With so many movies represented in any given year’s Academy Awards Ceremony, very few people have time to watch all the movies needed to be fully prepared for Hollywood’s biggest night. Sure, you can read predictions from experts that are well-trained in nit-picking and over-analyzing every move an actor makes, or every scene a director directs, but it’s likely that the majority of movie goers value their friend’s opinion of a movie or performance just as much as what the critics think.
While all five of the actors below gave memorable, praiseworthy performances, the following is a casual movie fan’s perspective of who is most deserving to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor at the 2017 Academy Awards.
5. Dev Patel, Lion
(Photo credit: Contactmusic.com)
Not since Bobby and Cindy Brady were lost in the Grand Canyon has a little Indian boy made such an impact on pop culture. Lion, the story of an Indian boy who gets permanently lost while chilling on a mission with his older brother, is full of memorable performances including Best Supporting Actress nominee, Nicole Kidman, and my own personal nominee for cutest kid of all time, 8 year old, Sunny Pawar. However, it is Dev Patel’s role of missing boy-turned soul searching adult, Saroo Brierley that is most impressive.
While Bobby and Cindy Brady managed to survive getting lost in the wide open Grand Canyon thanks to their Indian friend, it is all but guaranteed they would both be dead in just hours if they got lost in the bustling streets of India.
As an Indian-British actor, Patel had to speak in an Australian accent for the role, and somehow it came off as believable as how easy it would be to get permanently lost on the streets of India.
Unfortunately while Patel certainly deserves the recognition of the nomination, he is up against some incredibly strong actors in some even more unforgettable roles.
4. Michael Shannon, Nocturnal Animals
(Photo credit: vimooz.com)
Along with stellar performances by co-stars Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon’s portrayal of “no f*cks given,” Detective Bobby Andes in the thriller, Nocturnal Animals made the film one of the must see movies of 2016.
Shannon’s nomination, while well-deserved, was one of the more surprising nominations of the year. Detective Andes was about as bad ass as you get, and not many actors can do bad ass the way Shannon can. He owned the role and seemed to do so effortlessly. Unfortunately for Shannon, the buzz surrounding many of his other competitors will make the odds of him taking home the Oscar rather unlikely.
3. Jeff Bridges, Hell Or High Water
(Photo credit: IMDb.com)
The biggest strike against Jeff Bridges winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor isn’t the four other actors he is competing against, nor is it the voting Academy members. The biggest hurdle Bridges needs to overcome is himself and his own reputation.
Over the course of his extensive career, Bridges has delivered epic performances time and time again, one of which won him the Best Actor Oscar for the 2009 drama, Crazy Heart, and many of which has earned his nominations.
While his performance as Texas Ranger, Marcus Hamilton in last year’s Western crime thriller, Hell Or High Water is certainly worthy of an Academy Award, just about everything Bridges does* is worthy of an award, and thus, it may come across as less impressive than some of his lesser-known competitors.
* I was planning on making fun of Bridges’ attempt at a career in music, but after listening to his music on Spotify I have come to the realization that this “Dude” can do no wrong.
2. Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
(Photo credit : eonline.com)
Mahershala Ali was brilliant in his role as Juan, the nicest, kindest, warm-hearted drug dealer of all time, in the critically acclaimed Moonlight.
Ali was only in the film for the first third, and his absence from the remainder of the film was obvious. Despite the film being littered with memorable characters, Ali’s was the one that stood out from the rest.
Juan may have been a drug dealer and all, but if I ever was in a pinch and needed a babysitter at the last-minute, I know exactly which street corner I would be heading to.
Ali will very likely win the award, but in my opinion, there is one other actor that may deserve it a hair more…
1. Lucas Hedges, Manchester By The Sea
(Photo credit: AceShowbiz.com)
In my opinion, of all the nominees for Best Supporting Actor, Lucas Hedges’ portrayal of 16-year-old Patrick Chandler in Manchester By The Sea was the most
impressive.
As a relatively unknown teenager, Hedges not only held his own against insanely spectacular performances by Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams, but he may have even stole the spotlight a bit from them.
