The 2021 psychological western, The Power of the Dog, was one of the few films up for the Academy’s Best Picture this year. Directed by Jane Campion, the New Zealand native known for The Piano (1993) and being the first woman nominated for Best Director twice, The Power of Dog is a masterful depiction of how tight masculinities noose can be, and the intimate love story intertwined, stained by familial blood. Staring Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Kodi Smit-McPhee, the film centers on a 1925 Montana Ranch owned and run by brothers, Phil and George (Cumberbatch and Plemons, respectively.) George is smitten by widow Rose (Dunst) at a cattle drive, and soon Rose and her son Peter (Smit-McPhee) move into the Ranch home, despite Phil’s cruel concern. The movie then follows Phil’s manipulation to clear out his home and then later, his developing relationship with Peter. It has garnered huge critical acclaim and a 93% certified fresh from Rotten Tomatoes. This awards season has deemed fruitful for Campion’s new age Western.
Having over 333 nominations over the entire festival and awards circuit, The Power of the Dog has won a total of 238 awards in 2022. The film took home Best Picture from the BAFTAS, Critics Choice Awards, and The Golden Globes. With 12 Oscar noms, Campion brought home one trophy for the film and also became the third woman ever to win Best Director. She to won Best Director for Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes. Campion’s 2022 Critics Choice Awards winning speech was met with heavy criticism. Comparing her struggles with gender inequality in the entertainment industry to the hardships of Serena and Venus Williams, world renowned tennis champions, ultimately left a bad taste in the mouths of many audience members, mainly from the public.
Kirsten Dunst and her real life partner, Jesse Plemons were both nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Actress, this being both their first noms from the Academy. The awards season was full of talented couples but this duo had an extra special charm in their work relationship that elevated both of their performances and ultimate earned them critically acclaimed roles. Cumberbatch, who is no stranger to trophies and accolades, was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Coda’s Troy Kotsur took home the award for Best Supporting actor though, a historic win for disabled and hard of hearing folks. While The Power of Dog didn’t sweep the Oscars as many expected, the film has earned much respect and praise. In a year of unplanned mis happenings, such as the now infamous slap heard round the world, it begs the question whether the winning films and actors of the 2021 season will even be the first thought when recalling the 2022 Oscar Awards. Is the Power of the Dog stronger than a slap? Unfortunately, the answer is an outstanding no. Actor and nominee, Will Smith went on stage and slapped comedian and presenter Chris Rock in the face, for a distasteful joke against his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. The slap caused an explosive debate and controversy all over social media platforms and new stations, leaving the Academy tweeting a stance against any violence of all kind, despite letting Smith stay at the awards after the altercation. Smith would go to win Best Actor of the night and deliver one of the most unique and anxiety inducing acceptance speeches of all-time. His actions casted a heavy shadow over all the other winners of the night, and its darkness will most likely stretch into the future legacy of the actor and the awards show.
Delaney Hyldburg