Unveiling the Year's Filmic Gems through LAFCA's Voting
Acting Wins and Their Significance
“Anora” not only claimed the best picture award but also two acting citations. Star Mikey Madison shared lead performance honors with Marianne Jean-Baptiste from Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths.” Their chemistry from the moment they met during a home invasion was palpable, deepening over the course of the film and culminating in a final scene with a melancholy ambivalence. Yura Borisov won supporting performance alongside Kieran Culkin from Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain.” This combination of lead and supporting actors, with two women and two men, added depth to the acting categories.It was interesting to see the gender balance in the acting wins. All four lead performers were women (two winners and two runners-up), while the four supporting actors were men. This could be a reflection of the strength of the lead actress and supporting actor categories this year. As critic Christy Lemire joked, it might indicate that “women are the ones that get s— done, and men are secondary.” Jean-Baptiste’s character in “Hard Truths” would likely have something to say about this.
Another notable acting performance was Demi Moore in “The Substance.” Her portrayal was vulnerable and furious, adding to the diverse range of performances recognized by LAFCA.
Directing Awards and Their Impact
The directing award went to Iran’s Mohammad Rasoulof for his work on “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” Rasoulof filmed his movie in secret and had to flee his home country to avoid a prison sentence. His self-deprecating nature in interviews added to the story. This choice was a departure from expectations and demonstrated LAFCA’s willingness to take on a “corrective” approach.Other directors recognized by LAFCA included Sean Baker, Payal Kapadia (“All We Imagine as Light”), and Coralie Fargeat (“The Substance”). These films represent a diverse range of styles and themes, highlighting the depth and variety of filmmaking.
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is an urgent political thriller, a domestic drama, and a document of state brutality. It’s a film that’s hard to categorize but leaves a lasting impact.
Documentary Winner and Its Call for Action
The documentary winner was “No Other Land,” a haunting look at the devastating costs of displacement in the southern West Bank. It has won numerous honors, starting with its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February and including prizes this week from the New York Film Critics Circle and the Gotham Awards. Yet, it still doesn’t have a U.S. distributor.The recognition from LAFCA and the expected Oscars nomination could potentially lead to a distributor coming on board. This documentary is a powerful reminder of the ongoing issues faced by displaced people.
Animation Winner and Its Modern Message
LAFCA’s winner for animated film was “Flow,” a delightful story about a group of animals working together in a post-apocalyptic world. It comes from Latvia and is now playing in a few hundred theaters. The film is beautiful and heartbreaking, similar to a modern “Homeward Bound.” Everyone who has seen it has been deeply moved.“Flow” shows that animation can convey powerful messages and touch the hearts of audiences. It’s a testament to the creativity and talent in the animated film genre.