As we approach the new year, one topic on my mind has been films, as always. Anyone who knows anything about me knows I have an undying love for movies, but also the awards that recognize these films.
The overall agreement is that the Oscars are the longest-running, most prestigious and most noteworthy award show in film history.
Since I’ve been going to the movies and watching them all year, I want to mention a few that stick out to me.
It can be difficult to cover all 24 competitive categories in just a few paragraphs. I will be sticking to awards that I personally value the most: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Casting — a new category being introduced in 2026.
The new category is a big deal because the last category added to the Oscars was more than 20 years ago. It was created to honor casting directors who also hold a special role in filmmaking.
If you ask me, I think the category was added to inspire more diversity amongst movies, after #OscarsSoWhite, a movement sparked because of the lack of diversity amongst nominees.
I asked students for their takes on some of the films they’ve seen this year, and received a variety of responses.
“Frankenstein would be the perfect candidate for Best Adapted Screenplay because of the way it turns a classic story and reimagines it,” Evan Dupree, ‘27, said.
More specifically, in the Best Actor category, Dupree and I agreed on two names who would fit the category: Michael B. Jordan, for his performance in “Sinners,” and Leonardo DiCaprio for his performance in “One Battle After Another.”
I’d also consider both of these films as Best Picture candidates; they give groundbreaking perspectives on new ideas.
I asked another student, Elle Speelman, ‘27, to share her perspectives on recent movie releases and their Oscar-worthiness.
“I don’t know much about that [the Oscars], but if I had to choose a movie to get an award, it would be ‘Bad Guys 2,’” Speelman said. “That movie is life-changing.”
Along with those films, it’s only fitting that I include “Wicked: For Good” in the category of worthiness.
The movie changed my perspective on musicals in general and had such good cinematography, costume design and an amazing score.
These, amongst some others, are the films I believe will have amazing awards seasons. I wish everyone an amazing holiday season. Cozy up and enjoy a film; my personal favorite for Christmas is “Love Actually.”
“If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is, all around.” (Love, Actually)
XOXO, Makenzie