Ning Narrative Notebook
January 10th, 2025

My Own Oscar Awards 2024 (Movies from 2023)

Curated Collections

Welcome to my personal analysis of my favorite movies from 2023, which I like to call My Own Oscar Awards. After watching most of the nominations and beyond, I couldn’t help but compare these films to each other. My personal picks focused not on the names, prestige, or past work of the filmmakers, but rather on the impact these films had on me in each category.

Each category features three nominations that truly sparked something within me. I will only write about categories that I am passionate about, and I left out the animated, adapted screenplay, international films categories because, to me, film is film, they should be considered as its own merit, not medium or origins.

I plan to write a post and each movie in more detail if I find the time, but for this post, I will provide my picks for each category and explain why I chose them.

I must warn you, though: my picks will look a lot different from the actual Oscar winners! In fact, I threw in a film that didn’t snag a single nomination, just because it deserves a shout-out!

I hope you’re ready to get curious and keep an open mind about my unconventional picks. Who knows, you might discover a hidden gem or two! Enjoy! 🍿

Best Picture: Past Lives (Runner-Ups: Anatomy of a Fall, Spider-Man Across The Spider-verse)

Best Screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall (Runner-Ups: Past Lives, Spider-man: Across The Spider-Verse)

Best Cinematography: Spider-man: Across The Spider-Verse (Runner-Ups: Oppenheimer, Poor Things)

Best Actor: Teo Yoo from Past Lives (Runner-Ups: Charles Melton from May December, Milo Machado-Graner from Anatomy of a Fall)

Best Actress: Sandra Hüller from Anatomy of a Fall) (Runner-Ups: Emma Stone from Poor Things, Julianne Moore from May December)

Best Director: Greta Gerwig from Barbie (Runner-Ups: Takashi Yamazaki from Godzilla Minus One, Celine Song from Past Lives)

Best Film Editing: Anatomy of a Fall (Runner-Ups: Oppenheimer, Killers of The Flower Moon)

Best Sound: The Zone of Interest (Runner-Ups: Oppenheimer, The Creator)

Best Original Score: Blue Giant (Runner-Ups: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Oppenheimer)

Best Original Song: I'm Just Ken (Runner-Ups: "Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)" from Killers of the Flower Moon, “Live That Way Forever” from The Iron Claw)

Best Production Design: Barbie (Runner-Ups: Poor Things, Killers of The Flower Moon)

Best Visual Effects: Godzilla Minus One (Runner-Ups: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Creator)

Best Costume Design: Barbie (Runner-Ups: Poor Things, Killers of The Flower Moon)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Society of The Snow (Runner-Ups: Poor Things, Maestro)

Now, let’s go into the details of my decisions one by one.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Society of The Snow (Runner-Ups: Poor Things, Maestro)

Society of The Snow: The makeup in Society of The Snow felt incredibly authentic, transporting me back to the time when these events occurred. I felt like I was living in the midst of those chilling events. Every bruise, every frostbitten cheek looked so real; I was completely immersed in the story! The realism was striking, especially considering the brutal transformations that occur during an extended stay in the snow. Truly amazing.

Poor Things: I can just imagine the creative vibes flowing on set as the team whipped up some wild and whimsical looks. The makeup and hairstyling choices go along well with the costumes that were bold and playful, reflecting the quirky essence of the cinematography of the film.

Maestro: The transformation in Maestro was so remarkable that I couldn't recognize Bradley Cooper until the first close-up scene. The detail in the makeup aging him throughout his life was so meticulous, showcasing every wrinkle and expression with such skill.

Best Costume Design: Barbie (Runner-Ups: Poor Things, Killers of the Flower Moon)

Barbie: Balancing between making the doll costumes into a human-size without looking too cringe but not too realistic is quite a feat. I enjoyed every costume design in Barbie; they perfectly captured the vibe of what people would dream of, if stepping beyond their comfort zones in costume design department.

Poor Things: One of the most unique costume designs for these past few years in my opinion. It was central to the character, with stunning attention to detail. Each costume conveyed Bella’s evolving worldview throughout the time period. I bet everyone behind the scenes had an absolute blast getting those looks just right in the film.

