The 2022 Academy Awards have just concluded and to say that controversy and issues were a huge part of it is a huge understatement. We aren’t just referring to the events that occurred during the actual ceremony (more on this in our separate article, TIH Reaction to 2022 Oscar Winners and Ceremony) but with any awarding ceremonies, there are some questionable interpretations on the list of nominees and awardees as critics and movie buffs alike would most likely disagree with the results at one point or another. Just like every year, the 2022 Oscars, were able to create a list of snubbed movies with their final shortlist of nominees.
We at This Is Hype, have gathered a list of such movies that were snubbed during the 2022 Oscars. These films in themselves may have been disregarded due to several reasons such as the political and social atmosphere that is present in the Academy. This list is not in any way to discredit the list of nominees and winners from the Oscars which we honestly agree deserved to be there for the most part but in turn, this list of snubbed films from the 2022 Oscars is to showcase the abundance of quality creations in the film industry, all of which still deserve recognition even outside of the award ceremony. We may not truly understand the reasons for these films being snubbed from the 2022 Oscars but in order to provide a run-down of movies to add to those on the Oscar nominees list, here are films from 2021 to early 2022 that you should definitely see.
10 Films Snubbed at the 2022 Oscars
- Zola
- The Last Duel
- House of Gucci
- Annette
- Passing
- The Card Counter
- In the Heights
- Respect
- The French Dispatch
- The Green Knight
Zola
Based on the real-life tweet thread by Aziah “Zola” King, which also resulted in an article from Rolling stones entitled “Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted”, the film stars Taylour Paige as the titular character and Riley Keough as her friend Stefani. The two aforementioned actresses deliver stand-out and career-best performances as two exotic dancers who embark on a road trip for varying reasons resulting in a modern and complex version of Thelma and Louise. This is a film that could’ve unarguably stood toe-to-toe with this year’s Oscar nominees as it is also praised for its dynamic cast and acting; riveting and deeply themed story; alongside the overall phenomenal direction from Janicza Bravo.
The Last Duel
In our most humble of opinions, we believe that director Ridley Scott could have had two films that should’ve been in the running for more awards this Oscar season: House of Gucci and The Last Duel. While the former did receive a nomination for best makeup and hairstyling, the latter sadly didn’t get the recognition that it deserved. Based on the 2004 book The Last Duel: A True Story of Trial by Combat in Medieval France by Eric Jager, the film is set in medieval France as a knight, Jean de Carrouges, challenges his former friend, squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) to a judicial duel. What makes the somewhat simple plot about a duel between two men more interesting is the manner with which the story unfolds and is told as it brings its viewers on a gripping ride both in its story and technical ability and choices.
House of Gucci
As mentioned, two Ridley Scott films deserve the recognition that shouldn’t be limited to a single nomination. This was the case for House of Gucci which visually took a biographical and controversial story and brought it to life on the big screen. The controversy that surrounds the film may be the reason for the film being withheld from more nominations, however, if that were the main reason it honestly would be a travesty due to the amount of excellence poured into the film. The movie boasts amazing performances from Lady Gaga and Adam Driver who play Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci respectively, as it follows the ups and downs of their relationship and the empire that the Gucci family has built.
Annette
It comes as a surprise that Adam Driver’s name was nowhere to be found in this year’s Oscars as a nominee given the fact that he delivered amazing performances in the theist two films that were mentioned and even in this third one as well. Annette is Leos Carax’s English language film directorial debut. Formatted as a rock opera, the film follows Henry McHenry, a stand-up comedian, and his wife Ann Defrasnoux, portrayed by Marion Cotillard, an opera singer. The two actors mentioned are no strangers to recognition during Oscar week as they have been nominated in past ceremonies and this film which zeros in on the struggles of personalities in juggling life and fame should have made it on the shortlist this year.
Passing
This black-and-white- drama film would have been the perfect embodiment of the themes of equality and inclusion direction of the Oscars amidst a majority white populace of critics and filmmakers. Passing was written, produced by Rebecca Hall which also happens to be her feature film directorial debut. The title passing refers to the African-Americans with light-colored skin that was deemed to be “passing” in the eyes of the elite white community back in the 1920s. The Netflix distributed film stars Tessa Thompson as Irene “Reenie” Redfield as she steps into one of her best performances to date alongside Ruth Negga who was nominated for a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film was also named one of the top ten films of 2021 by the African American Film Critics Association.
