Runner up - The Color Purple
Oscar Tidbit: Nominated in one category for Best Supporting Actress in 2024, with Danielle Brooks as a contender. While she was a strong runner-up, Da'Vine Joy Randolph from The Holdovers deserved the win.
Additionally, this film should have been nominated for Production Design instead of Oppenheimer and deserved to win in the Sound category, with its emphasis on music, replacing The Creator.
The new adaptation of the classic 1985 Steven Spielberg film had big shoes to fill, especially since it transformed the dark story into a musical. Initially, I was skeptical and thought it might flop, but I was delighted to be proven wrong. I saw it in the theater with my mom, and we both left the cinema beaming with happiness. This remake is definitely one for the books.
One of the most remarkable surprises was Danielle Brooks' performance, particularly in her musical number “Hell No,” which brimmed with passion, pride, and rage. While all the songs were extraordinary, other standout numbers included “Push Da Button” and “I’m Here,” each conveying deep emotional vulnerability.
The film follows Celie's journey from youth to adulthood, depicting her loss of her babies and her sister along the way. It’s a tragic story scattered with moments of sadness and triumph. At its core, this is a tale of sisterhood. Celie overcomes and escapes Mister's abuse and her childhood trauma with the support of Shug and Sofia.
Despite its merits, the movie was snubbed at the 2024 Oscars, receiving only one nomination for Danielle Brooks' performance. There were many other categories it deserved recognition in, such as production design and sound. It’s a shame. The Oscars may have overlooked it, but I absolutely loved it!