Nominee for Best Actor – Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes’ acting performance was, without a doubt, my favorite of the year. In the film “Conclave,” Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) organizes a conclave, which is a meeting with the cardinals, to elect the next pope and ends up investigating secrets and scandals about the major candidates. He uses small gestures, such as his posture and facial expressions, to convey his inner feelings. This way, he pulls us into the character’s thoughts and makes us interested in his story. While it’s disappointing he didn’t receive the recognition he earned, I’m excited to see what Fiennes accomplishes next.
Nominee for Best Supporting Actress – Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s turn as Glinda in “Wicked” was a dazzling piece of cinematic work. Though initially met with doubt, Grande proved herself to be more than just a musical success, delivering a complex and deep performance. She captured the flighty appeal of Glinda while unearthing the character’s rich emotional geography. Her singing performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, a tour-de-force that respectfully salutes Kristen Chenoweth’s iconic Broadway portrayal of the Good Witch while offering a fresh and indelible reading.
Grande’s Glinda was a masterclass in character acting, nimbly combining comedic timing with emotional vulnerability. Her performance is not merely an imitation of a beloved character; it is a reinvention, replete with her unique artistry and unmistakable star power. Grande’s work here is a testament to her skill and dedication, a performance that lingers in memory long after the credits roll and one that deserved the Oscar win.
Winner for Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin
Kieran Culkin’s turn in “A Real Pain” was undoubtedly one of the highlights of awards season. With his recent Golden Globe win and numerous critics’ accolades, it really looked like he was a shoo-in for an Oscar and rightfully so. He does not rely on gaudy melodrama, but instead accesses the emotional core of his character, showing underlying psychological distress. Benji (Kieran Culkin), despite being publicly outspoken, is a lonely character — a complex contradiction that Culkin navigates skillfully throughout the length of the film. This contrast is especially touching in the case of a train sequence in Poland, where Culkin successfully shifts between Benji’s conflicting sides, showing the strain on his relationship with his cousin David (Jesse Eisenburg). Culkin’s performance was both compelling and original, fully deserving of the broad appreciation it has been given.
