We fantasized about who should have actually received nominations for the 2021 Academy Awards.

The nominees for the 2021 Academy Awards were announced recently, with many causing surprise and others bewilderment. The past year was scarce in major premieres, yet there were still plenty of good films. Nevertheless, the Academy once again showed that positive representation and public resonance matter more to them than artistic value and the merits of filmmakers. We won't talk about who among the nominees is undeserving. Instead, we'll share our thoughts on those who, in our opinion, were unfairly overlooked.

Roman Kovalev

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Best Composer

Ludwig Göransson ("Tenet")

Many experts note that the music of Ludwig Göransson was brighter and more memorable than that of all other nominees. Yes, he can be accused of some imitation of Hans Zimmer, but is that a bad role model?!

Best Supporting Actor

David Thewlis ("I'm Thinking of Ending Things")

David Thewlis is one of those actors who always enhance a film with their mere presence. For some, he is the incomparable Professor Lupin. For others, the prince from "Dragonheart." Everyone has their own David Thewlis, who is a master of supporting roles, which he once again proved in Charlie Kaufman's intellectual thriller. And this time, he demonstrated other facets of his talent—a subtler and more believable performance, more emotional transformations. And these previously unnoticed traits of the actor deserve, if not an Oscar, then certainly our praise.

Bill Murray ("On the Rocks")

Bill Murray has long been written off, relegated to playing caricatured characters and comedic cameos. But Sofia Coppola, with whom he gave the world the now-classic film "Lost in Translation," still sees in him the energy and humor that made the actor an A-list star. Admittedly, "On the Rocks" is far from the quality of their previous collaboration, but Murray is wonderful in it. He is charming, sarcastic, and convincing. And most importantly, he is touching, as demanded by the simple story of a father trying to reconnect with his daughter.

Colin Farrell ("The Gentlemen")

For anyone who might have forgotten, Colin Farrell is not a comedic actor at all. But his potential in this role was already evident in the cult film "In Bruges." And in Guy Ritchie's film, he blossomed in full glory. Snappy quotes, an unforgettable visual image that became one of the symbols of cinema last year, a fantastic stylized accent—Farrell truly earned a sea of praise from critics and regular viewers in just about 15 minutes on screen, surrounded by stars of the first magnitude.

Best Supporting Actress

Toni Collette ("I'm Thinking of Ending Things")

"I'm Thinking of Ending Things" partially falls under the horror genre, but the scariest thing in the film is not any jump scares or terrifying scenes, no. The scariest thing in this work is Toni Collette's acting studies. That crazy look, those lightning-fast changes in character, that convincing realism. Brrr, even now goosebumps run down my back.

Best Actor

Mads Mikkelsen ("Another Round")

The film "Another Round" rightfully became an international hit. A relatable theme for everyone, clever humor, a striking and memorable finale. Vinterberg's work received recognition from the Academy, granting the film two crucial nominations. But injustice still prevailed—Mads Mikkelsen, with his elegant and restrainedly emotional performance, was not among the contenders for the award. In our personal top of last year's acting performances, he would certainly have found a place.

Best Actress

Zendaya ("Malcolm & Marie")

Along with the series "Euphoria," Zendaya made a qualitative leap in her acting. This is no longer the cute face from children's series and films about a friendly neighbor; this is a confident young woman with backbone. In Sam Levinson's intimate work, she got to show herself in all her glory: emotional monologues, absolute openness, and the necessary level of authenticity (which is even dedicated to, perhaps, the best scene in the film). We are confident that Zendaya still has everything ahead of her, and for now, we leave her in the company of our compliments.

Elisabeth Moss ("Shirley")

Praising Elisabeth Moss is bad form. Everyone has long come to terms with the idea that she can play anything and look convincing in any role. Meanwhile, the actress still doesn't have a single (!) Oscar nomination, and this seems like a sign of bad taste on the part of the Academy. In "Shirley," Moss played a talented and mad writer who either lives in illusions or is going insane. And this multifaceted image, without any reservations, can be called one of the actress's best works, which for reasons unknown to us was ignored at all major awards.

Best Original Screenplay

"The Gentlemen"

Vivid and well-developed characters? Check.

Witty dialogues that can be quoted? Check.

Edge-of-your-seat humor and pun-based jokes? Check.

Intriguing plot twists? Check.

If that's not a reason to celebrate the script, then we don't know what is.

Best Picture

"I'm Thinking of Ending Things"

Perhaps the film was too good. Perhaps the problems of an average white middle-aged man without obvious deviations are of no interest to anyone. Perhaps intellectual plots are not in vogue these days. Perhaps acting that evokes a storm of emotions is not on the Academy's level. Perhaps it's even good that Charlie Kaufman and his film were not marred by Oscar nominations.

"The Gentlemen"

The main Oscar this year will most likely go to the film . This cinema is important and talentedly made, but will it be rewatched and remembered even next year? There are big doubts. But "The Gentlemen" will be watched, remembered, and quoted. What is more important? Let everyone decide for themselves.

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