Oscar Controversies: Should Lily Gladstone Have Won Best Actress over Emma Stone?

At the 96th Annual Academy Awards, the award for Best Actress was a hotly contested one, with many believing that actress Lily Gladstone's performance in Maestro deserved to take home the gold. Emma Stone, who ultimately won the award for her role in B motivo, was also a strong contender, having previously won an Oscar for her role in La La Land. Despite Emma Stone's well-earned victory, the controversy surrounding the Best Actress category continues to be a topic of discussion among film enthusiasts and critics.

Emma Stone and the Surprise Win

In her speech, Emma Stone expressed shock and gratitude for her win, admitting that she did not expect the outcome. Stone has established herself as a talented and deserving actress, having received critical acclaim for her roles in Eudora Welty's and her Oscar for La La Land. Her performance in the film B motivo was indeed commendable, but some argue that another actress should have been recognized in such a prestigious category.

Lily Gladstone's Performance in "Maestro"

Lily Gladstone's role in Maestro was nothing short of exceptional, providing a critically acclaimed performance that many consider to be the most deserving of the Best Actress award. Her portrayal of a young woman navigating the complexities of life and her passion for music left an indelible impression on viewers and critics alike.

Controversial Nominations

While Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone share the spotlight, other performances in the Best Actress category also warrant discussion. Noe Juarez’s nomination for Poor Things received mixed reviews, and some argue that her performance, while impressive, was not Oscar-worthy. Similarly, Carey Mulligan and Annette Bening received nominations for their work in Nyad, a film that was only available on streaming platforms.

Strong Performances Not Nominated

Several other actresses delivered exceptional performances in 2023 that were not honored with Academy Award nominations. Critics and fans of film often debate the merits of these performances, highlighting the influence of nomination criteria and the makeup of the Academy itself.

Notable Performances

Abby Ryder Fortson in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Sakura Ando in Service Helen Mirren in The Two Popes Greta Lee in Everything Everywhere All At Once Leonie Benesch in The Boss of It All Thomasin McKenzie in Swim Good

Personal Opinions and Critiques

Despite personal views, it is important to recognize that the Academy Awards have long been a source of controversy. The process behind selecting nominees and winners is intricate, involving a highly selective voting body. This year, Sandra Huller's performance, while excellent, was deemed not quite as strong as that of Emma Stone's. Yet, many argue that other performances, such as those listed above, were equally deserving of recognition.

Ultimately, the Academy Awards serve as a celebration of cinematic artistry, and while there can be debates about the fairness and accuracy of the nominations and winners, they continue to be a significant indicator of the year's most notable and impactful performances in film.

Conclusion

The Best Actress category at the 96th Academy Awards remains a testament to the complexity of the craft. While Emma Stone's win was well-deserved for her performance in B motivo, and Lily Gladstone's performance in Maestro was highly acclaimed, the debate surrounding deserving performances in this category is a critical conversation in the world of film.