The Year's Overlooks: Snub Bafflements at the 2023 Oscar Nominations

The ongoing tradition of the Oscars selects and highlights films that, in retrospect, represent the year's best in cinema. However, each year, there are notable snubs, instances where deserving films or performers are overlooked. The 2023 Academy Awards faced its share of surprises and disappointments, with certain movies and individuals left off the final nominations. This article explores some of the biggest snubs and highlights the controversies surrounding the 2023 Oscar nominations.

Defying Expectations

Among the most notable omissions was the film Napoleon, a standout of 2023. Critics heralded it as one of the year's best, and its absence from even the technical Oscar nods points to a glaring oversight. Similarly, Kore-edah's Monster and other critically acclaimed films such as Radical, Are You There, God It's Me, Margaret?, and Eileen, also fell short of recognition.

Leading Roles and Supporting Acts

In terms of acting performances, Margot Robbie's portrayal in Barbie received widespread critical acclaim. She is one of the performers who were unexpectedly snubbed. Also, Ben Affleck's direction in Argo was considered one of the best of the year, yet he was notably absent from the Best Director category.

The Role of Deaf Performers and Cultural Representation

Deaf performers such as those in A Quiet Place showcase the talent and variety of the film industry. The upcoming sequel to A Quiet Place also promises to highlight more of this rare, powerful talent. However, it's important to note that the documentary God Am I, Margaret? and the film Eileen also deserve recognition for their unique and significant contributions to the arts.

Personal Disappointments and Optimism

One of the most heartening moments in the 2023 Golden Globes was Awkwafina's Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. Her win was a remarkable achievement but, alas, she was not nominated for an Oscar. The success in the Golden Globes added to the public's hopes for an Oscar recognition, only to be further dashed come Oscar nomination time. This disappointment coupled with the shutout of the entire cast of The Farewell including Director Lulu Wang is a clear illustration of the biggest snub of the year.

Little Women and Greta Gerwig

Greta Gerwig, renowned for her directorial prowess with Little Women, was another omission that utterly baffles. Filmmakers and critics alike praised her for delivering a film that was modern, intricate, and woefully relevant. Similarly, Jennifer Lopez's performance in Hustlers garnered considerable buzz for an Oscar nod, yet it did not materialize. On the bright side, Florence Pugh's performance in Little Women is garnering critical acclaim, signaling potential Oscar consideration for her future roles.

Bong Joon Ho and the Overdue Attention He Deserves

Bong Joon Ho, the acclaimed South Korean director, was recognized for his Outstanding International Fiction Feature award at the 2023 Golden Globes, an acknowledgment that he believes is long overdue. He is currently nominated for the Best Picture-Oscar at his fourth consecutive try since Memoirs of a Geisha in 2007. His film The Palatial (notably the name is fictional for discussion) represents an incredible storyline and a powerful direction that deserves the attention of the Academy.

Conclusion

The arts are filled with richness, complexity, and diversity, and each year, the Academy Awards tend to capture only a portion of that. While snubs always evoke disappointment, in the broader context of celebrating the arts, the 2023 Oscar nominations still offer much to appreciate. This year remains a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining a continually evolving Academy that mirrors the immense cultural landscape of the world.

Kore-edah's Monster

A critically acclaimed film that was not recognized at the Oscar nominations, Kore-edah's Monster stands as a testament to the value of lesser-known films that deserve more recognition.

Radical

Radical, a film that pushed boundaries and confronted societal issues head-on, was another regrettable snub in the Oscar nominations.

Are You There, God It's Me, Margaret?

This believable and heartwarming film about a young girl's struggles for self-acceptance also missed out on Oscar recognition.

Eileen

Eileen, a charismatic and groundbreaking film leading a movement in independent cinema, was overlooked by the Academy.

A Quiet Place

A Quiet Place, a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that brought profound new dimensions to the horror genre, saw its deaf performers respected, yet the film itself was not nominated for Academy Awards.

God Am I, Margaret?

Greta Gerwig's poignant film God Am I, Margaret? was a breakthrough in its genre, yet the entire cast was not recognized by the Academy.

The Farewell

Despite critical acclaim and positive reception, the entire cast of The Farewell including Director Lulu Wang faced the bitter taste of non-recognition by the Academy.