It’s easy to write off the Gotham Awards as a premature ceremony decided by a jury of five industry players. It’s pretty small and meant to signify pretty much anything, right? Well, yes and no. Like any awards show, Gothams is an opportunity for performers and filmmakers churning out a seemingly endless awards season to win over Oscar voters.
To that end, the campaigns of many of Gotham’s laureates—Michelle Williams (“The Fabelmans”), Adam Sandler (“Hustle”), and director Gina Prince-Bythewood (“The Woman King”)—bolstered the profile. Each artist used their moment on stage to share important pieces of their talents and personal stories with an audience of industry heavyweights. They were by turns hilarious and reflective, sympathetic and self-contradictory, providing captivating stories woven together by master storytellers.
Williams spoke about her journey from teen TV series actress to indie film queen while giving a heartfelt shout out to “Dawson’s Creek” star Mary Beth Bell, who played her grandmother in the classic teen drama. Plus, the tribute to her career, which featured key moments from past triumphs like “Manchester by the Sea” and “Blue Valentine,” served as an important reminder: This actress is long overdue for an Academy Award.
Prince-Bythewood’s “The Woman King” was one of the few awards season films to also resonate at the box office. Presented by Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to win a directing Oscar for “The Hurt Locker” (2009), Prince-Bythewood also received a career highlight reel that included moments from her most critically acclaimed work such as “Love and Basketball” (2000) and “Behind the Lights” (2014). It was a strong reminder, as if needed, that she’s one of the best players in the game. Then the veteran filmmaker gave a moving speech about finding her mother, which was an emotional trigger. Add in the star power of Viola Davis and the fact that no black women were nominated for Best Director, and you could have a winning formula for success.
Sandler brought down the house when he accepted his tribute to directed duo Josh and Benny Safdie. We’ve been here before with Sandler when he did critically acclaimed shows like “Punch Drunk Love” (2002) and “Uncut Gems” (2019), where voters ultimately chose other options. But Netflix is giving its all to Sandler’s campaign, reminding industry professionals of their respect for the man everyone seems to love. All of this amplifies a simple but effective message: It’s time for Sandler to be nominated.
All three artists have made me convinced that if they continue to do what they did in Gothams, they will be invited to the Academy Awards – and the time has come.
Watch the latest movie predictions, across all 23 categories in one place miscellaneous Oscars Collection.
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