relevant Sector Committee.
Hmm I’m confused – the description says you have to be a UK citizen to be a BAFTA member but then also that its membership comprises ppl in the UK and around the world? Or does the “around the world” bit refer to UK citizens residing outside of the UK?
at Beth-what it means is Brits born in the UK living around the world. You can also have duel nationality , Lots of UK media people live in the USA.i think it also says they will look at people who have worked in the UK for over 5 yrs but are not citizens.
-one or the other but just meeting the criteria does not mean you get accepted anyway
GBH and Ralph FTW!
…and Spall/Mr. Turner did win at Cannes, didn’t it? IMO Cannes is a better predictor of longevity for a movie than the Oscars (or the BAFTAs, or the GGs)
i don’t know about the too late release date… because i thought Selma was released on the same date as Into the Woods and American Sniper, both of which got nominated for the crafts award.
it plain got robbed.
I just googled. Selma UK release is 6 Feb 2015 apparently. Though l think it missed out at BAFTAs cos of the screeners not being sent in time (mentioned downthread).
I agree, Oscar Best Actress list should look exactly like this.
+100000000
So happy for all the awards recognition of Ralph Fiennes, Wes Anderson and Grand Budapest Hotel. It’s an improbable journey for a film released so early in the year to show up at awards time. I love this film.
Still want Keaton to win them all though.
See, now I am torn – I thought Ralph was marvelous in GBH, as in one of my favorite of his performances (and that is saying a lot.) I would be happy with Michael or Ralph winning, I guess that is better than thinking the whole lot are schlock, right?
Can they split it? I would be happy to see either one win, honestly!
Yeah, I am very torn as well! I loved both performances so much (for very different reasons).
Fiennes’ performance was absolutely sublime. Keaton’s was so powerful. What I loved about both was that vanity had no part in either performance.
But, I suppose Fiennes has had his awards in the past, so I lean towards Keaton.
Or maybe Fiennes can with the BAFTA – Keaton the Oscar? Fiennes the GG and Keaton the SAG?
If neither wins, I quit.
Mia, I like your idea… Fiennes = BAFTA, Keaton = Oscar.
No not only you – I am also hoping the best actress is going to be like this for the Oscars as well.
Both Ava & Angelina were snubbed for direction. Doesn’t seem like Ava will get that director nomination for Oscars either. She was a lock for that..
Noooo…I hope Ava at least gets an Oscar nom, because as a female and being black, this may be her only chance for a nomination/win. Sad but true. Jolie has a better shot at getting a directorial nomination for future projects, but not Ava.
And I too hope the best actress list would be identical for the Oscars, or maybe add Marion C. instead of Amy A.
P.s. 100 RT score with over 100 reviews for Selma…Wow!
I just saw Selma’s RT score, that’s impressive! I think the movie, and director, stand a better chance for the Oscars.
Yes very impressive, and all the more a shame that Paramount seems to be botching up Selma’s campaign. I was really hoping another movie would challenge Boyhood and Selma looked promising until recently. Super baity movie, depicting an important historical event, with MLK, fantastic reviews all round. Sadly I think it has missed out on building momentum (think it missed at SAG too?) and it now has a mountain to climb.
I finally saw Big Eyes last weekend and Amy was the best thing about it. She deserved the nom. It’s also notable that Big Eyes is legit a story about a woman vs. So many of the other male centered movies with women as supporting players. She was painful and raw in the movie and it hurt to see Margaret a guard but it’s an amazing story of quiet feminism.
I really want to see Selma and I agree the late release date hurt the film. I’m hoping that’s corrected by Oscar time. Have yet to see the Imitation Game but it’s on my list.
I thought Big Eyes was great. A return to form for Tim Burton.
I enjoyed it too.
“PS… see the Best Actress list? Is it wrong that I really hope that’s how the Oscar nominations pan out, exactly like that?”
No Kaiser its not wrong only I would love to replace Amy Adams with Marion Cotillard her performance in Two days, one night was something else… I honestly do hope she gets nominated for the Oscars.
Really sad for selma.. I’m very such Angelina Jolie will be much happy that her movie is a success and making money.. She is still a young director with bright prospects and future she will surely bag these awards someday for her directional work.
