A Catholic Perspective on This Year’s Oscar Best Picture Nominees

As a film critic with a Catholic background, I typically look forward to the awards season. I cheer for my favorite films to win the accolades they deserve, and sometimes, we even host an Oscar watch party, filled with fun contests to predict the winners.

However, this year, watching many of the nominated films felt more like a chore than a source of joy, and I find myself reflecting on the time I spent that I can never reclaim.

While I appreciate the creative and skillful filmmaking in several nominated movies, I have my own important criteria for judging films. My main focus is how these stories treat the dignity of the human person. Do they honor human dignity? Do they uphold the values that Jesus taught us?

Here’s a reflection on the eight out of ten films I managed to see in terms of how they handle human dignity. (I did not get to watch “Anora” or “I’m Still Here.”)

“The Brutalist”

With a lengthy runtime of three and a half hours, my first thought was, “Unless you're Martin Scorsese, this just seems excessive!” Sadly, this turned out to be true as “The Brutalist” largely revolves around themes of sex, drugs, and ambition. It tells the story of László Tóth (played by Adrien Brody), a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who immigrates to America, only to find that the American dream is hard to grasp. As an architect in the brutalist style, he forms an unlikely partnership with the wealthy Harrison Van Buren (Guy Pearce), who wants Tóth to construct a memorial for his late wife. Brody’s portrayal of Tóth’s emotional struggles is commendable and garnered him a Best Actor nomination. Yet, the interactions among characters reveal deplorable behaviors, from Tóth’s drug-fueled ambition to Van Buren’s self-importance. Tóth's wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), faces the emotional consequences of his transformation as they attempt to rebuild their relationship. This film does not depict healthy human interactions.

“A Complete Unknown”

This biopic about musical icon Bob Dylan, played by Timothée Chalamet, explores Dylan’s transition from acoustic folk to electric guitar in 1965. As someone not particularly immersed in the music scene, I learned quite a bit, including that Dylan penned the famous song “Blowin’ in the Wind.” However, similar to many who reach fame suddenly, the film portrays Dylan as both talented and ungrateful to those who supported his rise, especially during his landmark appearance with an electric guitar at the Newport Folk Festival, which felt like a betrayal to figures like Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) and Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro).

“Conclave”

Arguably the most controversial among the Best Picture nominees for Catholics, “Conclave” follows Cardinal Lawrence, brilliantly portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, as he orchestrates a conclave following the mysterious death of the pope. The film is a conspiracy thriller packed with twists that entertain moviegoers. However, as a Catholic who holds affection for the Church, I left the theater frustrated. The film touches on every scandal imaginable, reducing church leadership to power-hungry figures devoid of faith. Missing from its narrative is the understanding that a conclave is a sacred ceremony guided by the Holy Spirit in seeking God's will for electing a new pope. One wonders if any Catholic consultants contributed to the film.

“Dune: Part Two”

To fully appreciate “Dune: Part Two,” familiarity with the book or its predecessor, “Dune: Part One,” is helpful. This film is part of a wide-ranging epic on par with “Lord of the Rings.” Upon returning home, my first question was whether a Part Three would follow, and confirmation was found. In this film, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), seek to ally with the Fremen, the native people of Arrakis, after Paul’s father is murdered by the House of Harkonnen. Some Fremen, like the warrior Stilgar (Javier Bardem), see Paul as fulfilling an ancient prophecy, while others, including his girlfriend Chani (Zendaya), remain skeptical. Paul resembles Harry Potter in that he does not desire to be the chosen one but is willing to accept his destiny. Chani loves him dearly but struggles to accept him as a messiah. Spoiler alert: To serve the people of Arrakis, Paul sacrifices his time with Chani to embrace his calling.

“Emilia Pérez”

This film celebrates LGBTQ+ themes. Rita (Zoë Saldaña) is a lawyer in Mexico, frustrated with her firm’s criminal defense success. She meets Manitas (Karla Sofía Gascón), a cartel leader wishing to transition to a woman. Rita takes on the challenge of finding the right doctor, relocating his family, and faking his death. Years later, she recognizes Emilia (formerly Manitas) and feels sympathy for all involved, especially Jessi (Selena Gomez), Manitas’s wife, and the children affected by this turmoil. Once Manitas transforms into “Emilia,” she struggles with her identity and causes confusion in her family by pretending to be their long-lost aunt. This story shows how straying from one's true self can have serious consequences.

“Nickel Boys”

In “Nickel Boys,” a promising youth named Elwood (Ethan Herisse) faces a “wrong place, wrong time” situation and ends up at Nickel Academy, a brutal reform school during the Jim Crow era in Florida. Despite the abuse he suffers there, Elwood befriends Turner (Brandon Wilson), and their bond deepens. Elwood documents the abuses he endures, hoping to find justice one day. Although a tough watch, “Nickel Boys” might be the most respectful of human dignity among the Best Picture nominees. Its unique first-person viewpoint, mainly from Elwood’s perspective but also Turner’s, captures attention and conveys hope. The characters' determination to uphold a friend’s dignity is truly inspiring.

“The Substance”

What would it feel like to become a younger, better version of yourself? Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) finds out when her fading celebrity life takes a turn. After being fired from her exercise show by her sleazy boss, Harvey (Dennis Quaid), Elisabeth is offered a drug that brings her younger self, Sue (Margaret Qualley), to life. The twist is they can only exist for seven days at a time, and when Sue wants more time, it leads to chaotic situations. “The Substance” critiques society's obsession with youth and celebrity culture, ultimately revealing a bloody and twisted narrative reminiscent of “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Safer alternatives may have been found instead of chasing after lost youth.

“Wicked”

As the most upbeat film on this list, “Wicked” transitions the popular Broadway musical to the screen. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) has been bullied her whole life due to her green skin. At Shiz University in Oz, she meets the charming Galinda (Ariana Grande), and they become friends. However, when they encounter the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), they are forced to choose between following their hearts or the opinions of others. An early question pondered is whether people are born wicked or if it’s a result of their environment, which sparks meaningful discussion. Tragically, Elphaba, despite her good heart, lets her experiences breed resentment, ultimately transforming her into the Wicked Witch of the West.

As the awards night approaches on March 2, predictions are running wild. Some suggest “Anora” could take home the prize, but personally, I would cast my vote for “Nickel Boys” as it best illustrates the fight for our inherent human dignity against life's toughest challenges.

movies, dignity, faith, critique