And the Winner is...
Oscar predictions by locals, local connections and FOOD. Plus: a bar Houdinis out of sight and a slew of yummy upcoming events.
After years of arguably lackluster awards shows, the Grammys set a high bar for 2024’s making a huge comeback. That’s right, Jimmy Kimmel, the pressure is on! Here at home, we have some ideas for upping your Oscars game, whether or not you’ve seen the movies. So let’s fall in love with films all over again, Saratoga—starting at 7pm Sunday on ABC.
Local Connections
It’s always fun to root for the home team.
Philadelphia Orchestra maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin was the conductor consultant for the much-lauded Maestro. While he didn’t receive a nomination (but did win a Grammy this year!), let’s join him in rooting for the movie’s seven other contenders, including Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan and—the big one—Best Picture. This summer, catch the esteemed Philly Orchestra Music & Artistic Director August 8 at SPAC during the orchestra’s yearly residency.
Barbie is expected to bring in a legion of fans new to the Oscars (think Taylor Swift and football), and Ryan Gosling will perform the much-anticipated Original Song contender, “I’m Just Ken.” (He’s also nominated for Actor in a Supporting Role.) Ryan is no stranger to the Capital Region, having filmed one of the most famous movies to be filmed here, The Place Beyond the Pines.
Also competing in the Original Song category: Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson for “It Never Went Away,” from the music documentary American Symphony. Batiste says in the film that he met his wife, New York Times best-selling author Suleika Jaouad, at a music program at Skidmore. Suleika is from Saratoga.
Honorable mention: Skidmore College graduate Zazie Beats (Atlanta, Deadpool 2) announced the nominees in January, breaking hearts and making dreams come true all over La La Land.
What to Eat
Every watch party—big or small—is better with a theme. Why not recreate some of the famous food scenes from the nominated movies?
If snacks are your downfall, Barbie gave us loads to choose from, thanks to the “Mojo Dojo Casa House” scene. Think Doritos and popcorn served in old-fashioned red-and-white boxes. Wash it down with bottles of “brewski.”
There was no actual eating in Maestro, so unless you’ve pre-ordered candy cigarettes (and I sincerely hope you haven’t), dig into NYC deli fare from Saratoga’s Broadway Deli. Think knishes, latkes, matzo ball soup and hot roast beef sandwiches.
Got a sweet tooth? The Holdovers served up a Christmas feast, but a baked ham isn’t exactly party food. But homemade sugar cookies sure are. Or pop into Mrs. London’s, Franklin Square or Indulgence Bakery to see what sweet treats they have for the party.
Don’t forget the wine—the vino-soaked American Fiction alone makes this the perfect way to imbibe while watching it all go down. The pros at Purdy’s can help.
Predictions
Nothing keeps interest in the historically long Academy Awards going like a solid Oscar pool with your friends. Print out your ballots here. Need some direction? Two in-the-know locals are here with a head start.
Predictor: Tiina Loite, cinephile and retired photo editor, New York Times Style section
Actor in a Supporting Role
Should win: Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer
Will win: Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer
“Superb performance by a superbly talented actor. In a cast of excellent actors, his performance stood out.”
Actress in a Supporting Role
Should win: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers
Will win: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers
“Depth and complexity expertly conveyed. She has won virtually every award leading up to the Oscars.”
Actor in a Leading Role
Should win: Colman Domingo, Rustin
Will win: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
“Not a lot of people saw Rustin—if more people had seen it, they’d agree that Colman Domingo should win this category. But what about Paul Giamatti? I love Paul Giamatti. Who doesn’t love Paul Giamatti?!!! To be honest though, I thought he was more impressive in Billions than in The Holdovers. So I’d say Cillian Murphy—he really carried that film. (But if Giamatti won, I wouldn’t be upset).”
Actress in a Leading Role
Should win: Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall
Will win: Oh yeah, it’s Emma Stone (Poor Things) or Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon)
“Everyone is talking about Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone. Everyone should be talking about Sandra Hüller. Take a good look at Anatomy of a Fall. This is not an easy role to play; if you visualize the words on a page you will see the depth and complexity of this character. The role could easily have been underplayed or overplayed, but Hüller masterfully hit exactly the right notes.”
Best Picture
Should win: Oppenheimer
Will win: Oppenheimer
“Damn good movie—its strengths in every category separate it from the rest of the pack. There are other damn good movies in this category as well; it’s been a good year. Poor Things is a creative explosion, one that never veers from its solid storytelling. Killers of the Flower Moon reminds us what a great director Martin Scorsese is. The Holdovers presents three vivid and unforgettable characters who unexpectedly intersect. All of the nominated films are worth seeing.”