But never say never oscars can still pull in a surprise…
Feel bad saying it but I would take out Felicity Jones not Amy. Amy Adams is in a female driven project and she carries the film. Jones is in a typical “dutiful wife” type role. She was great in the film but I would still choose Adams bc it was actually her story.
Adams was great in Big Eyes. Theory of Everything was quite dull. The acting was the best part of that movie, but it was super formulaic. My husband said it reminded him of A Beautiful Mind.
TIG and TTOE seemed formulaic to me too. I thought Eddie and Felicity’s performances were very good in TTOE nonetheless.
I’m interested that after all the Crowe controversy, three of the supporting noms- Arquette, Russo and Staunton – are relatively mature actresses.
Yay good for Amy Adams.
Shocking that Timothy Spall was omitted, i would have preferred him over the Benedict ‘selling my soul and private life for an Oscar’ Cumberbatch. Urgh, we’re going to now be inundated with photo’s of him and his pregnant other half for months now and am sure he’ll b!tch about all the attention at some point soon.
I hope Eddie wins!!!
well the film leading the nominations id Budapest(11) with Birdman and Theory of Everything (10) in second place so basically Imitation is coming in next 9.So TIG did not do that well.
Eddie is Varity’s choice for winning the Globes so fingers crossed,
Loving Ms Staunton on that Best Actress list.
Very surprised at the lack of love for Timothy Spall/Turner. Very un-BAFTA-like.
I’m sad Channing Tatum isn’t getting nominated for Foxcatcher. He was amazing in that.
I hope Aniston will get an Oscar nom. It’s payed and bought anyway, so why not have a little fun? Besides, she is one of the rare people who managed to hustle all by herself.
Channing’s performance was the most surprising one, for sure.
I’d love for Jen to hustle her way into an Oscar nom.
Cake/Jen wasn’t eligible. It wasn’t screened for them, some bafta person tweeted, so not a snub for her. Plus oscar voting closed yesterday so bafta noms don’t effect oscar noms.
Now what was the point of even mentioning it? Cake is crap and the Best Actress list is exactly the way it should be save Cotillard. Tubek is a genius.
Because the post said Jennifer was snubbed….if it was eligible and Jen wasn’t nominated then it’s a snub. Have u seen the film to know its crap? Why so much antagonism just over a comment?
Many BAFTA members are also Academy members so we’ll see if she gets a nod from The Academy for the Oscar.
Has anyone seen Cake? No, no one has (or any of her other recent flops..).
No PD I wasn’t snarling at your comment. I was referring to the fact that a tweet was released about the in eligibility of Cake in the first place. Let’s face it, Cake isn’t Selma.
Cake wasn’t eligible for the BAFTAS. That’s mentioned in several articles this morning in the industry trades.
Everybody hates Angeilna because she is beautiful, talented and have a great family, me thinks. That’s ok, Papal approves! 🙂
Btw, Bendy and Keira look great as a couple and have great chemistry between them! But too late for both. Congrats for Bendy, it’s his year in every way,
I stopped liking her because she really is a camp event. She is beautiful for sure, talented…not that much but I don’t mind seeing her movies (except for Changeling, that was just awful acting), great family – maybe (and I hope so!). I have a problem with her courting fame and then pretending she is not. She is as thirsty as the next one but I prefer celebs that at least own up to it.
Agreed.
Totally agree.
If BC has to sit next to a pregnant woman at the GG, please, please let it be Keira. He’ll be beaming so much he’ll light up the room.
I’m just happy you know who is not pictured in the lead shot.
The same happened with “Dallas Buyers Club” last year- it wasn’t released in Britain so it didn’t get any noms but people were still pissed off about it. Surprised by the lack of nom for Spall but beside this it seems to me that BAFTA’s jury is one of the few who actually watches the movies and, in contrary to Oscar and Golden Globes juries, usually don’t care that much for publicity stunts and campaigns. Not always of course but often.
BAFTA stands for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, so of course they’re somewhat prejudicial.
Glad to see the Grand Budapest Hotel getting some award love.
I think this list is going to be very similar to how the Oscar nominations pan out.
Me too. I remember when it was first released late Feb/early March last year, I read some comments that suggest it’s not going to be a contender for awards. I’m glad this was not the case. Wonderful film.
Yeah for Pride!! I loved that film so much
what? whos leading?? isn’t hotel budapest with 11 ? And both birdman and TTOE are 10? or so I ve heard
I love Grand Budapest Hotel– hope it wins (long shot?) or at least gets more notice–it was such a sad, charming, funny movie.
