Sundance with Abe: Living

I’m thrilled to be covering the Sundance Film Festival for the ninth time. This year, I’m not again not in Park City, Utah, but watching films virtually and reviewing them as soon as I can.

Bill Nighy stars in “Living,” which made its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Sundance with Abe: Tantura

I’m thrilled to be covering the Sundance Film Festival for the ninth time. This year, I’m not again not in Park City, Utah, but watching films virtually and reviewing them as soon as I can.

The documentary “Tantura” which made its premiere at Sundance in the World Cinema Documentary Competition section, presents harsh truths about the foundation of Israel in a less than entirely responsible way. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Sundance with Abe: Emergency

I’m thrilled to be covering the Sundance Film Festival for the ninth time. This year, I’m not again not in Park City, Utah, but watching films virtually and reviewing them as soon as I can.

Donald Elise Watkins and RJ Cyler star in “When You Finish Saving the World,” which made its world premiere at Sundance in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section. I reviewed the film for The Film Experience - head over there to read my review.

Sundance with Abe: When You Finish Saving the World

I’m thrilled to be covering the Sundance Film Festival for the ninth time. This year, I’m not again not in Park City, Utah, but watching films virtually and reviewing them as soon as I can.

Jesse Eisenberg makes his directorial debut with “When You Finish Saving the World,” which made its world premiere at Sundance and will be released later by A24. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!

New to DVD: Last Night in Soho, Hive, Time
New to Netflix: Munich: The Edge of War, Phantom Thread
New to Amazon Prime Video: A Hero
Next to Hulu: Marjorie Prime, Serious Moonlight, Georgetown

Movie with Abe: Munich: The Edge of War

George MacKay and Jeremy Irons star in “Munich: The Edge of War,” which is streaming tomorrow on Netflix. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy

“Drive My Car” may be director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s buzziest film this year, but it's also worth seeing his other movie, “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy,” which is out today on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Interview with Abe: Last Night in Soho

I was thrilled to get the chance to speak with costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux about her work on “Last Night in Soho.” Check out my great conversation with her at Awards Radar.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!

New to Theaters: Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America, Belle
New to Theaters and VOD: Italian Studies
New to DVD: Dune, Mass, Ema, MLK/FBI, Spencer, Minyan
New to Netflix: The God Committee
Next to Hulu: Black Bear, I’m Your Man, Bergman Island
New to Apple TV+: The Tragedy of Macbeth

Movie with Abe: Belle

One of the best animated films of the year is “Belle,” from director Mamoru Hosoda, which opens in theaters on Friday. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

SAG Nominees: Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture

My predictions: 1/5
Who’s missing? The Power of the Dog, West Side Story, Mass, The Harder They Fall, Being the Ricardos

Yikes. I did worst in this category, naming only one nominee – CODA – which did make the cut, and I’m so happy it did. The rest of the list is a bit more perplexing. I correctly predicted that “The Power of the Dog” would miss out, despite its three individual nominations, while Belfast, which only managed one, did get in. It’s just as puzzling that King Richard scored here since supporting actress Aunjanue Ellis was left off, while Don’t Look Up, which didn’t get any individual bids, also got in, which doesn’t thrill me. The big surprise is House of Gucci, which has two performers nominated and which definitely showcases a lot of acting, however excessive it may be. This is bad news for “Mass” and not a great development for “West Side Story.” It would also have been nice to see a truly ensemble effort like “The Harder They Fall” here.

Who will win? I’m not so sure. I’d love for it to be “CODA” but I’d also be happy with Belfast, which might be the frontrunner now.

SAG Nominees: Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role

My predictions: 3/5
Who’s missing? Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard), Marlee Matlin (CODA), Ann Dowd (Mass)

The big snub here is Ellis, though Amanda Seyfried bounced back from that omission last year and Regina King even managed to win without it. The beneficiary of the open slot is Cate Blanchett (Nightmare Alley), which makes me very happy since she was terrific in a film that hasn’t been consistently attracting attention. I had expected Ruth Negga (Passing) to miss here, but now she’s looking stronger for an Oscar nomination, even if her film hasn’t earned much attention. Caitriona Balfe (Belfast) is the only member of her cast to be nominated, and she’s also the only one in this category to have her ensemble cited. Golden Globe winner Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) is the lone representative of her film, while Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog) has two of her costars nominated.