Predictor: Kate VanHerp, TV and film writer/producer
Actor in a Supporting Role
Should win: Robert Downy Jr., Oppenheimer
Will win: Robert Downy Jr., Oppenheimer
“He never misses, and Oppenheimer is a great example of that. He was truly captivating and brought a special energy to the film. He definitely broke free of his Marvel/Tony Stark typecast.”
Actress in a Supporting Role
Should win: America Ferrera, Barbie
Will win: America Ferrera, Barbie
“Her character brought realism and was the heart of the Barbie movie. Her monologue was a shining moment in the film and will be remembered and re-quoted for years to come.”
Actor in a Leading Role
Should win: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
Will win: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
“He did a wonderful job portraying the complex and haunted Oppenheimer. Taking on a historical figure is always challenging and he made it look easy.”
Actress in a Leading Role
Should win: Emma Stone, Poor things
Will win: Emma Stone, Poor Things
”Emma was absolutely brilliant as Bella. She showed us her great range playing a character that evolves before our eyes.”
Best Picture
Should win: Oppenheimer
Will win: Oppenheimer
“This was the film of the year. When it comes to acting, editing, directing, cinematography, film score and sound design, you don’t get much better. It was a master class of what makes a perfect film.”
—Abby
Quote of the Week
“Here’s hoping neither you nor I become a person of interest, gored by a pig , or strafed by a low-flying C-130.”
—Dan DeFedericis, Column As I See ‘Em
Irish Goodbye
Without any fanfare whatsoever, the popular Barrelhouse—known for its beer selection, live music, Red Zone NFL afternoons and pub food—on Beekman Street has closed. Fans on Facebook watched the owner publicly feud with his landlord and then *poof* it was gone. No word yet what’s going in its place—or where The Barrelhouse might pop up next (we’re hopeful). For more information on the whole messy affair, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming food & drink special report on this Substack page.
Cocktails, Mocktails
In a somewhat questionable study that crossed our desks this week, New York ranks eighth in the list of states most interested in sobriety. Interestingly, New York City alone has 23 “sober bars” (bars that serve non-alcoholic beverages only). That’s more than any other city in the country—and their ability to stay in business is something that surely helped us crack the top 10. What might have hurt our ranking? Looking at you, Caroline Street.
Easter Sunday Funday
If cooking Easter Sunday brunch or supper is feeling more and more like an insurmountable challenge, PDT Catering has you covered. No matter the size of your party, order up all the Easter classics and decadent treats—ham, salmon, lemon blueberry French toast casserole, quiche, fruit, challah bread and more. Brunch will be ready for pickup March 29 or 30 (reheating is easy), and dinners are picked up hot between 11am and 4pm Easter day. (You can pick up brunch hot then, too.) Orders must be made by St. Patrick’s Day, so what are you waiting for?
Champagne (Triple Crown) Campaign
One of the first out of the gate with their Belmont watch party plans? Bocage Champagne Bar. The tiny jewel box of a bar is serving just 18 guests at a time for its June 8 (and 7 and 9) brunch—expect caviar, lobster rolls, scones, tarts and other treats, from 9am to 12pm. Later in the day, indulge in Triple Crown flights (chocolate truffles paired with decadent cuvées), or a Belmont Jewel or two (the race’s official cocktail made with bourbon, lemonade and topped with sparkling crémant). Still there at race time? They’ll be streaming live. And if you’re headed to the track, remember your “on-the-go” bag—caviar service and lobster rolls in an insulated picnic bag.
But first…
Before the Belmont descends on Saratoga, we have two other Triple Crown races to celebrate—and Franklin Square Market is giving the usual Derby Day juggernauts a run for their money. The food emporium is shutting down Railroad Place for a block party from 4 to 9pm, with a whopping seven chefs signed on to feed the hungry crowd at international food stations. And we’re talking luxe: Think heaping mezze tables of cheeses, meats and olives; bao buns; oysters shucked live; paella; melt-in-your-mouth Italian, and a taqueria serving carne asada tacos and wagyu skirt steak. Plus cocktails and desserts such as mint julep panna cotta shooters and bourbon-pecan dark chocolate truffles. We have a feeling everyone will be in peak party mood by the time the race goes off at 6:24pm.