1. The Timeliness of Oscar-Nominated Films in Today’s Political Climate
The 2024 Oscar season has unfolded against a backdrop of profound political and social upheaval, with films that resonate deeply with the tensions of our time. German director Edward Berger’s “Conclave,” a gripping papal thriller, serves as a stark reminder of the divisive nature of politics, both within the Vatican and in the broader American context. The film, which follows the democratic process of selecting a new pope after the sudden death of the previous one, has been praised for its timely commentary on unity and division. Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, leads the proceedings, while the film delves into themes of bigotry, feminism, and non-binary gender identity, reflecting the progressive values of a bygone era under President Biden. Berger’s film, adapted from Robert Harris’s 2016 novel, feels eerily relevant in 2024, as progressive Americans grapple with the aftermath of the election and the resurgence of polarizing politics. Critics like Peter Debruge have noted how the film’s exploration of division and unity offers a powerful metaphor for America’s current state, even as the real-world outcome of the election has been far from the “answered prayer” Debruge described.
2. The Universality of Struggle in International Films
While “Conclave” offers a direct commentary on America’s political climate, other Oscar-nominated films from international directors have also shed light on universal struggles that resonate deeply in the context of Trump-era America. French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance,” a groundbreaking body horror film, serves as a chilling critique of patriarchal systems and the devaluation of women. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the film explores the diminishing worth of aging women in Hollywood while also addressing the broader societal issues of sexism and misogyny. Dennis Quaid’s character, an industry mogul named Harvey, serves as a grotesque reminder of the kind of men who perpetuate systemic abuse, evoking memories of the “Access Hollywood” tapes that dominated the 2016 election cycle. Premiering at Cannes in May 2023, “The Substance” was already a powerful call to action for gender equality, but its horrors feel even more gut-wrenching in today’s political landscape.
Another film that offers a reflection on our present through the lens of the past is Brazilian director Walter Salles’s epic “I’m Still Here,” which follows a family tragedy set against the backdrop of Brazil’s dictatorship in the 1970s. Centered on the matriarch Eunice Paiva, played by Fernanda Torres, the film is both a brutal retelling of history and a warning for the future. Salles himself has noted that what began as a historical project became a mirror for the present, as authoritarianism and division continue to shape global politics. The film’s unflinching portrayal of totalitarianism serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of forgetting the past, particularly in an era where democracy itself feels under threat.
3. Breaking Barriers and Challenging Norms
The 2024 Oscars have also been marked by historic firsts, albeit ones that have not been without controversy. French director Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” made history by featuring Karla Sofía Gascón as the first openly trans best actress nominee, a milestone that has been both celebrated and criticized. While Gascón’s recent bigoted tweets have derailed the film’s awards prospects, the film’s inclusive qualities and operatic musical style, combined with a powerhouse performance by Zoe Saldaña, have struck a chord with audiences. The film’s embrace of trans identity feels particularly important in the wake of Trump’s executive order denying the existence of non-binary gender identities, serving as a testament to the power of storytelling to challenge societal norms.
4. Dystopian Visions and the Dangers of Power
The dangers of authoritarianism and the manipulation of power are themes that resonate throughout several Oscar-nominated films, none more so than Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” and Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked.” Villeneuve’s epic sequel, set in a desert dystopia, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following power-hungry strongmen who exploit fear and division to maintain control. In the context of Trump’s second term, the film feels frighteningly prescient, offering a stark warning about the consequences of allowing authoritarianism to take root. Meanwhile, Chu’s “Wicked,” a candy-colored musical adaptation of the hit Broadway show, has been described by Variety’s Peter Debruge as a “timeless critique of division, fascism, and fear of the other.” The film’s story of a charismatic leader who demonizes a marginalized group for political gain feels particularly poignant in today’s America, offering a powerful allegory for the dangers of demagoguery.
5. Marginalized Voices and the Fight for Humanity
The struggles of marginalized communities are at the heart of several Oscar nominees, including RaMell Ross’s “Nickel Boys” and Sean Baker’s “Anora.” “Nickel Boys,” an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s 2019 novel, is told entirely through the first-person perspective of its main characters, redefining cinematic language while confronting the brutal realities of the Jim Crow South. The film’s unflinching portrayal of racism is both a necessary historical reckoning and a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over. Similarly, Sean Baker’s “Anora,” a modern-day anti-fairy-tale, follows a marginalized dance and sex worker who agrees to marry the son of a Russian oligarch. The film offers a scathing critique of class and wealth inequality, laying bare the dehumanizing treatment of workers by the ultra-rich. Both films serve as powerful testaments to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of systemic oppression.
6. The American Dream and the Power of Resistance
Finally, the Oscars have also brought us films that challenge the very notion of the American Dream, offering a counter-narrative to the rhetoric of division and exclusion. Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist,” a sprawling post-World-War-II epic, dismantles the myth of the American Dream by exploring themes of anti-immigrant sentiment, anti-Semitism, and the exploitation of the vulnerable by the powerful. The film’s immersive narrative serves as a reminder that the same forces of division that shape our present have deep roots in history. Meanwhile, James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” a biopic of Bob Dylan, offers a powerful counter-narrative of resistance and activism. The film captures the spirit of the 1960s civil rights movement, when Dylan and other artists used their platform to challenge injustice and inspire change. As the film suggests, the path forward in today’s America lies not in political apathy but in the continued fight for justice through art and activism.
As the Oscars approach on March 2, the question of who will take home the gold remains a complete unknown, much like the future of America itself in the wake of the election. But one thing is certain: the films nominated this year offer a profound reflection of our times, challenging us to confront the past, critically engage with the present, and fight for a better future.
