‘Poor Things’ Best Picture Oscar Nomination
Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” has carved out a historic moment for the horror genre with its prestigious Best Picture Oscar nomination. Not only does this nomination signify a remarkable achievement for the film itself, but it also signifies a groundbreaking milestone for Frankenstein-inspired narratives on the silver screen.
“Poor Things” emerges as the first Frankenstein-themed movie to secure a coveted Best Picture nomination at the Oscars, a distinction it achieves despite not being a direct adaptation of Mary Shelley’s iconic novel. This recognition places “Poor Things” in the esteemed company of only six other horror films that have earned Best Picture nominations in the history of the Academy Awards.
Lanthimos masterfully blends elements of science fiction, comedy, drama, and horror in “Poor Things,” drawing critical acclaim for its captivating performances, stunning cinematography, and meticulously crafted costume design. Adapted from Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel, the film transports audiences to a steampunk Victorian London, where the eccentric scientist and surgeon Dr. Godwin Baxter, portrayed by Willem Dafoe, brings the vivacious Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, back to life as his latest creation.
Bella’s journey unfolds as she grapples with her newfound existence, ultimately fleeing Godwin’s mansion with the audacious lawyer Duncan Wedderburn, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo. Their escapades lead them on a wild odyssey of pleasure and self-discovery, exposing Bella to the complexities of human nature and the world around her.
While “Poor Things” draws inspiration from Frankenstein lore, it forges its own path, exploring themes of identity, agency, and the pursuit of happiness. This unique narrative approach, coupled with its exceptional craftsmanship, has propelled the film to receive numerous accolades, culminating in its historic Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards.
Despite not directly adapting Mary Shelley’s seminal work, “Poor Things” channels the spirit of Frankenstein, with Bella Baxter embodying a modern iteration of the iconic “Frankenstein monster.” This thematic resonance, combined with the film’s critical success, has solidified its place as a trailblazer in the realm of horror cinema.
In addition to its groundbreaking Best Picture nomination, “Poor Things” joins a select group of horror films recognized by the Academy. From classics like “The Exorcist” and “Jaws” to more recent hits like “Black Swan” and “Get Out,” these films have left an indelible mark on cinematic history, challenging conventions and redefining the boundaries of the genre.
As the 96th Academy Awards approach, anticipation mounts to see if “Poor Things” will follow in the footsteps of “The Silence of the Lambs,” the first horror film to clinch the coveted Best Picture Oscar. Regardless of the outcome, “Poor Things” has already cemented its legacy as a groundbreaking achievement in horror cinema, forever altering the landscape of Frankenstein-inspired narratives on the silver screen.
“Poor Things” is a 2023 film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Tony McNamara, based on the 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray.
Starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael, the film centers on Bella Baxter, a young woman in Victorian London who undergoes a brain transplant and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Blending elements of black comedy and steampunk, the film premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2023, where it won the Golden Lion.
It was later released theatrically in the United States on December 8, 2023, and in Ireland and the United Kingdom on January 12, 2024, by Searchlight Pictures.
With a worldwide gross of $108 million, “Poor Things” received critical acclaim, being named one of the top ten films of 2023 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.
It garnered 11 nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, winning four, including Best Actress for Stone, and also received five wins at the 77th British Academy Film Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos receives acclaim as his latest work, “Poor Things,” garners 11 Oscar nominations. The film, a contemporary retelling of the Frankenstein story, features a stellar cast including Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Willem Dafoe. Set in Victorian London, it follows the story of Bella Baxter, brought back to life by the eccentric Dr. Godwin Baxter. The nominations span across various categories including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director. “Poor Things” has already earned accolades such as the Golden Lion at the 2023 Venice Film Festival and Golden Globe awards for Best Film (musical or comedy) and Best Actress for Stone. Lanthimos, known for his previous works like “The Lobster” and “The Favourite,” continues to impress with his English-language films. Despite being born in Athens, Lanthimos explains that “Poor Things” couldn’t be filmed in Greece due to logistical challenges. The 96th Oscars ceremony, where the film competes, is set to take place on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Author: CineScribe
