So, the Oscars blew it on recognizing woman (“First time in 92 years a woman conducts the orchestra” how pathetic) and people of color so they pivoted and said “hey, let’s do the Koreans”. This is such a anachronistic, calcified, White man organization it is pathetic. I want to film school 30 years ago and was the same ithen. Nothing has changed, if anything the cobwebs have crept in closer.
And what’s with giving M&M a whole segment — songs that merged with movies? Are you kidding?
And Judy, truly a transformational performance, the great Judy, largely forgotten, a woman whom the camera loved, a voice whom broke all boundaries of talent, someone who could do the most complex scene in one take, and she gets a lame “hero” speech...with no mention of her accomplishments.
This was a fatuous, self serving, “I know we blew it look the other way” Oscars...they should all be ashamed. Parasite was truly original but compared to the others it pales a a truly “film” in its craft...it uses gimmicks to keep you engaged and keeps evolving the violence to feed the audience what it wants but does not see coming. Slight of hand does not make greatness.
Storytelling. Character. Pathos. Ethos. They make film.
19
@Alfred O’Neill Not all films are deemed great for their storytelling, plot, and character development. Take the neorealist period of Italian cinema or L'Avventura for example- in the latter, a virtually non-existent plot, but ranked as one of the best global films.
7
@Alfred O’Neill —sometimes people feel excessive amounts of emotion are needed to create a truly “great” work of art. In the past, the academy has often gone too far in choosing actors who, how can I say politely, “chew the scenery”.
I glad we are beginning to appreciate a more sophisticated approach to directing and moviemaking in general. The cast in Parasite is very subtle in their responses to each other and their rapidly changing situation. Great story, great characters, no gimmicks. Fresh take.
16
@Alfred O’Neill 'Storytelling. Character. Pathos. Ethos.'
All of which Parasite had in spades, IMHO.
9
Really? This movie was a B for me. It was good until the second half where it started falling apart. In my opinion the father killing the other father ruined the movie because it was completely unbelievable and felt forced, and oddly trite. I also didn’t really feel connected to any of the characters throughout (although I realize they’re all anti heroes in a way so that’s expected) but, maybe there weren’t any better movies this year?
31
It made sense to me. The father loathed the other father throughout the film, always feeling inferior. And then the other father demands he turn over his keys (as his daughter literally lies on the ground dying), because the other father's child is more valuable than his child. Hence the killing.
5
@Jonathan Smith He was watching his daughter die and the other father demanded he drive his son to the hospital without a moment's thought about the dying girl lying in the grass who had just been stabbed. You can't understand why? No, there weren't better movies this year. The movie was brilliant.
9
Gratuitous spoilers seem to be an in thing these days - I see them a lot in YouTube comments - and so I'm suspicious of this spoiler, perhaps unnecessarily.
4
The academy has made some questionable picks for best picture over the decades (perhaps the most egregious was when Pulp Fiction and Shawshank Redemption were passed over for best picture by Forest Gump). They got it right last night, Parasite is a cinematic masterpiece and it is great to see it getting the recognition it deserves.
3
I didn't watch the Oscars. I got tired of being lectured to on various hashtag causes, like OscarsSoWhite or MeToo. It's not that I have any particular positions on these issues, it's that I feel it is arrogant of Hollywood's self-proclaimed "thought leaders" to tell the rest of us rubes how we should think on social issues. The issues should be discussed in political campaigns. And people should be allowed to have different opinions, or democracy itself makes no sense.
The Oscars was once about selecting the best quality films, not the most politically correct ones. And in my view they almost always got the answers wrong anyway.
This time is no exception. I watched Parasite because I heard it was a good film, but I wasn't impressed. I got the impression that it was supposed to be a comedy, but nothing seemed funny. Perhaps it was meant to appeal to a Hollywood elite for whom the jokes made sense. I was just bored. And there was too much gratuitous violence at the end.
Why is this the first Hollywood film to achieve Best Picture status? Does it compare with the best works of Kurosawa? Of Bergman? Of Godard? I'm not a film expert. Perhaps somebody can explain.
I haven't seen all the nominated films this year, and many of them I will never watch. But Joaquin Phoenix did deliver a stunning performance in Joker. Admiration of his skill does not translate into immediate admiration for whatever political views he may have.
48
@Blaise Descartes It's too bad that you didn't watch the show. This is the best Oscar show that I have ever seen, and I'd only seen one of the films - Once upon a time...in Hollywood. Nonetheless, it was a good show with moving moments - very well done. It seems odd that you made a comment, given that you did not watch the show.
53
@TenToes
Agreed. There were some terrible ones in the past. The candy stunt one, and the one where the wrong best picture was announced, La La Land instead of Moonlight, come to mind.
13
@Blaise Descartes
Cool story bro/Karen!
3
Incredibly happy for Phoenix and the crew of Parasite. I was rooting for Joaquin (I don't love the entirety of Joker but I do think that he was breathtaking in it) all year long and it feels so right that he got it and used his time to speak up about what he's always been so passionate about. His comments on animal rights as well as the quote from his brother got me choked up. Parasite was a no-brainer to most folks at home but to see the so commonly traditionalist Academy actually give it the honor was shocking and so amazing. I got up and yelled with joy when they read the results, I was so overcome with happiness at it!! Altogether every award tonight seemed perfect and I turned off the television without the usual frustration that I get on awards night. I'm so so proud of Joaquin and the Parasite team and thankful that the Academy brought their work into the spotlight!
86
My wife an I watched "Parasite" last week. I found it superb on so many psychological and social levels. When it finished, I turned to my wife and said that "It's a shame it can't win, but as a foreign movie, it has no chance." Thank you, Academy members, for making my conclusion so erroneous! That you all voted for this wonderful Korean film should open up the world to new era of high quality filmmaking.
56
Parasite is so deserving, last night we watched Joker after not wanting to see a dark movie and it was brilliant, a metaphor for the current wave of pain, disillusion, disenchantment, and despair in our country as our life expectancy falls, suicide rates rise, income inequality widens, and overdose deaths occur daily. All the other nominated films well worth seeing, Brad Pitt definitely deserved his Oscar, as did Renee, and Laura Dern. We have always loved films.
107
Parasite was the best in all the categories that it won in my opinion. All of the other nominees were great, but they must choose the very best for each award. It is progress that the Academy made history by choosing a film in a foreign language. I started seeing international films when I was in college and if more Americans would do so or actually visit countries abroad, we'd be a much more informed and tolerant country. I feel fortunate to have traveled to many countries, and first hand experience is the best, but films and now, TV can give one a glimpse into the reality that we Americans are not the only people on this planet. If you haven't seen Parasite, give the sub-titles a try, it's worth it because the brilliant thriller that is Parasite was the very best film of this last year. And also a shout out to Jo-Jo Rabbit as well, a brilliant film satire that was both hilarious and moving.
15
I'm a bit confused. I've looked at a couple of recaps of the event and so far, I haven't seen one mention of Cynthia Erivo's incredible performance which had everyone in the room captivated and drew a well-deserved standing ovation. Did I miss where this highlight was mentioned? Or is the NYTimes avoiding mentioning one of the most transcendent moments of the evening?
2
Comparing the the wokeness and virtue signaling with Eminem making an appearance. Eminem's lyrical messages include violence against women, fat shaming, homophobia etc. Oh, and by the way, he has been irrelevant for almost 10 years.
The annual base odiocy of Hollywood on full display once again.
1
just a few other best films made in a language not English:
Pepe Le Moko
The Castle of My Mother
Cyrano... with Depardieu (sp?)
And a film, I consider at least ten times better than Citizen Kane:
The Glory of My Father
It's not that diversity and inclusivity aren't very important to thoughtful, decent Americans; but the self-pious Hollywood algorithm that is now rammed down one's throat year after year, and screams "look at our show - we're diverse and inclusive and you need to be too!" - is arrogant, patronizing, and selectively-biased.
5
@Ronsword That is why I don't watch the Oscars. I do read the results to learn of movies to watch which I otherwise would not be familiar with.
2
"Parasite" won the Oscar? Wow. Now all Trump needs is that Nobel peace prize.
1
Interesting that a film about sexual harassment at Fox News won an oscar for hair and makeup. Irony anyone?
7
I could endure only fifteen minutes of Marriage Story.
Simultaneously heavy and trite.
2
Any one of the best pic noms this year (and several others) could have easily won the top prize in a normal year, but 2019 was way above average for movies. I was very impressed by so many offerings. One worry: does this mean we have nowhere to go but down?
Three things (IMHO):
1. I'm perplexed as to how "(I'm Gonna) Love me Again" by Elton John and Bernie Taupin won Best Original Song, especially over Cynthia Erivo and Joshuah Brian Campbell's "Stand Up".
2. The list of nominees for Best Supporting Actress seemed short and weak, especially considering there were 9 movies nominated for Best Picture.
