Don't Bogart My Blog: Movies Update: Mahershala Ali, Taking the Lead

January 25, 2022

By Mekado Murphy

Movies Editor

Hey, movie fans!

Awards season is amping up this week, as voting to determine the Oscar nominees begins on Thursday. That day will also reveal some film guild nominations — the Producers Guild and the Directors Guild, among others — that may help determine what the race will look like. We'll be posting those nominees with commentary from our awards guru Kyle Buchanan (a.k.a. The Projectionist). Stay tuned.

In the meantime, check out some of our coverage of awards hopefuls. We have an interview with Mahershala Ali, moving into leading roles by playing two different characters in the sci-fi cloning drama "Swan Song." We spoke to the actor Jon Bernthal (currently getting chatter for his role in Lena Dunham's latest feature playing at Sundance, "Sharp Stick") about his flurry of supporting performances in films from "King Richard" to "The Many Saints of Newark."

And looking to the films that may be in next year's Oscar conversation, A.O. Scott offers some thoughts on the noteworthy options out of Sundance.

Enjoy the movies.

Chanell Stone for The New York Times

Mahershala Ali Finally Gets the Leading Role He Deserves

After a string of supporting performances, he steps into the spotlight as not one but two main characters in the sci-fi drama "Swan Song."

By Robert Ito

Pat Martin for The New York Times

Jon Bernthal's Guide to Making It as a Supporting Actor

Not being No. 1 on the call sheet has worked out pretty well for the "King Richard" cast member, who helped power that film to a SAG nomination.

By Kyle Buchanan

Sundance Institute

Critic's Notebook

Worried About the Health of Cinema? Sundance Has Good News for You.

From surprising found-footage documentaries to "Get Out"-influenced dramas and that Lena Dunham title, this year's virtual festival has a lot to like.

By A.O. Scott

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THE ROAD TO THE OSCARS

And the 2022 Oscar Nominees Should Be …

The nominations will be announced Feb. 8. Here's what our critics wish academy voters would put on their ballots.

By Manohla Dargis and A.O. Scott

Clockwise from top left: Anna Kooris/A24 ; Netflix; Netflix; Warner Bros.; Kasper Tuxen/Neon, via Associated Press; Jessica Forde/20th Century Studios

The Projectionist

Don't Sleep on These 6 Performances During Awards Season

As various nominating groups unveil their choices, these impressive turns have been largely overlooked. But there's still time to rectify that, academy voters!

By Kyle Buchanan

REVIEWS OF OSCAR HOPEFULS

Rob Youngson/Focus Features

Critic's Pick

'Belfast' Review: A Boy's Life

In this charming memoir, Kenneth Branagh recalls his childhood in Northern Ireland through a rose-tinted lens.

By Jeannette Catsoulis

Niko Tavernise/20th Century Studios

Critic's Pick

'West Side Story' Review: In Love and War, 1957 Might Be Tonight

Steven Spielberg rediscovers the breathing, troubling essence of a classic, building a bold and current screen musical with no pretense to perfection.

By A.O. Scott

Warner Bros

Critic's Pick

'King Richard' Review: Father Holds Court

Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis play the parents of Venus and Serena Williams in a warm, exuberant, old-fashioned sports drama.

By A.O. Scott

Melinda Sue Gordon/Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

'Licorice Pizza' Review: California Dreaming and Scheming

In his latest movie, Paul Thomas Anderson returns to the San Fernando Valley for a shaggy 1970s romp about a self-important teenage boy and a memorable woman.

By Manohla Dargis

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STREAMING RECOMMENDATIONS

Chris Helcermanas-Benge/Trimark Pictures

The Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now

New films, and classics, just keep coming, but you don't have to drill down to find the finest selections to stream. We'll do the heavy lifting. You press play.

By Jason Bailey