Best Actor in a Leading Role

Winner: Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody

Who should’ve won: Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born

Rami Malek played a fan favorite character in a fan favorite movie, and while his embodiment of Freddie Mercury was spot on, it simply wasn’t the best performance of the year. The Academy, like the United States, doesn’t follow the popular vote of the people.

this won best film editing huh..this is a joke pic.twitter.com/QYdLzRug8F

— xan ⚜️ (@enemyfiIm) February 25, 2019

Their job is to nominate the films and performances that demonstrate the most talent and artistry, despite their popularity. Rami Malek, with what he is given, does a remarkable job, but without a story that fully envelopes the entirety of Freddie Mercury’s life, it’s hard to reward the actor who plays him with a Best Actor award when the full story isn’t there. Cooper, however, delivers a heart wrenching performance that only an Oscar winner could in A Star Is Born. The brutal truth of his character and Cooper’s dedication to it should’ve ensured that he took home the trophy, but the popularity contest the Academy gave into this year snubbed Cooper of it.

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Winner: Olivia Colman, The Favourite

Who should’ve won: Olivia Colman, The Favourite

Olivia Colman served as the foundation in which The Favourite was founded upon. The dysfunction and chaos that occurs in the film only works because of Colman’s complete dedication to character. Colman’s technical perfection and impeccable timing ensured that the comedic elements of the film shined through, as she still managed to be loose, entertaining, and overall, the best choice to play one of the worst Queens. Olivia Colman has consistently shined in various award ceremonies, as not even the Academy could shy away from her brilliant charm, commitment to character, and her superb talent.

Best Director

Winner: Alfonso Cuarón, Roma

Who should’ve won: Alfonso Cuarón, Roma

Alfonso Cuarón has consistently wowed audiences with his unique directorial vision, and Roma is no exception. Though the black and white adds a level of artistry and simplicity that complements the complex story nicely, it did present a challenge to Cuarón to make the film interesting- a challenge he accepted masterfully. Roma is touching, heartwarming, devastating, but never stagnant. The limited dialogue and foreign language element of the film could have felt isolating to English speaking audiences, but Cuarón’s communication and commitment to theme allowed the message of family to encompass and touch all viewers, ensuring Cuarón’s Best Director snag is well deserved.

Best Picture

Winner: Green Book

Who should’ve won: The Favourite

The Favourite displayed a bold, risky, artistic, female led film that has been snubbed awards show after awards show. The all star cast, including Best Leading Actress Winner Olivia Colman as well as Best Supporting Actress Nominees Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, play off of each other with expert love, hatred, and indignation.

Green Book is so bland and milquetoast without a single remarkable filmmaking choice or scene in it

— Zach Kornfeld (@korndiddy) February 25, 2019

The dynamic these three bring to the film ensure that the unexpected nature of sexual politics and power doesn’t come across as ‘over the top-’ it’s completely justified. It is rare that a film doesn’t have to rely on technical amazement or over the top special effects to have a compelling movie that dazzles audiences, but The Favourite does this- and more.