January 09, 2020 

By Lapacazo Sandoval 

Contributing Writer 

 

No doubt, by now, you’ve weighed in on the Golden Globe wins and losses, with a lot of criticism on the consistent lack of diversity and inclusion that is Hollywood.

 

A hashtag isn’t moving the needle far or keeping it pointed in the right direction, or so it seems, and entertainment insiders are weighing in on the Oscar predictions, which will be announced on January 13th.

 

Those in the know feel strongly that Martin Scorsese’s three-hour opus, “The Irishman” (on Netflix) will receive an Oscar nomination as well director Sam Mendes (and win) for the one-continuous shot of his war epic “1917” with  Noah Baumbach and his critically-acclaimed “Marriage Story” (on Netflix) are all strong contenders. My prediction is on “1917.”

 

After the standing ovation that Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”) received at the 2020 Golden Globes (sans Beyonce), it’s predicted that Phoenix will be nominated and win an Oscar for his role in “Joker.” He will most likely share the nomination with Adam Driver (“Marriage Story”) and Antonio Banderas (“Pain & Glory”).

 

Awkwafina’s historic win is the first performer of Asian descent to win a Golden Globe Award in a lead actress film category. She's only the sixth woman of Asian descent to be nominated in the lead actress in a musical or comedy category. The others were Yvonne Elliman (1973's "Jesus Christ Superstar”), Machiko Kyo (1956's "The Teahouse of the August Moon"), Miyoshi Umeki (1961's "Flower Drum Song"), and Constance Wu (2018). Hailee Steinfeld, whose mother is of Filipino descent, was also nominated for her work in "Edge of Seventeen.”

 

The win might have Awkwafina as a serious contender for an Oscar against Renée Zellweger (“Judy”) and Saoirse Ronan (“Little Women”).

 

Now, allow me to turn my attention to films created by or about the African and African-American experience and their chances to earn a 2020 Oscar nomination. The Academy has raised the number of eligible films from five to between five and 10 in 2009. A great opportunity for sure. 

 

Best Picture

 

History: “Green Book”’s win was not well received by a lot of African-Americans despite winning last year’s Best Picture. 

 

There have been four films that might have a chance of a nomination which include “Harriet,” “Just Mercy,” “Clemency,” and “Queen & Slim” but most insiders only see “Harriet” as a serious contender under the Best Picture category.

 

But there is a group of staunch voters that think Netflix’s inspirational Rudy Ray Moore biopic “Dolemite Is My Name” (starring Eddie Murphy) might surprise the voters with a Best Screenplay nomination. 

  

Best Director

 

Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón won the Oscar last year for “Roma” marking Spike Lee (“BlacKkKlansman”) and he the only two directors of color that were nominated. It’s a pretty sure bet that  Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” could land his first-ever Oscar nomination.

  

Best Actress

 

It’s a hard pill to swallow but you can’t change facts. This category has historically been one of the least diverse with just five actresses of color nominated in the last decade: Ruth Negga, Quvenzhané Wallis, Viola Davis, Yalitza Aparicio, and Gabourey Sidibe.

 

In this category is lean, the last time an actress of color won this category was Halle Berry for “Monster’s Ball” (2020).

 

But this year insiders predict that this year’s list of nominees has the potential to be one of most diverse ever for the category, with as many as three actresses of color in the mix: Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet”), Awkwafina (“The Farewell”), and Lupita Nyong’o (“Us”).

 

Historically the Oscars tend to mimic the SAG Awards. and both Nyong’o and Erivo are SAG nominees this year, so one or both of them could end up picking up Oscar nominations as well.

 

The public relations team might wonder why I’ve not included Alfre Woodard for her role in “Clemency,” but the momentum seems to have started to slow down after not receiving a Globe or SAG nomination. The film opened wide on December 27, and Woodard did receive an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

  

Best Actor

 

In 2019 Rami Malek was the only nominee of color for “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and he won the Oscar. Before Malek, Forest Whitaker won“The Last King of Scotland” in 2006.

 

In this category, it’s only Eddie Murphy (“Dolemite Is My Name”) that is considered a possible nominee. 

