Equal Opportunity Ogling

- How could you be ogling these white men ???

- It's equal rights. I have the right to see fine in any color!"

We haven't really discussed Hidden Figures! This time of year is so challenging with two dozen good movies (as opposed to the usual two or three) vying for attention simultaneously. This one is such a crowd pleaser, so were you in that crowd these past few days? Were you pleased?

Two more questions: which lady was your favorite - Dorothy (Octavia), Katherine (Taraji), or Mary (Janelle Monae)? And how many Oscar nominations do you think it will receive? This one is such a tough call due to the late blooming -- I can see anywhere from 0 to 6. You?

Female Performance Heaven Across Mediums

Our Year in Review is doubling up now, two "best of" lists a daily to wrap up. This afternoon Matthew Eng exercizes his actressexuality.

Here are 25 scenes, songs, shots, reactions, line-readings, gestures, and whatnot that have stuck with me the longest from some — but not all — of my favorite female performances across film, television, music, and theater this year. Remember these? They are... in alphabetical order:

01 Kate Beckinsale and Chloë Sevigny’s bravura comic badinage is the main engine driving Love & Friendship, which only ever threatens to turn softhearted when these two catty soulmates are finally forced to part. Beckinsale and Sevigny carefully modulate their straight-faced hauteur during this fond farewell, but refuse to let even an ounce of sentimentality disrupt their regal self-possession. It’s one final, triumphant occasion for game to recognize game.

02 “Value,” the sixth episode of Donald Glover’s extraordinary first season of Atlanta, opens with an extended showcase scene of friendly rivalry between the luminous Zazie Beetz (as long-suffering public school teacher Van) and one-episode wonder Aubin Wise (as her childhood pal, now an “Instagram escort”). Both actresses tear into the scene with a comical trenchancy that scores its necessary laughs but also establishes a layered and fleetingly poignant background of affectionately-waged one-upmanship.

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The Oscar Week

In this weekly feature from Murtada we will follow the Oscar contenders and examine how their many interviews and appearances impact their chances. This week we check in with Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Ryan Reynolds, and Michelle Williams.

Emma Stone
It seems every week there is some event or interview with one of the stars of La La Land. That campaign is going on full throttle to maintain the film’s frontrunner status...

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Great Moments In... Truth Telling

#41 (Octavia Spencer in The Help, 2011)

Murtada gives thanks

Hi, it’s Murtada. Despite “the world being in such turmoil”, I will take inspiration from my favorite awards speeches from actresses and get on with the job at hand. After setting up a monthly donation to the ACLU, and signing up to volunteer helping new immigrants, I’m ready with my “happy movie face”. First I will thank The Film Experience because when you leave it to the end, they play them “off with the music” or put them after the jump.

I'm thankful for….

- The Film Experience, its kind ringleader Nathaniel, its fantastic writers, its engaged readers and frequent commenters, a community, a breathing space, a respite.

And because “the world is round, people” let’s appreciate some amazing women for what they gave us this year, and while we're at it let's throw in “a few for the men as well”.

- the great big fuck you and “truth telling” Octavia Spencer gives to racists everywhere in Hidden Figures, for her warm, funny and compassionate performance.

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