Baz’s Take on Oscar Nominations: Insights on Elle, Voter Opinions, and the Wrap-Up of ‘Wicked’
Recently, director Joachim Trier expressed his admiration for actress Elle Fanning, who received her first Academy Award nomination for her role in his film Sentimental Value. The Norwegian family drama, which echoes the works of Henrik Ibsen and Arthur Miller, earned a total of nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best International Feature.
Fanning, alongside co-stars Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård, who received nominations for Leading Actress and Supporting Actor, respectively, was a standout among the nominees.
In Sentimental Value, Fanning portrays Rachel Kemp, a Hollywood actress brought on by Skarsgård’s character, filmmaker Gustov Borg, to fill a role his daughter (played by Reinsve) has turned down. Trier remarked, “I was curious whether people see how sophisticated and subtle [Fanning] is as Rachel. Remember, Elle has as much experience as an actor in their 40s; she’s been acting since she was a tiny toddler. She was in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button when she was 7 years old, and before that, she was in a dozen films. I think what was beautiful was that she really took a risk with a lot of this and just said, ‘Okay, let’s do this.’”
Oscar nominees Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning in ‘Sentimental Value’
Trier and co-writer Eskil Vogt intentionally avoided turning Fanning’s character into a stereotype. “That would be too silly. We don’t want that. What she’s playing is a human being. The star stuff is pushed aside,” he stated.
A pivotal moment occurs when Rachel questions Gustov about her eligibility for the role, highlighting her insecurities about not speaking Norwegian. This scene demonstrates Fanning’s depth as an actress, adding layers of believability and sensitivity.
Fanning’s performance is not new to audiences; her portrayal last year in A Complete Unknown showcased her talent remarkably. Her chemistry with Timothée Chalamet, particularly in a memorable scene across a fence, has resonated with many viewers, leaving a lasting impression.
Skarsgård shared his enthusiasm for collaborating with Fanning, regarding her as “outstanding” in both Sentimental Value and A Complete Unknown.
In discussions with several Academy members regarding the recent nominations, Sentimental Value emerged as a highlight, particularly Fanning’s performance.
(L-R) Elle Fanning and Renate Reinsve
A friend of mine, an Academy member, noted the significance of Fanning’s presence, stating, “Don’t underestimate that she’s a great screen presence — and she’s a grownup! That’s the important thing to remember.” This encapsulates the essence of this year’s nominations.
The nominations for Sentimental Value and The Secret Agent across both Best Picture and Best International Feature categories highlight the Academy’s recognition of filmmaking’s global reach. Despite hopes for additional nominations for It Was Just an Accident and Sirāt, the current selections convey an inclusive message about international cinema.
In England, excitement brews over the recognition of Hamnet. However, its absence from the Film Editing category raises questions, particularly regarding Paul Mescal’s omission for his role as William Shakespeare, a decision that has stirred debate among Oscar voters.
Controversy also surrounds Wicked: For Good, with some Academy members suggesting that while the film was well-made, it did not possess the same appeal as its predecessor. One voter remarked, “The heat was never there for Wicked: For Good; you and everyone else who loved it weren’t in the majority at the Academy.”
Amid discussions about Broadway adaptations, Julia Roberts recently questioned the criteria by which films and performances are judged for nominations. While there is no definitive answer, it remains clear that audience enthusiasm can vary significantly.
As the awards season unfolds, the spotlight remains on Fanning and the acclaimed films mentioned, with anticipation building for the upcoming ceremonies.
