I managed to cover 18 of the 23 Oscar categories. These choices are not what I think will win. Rather, they are what should win (according to me). My big disappointment is not being able to see enough full-length docs and international nominees before the ceremony. I didn’t do Visual Effects because I hadn’t seen at least four to the nominees. Both short and featured animated films aren’t here because, alas, they are of least interest to me.

Best Picture – The Zone of Interest

Directing – A TIE – Justine Triet (Anatomy of a Fall) & Jonathan Glazer (The Zone of Interest) 

Actor in a Leading Role – Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction)

Actress in a Leading Role – Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall)

Actor in a Supporting Role – Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer)

Actress in a Supporting Role – Da’vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers)

Cinematography – Rodrigo Prieto (Killers of the Flower Moon)

Costume Design – Holly Waddington (Poor Things)

Production Design – Barbie

Film Editing – Jennifer Lane (Oppenheimer)

Makeup and Hairstyling – Maestro

Music (Original Score) – Laura Karpman (American Fiction)

Music (Original Song) – I’m Just Ken (Barbie)

Sound – The Zone of Interest

Writing (Adapted Screenplay) – Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer)

Writing (Original Screenplay) – Justine Triet & Arthur Harari (Anatomy of a Fall)

Documentary Short Film – The Last Repair Shop

Live Action Short Film – Red, White and Blue

During this time of plague, the performing arts have reached critical mass in terms of survival. Many are turning to the digital world to maintain their profile. I”ll try to keep you up to date about virtual worthies. Stay tuned.

I was having serious website problems when the Oscars happened so I never had a chance to voice my annual Oscar rage. Parasite was an enjoyable picture, but best pic of the year? You’ve got to be kidding. Long after Parasite has sunk without a trace, Sam Mendes’ direction for 1917 will live on. At least 1917 won for cinematography. In other words, Parasite did not deserve either best picture or best direction. As for best actress – anyone of the other four nominees were better than miss squint, Renée Zellweger, who played Judy Garland without one ounce of subtlety or nuance, not to mention, and pardon the pun, all on one note. I’m always disappointed by the Oscar choices, but this year was particularly hard to swallow.

A disturbing play from the Iranian diaspora.

Reviews of the COC Winter Season. Strong musically, but questionable staging.

A candid interview with dance artist Allison Cummings, the new artistic director of Moonhorse Dance Theatre.