Highbrow Magazine - Everything Everywhere ALL at Once https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/everything-everywhere-all-once en Watching the 2023 Oscars: A Year of Reckoning https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/23470-watching-oscars-year-reckoning <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 16:23</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1oscars23.jpg?itok=I5VUwnwT"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1oscars23.jpg?itok=I5VUwnwT" width="480" height="267" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">After the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myjEoDypUD8" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">unforgivable slap</a> seen and heard around the world at last year’s Oscars ceremony, questions remain: namely, whether the Academy did enough to punish Will Smith for the attack on Chris Rock, and, given the general decline in viewership, are awards ceremonies still relevant?</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Of course, the greatest slap in the face to Will Smith – pardon the pun -- would have been if Chris Rock had hosted this year’s Oscars, <a href="https://www.indiewire.com/2022/08/chris-rock-turned-down-oscars-2023-hosting-1234756337/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">but Rock turned down the offer</a>. The talented Jimmy Kimmel will no doubt have a field day addressing last year’s brouhaha and that the industry is still reeling from its effects. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Rock initially took the high road and declined to respond to the abuse he suffered on worldwide TV, but recently, during a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/03/06/1161444709/chris-rock-talks-about-the-slap-in-his-netflix-special" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Netflix special</a>, he shot back at Smith and his wife and, doing what Rock does best, skewered them publicly via his comedic talent. Rock had the last laugh.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">But the Academy clearly did not do enough. <a href="https://ew.com/awards/oscars/will-smith-academy-decision-banned-oscars-10-years/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Banning</a> Smith for 10 years doesn’t properly address his inappropriate actions – but perhaps the fact that Smith has dug his own grave in many regards -- and in many circles -- is punishment enough.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">The other question that hinders the ultimate success of the Oscars – and awards shows in general – is that of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/09/business/media/academy-awards-broadcast.html" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">declining viewership</a> -- younger generations seem less enthralled by these ceremonies, a fact that Hollywood will have to address soon as ratings wane and generations Y and Z are reluctant to tune in to watch the film industry pat itself on the back. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/2oscars23.jpg" style="height:323px; width:646px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Regardless, fine films are still being made, and this year offered great turns from veteran and new actors and filmmakers alike. In a year of awards show surprises – where Asian-American stars have made history and the problem of a lack of diversity doesn’t seem to taint the industry as it did previously – this year’s Academy Awards no doubt promise surprises of their own.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Historically, the Oscars listen to the beat of a different drummer – the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, or S.A.G. Awards do not necessarily predict who will walk away with an Oscar. There have been plenty of upsets at the Oscars – such as <em>CODA</em> winning best picture last year (who knew?).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">And this year, even though <em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em> has swept up most of the major awards thus far, there might still be upsets on Sunday night.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">This is <em>Highbrow Magazine’s</em> list of films and filmmakers who deserve to win an Oscar, and those who will most likely win.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/3oscars23.jpg" style="height:309px; width:550px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>--Best Picture: </strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Deserves to Win:</strong> <em>The Banshees of Inisherin</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Will Most Likely Win</strong>: <em>The Banshees of Inisherin</em> – or in an upset: <em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>--Best Actor: </strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Deserves to Win</strong>: Colin Farrell (<em>The Banshees of Inisherin</em>) </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Will Most Likely Win: </strong>Brendan Fraser (<em>The Whale</em>)</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/4oscars23.jpg" style="height:281px; width:500px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>--Best Actress:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Deserves to Win: </strong>Michelle Yeoh (<em>Everything Everywhere All at Once)</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Will Most Likely Win</strong>: Cate Blanchett (<em>Tar</em>) -- or in an upset: Michelle Yeoh</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>--Best Supporting Actor:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Deserves to Win: </strong>Ke Huy Quan (<em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em>)</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Will Most Likely Win: </strong>Ke Huy Quan</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/5oscars23.jpg" style="height:600px; width:600px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>--Best Supporting Actress:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Deserves to Win: </strong>Stephanie Hsu (<em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em>)</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Will