The 97th Academy Awards crowned Anora as the big winner, taking home four statuettes, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. The film’s success, driven by a strong marketing investment, reflects the resilient journey of the director, who nearly gave up on filmmaking before his acclaimed Tangerine. In his speech, Baker emphasized the importance of movie theaters as spaces for collective experiences, encouraging filmmakers and audiences to keep the cinematic experience alive. May this new year bring more trips to the cinema and transformative moments for all lovers of the seventh art.
Meanwhile, Kneecap: O Trio de Belfast continues to capture attention, bringing the rebellious spirit of Irish rap to the big screen. At the same time, Siga a Banda, directed by Emmanuel Courcol, made waves at the Festival de Cinema de Berlim. Another highlight is Parthenope, featuring a standout performance by Celeste Dalla Porta.
Among intimate dramas, Confidência and Coro, the latest film by Daniele Luchetti, invite audiences to reflect on personal and collective struggles. On the small screen, the return of Severance keeps fans eagerly awaiting more mind-bending twists.
For horror enthusiasts, adaptations such as Uzumaki bring Junji Ito’s nightmarish visions to life, while manga classics like Boa Noite, Punpun continue to resonate deeply with readers. In the realm of experimental cinema, O Mercenário, by Edgar Pera, and the intriguing Cartas, Telepáticas promise to challenge perceptions and storytelling conventions.
May this cinematic year be filled with surprises, reflections, and unforgettable shared experiences!
SARA AFONSO