Who will win? I think DeBose can win here unless Dunst prevails.

SAG Nominees: Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role

My predictions: 3/5
Who’s missing? Ciarán Hinds (Belfast), Jamie Dornan (Belfast)

It’s strange to see the two “Belfast” boys snubbed, especially since the film made it into the ensemble race, where I had expected it to be snubbed. Though his film – which is one of my favorites of the year – isn’t cited elsewhere, Bradley Cooper (Licorice Pizza) got in for a very minor albeit admittedly entertaining role. Ben Affleck (The Tender Bar) also repeated his Golden Globe mention here, which is nice. Jared Leto (House of Gucci) joins the race for an over-the-top performance SAG voters obviously loved since they cited his ensemble too. I’m very happy that Troy Kotsur (CODA) didn’t get omitted, and he joins the frontrunner, Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog).

Who will win? I think Smit-McPhee is far enough ahead to win without a problem.

SAG Nominees: Best Female Actor in a Leading Role

My predictions: 4/5
Who’s missing? Kristen Stewart (Spencer), Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza), Tessa Thompson (Passing), Rachel Zegler (West Side Story)

This is the biggest snub of the day and likely the season. Even if she wasn’t going to be the winner, Stewart was expected to be a nominee. The surprise win at the Golden Globes by Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos) added a bit of competition to this race, but the absence of Stewart here is a real shock. The beneficiary of the open slot was Jennifer Hudson (Respect), who was originally expected to be a major contender and had dropped off throughout much of the precursors. She joins Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye) and Olivia Colman (The Lost Daughter), both here on their own, and Lady Gaga (House of Gucci), who gets an unexpected boost from her film’s inclusion in the ensemble category.

Who will win? With Stewart out of the race, it’s anyone’s guess. I think Gaga might actually win, but it could be Kidman or Colman too.

SAG Nominees: Best Male Actor in a Leading Role

My predictions: 4/5
Who’s missing? Peter Dinklage (Cyrano), Nicolas Cage (Pig)

This category starts with an unexpected inclusion, a holdover from the Golden Globes that felt far from a sure thing: Javier Bardem (Being the Ricardos). I liked him in the film and I’m fine with it, though it does mean that Dinklage didn’t get a boost that he needed for a film that’s flown somewhat under the radar. The rest of the list here is expected, boosting frontrunners Will Smith (King Richard) and Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog) and making it look likelier and likelier that Andrew Garfield (tick, tick…BOOM!) and Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth) will join them at the Oscars.

Who will win? This should still go to Smith based on this list.

Movie with Abe: Drive My Car

“Drive My Car,” which is Japan's official Oscar submission for Best International Feature, has been picking up a number of high-profile Best Picture prizes and is very much worth seeing. It's now playing in theaters. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: The 355

My first official screened release of 2022 is “The 355,” an action film that isn't great but isn't quite as bad as many seem to think. It's now playing in theaters. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

SAG Predictions: Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture

Last year’s nominees: Da 5 Bloods, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Minari, One Night in Miami, The Trial of the Chicago 7

This category is the most competitive of all the races, and given its historical precedent for surprises, could include anything. West Side Story seems like the only true safe bet, since something like The Power of the Dog or Belfast, which should be sure things, might be snubbed like other presumed locks in the past. The Harder They Fall, which has been an inconsistent player this awards season, may be rewarded here. Don’t Look Up, King Richard, or Nightmare Alley could benefit from waves of support, while Licorice Pizza has been collecting a number of citations despite not really being an ensemble piece. Being the Ricardos is another possibility, as are CODA and Mass. I’m going to be bold and predict that both the juggernauts in this race get omitted.

Current predictions:
Being the Ricardos
CODA
The Harder They Fall
Mass
West Side Story

SAG Predictions: Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Last year’s nominees: Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), Glenn Close (Hillbilly Elegy), Olivia Colman (The Father), Yuh-jung Youn (Minari), Helena Zengel (News of the World)

This category, like the others, seems to have four pretty solid bets and a more open fifth slot. Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog), Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard), Ariana DeBose (West Side Story), and Caitriona Belfast (Belfast) are at the head of the pack. The fifth spot could be for Golden Globe nominee Ruth Negga (Passing), Critics Choice picks Ann Dowd (Mass) or Rita Moreno (West Side Story), or maybe Marlee Matlin (CODA). Or will it be someone else altogether?