Looking back on Manchester By The Sea, it is Hedges’ role as Patrick that stands out the most.
While the vast majority of teenagers are sarcastic, bratty, ungrateful and miserable in real life, Hedges nailed the role and his portrayal of an angst-ridden Boston teen was one of, if not the most accurate and memorable performances in any movie from 2016.
For a countdown of what I deem to be the most important category in this years Academy Awards, Best Documentary Short Subject, click here.
While movies like LaLa Land, Hidden Figures, and Moonlight have created quite the buzz this Oscar season, perhaps the most important films from 2016 are the ones that you have likely never heard of.
Odds are, if you have heard any conversation about the 2017 Academy Awards Ceremony, or ANY Academy Awards Ceremony for that matter, you heard movie-goers making their predictions for the major categories of Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Actress in a Leading Role, etc.
Additionally, when watching the Academy Awards Ceremony, when you hear the presenter announce to the crowd “I am here to present the award for Best Documentary Short Subject,” you use it as your cue to make some popcorn, grab another beer from the fridge, or even fast forward through the “boring” category.
While I have watched all nine Best Picture Nominees, and enjoyed each of them in their own way, I am here to tell you that if you watch anything in preparation for the ceremony, the nominees for Best Documentary Short Subject are, without a doubt, the most important.
Each documentary is between 20 and 40 minutes long, and focuses on hot-button issues such as immigration, end of life decision-making, the Holocaust, and the daily airstrikes targeting innocent civilians in Syria.
Anyone that says “I can’t watch those, they are way too depressing,” is exactly what is wrong with humanity. They are sad, they are uncomfortable, and they will very likely make you cry at some point. But they are also touching stories about the good in people and how behind every terrible situation is a hero that deserves to have their story told.
Each of the following documentaries deserves to be awarded, but nevertheless, I will rank them from least to most likely to win the Oscar.
* The documentary Watani: My Homeland, the story of one family’s struggle to survive the Syrian Civil War, is not yet available to be watched online. Therefore, will not be included in the countdown. It will be ranked as soon as it becomes available. The trailer is below.
https://youtu.be/NK2JLee2xHk
Best Documentary Short Subject
4) 4.1 Miles by Daphne Matziaraki (21 minutes)
“The world needs to know about this. We can’t be going through this alone,” yells one of the citizens in the community of the small Greek island that has been bombarded with over 600,000 refugees fleeing from Turkey over the past few years. The refugees attempt the 4.1 mile trek across the Aegean Sea to try to begin new lives.
But instead of focusing on the fleeing refugees, 4.1 Miles tells the story of the Greek Coast Guard that is in charge of rescuing the refugees as they approach their homeland. Perhaps the most unbelievable part of the entire 21 minute documentary is the fact that just 4.1 miles can separate a luxurious, elegant, Greek island from what many would consider to be Hell on Earth.
The story is tragic, as not all the refugees survive the trek, but the heroic acts of the Coast Guard, combined with the hospitality and acceptance of the refugees from the Greek community will make you thankful that such kind-hearted, selfless people exist.
3. The White Helmets by Orlando von Einsiedel and Joanna Natasegara (40 minutes)
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX
The White Helmets tells the story of a group of volunteer first responders that report to the site of the daily airstrikes that take place on civilians in Syria. The men are responsible for saving the lives of over 58,000 civilians since 2013.
Even as heartbreak and tragedy are happening all around them, including their own families, they risk their lives to find survivors in the post air strike rubble.
These men are heroes in every sense of the word, and 40 minutes almost doesn’t seem like enough time to honor the work that they do. Not since Baby Jessica was rescued from the well has a baby rescue scene been so miraculous. And the immediate bond and love the men have for the baby is about as beautiful as a moment can get.
Watch this documentary and if you can, support these heroes by considering making a charitable donation to their cause by following this link.
2. Joe’s Violin by Kahane Cooperman and Raphaela Neihausen (24 minutes)
Joe’s Violin is the story of an unlikely friendship between a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor, and a 12-year-old girl from the Bronx.
