Green Book, which was helmed by Peter Farrelly, reached a stunning crescendo of praise and won the coveted Best Picture title at the 91st Academy Awards, capping an almost perfect season of wins. The film’s three Oscar wins alone included Best Supporting Actor for the incomparable Mahershala Ali and a laurel for Best Original Screenplay. The film did garner critical acclaim in addition to making a respectable sum of money.
While the 2018 flick dazzled the Academy, it ultimately outshined Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther, Adam Driver’s BlacKkKlansman, Olivia Colman’s The Favourite, Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born, and Yalitza Aparicio’s Roma. Thus, it’s clear that the debate about the best cinematic execution remains as vibrant as ever in the hearts of cinephiles.
Chadwick Boseman, Bradley Cooper & Yalitza Aparicio’s Overlooked Performances
We know that the Oscars are the ultimate recognition of talent and hard work in the film industry. Every year, cinephiles eagerly anticipate the nominations and winners, hoping to see their favorite movies & actors take home the coveted golden statuette. Nevertheless, sometimes, even the most deserving performances are overlooked, leaving fans questioning the decisions of the Academy.
The year 2019 was no exception, with Chadwick Boseman, Bradley Cooper, and Yalitza Aparicio’s Oscar-worthy flicks getting snubbed in favor of Green Book (via IndieWire). While director Peter Farrelly’s film undeniably had its merits, many moviegoers still can’t shake the feeling that other nominees were more deserving of the prize.
Black Panther, the groundbreaking superhero film that shattered box office records and cultural barriers, was a fan favorite for many. Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa, the noble king of Wakanda, was praised for its depth and complexity. Yet, despite its critical acclaim, the film ultimately lost out to Green Book in the Best Picture category.
Similarly, Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, A Star Is Born, was a powerful and poignant love story that struck a chord with audiences around the world. Cooper’s raw and emotional performance as troubled musician Jackson Maine, alongside Lady Gaga’s breakout turn as aspiring singer Ally, garnered widespread praise. However, the film’s heartbreaking tale of love and loss was overshadowed by the feel-good narrative of Green Book.
And then there’s Yalitza Aparicio, whose mesmerizing performance in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma won audiences’ hearts and critics alike. Yet, despite such an awe-inspiring performance, the 2018 drama flick was unable to secure the Best Picture Oscar, leaving the audience disappointed & disillusioned.
The Oscar Controversy Revisited: Why Green Book Still Divides Cinephiles
Well, the Oscars: A time where the best and brightest in the film industry come together to celebrate their achievements, and where controversies seem to always rear their ugly heads. In 2019, the spotlight shone brightly on Green Book and its surprising win for Best Picture at the 91st Academy Awards.
In a year where movies like Black Panther and A Star Is Born were also in the running, the choice to crown Green Book as the winner seemed like a misstep, to say the least. The backlash against the latter has been fierce, with critics pointing out the film’s problematic portrayal of race (see US Today).
The movie may have struck a chord with some audiences, but for many cinephiles, it still missed the mark completely. Let’s have a look at a few comments left by fans:
It’s a tale as old as time in the movie industry—the underdog film often captures the hearts of the Academy, while more deserving ones are left in the dust.
The snubs of actors like Chadwick Boseman, Bradley Cooper, and Yalitza Aparicio only add fuel to the fire, leaving viewers wondering why the Oscars continue to overlook true talent. But while Green Book may have left a bitter taste in the mouths of many cinephiles, the controversy surrounding its win only serves to spark more conversation & debate in the ever-evolving film industry.
Green Book can be rented on Apple TV.
