The continuous cycle of Hollywood’s awards season often leads to an overwhelming focus on standard categories like Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture. While these awards spotlight outstanding achievements, they tend to overshadow other memorable aspects of films, such as the memorable lines, intriguing props, unique character traits, and music that sticks with us long after we leave the theater. In the spirit of celebrating these oft-overlooked elements, film writers have devised their own set of unique awards, highlighting some unconventional, yet noteworthy, cinematic accomplishments.
**Most Trusty Steed:** In “Rebel Ridge,” Aaron Pierre swaps a classic horse for a bicycle, racing through Jeremy Saulnier’s thrilling storyline with distinctive charisma, even during intense pedal-chases. Another nod to the film goes for its memorable scene featuring Wikipedia.
**Best Stuffy:** “Furiosa” portrays Chris Hemsworth as the ruthless Dementus, a warlord with a heart softened only by his cherished childhood teddy bear, a nod to a sorrowful past paralleling Furiosa’s own history.
**Best Tearjerker:** “My Old Ass,” directed by Megan Park, cleverly combines humor and poignancy. Initially appearing as a high-concept comedy about a teenager communing with her future self, it evolves into a deeper exploration of time, family, and appreciation of life, subtly bringing viewers to tears.
**Best Action Hero:** June Squibb shines in “Thelma” with a thrilling mobility scooter chase scene, impressively performing most of her stunts at the age of 95.
**Best Part of a So-So Movie:** “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” features Kumail Nanjiani, who elevates the film with his comically reluctant portrayal of a budding “Firemaster,” bringing genuine laughter to an otherwise light flick.
**Best Song:** Two songs from different films deserved spotlighting for their impactful melodies. Kristen Wiig’s “Harper and Will Go West” complements the narrative of “Will & Harper,” while Nicholas Britell’s “Brighter Days” offers a poignant reflection in “Blitz.” Both tunes stayed with audiences, unlike the eventual Oscar-nominated counterparts.
**Best Use of Taylor Swift:** “The Fall Guy” shines with an entertaining scene of Ryan Gosling emotionally singing to Swift’s “All Too Well,” offering repeated enjoyment thanks to its charismatic leading duo and impressive stunt work.
**Best Scene-Stealer:** Adam Pearson in “A Different Man” brings authenticity to a film filled with shifting identities, his performance grounding an otherwise stylistic narrative.
**Best Prop:** In “Babygirl,” a simple glass of milk in Harris Dickinson’s hand symbolizes understated rules set by his character, Samuel.
**Most Beavers:** The microbudget film “Hundreds of Beavers” leans heavily into quirky costume usage, creating a whimsical story amidst the snowy landscapes of Wisconsin with minimal resources and maximum creativity.
**Most Understood Assignment:** Aubrey Plaza excels in “Megalopolis,” navigating the complex and often chaotic plot with unwavering precision, capturing audiences even in the midst of narrative chaos.
**Best Mullet:** Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of Lou in “Love Lies Bleeding” is amplified by her character’s striking mullet, contributing significantly to the film’s emerging cult status.
**Best Ensemble:** In “His Three Daughters,” Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen form a captivating trio in a heartfelt family drama, portraying a relatable and compelling family dynamic, complemented by a memorable performance by Jay O. Sanders.
**Most Memorable Moviegoing Experience:** A deeply moving screening of “Sing Sing” at the actual Sing Sing prison offered audiences, including incarcerated men and former cast members, a profound reminder of the transformative power of art over accolades.
Through these awards, films from the past year are acknowledged for their imaginative components that might not typically shine on Oscars night but remain cherished in the hearts and minds of audiences.