3. The In Memoriam segment was clumsy with regard to the order of the names and images presented as well as the selections for some people to share the screen vs others given a full screen treatment (e.g., Kenneth Walker/Hairstylist given full screen, but Rutger Hauer/Actor shared with someone else).
2
Parasite is a great film. The last film with subtitles I remember being able to previously stomach, was "Life is Beautiful," eons ago--I can stomach "Parasite" the film, I just can't stomach parasites like tape-worms. I'm sure our jingoistic rural rubes will be upset at this, but they are always angry anyway, so might as well stuff it down their maws into their craws. Yes, after ninety-two years it is time. And having recently visited Marsha Hunt--102 year young actress of the 1930s and 1940s, I am sure she would approve and this will make our global filmmaking environment just that much more competitive. "American" film makers can't be so complacent anymore. South Koreans are happy, which makes Rocketman (Kim Jung Un not happy Elton and Bernie--the triumphant) upset, which is a good thing. Of course gotta love Joaquin being Joaquin and actually caring about the planet--go figure. Fantastic evening--and a solemn, but wonderful memoriam--with Kirk Douglas roaring in at age 103--wow...
2
pain and glory. human, beautiful....encompassing. so sorry it didn't get acknowledged as the finest. it was impeccable as was antonio banderas.
3
Elton John performed in an outfit that appeared to be something from the movie about him in his younger years. So an homage to an homage? Talk about wondering where real life stops and movies begin!
Then there was Brad Pitt (who was in a movie where he played a stunt man for Leo), talking about honoring stuntmen. Did actor Brad Pitt (as a stuntman for Leo) have a stuntman of his own. And if THAT guy ever makes it as an actor, how will they tell THAT story?
As the old grandfather (Feodor Chaliapin, Jr.) at the breakfast table in Moonstruck said, "I'm confused!"
1
Dear KB: The movies ARE real life.
1
@KB
And as Cher said, slapping Nicolas Cage,
"Snap out of it!"
It's all hype.
2
Just to say that Joaquin Phoenix is a brilliant actor so worthy of his recognition in the Oscars and Bafta awards. It's the only reason I watched the program.
2
I genuinely appreciated Joachim Pheonix's attempt at modesty and the sheer capriciousness of Hollywood and of the hegemonic country that created this awards ceremony.
I was also struck by the Judy Garland clip. Of all the clips to show from the movie we are shown one where Renee Zellweger as Garland asks her audience "will you remember me" .
Well. Isn't that the entirety of the problem we are struggling with in this country? It is this fixation on the temporal that has twisted and turned our democracy into the oligarchical autocracy we are living in today.
Nothing is remembered. Some of us are far luckier than others in this life. Yet we all of struggle with the limits of existence.
I'm an architect. My profession is filled with malignant narcissists just like our current President and just like a great deal of Hollywood. I have certainly been guilty of this narcissism. I am only just beginning to see how empty the search for immortality is. Focus on the work. Create. But don't ever do it for fame or fortune. Do it for the simply love of creating for your fellow man. You may or may not have "fame" in your life. So don't let fame and fortune drive you.
18
@David Kesler Hmm. Shades of Shelley's Ozymandias?
@KB
Yes definitely. But essentially the case.
My mother told us many times how important movies were to her as she and her large family of brothers and sisters got through the Depression--"The Wizard of Oz," "It Happened One Night," Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, lots of silly comedies....
So about last night's Oscar Awards show: How refreshing! Creative, talented, hard-working people making positive remarks to large audiences in the U.S. and beyond. Making America Happy Again! If only for a few hours.
Given the world stage, the question is how are its famous speakers going to use it?
Whether Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Apolitical, please keep this in mind on Nov. 3, 2020
5
For the most part I enjoyed the Oscars but I hated the music portion where Eminem was performing. When the Oscars focused on music from past films how in the world did they miss "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca????!!!!! Not to mention the other songs in the film. If the Oscars can spotlight Eminem's "song" from 2002 why didn't they go back even further in cinema history?
6
I thought Laura Dern was outstanding. Her tribute to her parents, Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd was touching, and for her to bring her mom to the awards was just so classy.
12
It was very moving to see how the audience embraced the award of Parasite as best picture. And the emotions of many of the people on stage were delightful. A testament to the power of movies and movie making.
12
Except for Brad Pitt, Trump got a pass. Too bad because Hollywood and a national TV audience coupled with popular movie stars is powerful. We missed another opportunity to help get rid of the monster in the White House.
12
@Ron
Good point, but even Hollywood's movie industry deserved a rest from toxic Trump politics for one night, don't you think??
16
@Ron
Actually, I felt a huge sigh of relief not having to hear his name or anything to do with him.
It felt good to being bored for a change instead of being so enraged and angry over the entire political landscape of last week.
13
It was OK but the Irish conductor of the music was laying on the gesticulating rather too thick. I think in Hollywood they call it "chewing the carpet".
I won't be watching this awards show again. Talk about out of touch......
3
Brad Pitt shaming the republican and the faux 'trial' was the best moment on the show. Thank you Brad.
27
Virtue signaling has basically corrupted everything, so we're never quite sure if, for instance, a Best Picture award is given because it actually was the best picture. Shame, really.
7
I bet you didn’t even see the film. Check it out. The award was well deserved.
27
For those saying that only American films should win best picture:
While Parasite is the first non-English film to win best picture, it is not the first non-American film to win. Gandhi was a collaboration between India and the UK. It won 11 Oscars, including best director and best picture. There may be others as well.
15
British films have been winning Best Picture ever since Laurence Olivier's version of "Hamlet" in 1948; "Parasite" is the first film made in a LANGUAGE other than English (Korean) to win Best Picture. The only film before "Parasite" to win Best Picture that was NOT at least partly produced in either the U.S. or the UK was 2011's "The Artist", a totally French production (producer, director & lead actors were all French) but made entirely in English and mostly shot in LA.
3
Early in the telecast, in the first 30-60 minutes, the orchestra played the theme music from "Cinema Paradiso" as the presenteed approach the microphone.
Did anyone else hear that, besides me?
7
@Bicycle Bob You raise an interesting point. There were a lot of little snippets of songs throughout the event that caught my attention. When the three "superwomen" (Brie Larson, Sigourney Weaver, and Gal Gadot) walked to the microphone, I thought I heard the Pink Panther theme.
Throughout several nominee announcements I heard a lot of Henry Mancini background score for BREAKFAST at TIFFANY’S.
Ricky Gervais was right.
7
It's a shame that we have to take away from any winner by bringing up diversity discussion from the entitlement crowd.
17
@Brooklyn OG
Good point. I'm waiting for diversity to include old wrinkly women movie stars , and people who are deaf.
9
"Parasite" a movie that deserved to win best movie was not the first foreign film to win this honor. "The Artist" a french selient movie with some French dialog won Best Movie in 2011.
11
Good point, not that anyone's really seen "The Artist", but this was pretty much the first foreign language film with subtitles that ever won Best Picture.
5
@Dan Stackhouse I did, at the NY Film Festival. The film is a treasure, with memorable, brilliant performances. Even SNL acknowledged its appeal by featuring one of the film's stars, Jean Desjardin, in delightful segment, a kind of take on the plot.
9
@Tony Cundell
Yes and many of us thought that was just as ridiculous. A movie that was just awful.
2
Parasite deservedly wins best picture, best director, best international film, and best screenplay.
For those who complain of #OscarsSoWhite, how 'bout that!?
13
Did they let my people win cause they were feeling guilty about not having enough diversity this year? Hopefully it was because the chappaghetti scene was awesome.
7
Now for 2019 foreign language films like Parasite can get the top Oscar, perhaps retroactive awards for best picture since 1929 should have gone for the movies made in French by Jean Renoir, Truffaut, Tati; in Japanese by Kurosawa; in Hindi by Sanjirit Ray; in Italian by Fellini, DeCicca, Sergio Leone, Rossellini; in German by Fritz Lang, Von Sternberg; in Swedish by Ingmar Bergman; in Russian by Sergei Eisenstein. Mr. Ho says he studied Martin Scorcese, how many American moguls and directors studied these foreign directors and their cinematographers.
9
@Nadine Many of them won Oscars, usually in the Best Foreign Language Film category, which was an Honorary Award for one film for years before it became a competitive category. Read up on past winners.
3
@Nadine Even a local college film appreciation course studies those international film artists. I can assure you a true film school would consider them the Rembrandts and Renoirs of our times, and make sure anyone studying film be aware of their work.
4
@Nadine Respectfully, several American directors and producers who are lifelong passionate students of international cinema have, for decades, collaborated with non-American actors, cinematographers, production designers, costume designers, editors, etc. who have worked on films directed by Ingmar Bergman and various other masterful international directors. It's a rich tradition of collaboration/mutual respect and admiration. Many prominent American directors cite the work of the filmmakers you mention as being their inspiration/mentors of a sort.