Killers of the Flower Moon: I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something magical about Killers of the Flower Moon. Everything blended seamlessly while still highlighting the stark contrast between the Osage people and white society. I truly love it.

Best Visual Effects: Godzilla Minus One (Runner-Ups: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Creator)

Godzilla Minus One: This film is a remarkable achievement. This movie—which relied almost entirely on visual effects—created by a team of just 35 people over eight months with a total budget of only $15 million! Honestly, it’s nothing short of a miracle that they pulled this off, the crew truly deserves all the applause for their dedication to the craft.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: It was marvel-ous! (pun-intended) One of the best visual experiences I’ve ever watched. Creating an art concept is one thing, animating it with such fluidity and dynamism places it in an entirely different league. I believe it would be a disservice to all the talented artists involved if this film did not receive recognition. Every frame feels like a masterpiece, and honestly, not awarding the creatives feels like a crime.

The Creator: This movie transported me to a breathtaking new world. While there were a few rough scenes, the ambitious world-building was seriously impressive, it deserves a nod.

Best Production Design: Barbie (Runner-Ups: Poor Things, Killers of The Flower Moon)

Barbie: The blend of surreal, silly, and simply human of all the settings in Barbie was remarkable. It perfectly struck the right balance for me, and I am truly impressed by the talented crew behind it. I had an absolute blast immersing myself in the wonders of Barbieworld, marveling at all little details that brought it to life.  It was such a fun ride, not only to witness the characters’ appearances but also to observe their interactions with the settings and props.

Poor Things: The sets in Poor Things were so grandiose and incredible, though I prefer Barbie for its creative take, Poor Things’s production was the best when it comes to the attention to detail in creating elegance amidst the ugliness of the story. It beautifully reflects the craftsmanship in the production design, showcasing how it embodies the film’s themes and character journey.

Killers of the Flower Moon: This film transported me to a specific time period through the meticulous attention to detail in the set design. I particularly noticed the contrast between the Osage people and white society, evident in the objects and places throughout the production. This aspect highlighting cultural differences and historical tensions that enhance the storyline’s progression.

Best Original Song: I'm Just Ken (Runner-Ups: "Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)" from Killers of the Flower Moon, “Live That Way Forever” from The Iron Claw)

I’m Just Ken” from Barbie: People love to give the award to the sophisticated songs over the popular ones, and tend to overlook the aspects that made them popular. Sure, I’m Just Ken is catchy, but it also has substance. I believe the best song for the film should be considered by how well the song fit into the narrative of the movie while giving us a clue on the character inner thoughts and emotions. And “I’m Just Ken” definitely delivered all that! The song lyrics personalized the character Ken in this movie so well that Ryan Gosling could also embody the silly yet so true to Ken without trouble. You could say that Ryan Gosling, Ken, and I’m Just Ken were made for each other. I could never choose other songs over this perfection!

"Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)" from Killers of the Flower Moon: This is such an emotional song, that perfectly captured the spirit of resilience and perseverance through all the hardships together. Despite the depressing nature of the story, I got a bit teary with hope after the ending. I could feel the significant of this song to the Osage people.

“Live That Way Forever” from The Iron Claw: This song rocks! It totally summed up the tone of this movie. You felt the pain, and the hope they were all craving in this song. Great ending song. It conveyed how Kevin had been feeling and would continue for the rest of his life. When a song could become an anthem for a character, I’d count that as a great song for the movie.

Best Original Score: Blue Giant (Runner-Ups: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Oppenheimer)

Blue Giant: If there’s one key takeaway from this post, it would be this: You should go watch Blue Giant, if you haven’t already. Blue Giant is the animated adaptation of the titular manga, tells the story about teenagers striving for breakthrough in the jazz world. So, since music  is deeply intertwined with the narrative, you could even say that music score was the whole movie. It’s so natural to develop a love for the scores as you enjoy the film. What I love the most about the score in this is its gradual complexity in each score for each instrument as the story unfolds. It’s like witnessing each character’s musical growth over time. By the time they perform their final song, you can’t help but admire how far they've come and be in awe of their remarkable journey.  No other movies can top this experience, where you feel like you’re witnessing a live performance by a great jazz band, not just as a musical spectacle, but also as a personal and musical growth of these characters in just a span of two hours.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: I still felt sour that this one didn't even get nominated. Each score, blending music elements across genres, fit the tone of each scene and transition flawlessly. It was so memorable and elevated the emotional depth of each character and the storyline. The score moved me so much, coupled with astounding visuals, it created such a memorable cinema experience.