 

Best Supporting Actress

 

Here is where performers of color have historically stood out. Actresses of color have won the Oscar five of the last 10 years: Mo’Nique, Octavia Spencer, Lupita Nyong’o, Viola Davis, and Regina King, who won the award last year as one of two nominees of color. Mexico’s Marina de Tavira was the other for “Roma.”

 

Las Vegas bet makers have high hopes that Jennifer Lopez will be nominated for her role in “Hustlers.” She’s also up for SAG and was nominated for a Globe recognition in the same category.

 

Best Supporting Actor

 

It was a double-whammy for Mahershala Ali who won this category twice in the last three years (“Moonlight” and “Green Book”). He was the only nominee of color last year. Before Ali, the last time an actor of color won the Oscar was Morgan Freeman took it home for “Million Dollar Baby” in 2005.

 

This year the Best Actor category will bring some of the heavyweights. including Al Pacino (“The Irishman”), Tom Hanks (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”), Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”), Joe Pesci (“The Irishman”), Willem Dafoe (“The Lighthouse”) and Anthony Hopkins (“The Two Popes”).

 

One might ask, where is Oscar winner Jamie Foxx (“Just Mercy”) in this conversation? He still might have a shot since he did earn a SAG nomination.

  

Best Adapted Screenplay

 

This category has traditionally been the least diverse. In fact, in the last decade only five writers of color have been nominated (just five times), and won four of the five: “Precious” (Geoffrey Fletcher), “12 Years a Slave” (John Ridley), “Moonlight” (Barry Jenkins), and “BlacKkKlansman” (Kevin Willmott and Spike Lee, co-written with Charlie Wachtel and David Rabinowitz).

 

Barry Jenkins’ “If Beale Street Could Talk” and Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” were the only two nominees of color last year.

  

Best Original Screenplay

 

In 2019 only one writer of color was nominated, Mexico’s Alfonso Cuarón for “Roma.” Although “Green Book” won the Oscar none of its writers were of color. Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, and Peter Farrelly wrote the screenplay which received criticism for its depictions of race and historical inaccuracies.

 

In 2018 “Get Out” writer-director Jordan Peele became the first African American to win the category.

 

This is important to understand that in the last decade, writers of color have won just twice: the aforementioned Peele’s “Get Out” and “Birdman,” which was co-written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Armando Bo, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., and Nicolás Giacobone.

 

Here Hollywood insiders predict “Parasite” (co-written by Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won) is a real contender.Bong Joon Ho's “Parasite”, about a South Korean poverty-stricken family who hustles a wealthy couple with unintended consequences, won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign-language film on Sunday.

 

The 92nd annual Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Nominations will be announced on Monday, January 13, 2020.

January 02, 2020 

By City News Service 

 

The Critics Choice Association announced today that Eddie Murphy will receive its Lifetime Achievement Award at the 25th annual Critics' Choice Awards ceremony to be held Jan. 12 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.

 

Murphy “will be feted for his extraordinary roles over the years, most recently his brilliant portrayal of the legendary Rudy Ray Moore in Netflix’s ‘Dolemite Is My Name,’ for which he is nominated for best actor,” according to a CCA statement.

 

As previously announced, actress Kristen Bell will receive the fourth annual #SeeHer Award during the ceremony, which will be hosted by actor Taye Diggs and broadcast live on The CW television network.

 

Critics' Choice Awards are bestowed annually to honor cinematic and television achievements.

The CCA, which represents more than 400 television, radio and online critics in the U.S. and Canada, was organized this year with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association.

January 02, 2020

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

Your ruling planet, Mars, is moving and shaking this week, so that means your motivational focus is about to shift gears as well -- expect your sex drive to become slightly less intense and obsessive. Mars leaves Scorpio for Sagittarius on Friday, which will help you become lighter and much more optimistic about your current sexual situation. You might find that as you loosen your grip on your partner just enough to give both of you more breathing room, it actually serves as an aphrodisiac. It's called the rubber band effect. Try it!