Most Likely Win: </strong>Angela Bassett (<em>Wakanda Forever</em>) -- or in an upset: Stephanie Hsu</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>--Best Director:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Deserves to Win</strong>: Steven Spielberg (<em>The Fabelmans</em>)</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Will Most Likely Win: </strong>Steven Spielberg</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/6oscars23.jpg" style="height:600px; width:421px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>--Best Original Screenplay:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Deserves to Win</strong>: <em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Will Most Likely Win</strong>: <em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>--Best Adapted Screenplay:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Deserves to Win</strong>: Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson, Ian Stokell, <em>All Quiet on the Western Front</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Will Most Likely Win:</strong> Sarah Polley, <em>Women Talking</em></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/7oscars23.jpg" style="height:366px; width:650px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>--Best International Film:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Deserves to Win:</strong> <em>Argentina 1985</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Will Most Likely Win:</strong> <em>All Quiet on the Western Front </em></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/8oscars.jpg" style="height:338px; width:600px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Author Bio:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Tara Taghizadeh is</em> Highbrow Magazine’s <em>founding editor and publisher.</em></strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Image Source:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><em>--Robert Couse-Baker (<a href="https://pxhere.com/en/photo/525635" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Pxhere</a>, Creative Commons)</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><em>--</em><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/malique/51965994883" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline"><em>Budiey</em></a><em> (</em><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/malique/51965994883" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline"><em>Flickr,</em></a><em> Creative Commons)</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><em>--Gage Skidmore (</em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Steven_Spielberg_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline"><em>Wikimedia</em></a><em>, Creative Commons)</em></span></span></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/oscars-2023" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">oscars 2023</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/academy-awards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Academy Awards</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/chris-rock" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">chris rock</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/will-smith" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Will Smith</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/jimmy-kimmel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">jimmy kimmel</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/banshees-inisheri" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">banshees of inisheri</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/wakanda-forever" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">wakanda forever</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/everything-everywhere-all-once" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Everything Everywhere ALL at Once</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/steven-spielberg" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Steven Spielberg</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/fabelmans" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the fabelmans</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/michelle-yeoh" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">michelle yeoh</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/colin-farrell" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">colin farrell</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/brendan-fraser" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">brendan fraser</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hollywood" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Hollywood</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/film-industry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">film industry</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Tara Taghizadeh</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">In Slider</div></div></div> Fri, 10 Mar 2023 21:23:15 +0000 tara 11724 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/23470-watching-oscars-year-reckoning#comments When It Comes to Gen-Z Appeal, Film Studio A24 Understands the Assignment https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/23237-when-it-comes-gen-z-appeal-film-studio-a24-understands-assignment <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Fri, 01/13/2023 - 11:16</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2a24.jpg?itok=rLni1lxM"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2a24.jpg?itok=rLni1lxM" width="332" height="480" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">In a summer devoid of horror films, audiences craving a scare could watch <em>Bodies Bodies Bodies. </em>Directed by Dutch filmmaker Halina Reign, the film follows a group of 20-something friends who throw a party, only to realize there is a killer among them. Trapped, they must uncover who the killer is before it’s too late. The film features performances from young up-and-coming actresses Amanda Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Chase Sui Wonders, and Rachel Sennott. The film is excessive in its depiction of drugs, sex, blood, and women partying with Pete Davidson. To sum it up, it is an A24 production.