Oppenheimer: The music carried the whole movie in Oppenheimer in my opinion. The weight of characters, the emotional depth in each scene, the thematic atmosphere, all got through the audience by the score. So much so that I don’t think it’d be much of lesser film without this wonderful score.

Best Sound: The Zone of Interest (Runner-Ups: Oppenheimer, The Creator)

The Zone of Interest: This movie worked because of the sound. When you here an everyday life as is, you’d imagine it’d be a peaceful day. The movie capitalized on that and made you feel squirm by the absence of curated sounds and put you right into the scene. The contradiction between the peacefulness of a mundane lifestyle and the cruelty in nature of the characters and situations made you felt so uncomfortable the whole movie. So, there’s no way I wouldn't crown this as a winner!

Oppenheimer: The sound production complement the score so well, creating the intense narrative throughout the movie. There was so much tension created by the sound alone.

The Creator: The Creator built a new world and its unique retro-futuristic soundscapes along with it. The attention to details for the environments around characters was admirable. I felt familiar yet somehow foreign sound atmosphere throughout the movie, it made this world seemed even more plausible.

Best Film Editing: Anatomy of a Fall (Runner-Ups: Oppenheimer, Killers of The Flower Moon)

Anatomy of a Fall: I appreciated how the editing skillfully structured the narrative of this film. It effectively highlighted the ambiguity of truth and our perceptions of it. Life is rarely straightforward, and this film captures that essence perfectly with its non-linear storytelling, prompting us to question the story as much as our own judgment towards it.

Oppenheimer: Oppenheimer would never achieve its emotional impact without the masterful craft of editing demonstrated here. I’d say it was astonishing how the editing transformed a storyline that could have been almost boring into something impactful and full of suspense. It captivated the audience and left them with much to ponder. Although some scenes were too drawn out (and too rush in the final act), causing the pacing to feel clunky at times, I still wouldn’t undermine the editing achievements in this film.

Killers of the Flower Moon: This is another masterpiece of filmmaking. The editing in this movie is exceptionally well-crafted, serving its purpose effectively and captivating me with the story and characters. I never felt bored or out of place, not even once, during the 3.5-hour runtime, and the transitions between each scene are almost flawless in my opinion.

Best Director: Greta Gerwig from Barbie (Runner-Ups: Takashi Yamazaki from Godzilla Minus One, Celine Song from Past Lives)


Greta Gerwig from Barbie: Greta Gerwig’s journey from the start of a Barbie movie to one of the most popular films of all time is nothing short of a miracle. Balancing the vision of the story of the giant Barbie world breaching into the real world, managing the expectations of the Martel and the producers, and nurturing the creativity of the crew and the massive cast was an incredible feat. Despite the immense pressure, she somehow made everyone on set felt enjoyable to work with, you could feel the joy and creativity oozing out from every moment in the movie. I never cared for a Barbie but got so hyped when the news hit that she’d be a director for this film. I never doubted her before and now I have nothing but respect for her. This movie would never have achieved its greatness under the hands of another director. Who would have imagined that people could connect so deeply and feel so humanly human with a movie about a doll? Gerwig truly deserves this award. It was heartbreaking to see her snubbed for this recognition.

Takashi Yamazaki from Godzilla Minus One: Yamazaki served as the writer, director, and also VFX supervisor for this film. He specially deserves recognition as a remarkable director for his ability to translate his vision onto film. His vision streamlined every aspect of the production, making it a true passion project. He adeptly balances the terror of Godzilla with an emotional human narrative, paying meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the film. I believe that Yamazaki’s creation breathes new life into the Godzilla franchise by presenting Godzilla from a uniquely human perspective.

