Award: Oscar

Published: April 25, 2025

A Real Pain

Incompatible cousins David and Benji embark on a journey to Poland in honor of their beloved grandmother. David is a family man, a digital advertising professional living a safe and conventional life. His cousin Benji stirs up feelings of both jealousy and shame in him. Benji is a drifter – outspoken, emotional, and unfiltered in expressing his thoughts and feelings, no matter how inappropriate the situation. Benji, on the other hand, sees David as harmless but judges him through childhood memories, labeling him a loser.

They join a group led by a British guide named James, who takes them on a tour exploring Polish-Jewish cultural heritage. However, the nature of the trip changes when long-standing tensions between the cousins resurface, set against the backdrop of their family history.

A Real Pain carries a distinctly personal dimension, as director/actor Jesse Eisenberg’s roots trace back to Krasnystaw, Poland, from which his family emigrated before World War II.

Kieran Culkin won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film.

Published: April 7, 2025

Wicked

Misunderstood because of her green skin and in search of her true powers, Elphaba meets Glinda, a popular and privileged young woman striving for fame but still discovering her heart’s true voice, at Shiz University in the magical Land of Oz. An unexpected but deep friendship forms between them.

After meeting the Wizard of Oz, their bond is tested, and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s desire to please and maintain her status draws her toward a world of power, while Elphaba’s determination to stay true to herself leads to unforeseen and earth-shaking consequences. One will come to be known as Glinda the Good Witch – the other as the Wicked Witch of the West.

Published: March 14, 2025

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

The names Audrey Hepburn and Holly Golightly have been synonymous ever since Truman Capote’s sparklingly fun and romantic comedy was adapted into a film. Holly is a delightfully quirky New York girl who is determined to marry a Brazilian millionaire. George Peppard, on the other hand, plays a writer living next door, “sponsored” by the wealthy Patricia Neal. It’s easy to guess who is truly the one for Holly. Their blossoming romance is one of the film’s deliciously captivating storylines.

Published: September 24, 2024

A Beautiful Mind

Awarded with four Oscars, the film tells the story of Nobel Prize-winning economist John Nash, who suffers from schizophrenia. The brilliant mathematician stood out from his peers during his studies and began to develop his groundbreaking game theory. After graduating, Nash starts teaching at a technical university, but gradually, mental health issues and severe paranoia begin to take control of him.

Published: September 24, 2024

Samson and Delilah

Samson and Delilah (original title in Finnish Simson ja Delila) is a historical adventure film released in 1949, directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The film is based on the Old Testament story of Samson, a Jewish warrior, and Delilah, the woman who betrayed him to the Philistines.

The story of the film revolves around Samson, who possesses supernatural strength, with his long hair being the source of his power. Samson battles the enemies of Israel, the Philistines. Delilah, who serves the Philistines, seduces Samson and makes him reveal the secret of his strength. When Delilah cuts Samson’s hair, he loses his strength and is captured. In the end, Samson prays to God to restore his strength, and he succeeds in destroying the Philistine temple at the moment of his own death.

In the film, Samson is portrayed by Victor Mature and Delilah by Hedy Lamarr. Samson and Delilah was a major success in its time and won two Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. The film is especially known for its epic scenes, colorful costumes, and impressive sets, which were typical of Cecil B. DeMille’s grand cinematic style.

The film is a classic example of the “biblical epic” genre that was popular in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s.

Published: September 20, 2024

The Robe

The Roman centurion Marcellus Gallio, played by Richard Burton, oversees the crucifixion of Jesus and wins his robe in a dice game at the foot of the cross. Marcellus, who has never been a man of faith, begins to experience disturbing visions and feels guilty for his actions when his slave Demetrius flees with the robe. Convinced that destroying the robe will free him from his torment, Marcellus sets out to find Demetrius – and in the process, discovers his Christian faith. This biblical epic, one of the greatest on the silver screen, was nominated for five Academy Awards in 1953, including Best Picture and Richard Burton’s nomination for Best Actor. The film went on to win two Oscars.

Published: April 16, 2024

Poor Things

Bella is a young woman, whose brilliant yet eccentric scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter brings back to life. Initially, Bella is eager to learn about life under Baxter’s wing. However, in her thirst for life, she embarks on a turbulent journey across continents with the slick and debauched lawyer Duncan Wedderburn. Through this, Bella, who has shed her previous prejudices, grows into a steadfast advocate for freedom and equality.

The film was awarded four Oscars:

1. Best Actress: Emma Stone received this prestigious award for her portrayal of the young Victorian woman named Bella Baxter, brought back to life.
2. Best Production Design: James Price and Shona Heath were recognized for the visual world of the film.
3. Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier, and Josh Weston created impressive makeup and hairstyling.
4. Best Costume Design: Holly Waddington was responsible for the stunning costumes, transporting viewers to the Victorian era and the steampunk adventure.

Published: February 29, 2024

Shrek

“Shrek” is an animated film released in 2001. It tells the story of a green, yet kind-hearted ogre named Shrek, who lives alone and unappreciated in a swamp. However, Shrek’s peace is disturbed when the expulsion of fairy tale creatures is ordered to his swamp by the ruler of Duloc, Lord Farquaad.

Shrek wants to regain his peace, so he strikes a deal with Farquaad: he agrees to rescue Princess Fiona, so that Farquaad can marry her and Shrek can get his swamp back. On the journey to save the princess, Shrek receives help from a donkey named Donkey, who accompanies him on his adventures.

When Shrek and Donkey arrive at Princess Fiona’s castle, they realize that Fiona is not quite an ordinary princess. Along the way, Shrek and Fiona grow closer, but Shrek soon faces the truth about Farquaad’s true intentions.

“Shrek” is an adventure filled with humor, romance, and twists related to the world of fairy tale creatures. It has become known for its memorable characters, clever dialogue, and unique storytelling.

“Shrek” won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 2001 Academy Awards. This was the first time the award for Best Animated Feature was presented, and “Shrek” was the first film to be honored in this category.

Published: November 24, 2023

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby tells the story of Nick Carraway, a young man who moves to Long Island, New York, in 1920s America. Nick’s neighbor is the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, who hosts extravagant parties but whose past and true identity are kept as secret.

Nick soon discovers that Gatsby is in love with his cousin, the beautiful yet carefree Daisy Buchanan, who is married to the wealthy and unfaithful Tom Buchanan. Gatsby endeavors to win back Daisy’s love, using all his means to lure her back to him.

The story revolves around themes of love, wealth, and deceit, revealing the superficiality and moral decay of 1920s American society. Ultimately, the tale ends tragically as plot twists and conflicting passions lead to a fatal conclusion for the main characters.

The film received two Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.

Published: August 15, 2023

Avatar: The Way of Water

Ten years have passed since Jake Sully joined the Na’vi clan on the planet Pandora. Nowadays, he is married to Neytiri, and together they have explored the underwater realms of Pandora with their children Neteyam, Lo’ak, and their adopted daughter Kirina. The elder Na’vi, Tonowari, closely oversees tranquility amidst everything.

Although time has passed since the war, humans have not forgotten their bitterness and still seek to exploit Pandora’s natural resources. General Ardmore, who has risen to command the humans, ruthlessly cloned the consciousness of Miles Quaritch and merged it with his own Avatar body. Together, they plan a massive strike against Pandora to completely destroy the Na’vi people.

Now, Jake must join forces with Neytiri and the Na’vi army to protect their home planet.

The film was awarded an Oscar for its outstanding visual effects. The movie utilized motion-capture technology, followed by computer-generated animation.