4
Now everyone go watch Snowpiercer.
That is a some movie magic! One heck of a story to digest and what a ride along the way!
11
Parasite is boring and only won for political reasons.
10
Dear Alicia,
My apologies, but I feel as though your opinion may be due solely to political reasons.
38
I bet you didn’t even see the film. “Boring” is that last word anyone would use to describe this film.
23
@Alicia I agree. It interesting but not award material.
5
The South Korean film "Parasite" winning the Academy Award for "Best Picture" was the most positive US interaction with the international community since Donald Trump was named President!
18
Surely you just. About Trump, not "Parasite".
1
@rbbrittain
I loved "Parasite" which was indeed the best movie of 2019. Donald Trump has been three years of zombies and gangster films. Watching Donald is as if they had combined "Joker" with "Goodfellas".
1
I miss the hosts. The best moments were when Steve Martin and Chris Rock and then Maya Rudolf and Kristen Wiig. There are few memorable moments, when there isn't a comedian skewering these spoiled brats just a little. I'd love to see like a Leslie Jones with Colin Jost and Michael Che, do a little ribbing. I miss, Billy, Dave and Whoopi...and so many others who made me laugh. And speaking of Billie's...I had never heard of Eilish before the Grammies...boy has she got a future in front of her!
10
I am honestly a bit heartbroken. I had assumed that the comments here would be wildly positive and supportive for diversity and innovative storytelling. Instead, it is a cesspool of xenophobia, racism, and "other-ism." If "Parasite" was filmed in English with an all-white cast, would people still second-guess its merits as a best picture?
26
I hope you can get over it. Affirmative Action is not practiced everywhere. Sometimes merit comes into play.
4
To be fair, there's more than a few that are complaining about South Koreans being the wrong kind of diversity; as if that doesn't go against the very meaning of the word.
I would say don't let the selective diversity get to you. Instead, keep being the change you want to see and eventually the world may be a nicer place.
1
@Ed would not have even been nominated
So now South Koreans are people of color bringing diversity to Hollywood? What a stretch and what hypocrisy not only from Hollywood but all the groups who never fought for diverisity. Once again Black Americans do the protesting and take the heat. Then after they do the heavy lifting everyone, including all those who sat silently on the sidelines, want to reap the rewards and pretend they helped fight the battle.
This isn't diversity in Hollywood when they have to reach all the way outside of America to pretend they are inclusive.
4
Racial diversity means including people of many racial backgrounds. It's easy to forget about that fact when progressives spend so much time and focus on the concerns of a single underprivileged racial group. But many others have worked, have suffered, have gone unrecognized for years. If justice means something besides narcissism, we have to value all of these racial groups equally.
20
@Mickey
Hollywood will be woke, as you call it, when it deals with homegrown issues and stops this attempt at
outsourcing.
3
Kindly get over yourself instead of trying to put down another film just because it isnt the one specific type of diversity you wanted. With how you've represented yourself, it's clear you dont want diversity; you just want representation for one specific demographic. That's the thing about diversity, it's diverse.
8
Calling joker deranged outcast is exactly what is wrong with society. The entire point of movie is to shine light on mental illness and show what exactly could happen in a world where people truly need help are referred to as deranged outcasts
10
@Lana Joy I agree, Joker was a beautiful film. It truly humanized people with mental illnesses. And it was responsible filmmaking at its best. Joaquin phoenix was brilliant. So glad he won. And the score won too!! Glad that Brad Pitt won as well
13
Parasite was dreadful. Underwhelmed by 1917. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood got robbed.
11
It's no coincidence that Russ Douthat writes a contemplative essay on the decadence of society on the day that the ugly nihilism of Parasite is celebrated in Hollywood. The pettiness of the upstairs competes with the manipulativeness of the down. No relationship escapes the caustic gaze of the camera. The sole honest scene in the film is the explosive toilet in the basement apartment of the grifters.
3
As I was telling everyone... Parasite should win it, 1917 will win it and Once upon a time was completely forgettable. I'm glad I was wrong about Parasite...
7
Long overdue. Oscars should be a worldwide celebration of film and not an American exclusive. Congratulations to Parasite!
8
@Pal Says who, you? What about The Cannes Festival?
1
@Pal The Oscars were originally set up to promote the works of the seven major Hollywood studios then functioning at the time: MGM, Warner Bros., Universal, Columbia, RKO, Paramount and Fox (soon to be 20th Century Fox). They didn't start honoring foreign films until after WWII and then only with selective Honorary Oscars. Even the short film and animation categories were designed for works that came out of the studios. Once the studios stopped producing short subjects and documentaries and cartoon shorts, those categories should have been dropped.
Who cares??? America does not care. Hollywood is not America.
10
For Your Consideration...
Oscar has never really bestowed his glittering honours on the actual “Best” of anything. It’s always been about whose turn is it, what makes us feel good, who do the rich old white dudes think is “Best” this year.
And of course the Academy’s history is littered with countless great, classic movies, performances and talented folk who were overlooked.
So now there is a smaller percentage of rich old white dudes, Oscar’s handlers award Parasite, which is a terrific movie, as “Best”.
So “Best”, it awarded it “Best” ...twice... Duh!
4
As a Korean-American, I am so pleased Parasite won Best Picture. I hope this puts to rest the tired stereotype that Asians are not creative.
8
Congratulations, Parasite! It truly was an amazing movie with so many thought-provoking scenes. People who claim that it was "boring" are those who failed to see the deeper meaning behind the scenes and how every scene relates back to the title, "Parasite". I saw some comments saying, why did the owner of the house had to be killed? Well that's PRECISELY why the movie is called parasite. Do you honestly think a human corpus can coexist with any kind of parasite? You need to INTERPRET the various forms of cultural notions and semiotics inscribed in this movie, in order to truly appreciate the movie. And that's exactly why this IS a good movie that deserves 4 awards - not some trashy conventional movie that you can easily predict the ending.
16
I can assure you that people calling Parasite “boring” didn’t see it.
7
I’m glad you liked the film but why the spoiler??
Trump supporters: now even movies that speak American can’t win the Oscar. The world is coming to an end. Wake up people.
2
The story line here is unsustainable. If we start looking at events like this in terms of who has or who hasn't been recognized yet, the number of identities vastly exceeds the number of awards we have to give.
Just reward the best, let the identitarians unspool their utterly predictable complaints.
I for one look forward to times when, who knows, the best pictures are coming out of an insurgent Indian film industry, Russian documentaries by female documentarians unsettle the vile authoritarian and paternalistic Putin regime, and best actors are coming from countries like Brazil, or even, Canada.
I know, that last one is a stretch.
I hope I can be forgiven my criticism of the narrative of this review. My view is, such as it is, diversity and inclusion are already happening, now. Stop trying to control or su7pervise it, NYT. Just watch it unfold and see what happens.
Neither we, nor the Academy, are totally hopeless, ya know.
2
Congrats to the "Parasite" team, the Oscar so well deserved. Loved the movie.
11
Parasites is an amazing movie. Deserves every Oscar it got.
13
That this could be the first movie ever not in English to win the prize shows the shaming extent of American self absorption. What a limited view of the world we're all part of.
3
I don’t quite understand how Parasite could win both best film and best foreign film. Why separate the categories to begin with? It is a good film but certainly out of the 16 films nominated in the two categories combined, another film was worthy of a top prize.
8
So glad to see such deserving actors win. Joaquin phoenix, Brad Pitt, Renee Zellweger, Laura Dern all excellent
10
Parasite is not the first non-English-language film to be worthy of Best Picture (Fellini? Ozu? Bergman? Buñuel? Kiarostami?). But it's certainly a worthy winner - and in field full of 'white male rage' movies, I'm happy the winner had a social focus and a strong, balanced ensemble. It even passes the Bechtel test.
10
I wonder if there will ever be a time when violence is not revered and celebrated in American cinema.
13
@Chris D maybe we should be asking if there will ever be a time when humans aren’t so inclined to practice and indulge in violence all over the world . Films didn’t create wars, shootings, slaughterhouses , murders...people did.
4
Parasite is an incredible film. It fully deserved its Oscars sweep.
13
Did you see it? I had it on my list, tied with JoJo Rabbit as my two favorites of the year. I liked JoJo better because it had an uplifting ending, but Parasite had such a tight script, no missteps, the acting was great, it was better made than JoJo. It truly deserved what it got. But cinema is a matter of taste. Still, it did not win just because of political correctness...it was generally highly regarded in film circles prior to the Oscars. Much better movie than Green Book last year, which was pretty cliche.
8
@Laura good lord you people are blind these days. Do you know why it was highly regarded in film circles?? Because everybody is afraid to say anything bad about a film that is made by a minority. Did you see moonlight?? Atrocious. But that’s not to say that all films with minorities are bad. Actually, there are a lot that are very good. Precious was amazing, And Harriet was also very good. I could go on. All I am asking is that things be rated by merit, and merit only. Let’s get rid of the politics please
1
Yeah, so Parasite topping or nearly topping all the critics’ end of year lists, and all the people commenting on this article, they’re all afraid of political correctness and rave about the film because of that fear?