Current predictions:
Caitriona Belfast (Belfast)
Ariana DeBose (West Side Story)
Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog)
Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard)
Marlee Matlin (CODA)

SAG Predictions: Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Last year’s nominees: Sacha Baron Cohene (The Trial of the Chicago 7), Chadwick Boseman (Da 5 Bloods), Daniel Kaluuya (Judas and the Black Messiah), Jared Leto (The Little Things), Leslie Odom Jr. (One Night in Miami)

Looking at critics’ prizes and nominations lists, it seems like four men are probably set here: Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog), Ciarán Hinds (Belfast), Jamie Dornan (Belfast), and Troy Kotsur (CODA). It’s not likely that the Golden Globes choice for the fifth slot, Ben Affleck (The Tender Bar) will repeat here, but a questionable nominee from last year, Jared Leto (House of Gucci) could return instead. Leto was selected along with J.K. Simmons (Being the Ricardos) by the Critics Choice Association. Other possibilities include Mike Faist (West Side Story), Jason Isaacs (Mass), or Jesse Plemons (The Power of the Dog), or maybe someone completely surprising.

Current predictions:
Jamie Dornan (Belfast)
Ciarán Hinds (Belfast)
Troy Kotsur (CODA)
Jared Leto (House of Gucci)
Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog)

SAG Predictions: Best Female Actor in a Leading Role

Last year’s nominees: Amy Adams (Hillbilly Elegy), Viola Davis (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), Vanessa Kirby (Pieces of a Woman), Frances McDormand (Nomadland), Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman)

This list seems relatively firmed up, but it’s possible someone will drop off now or just end up getting snubbed at the Oscars. At the head of the pack are Kristen Stewart (Spencer), Olivia Colman (The Lost Daughter), and Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos). Next up might be Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye) and Lady Gaga (House of Gucci), though they could be overtaken by Rachel Zegler (West Side Story), Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza), Jennifer Hudson (Respect), Tessa Thompson (Passing), Frances McDormand (The Tragedy of Macbeth), or Penelope Cruz (Parallel Mothers).

Current predictions:
Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye)
Olivia Colman (The Lost Daughter)
Lady Gaga (House of Gucci)
Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos)
Kristen Stewart (Spencer)

SAG Predictions: Best Male Actor in a Leading Role

Last year’s nominees: Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal), Chadwick Boseman (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), Anthony Hopkins (The Father), Gary Oldman (Mank), Steven Yeun (Minari)

This category has two sure things, but beyond that, I don’t think anything is certain. Will Smith (King Richard) and Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog) are at the head of the pack, and I would rank Andrew Garfield (tick, tick…BOOM!) and Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth) next. Theoretically, Peter Dinklage (Cyrano) could round out the group, but he’ll hand to fend off Leonardo DiCaprio (Don’t Look Up), who could easily bump one of these men. Nicolas Cage (Pig) and Joaquin Phoenix (C’mon C’mon) are also still possible, as are Clifton Collins Jr. (Jockey), Mahershala Ali (Swan Song), Javier Bardem (Being the Ricardos), Bradley Cooper (Nightmare Alley), or Oscar Isaac (The Card Counter). It’s a dream, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if Jude Hill (Belfast) snuck onto this list?

Current predictions:
Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog)
Peter Dinklage (Cyrano)
Andrew Garfield (tick, tick…BOOM!)
Will Smith (King Richard)
Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth)

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!

New to Theaters: A Hero, The 355
New to DVD: Stop and Go, Together
New to Netflix: Big Fish, Hell or High Water
New to Amazon Prime Video: Once, The Tender Bar
Next to Hulu: Amistad, Once Upon a Time in the West, The Squid and the Whale, Se7en

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

The competition:
Cyrano is directed by Joe Wright, marking his eighth film. Star Peter Dinklage is nominated for his performance.

Don’t Look Up is directed by Adam McKay, marking his ninth film. Stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence are nominated for their performances, and it also contends for its screenplay.

Licorice Pizza is directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, marking his ninth film. Stars Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman are nominated for their performances, and it also contends for its screenplay.

tick, tick…BOOM! is directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, marking his directorial debut. Star Andrew Garfield is nominated for his performance.

West Side Story is directed by Steven Spielberg, marking his thirty-third film. Stars Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose are nominated for their performances, and Spielberg contends for his direction.

