Some awards seasons are chaotic and uncertain going into the Golden Globes; last year at this time pundits were shrugging their shoulders, only to learn a few days later that it was Anora in the lead all along. This is not one of those years. Last weekend’s Globes ceremony cemented the dominance of this year’s top Oscar contender, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. The star-studded comedy action thriller won four prizes: Director, Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy), Supporting Actress (Teyana Taylor), and Screenplay. As of now, there’s very little to stop OBAA from repeating most if not all of these wins at the Oscars.

Despite the clean narrative these decisive OBAA wins provide for headlines, it was not the only film to establish itself as a steamroller at the Globes. Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans’ surprise smash hit, KPop Demon Hunters, had arguably as big a night in its categories: Best Motion Picture (Animated) and Best Original Song. While there is little to challenge it in Animated Feature at the Oscars (barring some blind industry loyalty to Disney or Pixar), some pundits had wondered if Sinners’ “I Lied to You” could make Original Song a real race. Once one of the songwriters behind “Golden” (and singing voice of Rumi!), Ejae, gave an emotional speech that perfectly tapped into the themes of her film, the deal was done. A huge shoutout to the Mike, Mike, and Oscar podcast, by the way, for being the only ones to defend Ejae’s use of the term “idol” in her speech. Many podcasters have misunderstood that term and judged Ejae for channeling her inner Marty Supreme-esque hubris when, in fact, “idol” is just the term used to describe a K-pop artist put through a rigorous, formalized star system in the industry.

On this episode of The Long Take Review, we somewhat ungratefully complain about how this season feels a little bit like a foregone conclusion. After we critique the telecast (go, Nikki Glaser!) itself, however, we do manage to find not only positivity but pockets of uncertainty and chaos in specific races. What is going on with Sinners? Which of the international features are the strongest right now? Which winners had the best speeches? Which films are in and out of the Best Picture 10? Join us and shine like you’re born to be.

Image Credit: The Hollywood Reporter

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