Celine Song from Past Lives: Celine Song’s directorial debut, Past Lives, is a testament to the power of a screenplay written by the director, particularly when it draws from personal life experiences. The synergy between the narrative and direction makes the film feel like a genuine slice of life, with a better narrative, rather than a mere movie. One of her most brilliant choices was structuring the film into three distinct stages of the characters' lives. It effectively showcases her skill in directing a narrative spanning decades of character development, while also capturing the subtle nuances of these transitions filled with genuine emotions. I was so immersed in each character’s life unfolding before me, as if I were watching how my own life would unfold. Her work in Past Lives is a superb debut direction, I can’t help but look forward to her future films.

Best Actress: Sandra Hüller From Anatomy of a Fall (Runner-Ups: Emma Stone from Poor Things, Julianne Moore from May December)

Sandra Hüller From Anatomy of a Fall: Sandra Hüller landed the role of a lifetime—a chance to showcase her immense talents through a brilliant screenplay that would be studied and debated for years. Her performance required acting in not one, but three different languages, and she flawlessly communicated the story's core message in all fronts. Not only did she excel in verbal delivery, but her use of body language was also remarkable, as she used body language to convey nuanced emotions—layers upon layers—as the story unfolded. Hüller’s portrayal brilliantly highlighted the complexities of human relationships, both interpersonal and societal, leaving a lasting impression on me.

Emma Stone from Poor Things: I have the highest admiration for Emma Stone in Poor Things. She absolutely nailed everything the role threw at her in this film. She embodied a character who has the body of a woman but the mind of an infant, experiencing life with a childlike curiosity and freedom in her own ever-evolved, unique understanding of the world. It was such a chaotic yet captivating experience to watch she transformed from an oversized toddler to an (questionable) independent woman. While my personal taste may not align with her over-the-top acting style for this particular movie, it’s undeniable that she delivered one of the most challenging roles I’ve ever watched. Her performance in Poor Things is definitely a testament to her versatility and commitment as an actress.

Julianne Moore from May December: For a film like May December, which revolves around controversial topics, achieving great nuance and depth is a notable accomplishment. One of the reasons for this success is undoubtedly the extraordinary performance of Julianne Moore. Her portrayal of a flawed and seemingly naive predator is so complex, bringing to life Gracie's ambiguous morality and emotional depth. Her performance truly adds a layer of nuance to the film, making it both disturbing and compelling at the same time.

Best Actor: Teo Yoo from *Past Lives* (Runner-Ups: Charles Melton from *May December,* Milo Machado-Graner from *Anatomy of a Fall*)


Teo Yoo from Past Lives: I never felt like Teo Yoo was acting in Past Lives. It truly seemed as if the character were a real person, uncoached and instinctively behaving. That’s how remarkable his performance was—so authentic that it felt effortless, as though we were witnessing real life unfold on screen. The depth of emotion in his eyes resonated deeply, evoking feelings of heartache and empathy. You could see that he was crying inside just by looking into his eyes, inviting us viewers to share in his sorrow and cry in his place from the very first act. Teo's performance blurs the line between acting and reality, creating a poignant connection that is hard to forget.

Charles Melton from May December: Performing alongside not just one but two best actresses, Charles Melton delivered an outstanding performance that was nothing short of amazing. Before watching the movie, I never imagined I would consider him the standout actor, but he truly was the best in May December. You could sense from miles away the tremendous trauma he carried simply through his body language. I was genuinely baffled that he didn’t even receive a nomination for such an incredible performance—so I’ll give it to him now.

Milo Machado-Graner from Anatomy of a Fall: Many might overlook him due to his youth, but he is exceptionally talented. I genuinely believed he had some form of visual impairment; I even looked it up after finishing the film. I loved how he used his entire body to convey emotions without revealing the character's inner thoughts. I firmly believe that Anatomy of a Fall would not have succeeded without his nuanced performance and ability to convey complex emotions, which added a layer of ambiguity to human interpretation that enriched the overall narrative.