Additional notes: Prior to last year, when “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” won this prize, the winner of this award had gone on to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture ten years in a row, triumphing there twice, in 2011 for “The Artist” and last year for “Green Book.” Despite a musical being nominated almost every year since, the last such film to win this prize was “Les Miserables” in 2012. The original “West Side Story” won the Best Motion Picture – Musical prize exactly sixty years ago.
What should win? “Licorice Pizza” is one of my favorite films of the year. I’d also be fine with “tick, tick…BOOM!” or “West Side Story” triumphing.
What will win? This seems like a pretty easy victory for West Side Story.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Motion Picture – Drama

The competition:
Belfast is directed by Kenneth Branagh, marking his seventeenth film. It is tied for the nominations leader, also contending for its director, screenplay, song, and performances from actors Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds, and Caitriona Balfe.

CODA is directed by Sian Heder, marking her second film. Supporting actor Troy Kotsur has the film’s only other mention.

Dune is directed by Denis Villeneuve, marking his tenth film. It also contends for its directing and its score.

King Richard is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, marking his third film. It also contends for its song and performances from stars Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis.

The Power of the Dog is directed by Jane Campion, marking her eighth film. It is tied for the nominations leader, also contends for its directing, screenplay, score, and performances from Benedict Cumberbatch, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Kirsten Dunst.

Additional notes: The winner of this award has gone on to win the Oscar for Best Picture only five times in the past fifteen years, and only three times in the entire history of the Globes, most recently in 1963, has the winner been snubbed altogether at the Oscars. Only “Belfast” and “The Power of the Dog” have both their screenplays and director nominated.
What should win? Well, “CODA” is my favorite film of the year and “Belfast” and “Dune” are also in my top ten, so any of those will do! I’m fine with “The Power of the Dog” too, even if it’s not at the top of my list.
What will win? I’m not sure, but I think The Power of the Dog is ahead here.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Director – Motion Picture

The competition:
Kenneth Branagh (Belfast) directs his seventeenth film. He has four previous nominations for acting, most recently in 2011 for “My Week with Marilyn.” He is also nominated for writing his film, which is tied as the nominations leader.

Denis Villeneuve (Dune) directs his tenth film. This is his first Globe nomination. His film is also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama and its score.

Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Lost Daughter) makes her directorial debut. She has four previous nominations for acting, winning in 2014 for “The Honourable Woman.” Her film also contends for its performance from star Olivia Colman.

Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog) directs her eighth film, which also earned her a nomination for writing. She was previously nominated in both categories in 1993 for “The Piano.” Her film is tied as the nominations leader.

Steven Spielberg (West Side Story) directs his thirty-third film. He has an impressive twelve previous nominations in this category and one for screenwriting, plus he received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2007. He won twice, in 1993 for “Schindler’s List” and in 1998 for “Saving Private Ryan.” His film is nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical and its stars Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose.

Additional notes: The winner of this award has gone on to win the corresponding Oscar eight times out of the past fifteen years, with only Ben Affleck missing out on a nomination altogether. In all but two cases, the winner of this race has also won the corresponding top prize (drama, comedy, or foreign). Two women have won this award in the past – Barbra Streisand in 1983 for “Yentl” and Chloe Zhao last year for “Nomadland.” Only “The Lost Daughter” is not nominated for a best picture award.
Who should win? These are all strong choices. I think my pick would be Branagh or Villeneuve.
Who will win? It could be Spielberg, but I think Campion wins.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

The competition:
Being the Ricardos was written by Aaron Sorkin. He has eight previous nominations in this category, with three wins, for “The Social Network” in 2010, “Steve Jobs” in 2015, and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” last year, which also earned him a nomination for directing. His film’s stars Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem are also nominated.

Belfast was written by Kenneth Branagh. He has four previous nominations for acting, most recently in 2011 for “My Week with Marilyn.” He is also nominated for directing his film, which is tied as the nominations leader.

Don’t Look Up was written by Adam McKay. This is his third nomination in this category, following “The Big Short” in 2015 and “Vice” in 2018, which also earned him a nomination for directing. The film is also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence.

Licorice Pizza was written by Paul Thomas Anderson. This is his first Globe nomination. The film is also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical and stars Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman.

The Power of the Dog was written by Jane Campion, who is also nominated this year for Best Director. She was previously nominated in both categories in 1993 for “The Piano.” Her film is tied as the nominations leader.

