Supporting Actress

Conclave (2025.7, Terrific , Faith )

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The movie Conclave depicts the secretive process of electing a new Pope, highlighting the struggle between certainty, doubt, and faith among the cardinals. The film, based on a novel by Robert Harris, is praised for its attention to detail and powerful performances, particularly from Ralph Fiennes as the Dean of Cardinals. Through the characters’ interactions and monologues, the audience is drawn into the complexities of the decision-making process, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.

Wicked (2025.6, Wicked , Good Fun)

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The movie Wicked focuses on character development, particularly the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, rather than delving deeply into complex themes like the nature of evil. While the film’s story and tone are heavily influenced by the Broadway musical and original novel, the director, Jon M. Chu, effectively brings the characters and musical numbers to life. The first part of the movie leaves viewers with more questions than answers, setting the stage for the second part due out in November.

A Complete Unknown (2025.4, Off-the Record, Great Music)

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A Complete Unknown is a biopic about Bob Dylan’s early career, focusing on his relationships with women like Joan Baez and Sylvie Russo, and his musical influences like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Johnny Cash. The film takes creative liberties with historical accuracy, portraying Dylan as a complex and sometimes cruel character, prioritizing his musical creativity over his relationships. Ultimately, the movie is an artistic interpretation of Dylan’s life, not a documentary.

Emilia Perez (2025.2, Mixed , Bold )

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Emilia Perez, a controversial film, received Oscar nominations for its unique story, music, and performances. However, its portrayal of Mexican culture, including the use of non-Mexican Spanish and insensitive themes, sparked outrage and led to its downfall. The film’s director, Jacques Audiard, is criticized for his lack of cultural understanding and respect.

2025 Oscar Movies: My Predictions

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For each category I present my best guess for which 2025 Oscar movie will win with an explanation of my reasoning.

2025 Oscar General Interest: Ratings and Rankings

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A look at the 2025 Oscar General Interest movies as rated and ranked by the viewing public and by critics.

The Color Purple (2024.24, Disappointing , Rookie )

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The Color Purple might work as a TV mini series, but the shifts in tone means that it works OK as a musical but not as a drama. (3*)

Oppenheimer (2024.11, Astonishing , Full )

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Oppenheimer is an epic film that rewards the hard work required of the viewer. A full exploration of a man, physics, politics, and movie making. (5*)

The Holdovers (2024.8, Fine , Funny)

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In The Holdovers, three people, rife with their own problems, spend Christmas break, 1970, with each other. It is funny and emotional. And it’s a Christmas Movie. (3.5*)

Barbie (2024.4, Terrific , Energy )

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So far, at least, this is my favorite picture of the year. Full of sensory and storytelling delight. (5*)

Nyad (2024.3, Disappointing , Tank )

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Despite great acting by Bening and Foster, Nyad fails to develop sympathetic characters and an interesting story. (3*)

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Beautiful but Oddly Unsatisfying (2.5*)

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever starts with the death of the former Black Panther and moves through nearly three hours of sometimes beautiful, sometimes action packed, scenes but with so many obligations to fulfill that it is ultimately unsatisfying.

The Whale A Sweaty Look at a Man with Big Problems (4*)

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The Whale pulls heartstrings as you navigate a week with a morbidly obese man. The movie explores themes of addiction, relationships, literature, and spirituality with an unexpectedly good performance from Brendan Fraser. (4*)

Everything Everywhere All at Once – Deep and Insane Look at the Multiverse (4.5*)

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Everything Everywhere All at Once is an insane look at one woman’s romp through the multiverse as she learns what is really important about life. (4.5*)

The Banshees of Inisherin – When Friendship Ends (4.5*)

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Set during the Irish Civil War in 1923, in a very small village on an isolated island (Inisherin) off the coast of Ireland, Padraic (Colin Farrell) finds his lifelong friendship is torn when his older best friend, Colm (Brendan Gleeson) suddenly, and without apparent reason, finds him “dull” and no longer wants to be with him. The change alters both men, and the entire village, both emotionally and physically. Martin McDonagh’s carefully written and directed script is executed by an Irish-born cast with seemingly perfect chemistry. A must-see film for any adult interested in how and why relationships, of any kind, change and, sometimes, end. (4.5*) The Banshees of Inisherin