Oscar For Best Documentary Goes To….?!
Recently a director whose film we cut asked me who I thought would win the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
“RGB,” I replied without much thought. Now, before ABC’s live coverage of the Oscars on February 24th, it’s time to go out on a limb and make my case for this inspiring documentary about octogenarian Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
But first, two disclaimers! The other four nominees are phenomenal. Go see these films: Hale County This Morning, This Evening; Minding the Gap; Of Fathers and Sons; and Free Solo (which recently surpassed RGB as the second-highest grossing documentary of 2018.)
Also, see Won’t You Be My Neighbor, which some say the Academy snubbed, despite its first-place in tickets sales for 2018, at $22.8 million.
Second disclaimer. As a progressive, ambitious white woman who’s a sucker for romance, I really liked RGB. I could relate to the protagonist and her issues. The care with which the film unveiled Ginsberg’s love affair with her late husband, Marty Ginsburg, is a credit to two talented female directors, Betsy West and Julie Cohen.
But the real reasons I think this superbly crafted film will win an Academy Award can be summed up in three words: Relevancy, Remedy, and Legacy.
Relevancy. With the dramatic Brett Kavanaugh hearings still fresh in our collective memory, Americans (and Academy members) fathom the utter importance of Supreme Court appointees. This is a timely, big-issue film.
Remedy. Several scenes depict Ginsberg’s rich, odd-couple friendship with staunch conservative Judge Antonin Scalia. By showcasing this spirit of civility and mutual respect, RGB illustrates a touching remedy for our nation’s ominous polarization.
Legacy. Nearly 86, the intrepid Justice’s health scares are in the media spotlight. Her hugely consequential retirement, and possible death, are looming. Academy members may vote to pay tribute to her legacy now, while she’s alive.
So…who do you think will win the Oscar? With your permission, I’ll share responses in an upcoming newsletter.
And if you haven’t seen all five docs yet, at least check out the trailers here, courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter!