Additional notes: The winner of this category has gone on to win one of the two corresponding Oscar prizes eight times in the past fifteen years, and only once in that time has ended up being snubbed altogether. A Best Director nomination isn’t crucial here to a win, but it does help.
What should win? This is a good list, but “Belfast” and “Licorice Pizza” really stick out as the best. I’d probably choose the latter.
What will win? I’m honestly not sure. Maybe Belfast?

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Original Song

The competition:
Down to Joy (Belfast) was written by Van Morrison, marking his first nomination. The film is the nominations leader.

Dos Oruguitas (Encanto) was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. He was nominated in this category in 2016 for a song from “Moana” and twice for his performances, in “Hamilton” and “Mary Poppins Returns.” The film is also nominated for Best Animated Film and Best Original Score.

Be Alive (King Richard) was written by Beyoncé and Dixson. She has three previous nominations in this category, for “The Lion King,” “Cadillac Records,” and “Dreamgirls.” She was also nominated for her performance in “Dreamgirls.” This is Dixson’s first nomination. The film is also up for Best Motion Picture – Drama and for stars Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis.

No Time to Die (No Time to Die) was written by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell. It’s the first nomination for both, and represents the only bid for the film.

Here I Am (Singing My Way Home) (Respect) was written by Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Hartman, and Carole King. This is the first nomination for Hartman and King. Hudson won her previous bid, which was for acting in “Dreamgirls” in 2006. This is the only nomination for the film.

Additional notes: All five of these songs made the fifteen-wide finalist list for the corresponding Oscar category. The winner of this award has gone on to win the Oscar seven times out of the past fifteen years, though six of the remaining times the winner wasn’t even nominated there. Eight James Bond songs have been nominated in the past, and the two most recent entries – from “Skyfall” and “Spectre” – won.
What should win? It’s a good list, but it has to be “No Time to Die.”
What will win? I don’t see how it’s anything but No Time to Die.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Original Score

The competition:
Dune was composed by Hans Zimmer, marking his fourteenth nomination. He won in 1994 for “The Lion King” and in 2000 for “Gladiator.” This is his second collaboration with director Denis Villeneuve after “Blade Runner 2049.” His film is also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director.

Encanto was composed by Germaine Franco. This is her first nomination and her first collaboration with directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush. Her film is also nominated for Best Animated Film and Best Song.

The French Dispatch was composed by Alexandre Desplat, marking his fifth collaboration with director Wes Anderson. He was nominated last year for “The Midnight Sky,” in 2019 for “Little Women,” in 2018 for “Isle of Dogs,” and won in 2017 for “The Shape of Water.” He has eight other previous nominations, including another win, for “The Painted Veil” for 2006. This is the only nomination for his film.

Parallel Mothers was composed by Alberto Iglesias, marking his twelfth collaboration with director Pedro Almodóvar. He was previously nominated for “The Kite Runner” in 2007. His film is also nominated for Best Non-English Language Film.

The Power of the Dog was composed by Jonny Greenwood. He was previously nominated for “Phantom Thread” in 2017. This is his first collaboration with director Jane Campion. His film is tied as the nominations leader.

Additional notes: The winner of this award has gone on to win the corresponding Oscar eleven times in the past fifteen years, failing to receive a nomination just three times. All five of these scores made the fifteen-wide finalist list for this year’s Oscar category.
What should win? I think “Dune” and “The Power of the Dog” made the strongest impressions on me, though I also distinctly remember hearing and liking “Parallel Mothers” in its opening moments.
What will win? I think Dune wins this.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Non-English Language Film

The competition:
Compartment No. 6 (Finland/Germany/Russia) is directed by Juho Kuosmanen, marking his third film. As far as I can tell, Finland has been nominated twice in the past, most recently in 2015 for “The Fencer.” This film is on the Oscar shortlist as Finland’s submission for Best International Feature.

Drive My Car (Japan) is directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, marking his thirteenth film. As far as I can tell, Japan has eleven previous nominations, most recently in 2013 for “The Wind Rises” and in 2018 for “Shoplifters.” This film is on the Oscar shortlist as Japan’s submission for Best International Feature.

