Awards season is in full swing1. The Grammys happened over the weekend, and I don’t have too much to comment on. For once, I was pleased with all the wins. You should know that, though I respect Ms. Swift and all she does,2 I’m not a die hard fan. I always give her new albums a listen,3 and The Tortured Poets Department was no exception. I didn’t like it! Even the Swifties in my life (whom I love dearly), had some initial concerns about this one. I heard a lot of justifications in the early days. The same ones typically reserved for bad movies directed by men.4 “I didn’t love it at first, but then I heard it explained, read articles about it, consumed it 30 more times, and then sat with what I know about the artist and now I get it.” Not for me, but that’s what makes the world go round.5
I only bring this up to get to Album of the Year.6 Obviously Beyonce has been snubbed for AOTY many times over the year. Was it deserved other years? Of course. Was it deserved this year? Absolutely. The lineup was strong this year,7 but I do think the AOTY win should reflect a moment. To me Cowboy Carter was the moment. I was also very happy to see Charlie, Chappell, Doechii, and Sabrina get their flowers. I was lucky enough to see Sabrina and Chappell perform last year, and if you get the chance to definitely take it.
If you need me, I’ll be seeing how many Cowboy Carter tour ticket pre-sales I can sign up for. I’m going to Stagecoach this year also and if I get Beyonce tickets next week, mark my words I will be investing in a cowboy hat.
Shifting gears to movies. My biggest complaint about the Oscar nominations this year is that we could have had an incredibly interesting year of movies and celebrities involved in the show. When I look at these nominees it doesn’t feel fresh to me. I’m actually wondering how many people under the age of 35 will be there. I’ve heard so much talk over the last few years about how we don’t have movie stars anymore. People are looking for the next Leo or Julia Roberts, but they were both 19 when they received their first nominations.8 I think the idea of the “career” Oscar has been gaining a lot of steam over the last few years and there’s this idea that all the youngins have time. I disagree and would much prefer nominations for some younger people. Sorry, but I like to see hot and fun celebs. Sue me. Honestly, is Zendaya even going to be there this year?9
I would have adding in the following people/movies in one way or another: Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, Margaret Qualley, Austin Butler, Lily Rose-Depp, Justice Smith, Challengers, Problemista, Nosferatu, Didi.
On a separate note, I’m continuing to catch up on movies from last year. Over the weekend we watched The Wild Robot and Your Monster. Loved them both. The animation in The Wild Robot was gorgeous. Story was giving Big Hero 6 meets Wall-E (both are deeply important to me). I sobbed and don’t have kids, so if you’re a parent it may be the last thing you watch! Your Monster was also excellent and completely surprised me. Funny, cheeky, unexpected! I love following Megan Cruz (stoobs on TikTok) for her recommendations, and this one kept popping up on her “why aren’t more people talking about this” list? I’m so glad I watched and it’s finally streaming on Max. I actually want to watch it again! I also watched A Real Pain and I thought it was fine. I would watch it again with my parents. To me, a parent movie is one that is uncontroversial, doesn’t have a ton of sex, and is possibly heartwarming. They would also love this one because they never watched Succession so I would have the opportunity to inform them that yes, that is MacCaulay Culkin’s brother. Win-win.
It’s A Grab Bag
Apparently champagne sales are on the downturn because no one wants to celebrate. Honestly, I get it. The world is burning (literally). Elon Musk has all of our bank information and all the boys he’s hired looks like Mr. Beast sidekicks. It really feels like there is no reason to celebrate. That said, I don’t let losers change my habits whatsoever, so I will continue to pop bottles.
The Sims 1 and 2 are officially rereleased for PC. I’m actually sick over this news because I don’t have a dedicated PC for fun stuff like this. I was really hoping for a release on the Switch. Will need one immediately to accommodate 300 hours of gameplay. One of my great life joys as a child was gathering around my childhood computer with my sister and taking turns playing these games (mostly me paying though cause I’m the oldest).
Speaking of gaming, Zach and I are finally getting some traction with Baldur’s Gate 3 on the PlayStation. I have been trying to push this game in my household for the better part of a year and was met with resistance. The fighting style has been a subject of debate, but now that we’re leveling up and have put in some hours, it’s getting really fun. I’m addicted!
Is internet-induced brain rot a myth? I really, really hope so.
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Pop some champagne. Cheers!
Are we sick of the favorite season is awards Moira Rose meme yet? Note: I’m not.
I have to admit I liked the thigh chain - sorry!
I’m more of a Folklore kinda gal. I love being sad when listening to music!
Though honestly I appreciate this , as I love to see women excelling in male-lead fields.
I have to note that one of my best friends doesn’t like Chappel Roan and hasn’t from the beginning, but has also been to The Eras Tour like 4 times. Friendship is hard when it comes to the music world!
And maybe to get my lack of Taylor knowledge out of the way early.
Also, admittedly, the lineup essentially reflected my Spotify wrapped artists so I am biased.
Leo for What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and Julia for Steel Magnolias.
Please know I’m very excited for Ariana and Cynthia to be included, along with Timmy Chalamet, Mikey Madison, and Yura Borisov. When I talk about things not being fresh I am NOT talking about Ralph Fiennes, Guy Pearce, Colman Domingo, or Demi Moore. All of those nominations stand in my book.