Best Cinematography: Spider-man: Across The Spider Verse (Runner-Ups: Oppenheimer, Poor Things)


Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse: I don’t think it would be an overstatement to say that Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse went beyond what most people could ever imagined of visual storytelling. It went above and beyond to make everything you saw conveyed all the emotions, backstories, hidden meanings in such a creative way you couldn’t help but feel awe. This is what creativity is about, to stretch our mind and amazed us with human capabilities. To push us out of our comfort zone and draw us in The Zone. And to get lost in the alternate realities we could never thought possible. Animated film got under-appreciated a lot but when this film didn’t get recognitions they deserved gutted me so much I had to write up this post lol. I mean, animation is all about how to frame scenes but most people would dismiss the format and say it didn’t count as cinematography. Especially when every frame is a masterpiece like this!

Oppenheimer: The cinematography,  alongside its captivating score, is undoubtedly the film’s highlight. I was particularly impressed by the film’s clever use of black-and-white scenes to create a detached perspective, rather than the common cinematic practice of using them solely for past timelines. In addition, the effective use of lighting, framing, and camera angles conveys emotional intensity, playing a pivotal role throughout the narrative.

Poor Things: The cinematography in Poor Things stands out as both beautiful and innovative, one of the best in class, no doubt. They masterfully framed each scene using unconventional lens choices and dynamic camera movements, crafting a surreal aesthetic that complements the narrative of Bella's evolving perspective and challenging narrative style. It felt like we were experiencing the story through her unique worldview. However, I found the coloring to be slightly too vibrant at times—even though I recognize it was intended to symbolize her newfound freedom, innocence, and curiosity nature—it took me out of the story.

Best Screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall (Runner-Ups: Past Lives,  Spider-man: Across The Spider Verse)

Anatomy of a Fall:

Humans are complex, and Anatomy of a Fall displayed the nature of all human complexity so wonderfully with its screenplay.

When we miss translation, we miss the core meaning. When we miss the evidence, we miss the facts. and when we miss interpretation, we miss the subtle nuances.

The film raises profound questions: What happens when there are too many translations, facts, and interpretations? How do we discern what to believe?

I really love how the movie employs multiple layers to explore these themes—through the depiction of a crime, the courtroom drama, the use of different languages, and the depiction of relationships and sensory experiences like sight and hearing.

Each perspective offers a unique context, illustrating that truth is far from simple, and humans are inherently interpreters. So, the notion of an objective truth is often a comforting myth we keep telling ourselves. And that’s precisely what makes us humans—complex beings who ultimately choose what aligns with their narratives. Isn’t that brilliant? That’s why this thought-provoking film that thoroughly examine the human perception of truth will forever hold a special place in my heart as one of the greatest screenplays of all time.

Past Lives:

Past Lives explored the complexity of human relationships, but in a way that feels both romantic and grounded in realism.

At first glance, it may seem like a love triangle, but the core of the story actually revolves around the farewell of unrealized pasts, unfulfilled presents, and impossible futures, all woven into a single narrative.

The film’s emotional heart lies in its relatable portrayal of the human need for genuine connections and the struggles of identity and belonging. On top of that, the cultural differences among the characters—foreigner, immigrant, and native—add even more depth to their interactions, making them thought-provoking when viewed from each perspective.

Beyond the three main perspectives, the movie further complicates the story by showing how the characters navigate their life transitions throughout the three stages of their lives.

It felt as if we, both the audience and the characters, navigated on a shared journey through the entire grieving and healing process together—as they process life transitions, realize truths, and reach resolutions through their evolving interactions. All of this is beautifully captured in an experience that unfolds in less than two hours, but still leaves a lasting impression to me in a simply beautiful, yet profound way.

Spider-man: Across The Spider-Verse:

Spider-man’s stories have been told so many times that it felt like beating a dead horse at this point. However, this innovative and complex storytelling, strong theme, and character development manage to provide us with a refreshing take on what it means to be Spider-man.

With so many moving parts—from the diverse Spider-Society to the mind-bending multiverse concepts and the thrilling action sequences—it could’ve easily turned into an incoherent mess. But the writers behind "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, not only seamlessly juggled all these elements, but also crafted complex themes like heroism, self-identity and acceptance on top of it.