Me too, I just lv that kind of story and the way it’s told. Like, idk, light in the dark.
It certainly deserves it in the various crafts categories, tho’ when I see Turner tomorrow, I’ll be comparing the cinematography of it and GBH.
Yes I think Budapest has the most number of noms (11), not TIG. Just did a quick count on the BAFTA website. TOE got 10 but that’s including Best British Film for which Budapest is not eligible.
they just need to hv some eye catching names like BC. so boring
that is right nit sure where the TIG leading comes from-it is in forth place -maybe they were just counting what was announced by the BBC not the complete list
These are such boring nominations. Really disappointed. It’s as if BAFTA is now an Oscar predictor, going for the same basic picks.
The Mr Turner snub across the board is a travesty. How on god’s green earth is it possible to nominate James Marsh for Best Director for the cliched and formulaic Theory of Everything, and snub Mike Leigh? Like, WTF?
Finally watched Selma and didn’t like it, except for Oyewolo’s solid performance. So am not too upset that it got shut out here. I’m guessing it missed due to the screeners not being sent early enough to voters, rather than release date. Even if a movie is not in cinemas, voters can watch the screener DVDs sent to them by the distributors and my understanding is that many do that rather than go to the cinema.
Very pleased to see Jake Gyllenhall again though. He has hit almost all the major precursors. It’s between him, Fiennes, Cooper and Oyewolo for the last two Oscar Best Actor spots, with Keaton, Redmayne and Cumberbatch taking the first three. Hurts to say this but Spall’s race is likely over. The Brits comprise 10% of Oscar voters I think and Spall is not going to make it there without their support. Mr Turner may show up in the tech categories like cinematography and costume design but I’m not holding my breath.
And hurray to Damien Chazelle for scoring a Best Director nom for Whiplash! So great to see such momentum for a small indie film. Hopefully it’ll make inroads at the Oscars too; it deserves much more nominations than just Supporting Actor for JK Simmons.
Also, great to see Pride and the amazing Under The Skin in Best British film.
I agree -they are predictable and uninspiring -glad for Pride ,Birdman and Jack G but the lack of Spall and Mike Leigh makes no sense, My theory is that they had to keep Benedict Cumberbatch in because he makes good PR at the moment and they are very ratings orientated these days, Just the way Fry announced him said it all
I agree with the poster upthread who said that perhaps BAFTA voted strategically to throw their weight behind the Brit films which have greatest Oscar potential, ie TIG and TOE. That’s what I hate – it just becomes beholden to the Oscar race instead of being awarded on merit. Unfortunately these two movies also happen to be cliched and mediocre.
I am absolutely shell shocked that Mr Turner didn’t even get nominated for Best British Film.
It infuriates me no end, Beth, but that’s how I see it.
I tend to agree with you, icerose. Those two movies don’t even deserve top 5 status imo, as formulaic as they were. But they’re British and make for better ratings.
At least Jakey G, GBH and Birdman are getting the attention they deserve.
“My theory is that they had to keep Benedict Cumberbatch in because he makes good PR at the moment”
You’re pathetic. You’ve been predicting the movie to fail since October. You’ve been predicting it to be snubbed everywhere and it hasn’t. Get the hell over it, the butthurt is clouding your judgement
leah, no one has been saying TIG would fail or that it would be snubbed. While you may disagree, there are people who think BC doesn’t deserve to be included in the top 5 performances of the year and think the movie wasn’t that great. The fact the Weinstein is pulling out the stops to schmooze votors is a known fact and yes, ratings matter. Just look at the clicks he gets here. Ben is good PR for anyone looking to make money off his name. No need to take it so personally.
I think this is going to be one of those years where the director and best picture are split.
well TIG director is not in it but I think you are right there is no clear winner,
Nor should he be…
So I gather I should watch grand Budapest hotel? Saw birdman and loved it. I want keaton to go all the way this year.
I loved Birdman, too. Grand Budapest Hotel is typical Wes Anderson, but it is a beautiful movie and Ralph’s performance in it is campy brilliance.
The Budapest Hotle is nicely made but boooooring.
Yes, I’ve seen most of the films under discussion and GBH was the best overall in my opinion. If you like Wes Anderson, you should enjoy it. Birdman and Boyhood round out my top three.
