Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

 

1967, PG, Directed by Stanley Kramer

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Houghton

1967 was a groundbreaking year in Hollywood; not only was there a surge in younger filmmakers pushing the envelope stylistically, serious themes were beginning to be tackled. Stanley Kramer’s classic effort sees a young woman return to her family home with a doctor she plans to marry; much to her parent’s surprise, he is black. Set over one day, the flow of this film engages you with the characters in such a way that – although the overall outcome proves inevitable – you never find yourself bored. This could largely be due to the performances at the core; Houghton is pleasant as daughter Christina, whilst Sidney Poitier holds coolly holds his own as the respected doctor. But this film is what it is due to the magnificent screen presence of Hepburn and Tracy, the last time to be seen on-screen together (Spencer Tracy passed away 17 days after filming ceased). They may have differing opinions in the film, but they share a chemistry rarely encapsulated. This is one dinner you must tuck into.

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Oscar Nominee #10: Winter's Bone

Say hello to the dark horse of this year’s nominations; the fact that the bleak Winter’s Bone has been nominated is an undeniable blessing. An affecting, harrowing tale of Ree Dolly’s search for her wayward father will endure as one of the greatest largely-unseen films of last year. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance is one of the most believable and unassuming of the nominations, (and as much as I love Portman, it would be a victory, albeit a bittersweet one, if Lawrence nicked it from under her nose). If anything, the fact that Winter's Bone is in the list makes me extremely glad so as to raise its profile and get it seen. Again, Debbie Granik did not receive a Directing nomination, so there won't be a repeat of last year's Kathryn Bigelow female victory, but Granik's passion for her craft is evident. But like I said, its inclusion is enough and its chances are better than most.

Would it have been nominated before the 10-nomination rule?

I’m going to say no. It would have been between this and True Grit, but I can’t quite explain why I think the Academy wouldn’t have swung towards this. Probably would average out on other nominations, and whilst True Grit has got a Direction and Screenplay nomination for the Coen’s and noms for Bridges and Steinfeld to boot, Winter’s Bone has only been recognised for Lawrence and John Hawkes, for Supporting Actor, who fully deserve their nominations, and Screenplay. Also, more people know True Grit and the Academy are generally quite lazy, so less members have probably seen Winter's Bone. The extension to 10 nominees is effective when films like this get noticed for their worth.

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Oscar Nominee #9: True Grit

It's nice that the Academy are continually considering the Coen Brothers nowadays; after winning big with No country for Old Men, they got a justified nomination for last year's A Serious Man and now for True Grit. Each film they make is as good as the last and it is reassuring that Oscar notices this. Their (own) shock inclusion with A Serious Man was wholeheartedly deserved and actually a better film eventual-winner The Hurt Locker (which was still a fantastic film), and after a complete snub from the Golden Globes, in which a lot of respect and credibility was lost, True Grit was always going to be nominated by the Academy. Not so much a remake of the original, which saw John Wayne win his only Oscar, but a re-adaptation of Charles Portis’ novel, this is a true Western. Starring last years Best Actor winner Jeff Bridges on Oscar-nominated form here, this is film-making at its most stylish. Long-time cinematographer Roger Deakins deserves his consideration here. If there is any justice though, the award True Grit will definitely scoop is Supporting Actress for 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld; she truly delivers one of the best performances out of all the acting nominations of this year. Mattie Ross is the film's heart, and somehow she managed to upstage Bridges and Matt Damon. If that is not Oscar worthy, I don't know what is. As for it winning though, if it wasn't such a strong year (what with The King's Speech and The Social Network battling it out), this would have had such a great chance.

Would it have been nominated before the 10-nomination rule?

Another difficult one – but I say when push came to shove, yes it would have been; and rightfully so. This is one of the most charming films on the list. Great performances, great direction, great script... it actually is one of the only nominated films that has it all. 

