
Poor Things
For many, the finest film of the year. Surrealism, extravagance and feminism. The casting is spot on, the performances magisterial.

This film stands as a formidable challenger to 'Oppenheimer'. Although a win would come as a significant surprise given Nolan's film's front-runner position, yet Yorgos Lanthimos's creation balances precariously between madness and brilliance—his trademark. Regardless of the awards ceremony outcome, the Greek director has already cemented his place in Hollywood, where any of his projects will now be eagerly anticipated. The real challenge in the industry is not just to succeed but to maintain that success. With 11 nominations, 'Poor Creatures' aims to be more than just another near-winner that leaves empty-handed. By merit, it shouldn't.

Its triumph at the Venice Film Festival was a definitive endorsement of 'Poor Creatures' as a serious Oscar contender. Other winners at this prestigious Italian festival include 'The Shape of Water', 'Roma', 'Joker', and 'Nomadland'.

Yorgos Lanthimos's ingenious direction is at the heart of the film. The Greek filmmaker first gained international recognition when "Dogtooth" contended for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, marking a meteoric rise over the past decade.

Lanthimos has amassed six Oscar nominations. 'The Favourite' (2019) was his grand entry into the upper echelons of the industry, and 'Poor Creatures' represents his definitive establishment. In 2017, he made waves with an Original Screenplay nomination for 'The Lobster'.

Searchlight Pictures, the powerhouse studio behind the film, has been dominating the Oscars in recent years. They focus intensely on a project, making it a reliable awards season contender. Disney has overseen the studio since 2017.

Searchlight Pictures' five Oscar wins include "Slumdog Millionaire", "12 Years a Slave", "Birdman", "The Shape of Water", and "Nomadland". Since its inception in 1994, the studio has seen 22 of its films nominated for the top prize.

Emma Stone adds allure to 'Poor Creatures'. She's in the running for her second Oscar following her win for 'La La Land'. She also has the potential to become a double winner as a producer of the film.

Mark Ruffalo, a familiar face from so many films and known for his consistently solid performances, has yet to win an Oscar. This marks his fourth nomination, following nods for 'The Kids Are All Right', 'Foxcatcher', and 'Spotlight'. It's time he received an Oscar.

Willem Dafoe has been enjoying a career renaissance, with nominations in 2018 and 2019 revitalizing his career. His performance in 'Poor Creatures' is exceptional, but he became the film's notable snub. His first Oscar bid was in 1987 for 'Platoon'.

'Poor Creatures' stands a strong chance in categories such as Makeup and Hairstyling, Production Design, and especially Costume Design. In Adapted Screenplay, Tony McNamara is nominated again, following his previous work with Lanthimos on "The Favourite".

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