“Get your hands off my lobby boy!”
Grand Budapest for everything
Beyond that, Eddie or Keaton for best actor
I’m a huge Keira fan so I hope she wins even though there may have been better performances than hers.
At this point I just want Ben to go away, and take his weird Truman Show of a life with him
So, I think I would be super happy to see Rosamund swoop in and grab the best actress awards. I love Julianne and I think she has been snubbed too many times, but I just don’t think Still Alice is strong enough to get her that Oscar. Rosamund owned the role of Amy. Still Alice was a good movie and a good book, but I just liked Rosamund in Gone Girl much better. I just can not get down with The Imitation Game. Too many liberties were taken. Yes, that happens in EVERY biopic, but the ones in this movie were so stupid and unnecessary. I think Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley were fine in their roles, but the movie is so Oscar baity and ridiculous, I just can’t even sanction that. Cumberbatch is becoming a joke at this point.
Agreed, 100%.
I’m blinded by how white the whole list is.
Is this a reflection of the film industry or just an anomaly that there were no actors this year who could fill the void?
I think this year it is worst that usual
@moodgirl
There are some Black contenders – David Oyewolo (plays Martin Luther King in Selma), Ana Duvernay and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Oyewolo is a worthy Best Actor contender. I’m not convinced by Duvernay as I think Selma (of which she is director) is a rather mediocre film. I haven’t watched Gugu yet.
Personally though, I think movies and filmmakers shld be assessed on artistic merit and quality rather than whether they are female/gay/Black. Reality is quite different of course; as seen by AMPAS getting pats on the back last year for rewarding 12 Years A Slave coz it is a Black film, rather than it being an outstanding one (which it is, btw).
I’m just talking about this list specifically, but as for the film industry, I don’t think it’s that diverse either.
@Beth, Gugu Mbatha-Raw was amazing in Belle. I hope she gets a Rising Star Award. It’s my most rewatched film last year.
I agree that film makers should be assessed through artistic merit, but no one can deny it is overwhelmingly white. And the world does consist of more than black and white people. Whenever it gets pointed out that things like this are predominantly white, why does the counter have to be black? I’m not directing this at anyone in particular. It’s an offhand question. Asian cinema and television can be quite visionary with very original stories. Then Hollywood adapts their version casting mostly white and then some black actors.
The most diversity I see onscreen is actually British television.
@jammypants
Thanks for the recommendation re Belle; I plan to watch it someday. I forgot to mention in my post above that Carmen Ejojo who plays MLK’s wife in Selma was also touted by some as a potential Best Actress nominee, albeit not a strong one. After having seen Selma I don’t rate her chances highly.
I agree there are other cinematic offerings beyond White/Black. I don’t follow Asian cinema closely but one of my favourite films in 2014 was Snowpiercer, and it’s produced by a Korean team. The cast is international (UK, US, Korean). Tilda Swinton was an absolute riot in it and the Korean director Bong Joon-Ho did a tremendous job. Unfortunately Harvey Weinstein has pretty much buried its awards chances due to a disgreement with the director over the movie’s length (Harvey wanted to cut it shorter; the director refused).
@Beth, Belle is an wonderful movie with a great performance by Gugu. Weinstein’s burial of Snowpiercer infuriates me.
Good list but last year just had so many good films that it’s sad to see films, directors, screenwriters, cinematographers and actors getting snubbed. I would love for Mr Turner, Interstellar, Gone Girl, Unbroken, and The Grand Budapest to get more recognition and I’m glad the latter has but we keep hearing about Imitation Game and Cake and come on. They just do not compare, I’m sorry. And I’m a Cumberbitch for cripes sake, but credit where credit is due and Spall/Keaton deserve it the most. Heck, even Redmayne, Tatum and Fiennes deserve it more but it seems Benedict is getting all the attention and the other actors arnt getting as much recognition. I also wish Edward Norton was getting recognized for Birdman, he was a force in that film (along with Keaton). Felicity Jones did good but not deserves a nomination for her performance good. Amy deserves her nomination as does Rosamund, the both carried their films.
To me, boring is when the winner is a given- such as last year with Lupita. She was gorgeous at every red carpet, and it was well deserved, but there was no suspense at all. This year, while it is way white, the list of nominees doesn’t have that “sure thing” winner, and that’s exciting.