Having a conversation about why a particular movie is good or bad is a worthy and necessary conversation to have. But when you faithlessly impugn motives and try to delegitimize other people’s opinions, the conversation ends. You really think we’re all brainwashed? Isn’t it remotely possible that people *actually* think it’s a great film? Lighten up!
1
Congratulations to Parasite for winning four awards: Best Film, Best Director, Screenplay, and International Film. I salute the decision of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. There have been several indications of race results or prejudice about the awards, but I can see that AMPAS has made very fair and dignified decisions. Moreover, Korean film works may be unfamiliar or even heterogeneous to American audiences. Nevertheless, it was a significant milestone to see the film alone and award four awards. The Oscars have now proved to be a feast of outstanding works from all over the world, not just a festival for English-speaking films, especially in the United States. Bless the future of the Oscar, just 100 years ago. Finally, I applaud Bong Joon-ho for his new biography of the Korean film industry.
10
"Parasite" was brilliant and deserved everything it got last night. Unfortunately, "Us", a movie with a similar message but in a completely different genre was overlooked as was Lupita Nyong'o in the same film who hands down deserved the best actress Oscar over Zellweger's tired Judy Garland. Half of her performance was unlistenable, unbearable "singing". This comment section is remarkable and reminds one why the United States is headed towards extinction. Trump is not the problem. Americans are.
8
Lupita wasn’t nominated.
So what you’re saying is that Oscars are not awarded based on merit but now they are forces to be awarded based on political correctness, but that’s supposed to be okay.
So the rationale goes : it’s bad that white men win Oscars , that’s discrimination. So now let’s force the academy to give them to ethnic minorities and women and that’s not discrimination (and by the way, since when are women excluded from the Oscars?)
5
In the past politics was an occasional intrusion into a show that celebrated an art form. Today the reverse is true, politics has subsumed a show that occasionally celebrates movies. The woke, filthy rich Hollywood crowd are a bunch of crashing bores.
Got milk.
7
@Benjamin Greco
Sorry if the real world and it’s crushing problems has started to affect some of the more sensitive artists in Hollywood, and in turn , interfere with your enjoyment of the show .
1
I thought that Cats winning "Worst Film" Oscar was a near-guarantee.
And Parasite was my choice for best picture, if you haven't seen it, definitely see it before passing judgment. So glad too that Irishman didn't get anything I saw; not because I hate the Irish, but because it was regurgitated Scorcese and far lesser than many of his films. For everyone in it, it wasn't their best Scorcese movie. And it was 90 minutes too long.
16
@Dan Stackhouse Thank you Dan for stating the above about the Irishman. It was so revered and adored. But I fell asleep watching it! Sorry Mr. Scorcese and all the wonderful talent in it. I never actually came out and said it that I fell asleep during the film to anyone until now.
2
Parasite had a "predominantly" Asian cast?
The NY Times needs to get a spine. It's ok to actually say that the entire cast was Asian. The movie was made in South Korea.
I get that there is an institutional "one said said this, the other side said that" influence on the NY Times, but sheesh.
There actually is such a thing as truth.
(BTW, it was a fantastic movie. I laughed myself sick through the first half and was stunned through the second half. Bravo, Academy.)
22
You know this will make Trump mad but the Obomas' production company won the Oscar for best documentary!!
15
An incredibly dull show...are they aiming it at nursing home residents?
3
How can a film that I thoroughly detested win best picture? I almost walked out three times, and that was before all the disgusting blood and violence. The destruction of a happy, successful upper middle class home by another, destitute family living in filth and squalor wasn't funny, or was it? I guess I missed something.
4
The real topic of discussion should be not that Parasite won - it completely outclassed the competition - but rather why not even a single one of its stellar cast was nominated for best actor or actress.
Let’s not pretend it has nothing to do with racism.
11
Should have happened years ago with Guillermo Del Toro’s 2006 Spanish-language masterpiece Pan’s Labyrinth.
11
The Academy has always seemed to me to be an a poorly managed organization in extremis. Sclerotic is the term that comes to mind. All the awkward bobbing and weaving toward political correctness, like a demented octogenarian trying to be hip. Spielberg and Hanks clearly represent the youth movement in that group, which is scary.
The envelope fiasco provided some good insight - PWC should have been fired with prejudice - yesterday - but they couldn’t do it because then, you know, who’s going to do the taxes? So, let us not judge too harshly; they’re essentially helpless and so want us to like them!
1
I have just added DVDs to my Netflix streaming account in order to watch films like "Parasite." It is cheaper than renting them to stream at $4.95/film.
Good luck. Most of the DVDs are damaged and don’t play all the way through. You’re better off streaming.
@David Renting a film for five bucks for my husband and I to watch together is a bargain - even the cheapest theater around where I live will cost over twice that for two tickets, and usually closer to three or four times that. I appreciate that I can stream at home and the cost is really not high.
2
@David There is a better way yet: borrow the film from your local library (or through interlibrary loan)--though that may not be so easy in the "Nevada Desert." Playing a DVD from a library is also more environmentally responsible than streaming, in terms of its carbon footprint. Amazon, Netflix, and the other media giants would prefer we not think about this too much, but streaming (by millions of people) requires far more energy (most of which is not generated by solar and wind power).
I am happy for Joaquin Phoenix who should have won an Oscar for his portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line.
14
I feel like the lifeblood of liberals is moral outrage. The world becoming the perfect place they say it ought to be would actually be disastrous for them...their entire identities and moral character is built around regurgitating the familiar tag-lines and narratives and making a fuss about how disappointed they are. It’s really so empty and ultimately narcissistic. Life is strange, And fraudulence is ugly.
I also feel like, if the oscars allegedly do not showcase the best films but rather choose to showcase only movies made by straight white men, why don’t the disillusioned create their own award show? Does that not make the most logical sense? Is it really about invading everything, do you have to be recognized by every single institution and cultural exhibit? It’s like children who claim to hate their parents but deep down just want to win their love and approval.
It’s to say, if the disillusioned and oppressed hold their own award show and celebrate themselves and their art, it means nothing to them unless the whole world (specifically the white world) is watching and granting approval. Truly a rather pitiful scenario, at base. It’s a cultural conquest via weeping and wailing.
6
@Amy
Obviously you missed the point, making something better is not a bad thing, its called evolution.
9
@Amy—wow! Two awards programs. Kind of like Separate but Equal don’t you think!
7
@Amy
Hmm! An outraged harangue about how moral outrage is the lifeblood of those who think differently from you.
I guess irony is dead.
18
Also I thought the most shocking moment was when "American Factory" won its Oscar, and Trump immediately ordered that American factories be destroyed in retaliation.
18
@Dan Stackhouse Thanks for the great morning laugh while scanning assorted outrage from fellow contributors who don't understand how a picture they, personally, did not like could win something.
10
Dear Brian Zemach,
Thanks for the compliment! And we have to retain the ability to laugh, since Trump does not have this ability, this is how we must overcome him.
6
@Dan Stackhouse
Love your humor, please don't ever change.
3
Thru the lens-of-history, EVERYONE, will look back and wonder why Once Upon A Time in Hollywood didn't win best-picture.
Just cuz QT has 2 Oscars, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time, doesn't mean he didn't rightfully earn another.
QT wrote a love-letter to Hollywood, it's an instant masterpiece which will only increase in brilliance with time. He was robbed in broad daylight in his own backyard.
5
@PumpUpTheVolume The reason OUATIH didn't win best picture is because that title should have gone to JOKER.
Glad Parasite won -- it is a brilliant film. Also, as one commentator here noted, "Les Misérables" is also must see film making. There is a lot of good work being done outside the U.S.
9
Parasite is a film so tightly shot and well acted ensemble that even if it were not subtitled those who do not understand Korean would have understood every moment and message. A bit of Jordan Peele levity and Alfred Hitchcock noir.
20
Joaquin Phoenix contributed a very a very brave act to our education, our World, and our animals (whom we say we love).
There are so many reasons to avoid eating the meat from those who share this planet. One of the most common, and least understood, is that cows are artificially inseminated such that they will have milk production - and where we get our cheese. Generally they are forcibly inseminated about 3 months after giving birth.
This is done, only, for milk and cheese production.
Their babies, calves, are taken away within a day. No more time with a mom. These are not stupid animals; emotional pain occurs for both the calf and mother.
Female calves may survive to take the place of their mothers. At around age 6 the mother doesn’t produce enough milk so she is killed. The meat from her body is then sold. This additionally happens to young males - who are unneeded because they don’t produce milk. So, they have no mom, and are slaughtered early, because they can’t produce the milk, and it’s cheese, we tell ourselves we cannot live without.
