The time has come for ranking one of the „main” categories (even if I personally think it should not be considered that – why is „best actor” more important than, for example, „best documentary short”, but I digress…). Here we have a group of white men only (yes, Antonio Banderas is a Spanish man from Spain but he is not a man of colour) and they still had the nerve to exclude Robert De Niro.
5. Jonathan Pryce, The Two Popes
I already forgot most of the film, Jonathan Pryce is fun as the „nice” and „cool” pope. This is neither a project nor a role I find in any way impressive.
4. Joaquin Phoenix, Joker
I think I made it clear I dislike Joker. Joaquin Phoenix is going to win this award. That is certain at this point. And of course everybody is going on and on about how amazing this performance is. Of course it’s good! It’s Joaquin Phoenix! Personally, I’m annoyed that he did not win it for a better project so I am going to pretend he is getting it for You Were Never Really Here.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
Everything surrounding DiCaprio’s character shooting his TV show in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood was my favourite part of the film. And he was great as a sad, alcoholic has-been. I know Brad Pitt is the frontrunner in his own category but I liked DiCaprio even more.
2. Antonio Banderas, Dolor y gloria
Pain and Glory is an absolutely gorgeous film and Antonio Banderas is perfect as a stand-in for Almodóvar himself. He radiates warmth and some underlying sadness and despite being pretty calm and reserved in his actions, there is something that grabs your attention about him. I would be more than happy if he won.
1. Adam Driver, Marriage Story
And of course, my Oscar goes to the star from my favorite film of the year. Adam Driver is responsible for two of, in my opinion, greatest moments of this year’s cinema. He plays a father in a custody battle but also just a person confused by the life as he knew it falling apart. There are big flashy moments in the film but also a lot of very intimate, calm, beautiful ones. I have liked Adam Driver for many years but now I love him.
Swingin' at the Seance 