The Hand of God (Italy) is directed by Paolo Sorrentino, marking his ninth film and his second nomination in this category. He won in 2013 for “The Great Beauty.” As far as I can tell, Italy has thirty-six previous nominations and nine wins. “The Life Ahead” was its most recent nominee last year. This film is on the Oscar shortlist as Italy’s submission for Best International Feature.

A Hero (France/Iran) is directed by Asghar Farhadi, marking his ninth film and fourth nomination in this category, representing all of Iran’s mentions. He won in 2011 for “A Separation” and was nominated again in 2013 for “The Past” and in 2016 for “The Salesman.” This film is on the Oscar shortlist as Iran’s submission for Best International Feature.

Parallel Mothers (Spain) is directed by Pedro Almodóvar, marking his twenty-second film and ninth nomination in this category. He won in 1999 for “All About My Mother” and in 2002 for “Talk to Her.” He was last nominated in 2019 for “Pain and Glory.” As best as I can tell, Spain has ten previous nominations and three wins, the third of which was for “The Sea Inside” in 2004. His film is also nominated for its score. This film was not Spain’s Oscar submission for Best International Feature, but “The Good Boss,” from Spain, is on the shortlist.

Additional notes: Last year, just one of the three films nominated here who were submitted at the Oscars ended up getting nominated there, which was eventual winner “Another Round.” Before last year, when “Minari” won, the previous two winners of this category, “Parasite” and “Roma,” won the corresponding Oscar, while the two before that, “In the Fade” and “Elle,” weren’t even nominated. Only seven winners in this category have gone on to win the corresponding Oscar in the past fifteen years.
What should win? This is a very good list. I’d be fine with any of them winning, though I’d probably choose “A Hero,” “Parallel Mothers,” or “Drive My Car.”
What will win? Given its critical wins, Drive My Car seems likely.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Animated Film

The competition:
Encanto and Raya and the Last Dragon both come from Walt Disney Animation Studios, which has ten previous nominations, and two wins, for “Frozen” and “Zootopia.” Luca comes from Pixar, which has amassed fourteen nominations and won nine times out of the fifteen years of this category’s existence, most recently last year for “Soul.” Flee and My Sunny Maad are both foreign productions. “Encanto” is the only film with any other nominations, for its score and song.

Additional notes: Disney has had two films in the running once before, when “Zootopia” beat “Moana” in 2016. “Encanto” co-director Byron Howard was previously nominated for “Bolt” and “Tangled,” and won for “Zootopia.” “Raya and the Last Dragon” co-director was previously nominated for “Big Hero 6.” 

What should win: This is a great list. My favorite is “Encanto.”
What will win: It’s possible “Flee” could win, but I think this goes to Encanto.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actress in a Supporting Role

The competition:
Caitriona Balfe (Belfast) plays protective mother Ma. She was nominated from 2015 to 2018 for “Outlander.” Her film is tied as the nominations leader.

Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) plays loyal girlfriend Anita. This is her first Globe nomination. Her film is up for Best Motion Picture – Comedy Musical, with director Steven Spielberg and costar Rachel Zegler also nominated.

Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog) inn owner Rose Gordon. She earned her first nomination back in 1994 for “Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles.” She was nominated again in 2015 for season two of “Fargo” and in 2019 for “On Becoming a God in Central Florida.” Her film is tied as the nominations leader.

Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard) plays committed wife and mother Brandy Price. This is her first Globe nomination. Her costar Will Smith is also nominated, along with a song from the film, which contends for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Ruth Negga (Passing) plays secretive wife Clare Bellew. She was previously nominated in 2016 for “Loving.” She is the lone representative from her film.

Additional notes: Everyone except Negga was cited by the Critics Choice Association in their nominations list. Only five times in the entire history of this category has the winner gone on not to be nominated for an Oscar, with last year being the first time in forty years that it happened when Jodie Foster won this prize. All but five times in the past fifteen years, the winner of this category has also won the Oscar, and several of those instances involved different nominees and category placements.
Who should win? This is a good list. I would choose DeBose or Balfe.
Who will win? I think this will be Dunst but it’s also possible it could be DeBose.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Supporting Role

The competition:
Ben Affleck (The Tender Bar) plays bar owner Charlie Moehringer. Affleck has three previous Globe nominations, all for different trades. His lone acting nomination was in 2006 for “Hollywoodland.” He won for directing “Argo” in 2012 and for writing “Good Will Hunting” in 1997. He is the lone representative of his film.