When I decided to eat vegan I was surprised that there was an issue with milk production. I was unaware of the n
need for near constant post-pregnancy induced milk production. And I didn’t know the relationship to veal and the killing of these young animals. Actually, there is considerable emotional pain in addition early death - such that we may have cheese
Again, thank you Jauquin
11
@Jim: Phoenix didn't explain it as well as you have. I had no idea what he was talking about. Does he honestly think anyone will mass convert to veganism just because the actor playing the Joker urged them to?
1
@Charles Foster Kane
The meat and dairy industry is a horribly cruel system , and Phoenix knows more about it than most people. Last night he tried to give just enough information to hopefully prod people into finding out more themselves. Phoenix is more than the ‘Joker’, he has been a vegan since the age of 3. He is active with several national groups trying to raise awareness and improve lives for animals and the environment . Look him up.
1
I was disappointed Parasite won so many awards. I have been a fan of foreign movies for several decades. I think the best films do not come out of Hollywood but from other countries. I thought Parasite was merely good. I do not understand the love fest so many viewers had with this film. Perhaps it’s their first time being exposed to a foreign film?
5
@Itsmoi I’ve been watching foreign films since I was a teen and I’m thrilled that “Parasite” won. Your suggestion that people who loved it are lacking in foreign film exposure is rather condescending and presumptuous.
18
I own most of the Criterion Collection on Blu Ray. I’ve loved watching foreign films for three decades. Parasite was the best of the bunch.
1
I had to take a break and walked out of Parasite for a few moments during the first half. Another moviegoer passed me on her way out, lamenting how difficult it was after seeing so many other great movies.
I understand the award but, honestly, a bit painful.
4
The 'PARASITE' film has a significant meaning for the current times. There is inequality in every nations' society. Including in the communist's communities. Perfect prize to outline the unfair situation of many.
9
@Klaus there has been inequality from the beginning of time and there will be inequality until the end of time ...... we needed a movie to tell us that? Parasite was a major bore but apparently the woke crowd loved it
1
They should have let Steve Martin and Chris Rock host the whole thing.
One positive thing is that they only "played" one winner off, and they didn't even have to do that.
The Academy looks much more mature and the producers act like adults when they just let everyone speak without rushing them offstage.
6
As with every Oscar-winning list, I will agree to disagree. I’d just like to give a boost to an extraordinary film, “Honeyland,” which was justly nominated in both the Documentary and International Feature categories. It was originally conceived as a documenntary but transcends the genre, broadening to become a story of life itself, with frames that might have been painted by a Dutch Master. I credit and give thanks to the academy for drawing my attention to it, along with several other works which do not get publicity or wide distribution. (Currently streaming on Hulu.)
10
Another drop in over-all show quality. No host. In Memoriam was so quick and moved so late it could have been confused with the closing credits. Kirk who?
4
Am I the only one who really didn’t like this movie?
I recognize the good aspects, ie acting, direction etc but the violence at the end was too much for me.
Guess I didn’t get it.
11
@Carla
I’m with you.
The first half was interesting.
The last half was ridiculous.
2
Thank goodness The Irishman went down in flames on The Oscars this year. It was so self indulgent and deluded.
Movies are a trust between the audience and the director/producer in order to bind a spell, inform and entertain. It went straight to Netflix because it is garbage from every point of view. The geriatric cast, the enormous length. That it was up for best best editing is college study of how not to edit a movie. Don’t bore your audience.
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@W. W. Wickline’ The audience seems to have limited concentration if your comment is representative. The film is , in my view, a masterpiece.
8
My god, thank you for saying this about The Irishman. Completely underwhelming.
4
One of my favorite films of 2019 was "The Last Black Man in San Francisco."
Had it been released after Thanksgiving it might have been recognized last night.
Take a look.
So well done.
13
It is fascinating that the great authors/artists share the same views on the modern society. To name just a few: the movie "El Clan" from Argentina, the book " The Golden House" by Salman Rushdie or "Parasite". What would be the hook: Money, money, money must be honey. The overview: There is a house and there are some people. And money is involved. N.B. multiple killings take place. Long live Shakespeare!
A story of a family sticking together and a society doing its best to shatter it. In every single corner of the planet. The everlasting story of the classes.
Magnificent art! There is nothing wrong in promoting quality. And real values. The ceremony deserves credit for being open-minded.
8
Glad the extraordinary film (on so many levels) “Parasite” won big and wish it were more available in the US, but would also like to express some love for “Les Misérables” which although it lost out to “Parasite” in International Feature category is another indelible piece of filmmaking, which will be seen by few outside of the big American cities- dommage!
10
@Susan Agree totally. "Les Misérables" is also a must see. There is a lot of extraordinary film making happening outside the U.S. and people should remember that when choices what to see.
2
For me it was no contest - Parasite was by far the best movie of 2019. I saw it before it went mainstream, in an art house cinema with cheap popcorn and uncomfortable seats. It blew my mind. Very, very dark and not as funny as advertised, but just extraordinary, the best film I've seen in ages, so engaging you forget it's in a foreign language. Totally apart from its content - I wouldn't pigeonhole it as political allegory - it's great art. This year the Academy rewarded exceptional creativity and stunning cinematography. Did I mention I loved this movie?
35
The journey of the Oscars to irrelevance for the ordinary movie viewer is now complete. This is not about awarding the best films and actors, if it ever was. It is now a purely political carnival where awards are given out based on race and identity quotas.
Perversely, this devalues every award given to a 'minority' actor or foreign film, while actually increasing the value of awards given to white, especially white male actors or productions. With the former, you don't know if the academy voters really think that person or film is so great, or just needed to fill the quota and avoid Twitter outrage. While a white person who wins the award despite belonging to that now officially reviled group probably really did a great job.
10
Ah, but have you seen Parasite?
4
Did you mention whether you actually saw the film? I missed that...
5
@GS What? Nonsense. Women and minorities have been left out of the party for centuries.
The Oscars become more esteemed for not being parochial, awarding merit whatever its source. Shows America is still big enough and open enough, not always "America First".
19
The Academy Awards is film marketing : nothing more, nothing less. Therefore, I see nothing wrong with an Asian film winning best picture, even though it was seen by almost nobody in the English speaking western world. I also take no issue with award nominee diversity because there is nothing wrong with film marketing to diverse groups. However, I'd warn the academy not to impose Oscar winner diversity quotas because awards handed out without any semblance of merit have no more value than a participation ribbon.
13
I think giving awards for art is pointless and the Academy Awards is mostly a self-aggrandizing exercise. Those who make a business out of funding, creating and participating in art-for-profit projects get to exclusively vote and decide how great they are. Then the rest of us tune in as network executives sell our eyes to the highest bidder. Meanwhile we believe it all and look to these same people to tell us what’s “good” or “not as good” and we get upset if we don’t agree.
I have nothing against the Oscars, but let’s at least be honest about what it is. It’s just another way for these professionals to make money off of our time and attention.
10
Enough with the stereotyping of Americans. Most Americans have been watching foreign films for decades. I grew up watching them for free on public service stations. I saw films from Japan to Senegal.
The fact is most foreign films, except for a few great ones, are not that good. This is why there was and is a seperate category for best foreign film to reward the best out of a small number of good films worldwide.
This is just another attempt to push the whole global economy mantra. It is also a deliberate backlash against the fight for divetsifying Hollywood. Just as corporations went overseas or brought in cheap foreign labor rather than deal with labor and civil rights for Americans. I've seen this picture before right out of a right-wing playbook and Gervais rightly called Hollywood out for being hypocrites.
7
@Hellen It's not a "fact" that most foreign films aren't that good. These days most Hollywood films are absolute bores, at least for me. Foreign films tend to rely more on the screenplay while Hollywood forgoes it in many cases for special effects.
Of course, as with all art, to a great extent it's subjective and based on opinion. But I for one much prefer foreign films these days because they have better stories. But I won't say that's a fact.
60
@Pablo I like streaming original movies because of the women directors, the diversity of the stories and the originality. The "Big Hollywood" movies I usually avoid because of the blood splatter, toxic messages of male/female ideals, etc. I live in a smallish town and the great foreign movies don't generally make it to the theaters, of which there are very few. The library gets them, so I can follow the major foreign movies that way.
5
It's a sad day in Oscar history. Why Roma and many more award worthy Foreign films were nominated in the Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Picture in the past is indefensible on that basis alone. Two shots at the apple???
What's going on????
Somebody explain to the average film goer what the rational is for allowing a Korean language film to win Best Picture.
3
@Kenneth
Um, because it was the best picture? If the Academy is fair, Hollywood should stand to grow all the more.
33
Yeah. Because it was the best movie.
10
Why is there a category for Best Foreign Film if a foreign film can win Best (supposedly American) Picture? Kind of weird, I don't get it.
13
Why do they call it the World Series of baseball when that means America and two teams from Canada? Not that Canada has ever won.