Both avid fans of the violin, the two form a deep bond over one very special instrument. One day Joe hears a commercial that a local drive is taking place where people can donate instruments that they no longer find useful. He decided to donate his 70-year-old violin that he purchased after being released from the concentration camps once the Holocaust ended.
The violin makes its way into the hands of Brianna Perez, along with a description of Joe’s story and why the violin is so special.
It is the most heart-warming of all the short documentaries nominated this year, but that doesn’t mean you won’t cry. In fact, have your damn tissues nearby when watching this beauty.
Watch the documentary in its entirety below. Or visit the website to learn more about Joe and Brianna.
1. Extremis by Dan Krauss (24 minutes)
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX
Extremis is the heartbreaking documentary that follows the end-of-life decision-making process of doctors, patients and their families. It is a topic that many are scared to touch upon, as it can be quite controversial and harrowing.
Krauss, however, beautifully captures the step-by-step decision process from all ends, and flawlessly relays to the audience the sincere emotions of all parties involved.
One would think that the families going through the process would want privacy in such a tragic moment of their lives, but the truth of the matter is that the vast majority of families have, or will have to go through the exact same stages of decision-making for a loved one at some point in their lives.
It may be the most depressing documentary you have seen in a very long time, but it will also help you to realize how short, precious, unpredictable and beautiful life can be.
Watch the trailer below, or the documentary in its entirety on Netflix.
For who should win Best Supporting Actor click here.
For part one of “Ranking the Characters of It’s A Wonderful Lifeclick here.
8. Pa Bailey
Pa Bailey calming telling Young George to get the hell out of his office. (aveleyman.com)
Unfortunately for George, Pa Bailey had to go and have a massive stroke and not only ruin George’s plans for his epic trip, but also ruined his game with Mary, just as he was about to get some action. And unfortunately for us, we only got to know Pa briefly.
But what we do know of the Bailey patriarch is that he was a stand up guy that used his business of the Building and Loan to help his neighbors and the Bedford Falls community.
Pa Bailey is a man’s man that doesn’t command respect, but gets it anyways. The way his sons, George and Harry stand up for him, respect him, and honor his memory makes Pa the most underrated character in the movie.
George’s epic monologue in which he tears into Mr. Potter and stands up for his deceased father, is one of my favorite monologues in cinematic history. Absolutely brilliant.
Bottom line: While it would be difficult for Pa Bailey and I to maintain a friendship due to our lack of common interests, I would be more than happy to use his business for all my loaning needs. And I would be sure to make prompt payments to the best of my ability.
7. ZuZu
ZuZu, the rebel with the open coat.
First off, ZuZu is a bad ass. ZuZu was so nervous that she was going to crush her flower that she won at school that she decided to not button up her jacket on her way home. Plus, there is the whole issue of the timing it would have taken her to button up her coat. Ain’t nobody got time for buttoning up coats when they are itching to get home and stare at their flower. So I get it, ZuZu.
Now, I get that ZuZu is only like six, but is she really that naive to think that George was going to be able to paste the pedals back on the flower? Come on, ZuZu, you’re better than that.
You got to hand it to ZuZu though. She went from feeling like a million bucks and winning prizes at school, to being so sick that a Dr. had to come pay her a visit, and back to feeling like a million bucks again, all in the matter of a few hours. Plus, even so late at night when she should have been in bed, she had the wherewithal to take her school learnings and make real life connections when she heard the bell ring and proclaimed that her teaching said that “every time a bell rings and angel gets its wings.”
Luckily for ZuZu, she does not have much in the way of competition as far as being the favorite child is concerned. Little Tommy and Pete couldn’t be any more annoying, and Janie is a crybaby that won’t stop butchering “Hark! The Heralds Angels Sing” on the piano.
Bottom line: I despise coats and only wear them when it is extremely necessary. So, ZuZu and I could really have hit it off. However, due to my supernatural ability to kill a basil plant in just days, ZuZu would want nothing to do with my friendship. There is no way in hell I would follow her on Instagram because I would imagine it would be littered with boring flower shots. But, ZuZu’s Twitter would be hopping because she would be shooting off facts left and right about what she learned in school. We could all learn a lot from ZuZu’s twitter account.