  

Taurus 

APR 20 - MAY 20 

You're in a strong position this week to create the type of physical and emotional intimacy you really want with your partner. Why? Well, for starters, you're not afraid to speak up about your desires -- even if they are a little unconventional. You have no qualms letting your mate know where you like to be touched and under what circumstances. You also have an interesting dynamic brewing that revolves around love that puts you into a cage versus love that actually sets you free. It's time to let yourself be loved into freedom, Taurus.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

After Friday, the motivation you'll have to partner up with someone and make the relationship work is off the charts. Mars will move into your partnership sector, making you feel that a special someone is worth the effort -- worth the fight. This is excellent if you and your mate have been having a difficult time, because you'll stop at nothing to get past whatever troubles you've had. At the same time, you won't shy away from a good argument if you are sure you're in the right. Just remember to balance this urge. Ask yourself what is more important: to be right or to be happy?

 

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

You've got sexy Mars moving through your romance sector for a few more days this week, so be sure to make the most of his passionate energy. Until Friday, you might feel as if it's "now or never" and decide to make a bold move toward the person you desire the most. You won't regret it! If you're in a committed partnership already you'll have a stellar day of communication on Thursday where you'll truly feel as if great minds think alike. They do!

  

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

Your love life is about to catch on fire! This Friday Mars, the planet of assertive drive (including your sex drive!) will move into the area of your chart connected to romance and pleasure. Mars remains here through February 16 and, during this time, you can look forward to some incredible nights of passion. If you haven't had much action going on in the love and sex department, then this shift in cosmic energy is a great indicator that something is about to change. If you're already involved with someone, then expect the flames to burn even brighter.

 

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

You might be surprised at just how easy it is to talk to a brand-new romantic interest. This person is not only a great conversationalist, but you're likely to discover that you have a great deal in common and that he or she stimulates your mind to a degree you've never experienced before. If you're already dating someone, then you and your lover might decide to delve deeply into a topic you've both wanted to learn more about. You might even find that your lover is turning into your mentor in some way.

 

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

Mars is the natural ruler of your relationship sector, so when he's moving about in the sky, you want to pay attention. He'll always give you a good indication as to what your relationship's overall focus and tone will be for a set amount of time. From this Friday through February 16, Mars will be in your communication sector. This will provide an extraordinary jolt of support to your love life since neither you or your mate will shy away from discussing anything you need to. Perfect!

  

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

If you and your partner have a major decision to make, or if you need to sign a contract with him or her, this is the week to move forward. Mercury, the planet of communication, is now in your message sector and, on Monday, will make a favorable link to Uranus, now in your partnership sector. You and your mate will be able to make the most original -- even eccentric -- ideas workable. You might have a non-traditional type of agreement on the table but that's OK. It will work for the both of you and that's all that matters.

 

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

After several weeks of feeling as if you've lost your mojo, you're in for a major shift. On Friday, Mars will move into Sagittarius, bringing a surge of energy your way. It might feel as if you've gone from being in a coma to suddenly feeling as if you've got caffeine surging through your veins. Making your life happen according to your plan and crushing your goals will be your main priority. Along these lines, whatever it is you want the most now in your love life will be pursued with wild abandon. No regrets!

 

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

You might need a timeout from everything and everyone. Even if your love life is going well, you may feel a need to get away from it all lately. Frankly, Capricorn, you're exhausted. You need a break and, starting this Friday through February 16, you'll do well to take that personal time out and recharge your spiritual and mental batteries. It will make you a better person regardless of your relationship status. Because remember Capricorn; the most important relationship you'll ever have is the one you have with yourself.

  

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

After Friday, a desire to focus more on your social life will likely bring you significantly brighter opportunities for expansion and pleasure -- including romantic pleasure. One of your friends might be working behind the scenes to set you up with someone and you may not even know about it until it's happening. This friend of yours is being strategic for a good reason. He or she knows that if you were presented with the option, you might decline. Because you're unaware, there will be no pressure or anxiety around the meeting and you'll be able to naturally get to know this person in a group social setting. Before you know it, sparks may begin to fly. You'll thank your friend.

  

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20 

The best thing you can do this week if you're confused about your love life is to ask a friend for practical advice. That's the key word here: practical. A gorgeous alignment between Mercury in Capricorn to Uranus in Taurus will bring a grounded but innovative perspective to you concerning your relationship world. Another possibility is that your partner is the one helping you stretch your mind and reach for one of your greatest aspirations. He or she will accomplish this by challenging any thought pattern that has kept you stuck in a rut. You're ready!