It's because we're in America, and America is remarkably certain that it is the only nation that matters.
37
@Dan Stackhouse
There is only one team now and it did win.
8
@Dan Stackhouse wait don't get me wrong I'm not saying American movies are superior to foreign films. But I was always under the assumption that "Best Film" at the Oscars meant "Best American Film" since the Academy Awards are an American product. Frankly if it never was the case that only American movies could win Best Picture and that this category was always open to films from any country then I'm extremely surprised that this is the first time a non-American movie has won.
13
Very odd that the filmmakers behind"American Factory" failed to thank our last popularly elected president and Mrs. Obama whose production company backed the movie. In addition to their lack of gratitude, a surefire opportunity for audience applause was sorely wasted.
Also, I don't care how many people hate Netflix for making their movies available on a streaming platform three weeks after they hit the theaters (as opposed to the three-month "delay" that seems to work for every other studio), the fact is that shutting out "The Irishman" after presenting it with 10 nominations is really pretty shameful. None of the other studios chose to bankroll Scorsese's magnum opus; ergo, he had no choice but to accept the offer from Netflix. Why punish our greatest living filmmaker for taking his money from the only source that would advance it to him and thereby enable him to make a better movie than he'd have been able to complete otherwise? Besides which those of us who live in NYC or LA can still watch the movie in theatrical venues if we choose to do so whereas most other films that were released at the same time as that one have long departed from theater screens and can already be found on streaming sites- or for rental via (you guessed it!) Netflix.
27
@stu freeman: If one of the major studios had backed THE IRISHMAN, they would have demanded that he cut at least an hour out of it and thus make a better film than the endless slog Scorsese subjected us to.
3
I turned off Parasite halfway through. I felt like the film had no characters. Only caricatures or rich and poor. If I want that stuff, I'll just read Frantz Fanon. I think it's fine for movies to deal with political issues, but i don't think that doing so is in itself a justification for best Picture. The script and acting were mediocre. I grew up watching very political war films (Full Metal Jacket, Platoon, Apocalypse Now). Those films managed to be both political and terrific works of cinema. I feel the same way about a movie such In the Name of the Father, which is a very political film yet also very well-acted, scripted, and directed.
Anybody can make a film in which the 1% are vilified or mocked or caricatured. One could make a Conjuring film in which working class ghosts haunt only 1% families and it would seem like a very political film. Any time you put rich people and poor people in a movie together it seems political.
32
@Anti-Marx I didn't think THAT much of Parasite either (on a scale of 0-9, it's a high 7 and the vasy majority of my ratings for movies would fall at 7, with a low 7 being "barely watchable" - yeah, I'm generous) but I'm not a big fan of war films so I don't appreciate them generally esp. Platoon. Didn't understand what the big deal was about. Apolcalypse Now was okay too. Both I'd give a high 7 also.
Full Metal Jacket I'd give an 8.
Now A Clockwork Orange, Jacob's Ladder, Being John Malkovich, The Matrix, etc. are among my favourites. 9s for sure.
Different strokes. Dazed and Confused is another film that people love that I am like "huh?" and it is NOT because it was a generation before me.
But what did stand out about Parasite was its cleverness. I knew the full plot going in but vaguely like Being John Malkovich it twists and turns in ways you don't expect.
6
Well my apologies, but if you turned it off halfway through, then you didn't see it in a theatre and only saw half of it. Your opinion is, thus, only half-right at absolute best, and my opinion is you're completely wrong.
The poor were caricatured as well, and a lesson was, fear the poor. And this is a valid lesson, the rich should always fear the poor, because poverty causes desperation, and desperate people are always dangerous.
But since you didn't see the whole movie, I don't want to spoil it for you.
14
@Anti-Marx The film is great if you are into stereotyped characters and would enjoy a sweet family drama that turns into a tumultuous melange of hidden chambers, revenge, bloody violence, a torrential rainstorm, people hiding under beds, and any other mayhem that may come to mind - all without any overriding purpose other than political posturing.
2
I stopped my watching early--ish, before the best song, best actor and actress, and best director and film.
I had seen "Parasite" win for bet International film, and I am so happy to see it win the grand prize for best picture. I think it should start a searing and poignant conversation about class, and that it was compelling and brilliant.
I miss the days when more nominees were more political in their speeches but perhaps it's better to see and feel the joy in the room.
What's more some of the best films, documentaries and short action features included, were in and of themselves political. There were some good films this year, and I hope that the caring I felt tonight in Hollywood and in some of the fine films of the year, can spread itself into our political arena.
I hope we see more activism like we see from Mark Ruffalo, and Leonardo di Caprio, with people who have both fame and funds to chart new ground in fields of giving, and calling more attention to people on the ground, and of course to our planet.
Rich people like being rich but some of them are old enough to share, and share out loud. I'm hoping.
Sorry that "Just Mercy" was left out and think it is a must as a read and as a film for everyone, middle school age to the oldest among us. It is the most inclusive story, the most necessary story I can think of.
11
@Carol Smaldino I think Just Mercy would be included in this year's films.
Wingers don't seem to have a problem with Heston, Eastwood, Reagan, etc., but let a liberal person make a statement on an awards show - they go into a tailspin (pun intended).
2
Thank you for sharing your opinion. Just Mercy, in my opinion, is an instant classic book and should be read in classrooms everywhere. The movie? Ehhh ...
I really loved Jojo Rabbit, which I was happy to see won a best adapted screenplay Oscar. It was a film that took a very dark and twisted time and made something beautiful and lovely out of it. I'm happy for all the winners tonight, we are blessed to have such rich cultural output from which to chose.
49
@Shane That's exactly what I thought. So much talent and creativity and beauty in that room last night. We are fortunate indeed.
1
I'm sure many of us spend hours during any given day working in one form or another; responsibilities are constant, worries, and challenges, too. People often criticize the "movies" as well as its actors. But good pictures and good performances are art forms in which we are part of another time or another place or another identity. For but a short time we can leave the mundane, sit back, enjoy, and even learn about the complexities of life. It's just like reading a good novel. Oscar winning movies are more often than not superb, as is Parasite. And I can say the same for the actors whether Phoenix, Zellweger, Pitt, or Dern. We need these respites, especially now in the midst of our political and social paradigms. To the winners and runners up, I say, "Bravo and thank you."
78
Well beside TOGO the dog sled movie Willem Defoe, Parasite was certainly the best movie I saw, by a long shot. It's a Mind Blower that's for sure. And it is directed & moves so it is universal in it's appeal. I saw most of the movies except 1917. I am happy for everyone involved with Parasite
29
I don't think a lot of Americans are aware that there are several countries with large movie industries. The US isn't the only game on earth. S. Korea is one of them. I think it's about time Americans were exposed to something other than "the same old thing, and the same old faces." I particularly enjoy watching foreign movies and series on Netflix (which I believe helps expand one's viewing opportunities). It's refreshing to see a foreign film get the recognition it deserves.
106
@mrfreeze6 The film and TV industry here is still robust, but it's not a dominant force in East Asia on the level it had been in the recent past. Nations which previously got much of their best and most popular content from South Korea now make more of their own entertainment, and it is of increasingly high quality.
It'm happy for the Korean film community that it now has this accomplishment it can point to with pride.
5
@JJB seems more like a reaction to protest and lets placate the complainers not a true sense of this is truly deserving. PC run amuck.
@mrfreeze6 I wonder how many US films have won such a prize in foreign countries? Surely, there must be some, right?
The side feature about pop songs associated with films had a slight mischaracterization. As opposed to being adopted to a film from the Billboard Charts, Paul Simon’s ‘Mrs. Robinson’ was written specifically for the red sports car race scene over which it plays, though Mr. Simon only had a vague idea that a car would be going fast then breaking down.
7
Never would have thought in a million years I would say this in spite of the usual obvious shut-outs of women and people of color in directing/producing roles in addition to superb actors who left empty handed but here I go: Hollywood 1, Washington DC, -0.
When celebrities have more class, smarts,
manners, concern and actual empathy than the POTUS and the SENATE (what Senate?), we are headed for a fall from which we might not recover.
79
@LM Traditionally Hollywood movie stars rise to that status by being in movies. POTUS is a reality television personality. Different quality altogether. He's not even an actor.
@LM I certainly agree but would object to your term "celebrities." That room last night was filled with artists, the most creative and talented among us-writers, musicians, dancers, technical abilities, the empathy required to act (of which potus has none we all know), and super smart people. That's one reason I watch-I love movies, the music, the actors, the writers, all of this great art. It's on a par to going to an art museum and looking at masterpieces. I find much joy in great art, music, writing, filmmaking etc.
1
Got to see the nominated Live-action Shorts. They were all spectacular. It would have been hard to pick one. Congrats to the winners.
22
The biggest snub that Greta Gerwig got was not that she didn't get a director nomination (she should have), it was that she didn't get a win for best adapted screenplay. Her screenplay was ironic, meta, and refreshing despite so many adaptations having already been done. Her screenplay was so much better than the source material she worked with.