6. Adult George Bailey
George Bailey in full on meltdown mode. (salon.com)
First off, if I had a nickel for every time I said the following sentence by George Bailey, I would have enough money to take care of George Bailey’s $8000 mistake myself…..
While I whole-heartedly love the guy, a friendship with adult George Bailey would be exhausting. You would have to deal with his anger issues, depression, mood swings, self loathing and nonstop complaints about his children and how much he hates Bedford Falls.
With that being said, I think it is pretty safe to say that a friendship with George post-suicide attempt would be amazing. He is a changed man that has learned a valuable lesson, and will have an entirely new outlook at life. As long as he doesn’t hold over his family and friend’s heads how awful (or dead) they would be if it wasn’t for him, he is going to come out of this a much better man, and a hell of a lot more fun to be around.
Bottom line: I would want to have drinks at Martini’s with George when he is in a good mood. I would steer clear of him when he is having a bad day. And I would avoid any and all social media accounts of George’s. Can you imagine his complaining and rants that he would go on? No thanks, buddy. But I still love you.
5. Mr. Potter
Mr Potter is NOT happy. (thinglink.com)
Mr. Potter is pretty much the worst person imaginable. He has absolutely no empathy for others, he uses his power and fortune to further himself at the expense of his community, and he is an all around miserable prick with zero redeeming qualities.
Mr. Potter flashing his best attempt at a smile. (aveleyman.com)
But…….. HOLY HELL, did you see what Pottersville would have looked like if George was never born? It looked AMAZING! Bar after bar, pool rooms, clubs, dancing, live music, and burlesque clubs. Mr. Potter sure knows how to liven a town up.
https://youtu.be/zCFePlm0Gkw
Bottom line: It’s been established that Mr. Potter is a complete jerk, and like George says, is a “warped, frustrated old man.” But his hatred for the human race is actual quite comical, and it would be entertaining as hell to work with him. Unlike George, I would not be above working for Mr. Potter. Especially if it meant that I would get a hefty salary, and free business trips to Europe every once in a while.
4. Mary
Mary and Mary, being quite contrary. (photo credit: popgoesthelibrarian.wordpress.com)
Mary is grade A marriage material. She is a supportive wife, a loving mother, and was actually quite fun back in the day. Mary and George fell into the pool at the school dance but, like most other girls would, she didn’t have a meltdown and cry about her hair and makeup being ruined, she went with the flow and kept on dancing.
When George was in a bind because of the rush at the bank, she didn’t whine and complain about missing her honeymoon, she whipped out the cash and helped her husband appease his customers.
When George was out and about getting drunk at Martini’s and contemplating suicide, it was Mary that called all the townspeople and saved the day.
So…. why isn’t Mary ranked higher than #4? Well, did you see “If George was never born, Mary?”
Good Lord, she was awful. I understand that it would be very creepy for a stranger to come up to you and call you their wife, but the screaming and fainting was all a bit too much if you ask me. Knowing that Mary is only as awesome as she is because of George is a bit of a disappointment.
With that being said, even though he may be a pain in the ass at times, Mary needs to thank her lucky stars Ma and Pa Bailey had little George Bailey.
Bottom Line: If Mary was single, I would snatch her up quicker than you can say “Buffalo gals won’t you come out tonight, won’t you come out tonight, won’t you come out tonight. Buffalo gals won’t you come out tonight annnnnnnnnnnndddddddddd dance by the light of the mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon.”
3. Bert and Ernie
Bert and Ernie chillin’ in Bedford Falls. (commons.wikimedia.org)
I don’t know about you, but if you could have two friends in Bedford Falls, having the only taxi driver, and one of the only cops as your BFFs is the way to go.
Not only are Bert and Ernie funny guys, but they will do anything for their buddy George. The fact that they helped Mary turn 320 Sycamore into their honeymoon suite was about the nicest thing two buddies could do for a guy that got caught in a bank run on his way to his honeymoon.
