This is sparking some chatter today – the Oscars are mandating that members must watch all movies before voting. Nominated films are available for online viewing through the Academy’s portal so those logins will be checked. And if they’re screening the films at events in person, they’ll have to sign a form or whatever. I mean, there are ways around this but I suppose it will have *some* impact on people at least watching the thing that they say they are or aren’t voting for.
I don’t know why we’re acting like this hasn’t always been the case though. For as long as I’ve been watching and covering the Oscars it’s been pretty obvious that not all voters have watched all the movies. It’s a problem now though because they’re telling on themselves. Those anonymous Oscar voter ballots – every time they release one there’s someone who says they didn’t see a certain movie or movies. And yet they’re still agreeing to not only be anonymously interviewed but disclosing that they didn’t watch the movie(s)! With their whole chest!
Like have you noticed on those ballots that there’s no shame about admitting this? They’re members of what their own industry considers to be The Most Prestigious Award. Which they probably boast about all the time. Still, they’re out here telling Variety or The Hollywood Reporter that “I didn’t vote for Dune, I didn’t watch Dune” almost proudly. These are probably the same people who get mad that their table isn’t in the center of the room. Or when they don’t get an invitation to the Governor’s Awards or some other Academy event.
What else happened today…
I saw Sinners on Saturday, even though it’s been categorised as a horror movie and I don’t f-ck with horror. This isn’t horror, this is Ryan Coogler – and he’s in a lane all to himself. The movie is a f-cking masterpiece as far as I’m concerned; he’s operating on a whole other level. If you missed it, Sarah’s review is here. I loved everything about Sinners, including how horny it is. And especially all the pussy eating. Cunnilingus is mentioned or performed every 20 minutes, it’s delightful. As Kathleen said to me over text when I brought this up with her, “Zinzi is god’s favourite”. She’s referring to Ryan Coogler’s wife, Zinzi Evans. For more on their relationship, read Emma Specter’s piece “I Want What They Have” (Vogue).
Speaking of Kathleen, here’s her gorgeous essay on the romance of Sinners, and the film’s heart and soul, Wunmi Mosaku. (Refinery 29)
If you’re a regular visitor here at LaineyGossip, you know that I have no time for the people who are like, SNL isn’t funny/relevant anymore. How could it not be relevant when it introduced us to the gift that is Bowen Yang?! Bowen is starting to talk about life after Saturday Night. He may not be ready for it yet but that day is coming. (Pajiba)
Kendrick Lamar and Timothée Chalamet have another connection now after the Super Bowl: Chanel. (Celebitchy)
