We knew it would be bad when the 2022 Oscars said they were going to be giving out 8 Oscars “pre-ceremony.” However we couldn’t have predicted it would have been as insulting as what actually occurred.
There was apparently enough time for Beyoncé to perform her entire number (and NO disrespect to Queen Bey) but we don’t have enough time to include all the categories? Or to show ungodly long clips of the nominated films? Or a bevy of anniversary film clips?
That’s not even to touch upon the wildest moment of the night between Will Smith and Chris Rock.
Any of the “upsets” didn’t feel that out of left field. Perhaps that’s because the entire 2022 Oscars ceremony felt out of left field.
Films in bold are ones we correctly predicted.
Actress in a Supporting Role
Ariana DeBose, WEST SIDE STORY
Well we were slightly surprised but knew the possibility of this upset was coming. As much as we felt like we didn’t need a West Side Story remake, DeBose was the highlight of it. Plus what a wonderful FU to the bigots out there having a Queer Afro-Latina win the first televised award of the night.
Sound
DUNE, Mac Ruth, Mark Mangini, Theo Green, Doug Hemphill and Ron Bartlett
Our first taste of the predicted Dune technical sweep. Also our first taste of the weird edited pre-clips. These teams are integral to making a film. This night should be amongst the biggest of their lives. Yet they had to give their speeches to a partially empty room that folks were trickling in to. They deserved better.
Cinematography
DUNE, Greig Fraser
Documentary Short Subject
THE QUEEN OF BASKETBALL, Ben Proudfoot
It feels a little weird to have a white man have to be the advocate for female athletes but we’ll take allyship where we can get it?
Visual Effects
DUNE, Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor and Gerd Nefzer
Really someone please explain how a film that got so many awards and nominations was left out of Best Director?
Animated Feature Film
ENCANTO, Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Yvett Merino and Clark Spencer
Welp, there’s no fighting the power of the Mouse…
Animated Short
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER, Alberto Mielgo and Leo Sanchez
Not going to lie, we thought this film was very impressive but couldn’t imagine a world in which the Academy would honor a film that has a lot of CG genitalia.
Actor in a Supporting Role
Troy Kotsur, CODA
We definitely were not expecting this one, but very very happy for Troy Kotsur. CODA was definitely an enjoyable film and Kotsur gave a great performance. It just wasn’t clear if it was going to be “Oscars” friendly.
International Feature
DRIVE MY CAR (Japan)
While we’re happy to see Drive My Car win this, we’re sort of sad that more films in this category won’t get recognition. Also what the hell at him getting played off at his pause.
Live Action Short
THE LONG GOODBYE, Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed
Again so sad that Riz Ahmed won an Oscar and it wasn’t part of the larger celebration but they cut it to make it look like it did.
Costume Design
CRUELLA, Jenny Beavan
No surprises here – though at this point in the night we didn’t realize what the 2022 Oscars would have in store.
Original Screenplay
BELFAST, Written by Kenneth Branagh
About as safe and boring as it gets. Overall it feels like a lackluster year but maybe we can hope for some upsets at the 2022 Oscars.
Adapted Screenplay
CODA Screenplay by Siân Heder
What a fun surprise that signaled the limitations of The Power of the Dog.
Original Score
DUNE, Hans Zimmer
Zimmer has been nominated 12 times and won once before… making him one of the most recognized individuals in cinema history. And yet he was one of the people relegated to an off camera category. At least he was smart enough not to show up.
Film Editing
DUNE, Joe Walker
Golly gee another Dune win. Almost seems like popular blockbusters have all the elements of a Best Picture…
Documentary Feature
SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED), Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Joseph Patel, Robert Fyvolent and David Dinerstein
Awww watching Questlove’s mother watching her son accept an Oscar is beautiful.
Production Design
DUNE, Production Design: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Zsuzsanna Sipos
Original Song
NO TIME TO DIE, No Time to Die; Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell
Sorry Lin-Manuel, that EGOT will alas have to wait. We firmly believe it’ll happen though
Directing
THE POWER OF THE DOG, Jane Campion
Alright well The Power of the Dog may have soured folks in the other categories but at least it got this one. It really is just such a shame that Campion tarnished her own win a little by putting other women down recently.
Actor in a Leading Role
WOWWW not expecting this one at all. Also it’s utterly wild that he got up and punched a person on this international stage and was still allowed to say at the ceremony to accept. Not condoning violence but what Chris Rock said was a low as hell blow. Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia diagnosis is clearly understandably sore as far as subjects go.
Some additional context
Makeup and Hairstyling
THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE, Linda Dowds, Stephanie Ingram and Justin Raleigh
Actress in a Leading Role
Jessica Chastain, THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE
Sorry what?! This performance was fine but between this and Smith this year was truly unhinged.
Best Picture
CODA, Philippe Rousselet, Fabrice Gianfermi and Patrick Wachsberger
Well we thought it was possible this would be an upset – though not sure if you can call it an upset. It was a fun wholesome film that lots of people could connect to. Plus it’s great to see differently abled representation on screen.
We issue a hearty congrats to the 2022 Oscars winners (though some wins we disagree with). However the telecast felt insulting to the craftspeople whose time was cut short in lieu of idiotic social media gambits or over extended film clips.
