This week we are back with the Oscar Winners edition for the Thursday Movie Picks series. I am, yet again, running late with the post because I’ve overbooked myself with an article for work. This happens more often than I’d like but that’s just my own fault for not scheduling these Thursday posts. Anyway, as the theme is Best Actor and Best Actress Oscar winners, I’ve decided to do a Thursday first. I’m going to list just two performances, one from each category, that have some meaning to me. You’d think it’s easy but most of my favourite Oscar wins are actually for supporting roles so.. there was some thinking involved.
2. MARLON BRANDO in THE GODFATHER (1972)
Feeling completely stumped by this week’s theme I went with an unusual route. I scrolled all the way back to the beginning, and then picked the first winning performance I’ve seen. So from 1928 since 1971 – complete blank! Yes, I’m aware of the movies themselves but I haven’t seen any of the winning Best Actor performances. That’s until 1972 when Marlon Brando won for The Godfather.
The Godfather is well loved. A lot of people have told me this but don’t hate me: I just couldn’t fall in love with this movie myself. That being said, Brando gives a great performance. The movie itself has moments that are memorable and I have nothing bad to say about it. It’s simply not my cup of tea.
This was Brando’s second and last win, he will be nominated the following year but will lose to Jack Lemmon. His career takes a deep dive after that and many of his performances won’t be remembered well. Before his death in 2004 his last movie role is in The Score (2001). I read that The Score was good and Brando finishes his career on a positive note. Despite of his difficult personality and problems in his career after the 70’s, Brando gave us Don Vito Corleone and inspired many during his lifetime. Because of this he will be remembered as a great actor.
1. HALLE BERRY in MONSTER’S BALL (2001)
Another challenge awaits. I went back and worth a lot here. The latest winners don’t really speak to me when it comes to Best Actress category. Maybe just Olivia Colman but that’s solely for her personality and speech giving abilities. I was looking at the list with different set of eyes. Eventually a performance stood out, one crucial one that speaks volumes about the Academy Award.
Halle Berry’s win in 2001 for Monster’s Ball.
For those who don’t remember, Berry was the first woman of colour to win in the Best Actress category and she is currently still the only woman of colour who has won in this category. How fucked up is that? While this should be a week of celebration and a post of admiration, it’s in an instant become something more serious. I’m sorry for that but truly, how can this be!?
I haven’t seen Monster’s Ball for its entirety. I’ve seen bits and pieces here and there. I haven’t been able to see it for Heath… I just can’t. But I’m certain I would love Monster’s Ball a lot. So here’s to Halle Berry for this significant win in this white washed category! I’ll take a shot for that too, Halle, yes I will.
THIS SERIES IS CREATED BY WANDERING THROUGH THE SHELVES
METTEL RAY 
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