The Card Counter
Oscar Isaac is on a roll as of late with hit film after film that has produced blockbuster ratings and income. The Card Counter is an American crime drama film that may not have the same blockbuster effect as Dune, but one that undoubtedly still delivers the punches in its riveting, exhilarating, and gripping story. The Card Counter follows William Tell, a gambler who has taught himself to count cards while he was in military prison. The story however centers on the cost and price of redemption as Tell tries to escape the ghosts of his past despite wanting to simply now live by just playing cards. The film is told with so much intensity and emotion not just in terms of the acting chops of the cast but more importantly through the cinematic elements that director Paul Schrader is known for.
In the Heights
The Oscars this year featured a handful of musicals as the past years were abundant with them. One that may have missed the Academy’s eye is the Jon M. Chu-directed film In The Heights, which centers on the Latino-rich community of Washington Heights in the Upper Manhattan side of New York City. The rich themes of the immigrant community paired with the stunning and colorful camera shots and effects give justice to the original Broadway musical. The musical numbers drive the film further along as it highlights each character and storyline so brilliantly which in turn makes a film that can equally rival Spielberg’s West Side Story.
Respect
If there was any bio-pic that deserved to stand toe-to-toe with films such as King Richard, we have no doubt in the direction and story that Respect takes its viewers on. The title Respect is based on the famous song by Aretha Franklin, who is the focal point of this movie. No one was meant to play the world-renowned R&B and soul singer Aretha Franklin other than Jennifer Hudson who slayed her portrayal of the singer. The slight intricacies in movements to the all-out belting and soulful performances were just brilliantly done. The story of Franklin is told from the perspective of her younger years and her rise to international musical stardom as she juggled the effects of an abusive marriage which in totality despite being formulaic at times enable Respect the room to become a standout film that honestly deserves recognition.
The French Dispatch
Wes Anderson is no stranger to the Oscars due to his amazing ability to create immersive and painting-like words through his unique eye and style in filmmaking. These same elements are brought into the film The French Dispatch and are further elevated to deliver an anthology of amazing stories. The film is divided into four main storylines, three of which are from the French foreign bureau of the fictional Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun newspaper as they create their final issue. The three stories and main storyline with the publishing company feature an ensemble cast of big names from Benicio del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Owen Wilson, and many more. The cast, visual eye-candy visuals and cinematography, and the overall story create a film that despite being rejected the chance of an Oscar, still can be considered a future film classic.
The Green Knight
The Oscars this year missed out on a lot of medieval-centric films that were honestly well-done and included in that list is The Green Knight which is an adaptation of the 14th-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The movie stars another stand-out actor, Dev Patel, who portrays Gawain, a nephew of King Arthur. Gawain sets out on a rough journey to ultimately seek out and face the Green Knight as proof of his bravery and courage. The Green Knight is a creative masterpiece in its cinematography, music, writing, and overall production. The first scenes alone are extremely gripping and enticing with clean yet dark shots of Gawain as he struts through a dimly-lit hostel. This was surely a missed opportunity and loss for the Academy for not spotting and acknowledging the great quality of this film.
In all honesty, there are more films that should be added to this list. This just means that filmmakers and producers have been burning the midnight oil in creating films that are just for entertainment but those that provide creative and artistic stylistic choices in highlighting wonderful stories. That is what the Oscar celebrates, and continues to do so, the power of films to create stories that inspire, motivate, and provide an avenue for escape for generations of movie lovers to enjoy. So delisted these films being snubbed out of the 2022 Oscars, they prove alongside the nominees and winners that film as an art form is still a very powerful tool for amazing storied to be delivered.
For more news on films:
- This is Hype’s Top 10 Movies of 2021
- The House of Gucci Review: An Interesting Take On Fashion Controversy
- Dune Review: A Poetic, Unique, Visual Sci-Fi Action Masterpiece