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Oscar Nominee #8: Toy Story 3

Make no mistake, Toy Story 3 made amazing trilogies possible and officially launched the animated phenomenon, kick-started in 1995, into ‘Greatest Trilogy Ever’ realms. The highest grossing and most-critically lauded film of 2010, Toy Story 3 was guaranteed an Oscar nomination after Up’s last year. Thanks to the extension of the nominations, Pixar gems are guaranteed to be included no matter what. Toy Story 3 winning the Best Animated Feature Oscar is probably the deadest cert of the night (yep, even ahead of Firth winning Best Actor), which will unfortunately detract from its likelihood of winning the Best Picture. It could happen! But it won’t…

Would it have been nominated before the 10-nomination rule?

Sadly not, the Academy would have settled for its Animated Feature nomination in the mindset that it will win - which is understandable really. At least animation films are being recognised! However, some could say that animation is being overlooked and should not have its separate category. A strong argument, but they would never win - even films as big as Toy Story 3 - if the category wasn't there. Just be thankful for its nomination and monumental completion. Random info: this is the first sequel to be nominated for Best Picture without any of its previous films...

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Oscar Nominee #7: The Social Network

May I introduce to you the second horse in this years race. The Social Network took a lot of people by surprise and is being seen as a generational, relevant film. Directed by David Fincher and scripted by Aaron Sorkin, everybody expected this to be good, but not great. But a great film it is and will no doubt be rewarded in some way this season (most obviously bagging Best Director for Fincher and Best Screenplay for Sorkin). Personally, this was the second-best film of 2010 for me, behind Inception. Simultaneously a Director's film and a performance film, with heavy bouts of dialogue (the opening scene featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Fincher's future-Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was shot 99 times), The Social Network has tough competition from The King's Speech. Whatever happens though, I doubt anybody saw a film about Facebook becoming such a sensation. This will no doubt endure as a cult classic; and one in which Justin Timberlake was actually pretty impressive.

Would it have been nominated before the 10-nomination rule?

Without a shadow of a doubt. I predicted The Social Network would emerge victorious before the nominations were even announced, and I kind of hope it does.

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Oscar Nominee #6: 127 Hours

I’m going to stand my ground and express annoyance that this film is on the list. The film is not awful, it’s actually not bad and rather watchable. It’s not that I dislike Danny Boyle – I don’t, I think he’s a great talent – but to me, this is a case of simply nominating a film directed by a previous winner. A nomination for the sake of a nomination. If Slumdog Millionaire had not swept up in 2009, this film would not be here, but instead Ben Affleck’s far superior The Town would be. This isn’t to say that 127 Hours is completely undeserving; James Franco (Best Actor nominee and presenter of this year’s ceremony alongside the beautiful Anne Hathaway) displays terrific skills as the incredible story of Aron Ralston plays out on the screen. Danny Boyle didn't receive a Director nomination which lowers its chance and it isn't really a big dog in any of the other nominations. This is here for the sake of being here...

Would it have been nominated before the 10-nomination rule?

Definitely not – out of all the films on the list, this is the one that simply got it due to Franco’s nomination and Boyle’s previous Director win. A simple case of making up the numbers. Don't let this distract you from seeing 127 Hours if you want to - it's extremely watchable, but just the weakest in this category.

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Oscar Nominee #5: The King's Speech

This film has been a hit in all sense of the word; at festivals, at award ceremonies, in the box office – The King’s Speech really took a small idea and moulded it into a fantastically captured story that caught the hearts of the world entire. I am 100 percent sure that Colin Firth will be this year’s Best Actor, but as for the film scooping Best Picture, it is likely - but does has worthy competition. Tom Hooper has been recognised in the Director category (for making something small so cinematic), which obviously enhances its chances. I have noticed the film receiving something of a backlash recently, especially off the back of its massive win at the BAFTAs, and this is completely unwarranted. Too little, too late? We’ll see. If you ask me though, this euphoric film and one other has the biggest chance. This year's race is a two-horse one, and this has its foot-firmly in the mixer. Not bad for a little film.

Would it have been nominated before the 10 nomination-rule?

No point wasting time here, yes it would have been. Out of all the nominees this year, this is the film with the greatest track record; and lets face it, this is now apparently the biggest favourite Oscar has ever seen. So yeah, a nomination was a dead cert.

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