Instead of predicting winners, this year’s Oscar contest asked readers to tell us who they think got shortchanged. Who didn’t get nominated but should have? Who got snubbed? Overlooked? Unappreciated?
Our panel of five judges combed through the entries and selected the top three who best presented their outrage through cleverness and creativity. It was clear from the entries, readers took umbrage to the overall lack of diversity and the fact that women, particularly directors, were largely ignored when it came to nominations, along with multiple entries citing “The Farewell,” Adam Sandler and even one defending Detective Pikachu.
The first-place winner is Lara Cowell of Palolo, who waxed poetically about the “egregious crime” done to Awkwafina in “The Farewell.” She will receive $200 cash from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and four movie passes.
Honolulu resident Wilma Youtz’s “molto bene” write-up on “The Two Popes” takes home the second prize of $100 and two movie passes.
The third-place prize of $50 and two movie passes goes to Honolulu resident Marcus Seronio, who made a compelling argument for Adam Sandler in “Uncut Gems.”
—
First place
Lara Cowell, Palolo
No Oscar nomination for her role in “The Farewell”?
This exclusionary insult counters popular ground swell
For brash rapper, Queen of Queens, comedic Asian diva,
Formerly known as Nora Lum: amazing Awkwafina.
On screen, a granddaughter and familial firebrand,
Rekindling bonds with Grandma in Changchun, ancestral homeland.
Billi’s keeping secret Nainai’s terminal condition,
Celebrating a staged wedding, yet railing ‘gainst tradition,
Caught up in Chinese family lies, trying to maintain disguise.
Upholding Asian pride and diversity and equity,
Her portrayal shows commendable emotional complexity
With sophisticated acting that is nuanced and sublime —
Yes, Awkwafina’s Oscar snub’s a most egregious crime.
Korean-Chinese-American Awkwafina has star power —
Won Golden Globe Best Actress, so rejection’s super-sour:
This badass actress has been robbed! She’s missed the Oscar cut?!
The Academy’s senseless oversight’s so dishonorably daft!
This better be the last time Awkwafina gets the shaft!
—
Second place
Wilma Youtz, Honolulu
Cara mia! How could they? With both principal leads garnering Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor nominations, how could the Oscar nominees for Best Picture not include “The Two Popes?” Clearly, someone decided to leave the gun and only took the cannoli! With a clear storyline and a moving account of the historical drama that unfolded between two popes — I don’t want to spill the pasta here — “The Two Popes” is a worthy nomination for Best Picture. What’s not to like? The political maneuverings and visual grandeur within the Vatican are a feast for the mind and eyes alike. Some non-gratuitous violence is crucial to the story and bearable; the absence of profanity and sex a welcomed relief. I’m almost ready to go to the mattresses over the slight suffered by “The Two Popes.” It deserves the Big Spicy Meatball (Oscar). See it and Buon Appetito!
—
Third place
Marcus Seronio, Honolulu
The biggest snub this year is Adam Sandler in “Uncut Gems.” His performance is the best in a career defined by playing obnoxious man-children. Here, Sandler plays an atypically dramatic role as a fast-talking jeweler whose tragedy is his impetuous and addictive nature. He can’t help but continually make wrong decisions at every turn, amassing gambling debts and enemies; with no enemy being worse than himself. The role brings out the best in Sandler: In portraying an unscrupulous shyster, Sandler naturally exudes an endless optimism with the obstinate belief he’s always going to come out on top, making him oddly endearing. Despite his unlikeable character, I ultimately ended up rooting for him. And because of the snub, I’ll be rooting for Sandler. He wasn’t nominated, but his tour de force will still be talked about for years to come. And this is how he wins.