Bottom Line: I would be best friends with Ernie because he is the funniest and would be able to drive me back and forth to Martini’s every day. But Bert and I would hit it off just fine as well. I would be Facebook friends with both, and would follow Ernie on Twitter, as I am sure he would have some fantastic zingers.
2. Clarence
Clarence talking to the big man upstairs. (quotesgram.com)
I agree with George that Clarence “looks like about the kind of guardian angel I would get.” Despite the fact that my reputation may take a hit with being seen walking around town with Clarence, he would be an amazing friend to have.
Anyone that has the ability to do what Clarence did is someone that you want on your side. Plus, he was just about ready to start throwing back some hot mulled wine at Martini’s when he and George got kicked out. This leads me to believe that I could get Clarence to loosen up a little and hang with the big boys on a night out on the town. How awesome would it be to get drunk with your guardian angel? My guardian angel has been watching me do it for almost two decades. It would be so special to be able to return the favor.
The only downside to Clarence? I would feel awfully judged while hanging out with him. We would be out at a bar watching the Redskins game, and I would make some sort of throwaway comment like… ” if the Redskins lose this game in the final seconds after winning the entire game, I am going to kill myself.” Clarence would get all pissed and start telling me all deep shit like, “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, it leaves an awful hole, doesn’t it?” And I would be like, “Clarence, I just want The Redskins to win the Superbowl like really bad. Chill out. Ok buddy?”
Bottom line: Clarence and I would be best buddies, but we would bicker like an old married couple.
1. Young George Bailey
I wish I was best friends with Young George Bailey. Hot Dog!
Little George Bailey is so cool that he had to be separated from the older version of himself. Still confident, charming, and charismatic, he has not yet been tarnished by the world around him. He was also quite observant as he remarkably saved druggist Mr. Gower from a life in the slammer by stopping him from accidentally poisoning a kid to death.
Little George was born older (as Pa Bailey put it) and at a young age he had big dreams, and ambitions. He wanted to get the hell out of dodge and see the world.
All the girls wanted a piece of little George, as evidence by the fact that at just nine years old both Violet and Mary were already fighting over him. Yet George did not let the attention of the ladies, nor title of being a hero get to his head. He thought Violet was a insane for her asking him to help her down from her seat, and he thought Mary was brainless for not liking coconut, to which I couldn’t agree more. He told it like it is. Good or bad.
Just watch this 4 second video below for a reminder of how amazing young George is.
… And this is 25 seconds of young George Bailey that summarizes me as a bartender.
In addition to being a complete stud, young George was not afraid of anyone. He stood up to Mr. Potter when the mean old man was talking about his Pa. Nobody talks about Pa Bailey and gets away with it if George Bailey is around.
Young George is also loyal, as he promised Mr Gower that he would never tell a soul that Mr Gower put poison in the pills. Despite the fact that Mr Gower smacked him upside the head and made his sore eat bleed.
And finally, and most importantly, young Harry would have died in the river that day had George not been so heroic. Without skipping a beat young stud muffin George Bailey hopped into the water to save his brothers and took on the leadership position in the rescue.
….. and just remember, for all those naysayers out there that may say, “but if George was never born, wouldn’t have Harry’s friends saved him from the river that day when he fell in the ice?” That question, quite simply, can be answered by watching the TWO SECOND clip below. (Focus on the kid running to help and you tell me if you want him saving you from anything.)
May “It’s A Wonderful Life” always remind us that no matter how bleak and awful our lives may seem at the moment, that things could always be worse, and we should be grateful for the loved ones we have, even if they are terrible at playing the piano or lose $8000 of your money. And even if your house is cold and drafty and your staircase is broken, remember that there are people that don’t have drafty houses and broken staircases.
And even if your brother is cooler than you, you’re about to lose your business, your about to go to jail for a long time, your children’s teacher’s husband punches you in the face in front of all your friends, and you crash your car into the oldest tree in your town…… remember this…. no man is a failure that has friends.
