‘Denzel was scheming, powerful and sexy!': readers' worst Oscar snubs

The Guardian

29-01-2025

Monkey Man! I've heard very little of this thriller in reviewers' top films of 2024, or lists of films snubbed by the Oscars. I think people are doing Patel a disservice by forgetting this film. He is incredible as both a director and actor in this movie. For his violent and beautifully coordinated fight scenes alone I think this film deserves more recognition. But it's so much more than that; the storyline encompasses an origin story, a hero arc, and a dystopian setting that closely emulates the world we live in. The inclusion of underrepresented voices also reflects what we should value cinema for, presenting the hijra community in such an openly positive way was refreshing and enlightening to see. Eleanor, 22, Buckinghamshire
Clarence Maclin for best supporting actor in Sing Sing. Sing Sing is based on the true story of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts programme at Sing Sing correctional facility. Other than Colman Domingo, and one or two other professional actors, most of the cast are previously incarcerated inmates playing themselves. This includes Maclin, who serves as the foil to Domingo's Divine G. His character arc is the heart of the film, and he is mesmerising and magnetic. I was floored to learn he wasn't a professional actor, and to play himself while depicting such growth and subtlety is unlike anything else I have seen. While Domingo has been nominated for best actor, I think Maclin's performance was equal if not superior to it, and all the more impressive for his playing himself. Laura, 30, Glasgow
I really feel Denzel was snubbed for Gladiator II. He had his own gravity in that movie. His performance was incredibly fun but also nuanced and showed a side of him as an actor that we don't normally get to see: scheming, powerful and a bit sexy. When I left the theatre, my lasting impression wasn't of Paul Mescal's fight scenes or sharks in the Colosseum, but rather of Denzel's captivating turn as Macrinus. Marguerite Manning, 25, London
The romantic tennis drama Challengers was overlooked this year for its soundtrack, which played perfectly into the 'Brat summer' genre of last year, reflecting the sounds of tennis balls hitting courts and shoes skidding with dance beats. Then there's the original song 'Compress / Repress', where Trent Reznor creates the modern-day feeling of a Peter Gabriel song with fantastic groove. I have never heard a soundtrack like it. It stands strongly on its own. This was my favourite movie of the year, and although it isn't tackling anything super deep and profound, it is well made and such a fun time. Georgia Mallett, 23, Kentucky, USA
I think the horror film Heretic should have at least a nomination for best original screenplay. A brilliantly crafted horror that features true suspense and a truly great performance by Hugh Grant. The Monopoly scene alone is so beautifully written that it had me in hysterics. And in awe that the film had the bravery and inclination to show the antagonists' true beliefs and theories on religion. Outstanding. Pete, Salford
I genuinely don't understand the lack of excitement and awards hype for Dune: Part Two. It was by far the most exhilarating movie-theatre experience I had last year and is the closest thing to match my excitement for Oppenheimer. For Denis Villeneuve to not be nominated for best director is a travesty. There is a lot of bad sci-fi made, so for this one to turn out even better than the first is an achievement that should be celebrated. Brendan, 31, Ontario, Canada
I'm surprised Kate Winslet hasn't been nominated for more awards for her portrayal of Lee Miller in the war drama Lee. The only individual nomination she had was at the Golden Globes, but hers was as good a performance as any on the Oscars nominations list. It's the type of performance – of a historical figure – that the Academy is usually eager to recognise. On this, I'm also surprised that Lee as a film hasn't received a nomination for best picture. Brett, 38, Greater Manchester
Daniel Craig was overlooked for best actor in Queer. Craig manages, through the form and function of his performance, to incur the viewer's contempt and sympathy in equal measure. There lurks a real and hidden gentleness in the character. Among the faux malice of people raging against the dying of the light, Craig invites us into the soul and inner conflicts of his character. Patrick Callaghan, 63, London
The drama Vermiglio by Maura Delpero deserved a nomination for best international film. I was so fascinated by the story, the interpretations of the actors, many of them on camera for the first time, the use of light and the scenery. It tells the tale of a family, of love and resentment, of a history not so distant, of motherhood as a salvation or a prison, of stillness and changes. I thought the film was simply striking. And the very last scene was so moving. Anonymous, 30, Italy