Straughan On Conclave Oscar Bid

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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Straughan on Conclave's Oscar Bid: A Wild Ride

Okay, folks, buckle up. This is the story of how I, a nobody film blogger, almost had a heart attack over Conclave's Oscar buzz. It's a rollercoaster, let me tell you, full of unexpected twists and turns. This isn't some stuffy, academic analysis; this is the raw, emotional truth.

The Initial Hype Train

Remember when everyone was talking about Conclave? I mean, everyone. The early reviews were killer – "visually stunning," "a masterpiece of suspense," "the best thriller since Seven." I'd seen early screenings, and yeah, it was pretty darn good. Seriously, it was intense. I was practically buzzing with excitement. I immediately started thinking about Oscar potential. Best Director? Best Picture? Maybe even Best Cinematography? (The lighting in that final scene? Chef's kiss). I even started drafting my "Conclave Sweeps the Oscars!" blog post. I was way ahead of the curve, I thought. So smart.

My Early Predictions (and My Epic Fail)

I even went so far as to predict which categories Conclave would win. I was practically a Nostradamus of film criticism. I predicted a Best Actor nomination for the lead, definitely a Best Original Score nomination (that score was epic), and of course, a nod for Best Film Editing. I was sure it was going to happen. It seemed like a lock. That was my biggest mistake. I got so caught up in the hype, I forgot to look at the bigger picture. I failed to account for, well, everything.

The Reality Check (Ouch!)

Then, the nominations came out...and Conclave was snubbed. Hard. Like, completely ignored. No Best Picture, no Best Director, not even a single nomination. I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. I'd been so confident, so sure of myself. My carefully crafted blog posts about Conclave's inevitable triumph sat there, mocking me. All that writing about the "cinematic brilliance" and the "powerful performances" suddenly felt pretty silly.

Learning from the Heartbreak

This whole experience taught me a valuable lesson: don't get too emotionally invested in Oscar predictions. It's a fickle beast, the Academy. And just because a movie is critically acclaimed doesn't mean it's automatically an Oscar contender. You have to look at the bigger picture. What other films are in the running? What's the overall tone of the awards season? Who's got the marketing muscle behind them?

Moving Forward: Better Strategies for Next Year

For next year’s awards season, I’m changing my strategy. I'll still analyze films, and I’ll still share my opinions (because, let’s face it, that’s what I do!), but I'll be less focused on making predictions. Instead, I’ll concentrate on providing thoughtful analysis, highlighting what makes a film truly great, regardless of whether it wins any awards.

Here's what I'm doing differently:

• Deeper dives into filmmaking: Instead of just saying a movie is "good," I'll analyze specific aspects like cinematography, sound design, and editing. Think of it as breaking down the ingredients of a recipe.
• Wider perspective: I need to consider box office numbers, social media buzz, and critical reception from various sources, not just my own initial reaction. I need to consider other elements like genre and overall appeal.
• More balanced approach: I'll still get excited about movies I love but won't let the hype cloud my judgment, and this will be reflected in my writing. I'll try my best to avoid emotionally driven, hyperbolic language!

So, the Conclave Oscar snub? It sucked, sure. But it also taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes, the best strategy is to appreciate the art itself, rather than getting caught up in the awards race. Plus, it gave me a great story to tell. And hey, there's always next year. Bring on the next awards season!