Jamie Dornan (Belfast) plays absent father Pa. This is his first Globe nomination. His film is tied as the nominations leader.

Ciarán Hinds (Belfast) plays loving grandfather Pop. This is his first Globe nomination. His film is tied as the nominations leader.

Troy Kotsur (CODA) plays fisherman Frank Rossi. This is his first Globe nomination. His film is also up for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog) plays impressionable student Peter Gordon. This is his first Globe nomination. His film is tied as the nominations leader.

Additional notes: Everyone except Affleck was cited by the Critics Choice Association in their nominations list. Only once in the past forty years has the winner of this category gone on not to be nominated for an Oscar (Aaron Taylor-Johnson in 2016), and the victor here also claimed the Oscar all but three times in the past fifteen years.
Who should win? I like this list. Dornan and Affleck both impressed me but I’d vote for Kotsur ahead of everyone.
Who will win? Critics’ groups indicate that Smit-McPhee is ahead, but I’m going to bet on Kotsur.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

The competition:
Marion Cotillard (Annette) plays singer Ann Defrasnoux. She was previously nominated for “Two Days, One Night” and “Nine,” and won this prize in 2007 for “La Vie en Rose.” She is the lone nominee from her film.

Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza) plays the headstrong Alana Kane. This is her debut performance. His film is up for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical, and her costar Cooper Hoffman is also nominated.

Jennifer Lawrence (Don’t Look Up) plays PHD candidate Kate Dibiasky. She has four previous Globe nominations, three of which resulted in wins: “Joy” in 2015, “American Hustle” in 2013, and “Silver Linings Playbook” in 2012. Her film is nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical and Best Screenplay, along with actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Emma Stone (Cruella) plays aspiring fashion designer Estella. She has five previous nominations and one win, for “La La Land” in 2016. She is the lone representative from her film.

Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) plays lovestruck Maria Vasquez. This is her debut performance. Her film is up for Best Motion Picture – Comedy Musical, with director Steven Spielberg and costar Ariana DeBose also nominated.

Additional notes: Only Haim was cited by the Critics Choice Association in their nominations list. The winner of this award has gone on to be nominated for an Oscar all but four times in the past fifteen years, with four victors going on to win the Oscar.
Who should win? Cotillard and Stone both did great work, and I can appreciate Lawrence and Zegler, but Haim is definitely my choice.
Who will win? I suspect Zegler but I’m not sure.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

The competition:
Leonardo DiCaprio (Don’t Look Up) plays Dr. Randall Mindy. He has twelve previous nominations, with wins for “The Aviator,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and “The Revenant.” His film is nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical and Best Screenplay, along with actress Jennifer Lawrence.

Peter Dinklage (Cyrano) plays wordsmith actor Cyrano de Bergerac. Though he has four Emmy wins, Dinklage only has one previous Globe nomination under his belt, which he won, for season one of “Game of Thrones” exactly a decade ago. His film contends for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Andrew Garfield (tick, tick…BOOM!) plays playwright Jonathan Larson. He was previously nominated for “Hacksaw Ridge” in 2016 and “The Social Network” in 2010. His film is up for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) plays teenager entrepreneur Gary Valentine. This is his debut performance. His film is up for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical, and his costar Alana Haim is also nominated.

Anthony Ramos (In the Heights) plays bodega owner Usnavi de la Vega. This is his first Globe nomination. He is the lone representative from his film.

Additional notes: Dinklage and Garfield were cited by the Critics Choice Association in their nominations list. The winner of this category sometimes goes on to be nominated for an Oscar, and two victors – Jean Dujardin and Jamie Foxx – have actually won the Oscar. Three recent winners, Sacha Baron Cohen, Taron Egerton, and James Franco were ultimately not nominated for the Oscar, though in two of those cases, one man who lost to them did make the cut. The last actor to win this prize without having their film nominated for the top prize was Paul Giamatti in 2010 for “Barney’s Version.”
Who should win? Ramos was great, but my top choice would be either Garfield or Hoffman, who were both wonderful.
Who will win? I think this will go to Garfield, though it’s always possible that DiCaprio or Dinklage could take it instead.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

The competition:
Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye) plays the titular televangelist. She has five previous nominations, for “Molly’s Game,” “Miss Sloane,” “A Most Violent Year,” “The Help,” and “Zero Dark Thirty,” the last of which led to a victory. She is the lone representative of her film but is also nominated this year for the limited series “Scenes from a Marriage.”