52
@CK Oh yes, that rotten source material that’s still timely after 200 years and been the basis for 3 movies?
8
@CK Her screenplay was "so much better" than the original novel?
7
This movie is great. No forced social justice warrior message. Great twists. No nostalgic manipulations. Amazing directions.
47
No social justice message? Did you actually watch Parasite? The whole film was about classism.
1
This award ceremony is not the most interesting thing to watch. Running a news article announcing the winners before the program , makes it less likely that people will watch.
2
It’s a wonderful night to see the power of art that moves everyone in the world across different cultures. Indeed, the Oscar tonight showed that a great work of art can overcome language barriers, cultural differences, and create a commonality. What a historic moment. Thank you Oscar for awarding this masterpiece!
49
Did anyone else think that Parasite was very similar to last year's best foreign film nominee, Shoplifters? Though Parasite's story line has a few more twists and turns, I found the family in Shoplifters more endearing.
23
Shoplifters was, simply put, a better film. But no one saw it and so, no groundswell of support accrued to get it into awards contention.
23
I saw both Shoplifters and Parasite and I thought Parasite was far better.
Shoplifters was well-made, coherent without sharp edges. Parasite was gutsy though--shifting through genres back to back, creating characters who are difficult to identify with, etc. Much riskier, but I thought it paid off completely. It was riveting, unpredictable and yet somehow whole.
Also, with Shoplifters I cried, but it made me feel a little emotionally manipulated (they knew which buttons to push). Parasite gave me a lot of material to analyze and engage with the filmmaking.
It surely is a matter of style (smooth vs bold, emotionally simple vs complex/uncomfortable), but I wanted to say that there definitely are people (like me) who genuinely prefer Parasite over Shoplifters and it doesn't have to do just with buzz.
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@PFD
I agree. I liked Parasite a lot, but Shoplifters and its characters were driven by something far more admirable: the care of a child who was adrift. The characters were more realistic and it touched me more deeply.
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Parasite absolutely best picture. Mesmerizing. Am disappointed “For Sama” did not get an award. Maybe the most moving documentary I have ever seen. It’s free to watch on Frontline.
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What a fantastic win for “Parasite.” The movie works on so many levels. The best way to approach it is with an open mind and With close attention to details. The movie is half absurdist comedy, half social commentary, and half suspenseful drama. Yes, it all adds up to one and a half movie.
This has been a bumper year for films. “1917” and “Joker” were fantastic.
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@UC Graduate -and Honeyland, Uncut Gems, The Farewell, and Jojo Rabbit......and American Factory.
@UC Graduate -and Honeyland, Uncut Gems, The Farewell, and Jojo Rabbit......and American Factory.
@UC Graduate How do you pay attention to details when you’re reading subtitles?
I'm a huge admirer of Billy Porter as a vocalist and actor. But his over-the-top gender-fluid fashion overshadows the people he's supposed to be interviewing. Would much rather see him as a guest - wearing whatever he wants - and interviewed about his fashion choices. But then it would be time to move to the next person to hear about her/ his outfit for the evening.
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@Binkomagoo I agree with you. I was thinking the same exact thing when I saw Him.
@Binkomagoo I'm sorry, Billy's outfit overshadows his interviews with others? Why?
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Because they're bigger, more extravagant and much more costume-y than most. His costume for the Met gala last Spring is a good example - it was an amazing, fashion -based stage set that offered up a fun, grand, entrance. That was the entire point - he wasn't also interviewing other fashion-types who would certainly been overshadowed.
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"Best International Feature Film" and "Best Picture" are feeling too much like redundant categories.
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@Blair Yeah, really! What's the difference between Best International Film and Best Picture. I just feel that the Academy is trying to cater to the 'non-white' criticism. It seems artificial.
(You do realize that Best Foreign Film is an ancient category?)
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@Blair
Because for the first time in history they overlapped?
Yeah, it's like we've had too many black presidents, because, you know, we had one already.
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I thought Parasite unbeatable until that grotesque 1917 became the frontrunner. Gosh, I’m happy. A unique masterpiece for the ages.
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@CitizenTM I agree, when i first saw 1917. it was my choice. Then i saw Parasite. I have a special affinity for it, since i spent 2 tours in South Korea as US soldier. So, it was my choice and good on the academy for choosing it.
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@CitizenTM
Only learned of it, and its being a South Korean film. When it got its first Oscar, I kept thinking about the only other South Korean film I had watched, but only partly, the highly acclaimed Secret Sunshine on Criterion Collection. I found it too emotionally horrifying to see through to the end, the only film ever to have such an effect on me.
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@CitizenTM what do you mean by grotesque?
Glad that "Parasite" won. Maybe American film makers will actually start making films again.
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This was a great year for American films! Sigh!
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Agree. All the best films are the more nuanced foreign movies. Almodovar deserved something.
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@Sarah Crane Chaisen Agree! Loved that Parasite won, but it was a strong year for American filmmakers if one looks beyond superheroes and franchises.
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As a Korean, I’m proud of it not because of just Korea movie but its deep concept.
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“Parasite” won four Oscars, the most for any film.
Not true -- perhaps it was meant that "won four Oscars, the most for any *non English* film.
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@Comeflywithme
Actually, no, the line is correct as it is written -- in tonight's Oscar awards, Parasite received four Oscars (Picture, International feature film, director, and original screenplay) -- the most of any film in the 2020 Oscars. The next highest # was the 3 received by the film 1917 (special effects, sound mixing, cinematography).
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@Comeflywithme the most for this year I suppose.
I think they meant the most for any film *this year*.
Parasite for the Win(s)! Awards so well deserved for the sheer artistry of its filmmakers. Shows that Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, anything can happen. Moviegoers can only hope The Academy will continue to turn its eyes toward the world to welcome and celebrate more films from around the world. BRAVO!
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Wow; two major surprises (who'd have thunk it coming from those staid old Oscar voters)! I imagine that a sufficient number of them, upon getting around to watching "1917," wondered what the fuss was all about. A movie whose central point is "war is hell" (!!) but is distinguished mostly by a camera technique that organizes and beautifies such conflicts- go figure. "Parasite" was far from being my favorite amongst the nine Best Picture nominees (that would have been "The Irishman") but at least the Academy members- or the friends, relatives and home attendants who voted on their behalf- managed to resist the drumbeat started at earlier awards ceremonies and force Sam Mendes to keep his acceptance speech inside his suit pocket. Good for them.
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On The Irishman, we agree.
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I am likewise not invested in Film these days. I think when I was younger man, I couldn't wait for new films. Now I'll just wait of few years and see them for free. Endlessly looped on IFC.
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A great film will be worth watching in a year or five years. So I agree with the commenter, no rush to see the latest fad film
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I still very much going to the theatre. Reclining reserved seats, no distractions.
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No wonder. Many films are made for a juvenile audience. Think Marvel.
Sorry, but Parasite is not a thriller. If you don’t identify a sociological drama in this movie, you shouldn’t be writing in a newspaper
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Why can’t it be both?
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I wasn't emotionally or intellectually invested in any of the nominated films, most which I've not even seen...or crave seeing.
The one film I've seen and rejoice over is Rocketman, an ebullient celebration of Elton John's lifetime of impassioned singing & perfornance, I loved that film so much I bought it & yes, revered much more than Bohemian Rhapsody.
Eventually, I'll get to Parasite, tho I'm wary of satires. I'll read the comments about it inan effort to pump myself up. Help me.
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@Macktan Parasite isn't really a satire at all. I think it's incredibly worth watching, and isn't one of those films that can be easily characterised.
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@Macktan
Not satire. Just see it.
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@Macktan I didn't get much satire out of Parasite, other than certain wry commentary. It's largely a thriller.
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willem dafoe should have gotten a best/supporting nomination for "the lighthouse." hilarious, scary, riveting performance.
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@drollere that nomination snub and the full on snub of Uncut Gems, which I have yet to see myself. Proves that the Oscars have very little respect or priority to exalt the more independent film studios unless their product serves their diversity pandering and quota... which this paper and every other “culture critic” seems to be obsessed with rather than the content of a film.
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I'm sorry, but the fact that Hollywood culture decided to award Best Film to a movie named "Parasite" is somehow the ultimate irony ... and metaphor.
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@JRC - Of course it's appropriate. Donald Trump is president.
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Pass.
A lot of rich privileged people congratulating themselves...
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The ceremony is quite boring, but some speeches are full of good intentions. And the awards are important to dictate what is next on entertainment show.
Editor’s note: This comment has been anonymized in accordance with applicable law(s).
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Parasite was so deserving. It really was an important piece of art. I think we need films like this, especially now.
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Parasite is indeed a masterpiece and the best film of the year (and yes I’ve seen all the contenders); pleasantly surprised to see it win. (A little shocked actually.)
