
The Holdovers
Alexander Payne's magic captivates audiences. His films are populated with melancholic characters that resonate deeply with audiences and scenarios as real as life itself.

Payne's latest endeavor was a finalist at the Toronto Film Festival, ultimately overtaken by another Oscar nominee, 'American Fiction'. With a 25-year career, Payne has consistently delivered cinematic gems that have been warmly received by the Academy, from 'Election' to 'About Schmidt', 'Sideways', 'The Descendants', and 'Nebraska'. Now, he returns with 'The Holdovers', bouncing back after a stumble with 'Downsizing'. The film is produced by one of America's greats, Mark Johnson, an Oscar winner for 'Rain Man' and executive producer of 'Breaking Bad'.

Alexander Payne reunites with one of his go-to actors, Paul Giamatti, who lands his second Oscar nomination following 'Cinderella Man'. An underrated actor, yet one with a resume of impressively strong roles, notably in 'Sideways' and 'Private Life'.

The Oscar for Best Actor is a fierce battle between Giamatti and Cillian Murphy. Giamatti's portrayal of a grumpy professor is taken to the extreme. His win would be somewhat of a surprise but by no means undeserved.

'The Holdovers' presents another chance for Focus Features to clinch an Oscar. The studio has the most nominations for the top prize without ever picking up a win, with twelve nominations. Last year, it was in contention with 'TAR'.

Focus, a subdivision of Universal, has been involved in numerous cinematic treasures: 'Lost in Translation', 'Brokeback Mountain', 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', 'Milk', 'Dallas Buyers Club', 'The Theory of Everything', 'Promising Young Woman', and 'BlacKkKlansman'.

A standout performance in the film comes from Da'Vine Joy Randolph. At 37, she's the leading contender for Best Supporting Actress, after sweeping the awards season (Golden Globes, BAFTA). She was nominated for a Tony in 2012.

Another delightful surprise is the debut of Dominic Sessa. Payne conducted rigorous auditions to find the perfect actor for the role. In his first film, Sessa has already garnered high praise and a BAFTA nomination.

Payne himself has secured two Oscars from ten nominations, despite missing out in the directing category. He has won two Oscars for the adapted screenplays of 'Sideways' and 'The Descendants'. This marks the fourth of his films to contend for the prestigious statue.

A strong point of 'The Holdovers' is its meticulous casting, recognized with the Best Casting award at the BAFTA (a category introduced in 2020). Alas for this film, this new category won't be featured at the Oscars till 2026.

Kevin Tent, Payne's regular film editor, receives his second nomination following 'The Descendants'. Screenwriter David Hemingson, in his first foray into film, has crafted a compelling original screenplay. He'd be the favorite if not for 'Anatomy of a Fall'.

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