TIME TO CATCH UP
The year in film was not just about Barbenheimer. Here’s a rundown of the best international films of 2023—and our guess on the ones who will likely be competing for the Oscar.
Chris Feil is a freelance entertainment writer and co-host of the podcast This Had Oscar Buzz. His previous work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Thrillist, Gawker, Vulture, Polygon, and elsewhere.
BREAKOUT STAR
With stellar performances in two of the year’s best and buzziest films—“Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest”—Sandra Hüller is already being dubbed “Actress of the Year.”
BEHIND THE CAMERA
Because of the Hollywood strikes, the starpower at the Toronto International Film Festival is owed to actors who are directing their own films—few of which, it turns out, are good.
CINEMA
The Lars von Trier film starring Nicole Kidman was polarizing, to say the least, when it premiered. Two decades later, it’s clear it may have changed Cannes—and movies—forever.
BUMP IN THE NIGHT
The new horror film already has a cult following after its fright-inducing run at film festivals and going viral with terrified TikTok users.
SADNESS INDEX
There’s nothing Hollywood—and the Oscars—love more than turning tragedy into “prestige” films. But this year, movies like “The Whale” and “The Son” have taken the trend too far.
AWARD SEASON
The veteran director’s new film, “The Fabelmans,” could add Michelle Williams and Judd Hirsch to the surprisingly short list of actors who’ve been nominated for his movies.
OSCAR RACE
Viola Davis wowed (of course). Tilda Swinton stunned (of course). And Colin Farrell may be on his way to an Oscar (finally). Here’s our rundown of the 20 best actors at TIFF ’22.
FALL FESTIVALS
The actress gives the performance of her career playing the homophobic mother of a Black marine. It’s time to finally give her the due she deserves.
HIDDEN GEM
The new indie from uber-cool studio A24 should not go unnoticed, especially because it features one of the most unusual, delightfully bizarre ensemble casts of the year.