All the folks blasting the Oscars and thumbing your noses at it—fine. But why on earth are you taking the time to comment on them? Go save the planet instead.
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As an expat in Korea (with a friend who starred in Parasite as an extra!), I am very happy with the recognition the film has gotten.
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@Vad It is strange--half of our country is super stoked and happy--and half of our country are provoked. I dislike jingoism and nationalism (which is racism) and am happy to see more global inclusion. Bollywood has been making great films too.
I’m sooooo happy for Parasite!!! Also, Joaquin Phoenix finally got the award the Academy owed him since Gladiator.
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Parasite.
A real Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood.
Would love some behind the scenes reportage on how Bong Joon-Ho and
his cast and crew celebrated at the after event party.
Also, the Korean translator deserve an award on her own.
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@Opinioned! I agree about the translator, I bet she never thought she'd be spending that much time before millions of people. She was gracious and understated, a real trooper!
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@Opinioned! I’m sure the cast and crew of “Parasite” reserved a Koreatown restaurant so they can drink the night away. The translator—Sharon Choi—is probably the most famous translator alive. She should be in the cast of Bong’s next movie.
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@thewriterstuff The translator is actually a director herself. We might see her accepting an Oscar herself one day!
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Too many awards are doled out annually, from the (trivial) movie and music awards to the (theoretically more meaningful) Nobels. If you are forced to pick the best in a given year, every year, there will be a lot of chaff.
Joaquin Phoenix and Renee Zellweger gave wonderful acceptance speeches. And Olivia Colman's speech before presenting the Best Actor Award gave me the best laughs of the evening. Haven't seen "Parasite" yet but Diane Keaton seemed pleased that it won one of the many awards. I plan on seeing it soon.
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Parasite was one of the most beautiful, haunting films I have ever seen. An absolute masterpiece. It is one of the few films I’ve seen in theaters three times (once in black and white), simply to appreciate its brilliance. Thank you to the Academy for recognizing its genius. This is a huge inflection point for Korean film.
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@CP I agree wholeheartedly.
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@CP actually, it was totally boring. It only won for political reasons. The white people split the vote between good films like Joker and once upon a time in Hollywood. Then all of the people of color voted for the same film: parasite. That’s the only reason it won. Let’s not sit here and pretend that it’s a good movie
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@Alicia, well, now if someone asks me what it means when someone claims they are "entitled to their opinion", I've got the perfect comment to point them to.
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Oh, was this on tonight? Is Johnny Carson hosting?
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For me, the great mystery of these Oscars will remain the almost forgotten Ad Astra. Too many existential questions, perhaps?
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So good and agree! At least it’ll seem free on streaming services soon.
What will happen to moon pirates though. My biggest question here
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@Philipp I really do like Brad Pitt and think he should have received an Oscar for the incredible Benjamin Button. Ad Astra disappointed me as a story, which Ithought was totally implausible & gave Pitt the grand opportunity to play one note on one scale.
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@Philipp
Absolutely agree on Ad Astra. It was for me a haunting experience. Excellent movie. And very profound. I am glad though that Brad Pitt won.
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Joaquin Phoenix was so touching talking about the cows and milk taken away for coffee instead of its natural intent for nursing-makes you just cry. He said When we use love and compassion as our guiding principals-we can make systems of change beneficial for all sentient beings and the environment. Excellent speech.
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YES! i saw this too and was in tears, and so grateful! how often do artists in the "mainstream" make such powerful statements on behalf of the vulnerable and the abused?
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I tried to watch, but couldn't. The world is burning, our country is being eaten by cancer, and we watch overdressed people patting themselves on the back. The music isn't good. The actors aren't great. The movies aren't entertaining. I prefer silence.
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“Mr Scrooge! Your deceased partner Jacob Marley on Line 1!”
While you’re at it, yell at some kids to get off your lawn. The rest of us will try to have some fun with our angst.
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I often prefer silence, too - but Parasite is a revelation of a movie.
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@Lee We watched 'Lincoln' instead and were reminded of what a truly well deserved acting performance looks like....
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Please get people next year who did their Oscars homework before giving live commentary. Too many errors.
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I enjoyed the banter. What errors?
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Many years ago the Oscars were actually glamorous. They've now descended into some final depth of politically correct narcissism. Almost a cheap, emotionally childish parody of what they once were.
The world has moved on.
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@JRC The world has moved on... but not by much. These actors talk about social & political issues brecause their work doesn't inspire them to dwell on it as much. They win Oscars for performances in mediocre films.
Hair & Makeup for Bombshell? What Fox News Hair & Makeup does to women everyday.
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“Glamorous”? As in “exclusively white”?
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@JRC
I think that glamour has been mass marketed and now everybody knows how to be glamorous. It's not exclusive anymore
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Relevant News Alert:
These people think they and the “academy” are relevant. Most of these hubris filled money hogs, thankfully, are we are all well aware, consistently affirming their irrelevance with self laudatory wastes of time like an awards show.
Ugh! Where’s Rick Gervais when you need him?
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Can anyone thank the audience, the boys who actually fought in WWI? Pitt can only come up with Bolton? Maybe these folks feel the maximum guilt, so they’re the ultimate liberals. High minded, steeped in morality and lacking all perspective.
Just some thoughts from the Oscars.
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You do realize that all those who fought are likely dead?
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I would like to point out that South Korean producer DID thank the audience, particularly the Korean audience. She thanked them not just for attending but for their criticisms and commentary as well. She noted that these are the things that help them strive to produce better films.
P Cooper
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@Alberto Abrizzi
Not sure what you are saying here. Do you mean the ghostly audience of the all now dead participants in the Great War? The last surviving veteran died a few years ago.
I have at least two ancestors who perished in that horrific and unnecessary conflict which changed our world in ways we suffer from still. One was part of the British Expeditionary Force and died when the war was less than a month old. The second died at the end of the Battle of the Somme.
Thankfully both have graves that I hope to visit one day. Though I never met them I remember and thank them for their bravery and sacrifice.
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And Kudos to Spike Lee for his Kobe Nod. This was Kobe's Town--it was very touching.
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@That's What She Said Enough of the Kobe tribute stuff. It’s becoming overblown and insensitive.
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Good for you Brad Pitt--never a big fan- I am now!
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Spare us from the hip hop "music!" The gob-smacked look on Martin Scorsese said it all in that regard. That said Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig owned the first hour of this show.
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@susan Bad take, Susan. Hip hop rocks!
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@susan omg Maya and Kristen were TERRIBLE, painful to watch.
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Love movies. Can’t stand award shows with under-educated, handsome men and pretty women with huge carbon footprints living out obscenely rich lifestyles and still—still, arrogantly preaching to the people who go to movies and make them famous. Please stop—give us art, not politics light (and left).
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Here’s some free advice: Don’t watch.
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@ehillesum under educated? I suppose you say that just because they lean left? At least in the Broadway world that I work in, Actors are quite well informed.
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These award shows are more and more irrelevant. We have crisis after crisis all over the world, and even here in North America. For example, Coronavirus is a disaster. Trump is a disaster. And here we are giving awards to winners who are not necessarily better than the losers. Pure anachronism.
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You do realize that the Oscars have gone on even when World Wars were being fought. People go on with guilty pleasures even when things are falling apart, which to varying degrees they always are. Oscars went on during Vietnam, the Great Depression, Watergate, the first Iraq War. It creates a diversion, like baseball even shortly after 9/11 occurred. You don’t have to watch. Let the rest of us have our fun.
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@André -hundreds of thousands of people make their livelihood on this film business and it brings JOY to millions, maybe billions around the planet. With all the sadness and strife in this broken world, you think a mother sharing a story with her child is irrelevant? Award shows celebrate the films about the stories of the shared myths of our culture. Hopefully film will help us understand ourselves and help us cope with these disasters, or even prevent disasters from happening. They call that soft power.
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There couldn't be a more striking contrast than Lawrence of Arabia and 1917. I hope any awards 1917 receives will rightfully be attributed to the tragedy of that Great War rather than the making of this nothing film.
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I’m boycotting the Oscars. Probably forever, they’re such a bore.
They had an easy chance to be “inclusive”, a genius JLO performance at 50, and they blew it. They are soooo last century. Don’t know any friends, younger than 60, who are watching.
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Handing Best Picture to a foreign film isn’t inclusive because Jennifer Lopez didn’t win? Please.
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@lily A Korean language film won best picture and best director and best screenplay.
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@Lily The absence of JLO is what deprived the Oscars of potential inclusivity? I don't think even JLO holds herself in that much regard...
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“Kitbull” from Pixar is an extraordinary animated short film, and it reminds us to care for and protect companion animals. They face abandonment and abuse, and the stakes for them are life and death.
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@Rickon
We saw it this afternoon, yes, the love our companion animals give us - their friends and family - celebrated, directly, sweetly. Loved that film!
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It was great. My favorite of the bunch was Memorable, though.
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