Ultimately, the screenplay explores what it means to be Spider-Man in all aspect that could possibly can, with remarkable creativity and passion while staying true to the characters.

For me, the essence of a hero—especially Spider-Man—is about flawed individuals who choose to follow their moral principles and perform heroic acts with grace, despite the sacrifices they must make and endure. I believe this movie captures that idea exceptionally well. Coupled with its emotional depth and entertaining dialogue, it makes this film not only the best Spider-Man movie but also one of the best films overall, in my opinion.

Best Picture: Past Lives (Runner-Ups: Anatomy of a Fall, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse)

Past Lives: This is one of those rare films that, when dissected, may not stand out in every aspect. However, when viewed as a whole, it transforms into an unforgettable experience. To me, it transcended mere filmmaking; it felt like a lived experience. The story resonated so deeply that I could almost mistake it for my own past lives. The lingering unease and raw truth made it feel less like a narrative and more like a documentary on life's prolonged farewells. This gave me a sense of catharsis that brought me to tears from the very first act—something that has never happened to me before. It felt real and raw, evoking a profound sense of grief as if my heart had been physically ripped out. Yet, paradoxically, it left me feeling whole and alive after watching it.

Anatomy of a Fall: If it weren't for the cathartic experience I had with Past Lives, Anatomy of a Fall would undoubtedly take the win. This film excelled in its execution, showcasing complexed layers within the screenplay and narrative that were masterfully woven together. I left the theater in awe of how much this movie could convey about humanity in such a short time, and had me spellbound with its intricate storytelling.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse also left me in awe with its creativity and ability to use visuals to express emotions, characters, and stories. While I enjoyed the first film, I absolutely loved the second one. The opening scene where Gwen plays the drums has become one of my favorite openings of all time. Absolute perfection! I knew right then that this movie would be among my all-time favorites—and indeed, it truly is. It swept me off my feet and confirmed my love for this franchise, with its stunning visuals and creativity in storytelling.

Rant incoming:  It's truly disheartening for anyone who loves the industry to see animated films always being considered second class. This art form has the power to transcend physical reality, yet it is often treated as child's play. Spider-man: Across The Spider-Verse did everything right, as much as a great film could do, and yet it was recognized as merely 'a hero animation.' And the fact that they didn't get nominated for anything that made all that possible really gutted my soul.

Bonus: My takes on other Best Picture Nominations and why it didn’t get picked by me.


The storytelling is the top priority in my criteria of Best Picture. Then, I’ll look for how well other aspects support that narrative. If the story itself fell flat to me, it’d be hard to be my winner.

Killers of The Flower Moon: They should emphasize stories of the Osage a bit more. It would certainly heighten the tragic ending. I loved the movie as is, but I just love other movies more. Sorry lol.

Oppenheimer: The screenplay was all over the place. If it were edited in a linear timeline, without heightened tensions from the editing, you’d see how aimless the narrative was. I still don’t know what’s the key takeaway of this movie. It was like putting two different films into one. It got saved by the top tier technical aspects that elevated the whole movie. What’s worse is the fact that I still have no idea who Oppenheimer truly is after watching this so-called “biography” movie. (Sorry to all Nolan’s fans out there, but this is my least favorite film from him.)

American Fiction: I got the feeling that this got toned down a lot to make it less offensive to anyone. I also think that they could streamline the family story and the publishing story to be more cohesive. The cinematography was so lackluster. Otherwise, a solid movie.

May December: It was a great movie for character studies and acting analysis, but it wasn’t that great in other aspects.

Barbie: that ending where the social hierarchy was basically the same, just swap the gender, was disappointing to say the least. It feels like disregarding all the story development altogether.  Otherwise, It could have been one in my pick.

Poor Things: I don’t know about the original book, but I could sense that it would explore more of other aspects than sexual liberation and oppression, because the elements were all there, but it got brushed off in the film. And the ending made me feel nothing whatsoever. I also didn’t like the over-the-top in coloring that was too contrasting and distracting with the actual story.