Olivia Colman (The Lost Daughter) plays vacationing academic Leda Caruso. She is a three-time Globe winner, with prizes for season three of “The Crown,” the film “The Favourite,” and the limited series “The Night Manager.” She was double-nominated last year for season four of “The Crown” and the film “The Father.” Her film’s director Maggie Gyllenhaal is also nominated this year.

Lady Gaga (House of Gucci) plays fashion mogul Patrizia Reggiani. She won a Globe for her role in season five of “American Horror Story” in 2011 and then again for her signature song from “A Star is Born” in 2018, which also netted her an acting nomination. She is the lone representative from her film.

Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos) plays actress Lucille Ball. She has four Globe wins, for season one of “Big Little Lies” and the films “The Hours,” “Moulin Rouge,” and “To Die For.” She has three additional TV bids and eight additional film nominations. Her costar Javier Bardem is also nominated, as is her film’s screenplay.

Kristen Stewart (Spencer) plays Princess Diana. This is her first nomination, and she is the lone representative from her film.

Additional notes: All five of these women were cited by the Critics Choice Association in their nomination lists. The winner of this category has gone on to win the Oscar seven times in the past decade.
Who should win? This is a strong list. My top choice would be Chastain.
Who will win? Last year brought a major surprise in this race. I’m not sure that will be the case this time, which means that Stewart wins.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

The competition:
Mahershala Ali (Swan Song) plays devoted husband Cameron Turner. He won in 2018 for “Green Book” and was nominated in 2016 for “Moonlight.” He is the lone representative of his film.

Javier Bardem (Being the Ricardos) plays actor Desi Arnaz. He has four previous nominations, with one win in 2007 for “No Country for Old Men.” His costar Nicole Kidman is also nominated, as is his film’s screenplay.

Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog) plays rancher Phil Burbank. He has three previous nominations, for “The Imitation Game” and TV projects “Patrick Melrose” and “Sherlock.” His film contends for Best Motion Picture – Drama and is tied for the nominations leader with seven total bids.

Will Smith (King Richard) plays devoted father Richard Williams. He has five previous nominations, three for film roles in “Concussion,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” and “Ali,” and two for “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” His costar Aunjanue Ellis is also nominated, along with a song from the film, which contends for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth) plays the doomed Lord Macbeth. He has nine previous nominations, eight of which were in this category, resulting in two wins, for “Glory” and “The Hurricane.” He was also the recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2015. He is the lone representative from his film.

Additional notes: Cumberbatch, Smith, and Washington were all cited by the Critics Choice Association in their nominations list. The winner of this prize has gone on to win the Oscar every year all but four times in the past twenty years, most recently last year when Anthony Hopkins defeated the late Chadwick Boseman.
Who should win? These performances are all very good. Cumberbatch is my clear favorite.
Who will win? It’s possible that it could be Cumberbatch based on the strength of his film, but I think Smith takes it.

golde

Movie with Abe: Poupelle of Chimney Town

I was very impressed with “Poupelle of Chimney Town,” one of the best animated films of the year. It's now playing in theaters. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Ascension

One of the documentaries on this year's Oscar shortlist is “Ascension,” a look at class structures and the Chinese dream. It's now streaming on Paramount Plus. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!

New to Theaters: Licorice Pizza, Poupelle of Chimney Town, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Jockey
New to DVD: The French Dispatch, Mayday, Hard Luck Love Song
New to Netflix: The Lost Daughter

Top 10 Films of 2021

I saw more movies than ever before in 2021, screening 292 titles, my most ever in a calendar year. I’m excited that my top ten films, which were hard to select, were all actually released in 2021, though I saw half of them at festivals (and six in person!). I’ll be “handing out” my AFT Awards, my annual film awards, next month, but for now, here are my favorite films of 2021. Click the title to read my review and follow the link after each to find out where to watch!

#10: C’mon C’mon (VOD)

#9: Together Together (Hulu)

#8: How It Ends (VOD)

#7: Licorice Pizza (Theaters)

#6: Dune (VOD)

#5: Encanto (Disney+)

#4: The French Dispatch (VOD)

#3: Belfast (VOD)

#2: Malcolm and Marie (Netflix)

#1: CODA (Apple TV+)