Girl Gaga could also be within the operating for her first Greatest Supporting Actress Oscar in “Joker: Pas de Deux.” However for a film with such a foul repute, how far can “Monster Mother” go?
“Joker: Pas de Deux” tells the story of Arthur Fleck (performed by Phoenix) who is distributed to Arkham Asylum to await trial for a violent crime. As Arthur grapples together with his fragmented identification, he falls in love with fellow inmate Lee (Gaga) and begins to embrace the music that is been taking part in in his chaotic thoughts.
learn: You may see all of the Oscar predictions for all 23 classes on one web page sort Awards Circuit: Oscar.
Girl Gaga — “Folie à Deux”
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For many who have not seen it, this isn’t a case of “class fraud.” Surprisingly, Gaga’s position was very restricted. Whereas she brings her formidable presence to the display screen, her character takes a backseat to Fleck’s inside turmoil, usually serving as a musical complement when the movie requires it. Gaga’s tackle Harley Quinn presents a darkish and nuanced tackle the enduring villain—one which’s extra reserved and sinister than you may think. It is also the really excellent efficiency within the movie (together with Leigh Gill, reprising his position as Gary Puddle from the primary movie).
This yr, nevertheless, Gaga faces stiff competitors from a bunch of supporting actresses, together with Selena Gomez (“Emilia Perez”), Ariana Grande (“Depraved”) and others Well-known musicians equivalent to Jennifer Lopez (“Unstoppable”). Are you able to think about the Oscar scores if all nominations have been secure (extremely unlikely)? However is Warner Bros. solely betting the “Joker” card on Gaga?
The unique Joker (2019) divided critics even after profitable the Golden Lion at Venice. Nonetheless, regardless of the polarizing response, it acquired 11 Oscar nominations, together with one for Greatest Image, probably the most nominated movie of the yr. Its movies in competitors embrace “1917,” “As soon as Upon a Time in Hollywood” and eventual winner “Parasite.” On the time, the Rotten Tomatoes rating was 68% (now 69%), making it one of many lowest-rated Greatest Image nominees in Oscar historical past.
So, what are the Oscar prospects for this musical movie? Presently, “Joker: Folie à Deux” has a 35% share on Rotten Tomatoes, and whether or not it will get awards consideration could rely upon whether or not Gaga’s efficiency is acknowledged.
Once I checked out the sphere of potential nominees (curated on this week’s Oscar predictions replace), I did not see any motion pictures that will be “offended.” Nothing makes a critic extra livid than “Inexperienced Ebook” or “The Reader.” Does “Joker 2” not meet this requirement?
.Gaga has confirmed herself to be a mainstay throughout awards season. In 2018, she grew to become the second particular person to be nominated for appearing and songwriting in the identical yr (after Mary J. Blige) for “A Star Is Born”. She received the Academy Award for Greatest Authentic Track for “Shallow” alongside Andrew Wyatt, Anthony Rossomando and Mark Ronson. In 2021, she was nominated for a Golden Globe, a Display Actors Guild Award, a Critics’ Selection Award and a BAFTA Award for her position as Patrizia Reggiani in “The Home of Gucci,” however was snubbed by the Academy. A high-profile determine, equivalent to a Grammy-winning star, ensures trade voters see the movie earlier than casting their ballots. She additionally wrote the title tune that performs within the movie (and was eligible to submit it), and it is unclear whether or not Gaga will select to think about it
Whereas “Joker: Pas de Deux” has been criticized, the movie has a gaggle of revered Hollywood expertise behind the scenes, which can enhance its possibilities of receiving a nomination. Oscar-winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, cinematographer Lawrence Sher, editor Jeff Groth, manufacturing designer Mark Friedberg, set designer Karen O’Hara and costume designer Arianne Phillips – all acknowledged for his or her work on the primary Joker -In all probability rivals of their respective fields.
Joker 2
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And, after all, Phoenix. A revered determine amongst his fellow actors, he received an Academy Award for taking part in the Joker within the first movie and was nominated for 3 extra. The Oscars have an extended custom of honoring actors who bear dramatic bodily and emotional transformations for his or her roles. Phoenix’s efficiency in “Folie à Deux,” like his unforgettable one within the authentic, is terrifying—he appears to be like even thinner than he was within the final shot—and showcases his musical vary. It is the type of dedication that actors simply discover and like to reward. However not each time. Whereas transformations like Matthew McConaughey’s (“Dallas Patrons Membership”) swept awards season, others — like Christian Bale in “The Machinist” — have been fully snubbed. Phoenix’s means to navigate the awards panorama (and proceed to keep away from questions on exiting Todd Haynes’ motion pictures) can be essential. The movie additionally must carry out on the field workplace to be thought of.
Serving to Phoenix is that the Greatest Actor class seems to be much less crowded, offering a barely simpler path to a nomination. Actors’ chapters have been identified to disregard film evaluations and focus solely on their established affection for theater stars. You may take a look at beforehand nominated actors like Cate Blanchett (one other much-criticized sequel, 2007’s Elizabeth: The Golden Age ), Denzel Washington (2017’s Roman Israel ” ), Glenn Shut (2020’s “Hillbilly Elegy”), Stanley Tucci (2009’s “The Beautiful Bones”), Sean Penn (2001’s “I Am Sam”) and plenty of extra. Whether or not the general public believes it or not, this little distinction may assist him surpass Timothée Chalamet (“Unknown”), Paul Mescal (“Gladiator II”) and Sebastian Stan (“Gladiator II”). Apprentice”) and different previous names no matter whether or not his efficiency was “worthy”.
This is an fascinating Oscar statistic: In its 96-year historical past, 102 movies have acquired 10 or extra nominations. Of those, there are solely 16 – “Mrs.” “Minifer,” “Go My Method,” “Airport,” “The Godfather,” “The Godfather Half II,” “Chinatown,” “The Exorcist,” ” “Loki,” “Star Wars,” “Phrases and Circumstances,” “Mom’s Love,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Warrior,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Joker” and “Dune”— — each spawned direct sequels. 4 of the movies have been once more nominated for Greatest Image, and three are nonetheless awaiting last outcomes, together with this yr’s “Dune: Half II,” “Gladiator II” and “Folie à Deux.”
When predicting the Oscars, always remember that critics will not be Oscar voters. Since 2018, there was a transparent divide within the tastes of critics and Academy voters. Movies equivalent to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Veep,” “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” “Do not Look Up” and Greatest Image winner “Inexperienced Ebook” have all acquired appreciable criticism from the media and critics. But it surely received main Oscar recognition. Will “Folie à Deux” be this yr’s controversial nominee that may drive everybody loopy? Solely time will inform.