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">As the major film studios focus their attention on superheroes, sequels, and IP-driven properties, A24’s film slate is anything but. The releases of <em>Everything Everywhere All At Once, Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, </em>and <em>X </em>make it apparent that the studio has no interest in playing within the confines of mainstream Hollywood filmmaking. In its decade of existence, A24 granted filmmakers such as Greta Gerwig, Alex Garland, Robert Eggers, Jonah Hill, and Bo Burnham their directorial debuts. They financed established indie directors such as Kevin Smith, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Barry Jenkins the opportunities to develop their passion projects. In doing this, A24 transformed from an indie studio to <em>the</em> indie studio.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">This is not to say A24 is the only independent film studio  in Hollywood. Studios such as New Line Cinema, Searchlight Pictures, Neon, and Annapurna Pictures offer great varieties of incredible independent films from immensely talented filmmakers and actors. Yet, none amass an audience enthusiasm quite like A24. Ask any frequent moviegoer what their favorite Annapurna film is. Odds are they won’t respond <em>Zero Dark Thirty, Vice, </em>or <em>Book Smart. </em>Despite those films’ popularity,  audiences would probably not be able to identify the production company. Yet, what makes A24 unique is its recognition amongst moviegoing audiences.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/3a24.jpg" style="height:366px; width:650px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">A24 prides itself on its array of countercultural programming. Their films are offbeat, anxiety-ridden, and socially conscious. In other words, A24 reflects the cultural zeitgeist surrounding Generation Z.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">To be labeled Gen-Z is to be labeled socially conscious. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kianbakhtiari/2022/06/05/gen-z-demand-racial-justice-not-just-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-from-brands/?sh=7b43b9bd1781" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Gen-Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in American history, with 48% being non-white.</a> In the aftermath of #OscarsSoWhite and #MeToo, the call for change became apparent within Hollywood. Audiences craved stories that spoke for their generation and the values they hold.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Young moviegoers see the A24 logo and <a href="https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a36486289/best-a24-films/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">know what the studio values.</a>  Audiences are aware of the projects the studio campaigns for. James Ponsoldt, director of <em>The Spectacular Now </em>and <em>The End of the Tour, </em>has<em> </em>described the studio best by saying, <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/a24-studio-oral-history" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“There’s aesthetics and political values to the people behind the company.”</a></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">To better understand A24, examine its first hit, 2013’s <em>Spring Breakers. </em>Directed by <a href="https://www.slashfilm.com/731743/the-kids-controversy-explained-contentious-childs-play/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">controversial filmmaker Harmony Korine</a>, the film follows four college girls who travel to Florida for spring break and hook up with a local drug dealer (played by James Franco) who is their gateway into the world of crime, violence, and drug-fueled sex. Disney Channel icons Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez star in the film. To say Korine’s film is the antithesis of the Disney Channel would be an understatement. Scantily clad, abusing drugs, and partying with James Franco, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/10/movies/disney-stars-throw-off-their-past-in-spring-breakers.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">the stars were quite aware of the reaction the film would garner.</a> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/4a24.jpg" style="height:650px; width:439px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">In the studio’s 10-year history, it has collaborated with actors such as Robert Pattinson, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Dove Cameron, Jenna Ortega (Disney Channel), and Brittany Snow. A24 grants these actors the freedom to rebel against their family-friendly persona. <a href="https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/brittany-snow-x-movie-a24-interview" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">For Watson, Ortega, and Snow, A24 allowed them to showcase their sexuality on-screen.</a> For Pattinson, <em>Good Time</em> and <em>The Lighthouse</em> allowed him to flex his acting chops. As fans of these actors aged, A24 projects reflected the growing maturity of these young actors’ fanbases.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">This is not to say that young actors with a large Gen-Z fanbase are the only performers the studio chooses to work with. Take Adam Sandler, who starred in the Safdie Brothers’ 2019’s masterpiece <em>Uncut Gems. </em>Sandler is much older than all the aforementioned actors, yet A24 took a similar route with him. They hired a famous actor well known for his broad family comedies and cast him against type. In <em>Uncut Gems</em>, Sandler plays Howie Ratner, a fast-talking, drug-addicted, degenerate gambler. A self-destructive narcissist, Sandler leans into his comedic sensibilities and over-the-top cartoonish rage to make a character that feels familiar, yet unlike anything the actor has ever portrayed.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">A24’s seemingly unusual handling of Sandler’s persona is characteristic of the studio’s interests in the artistic and unconventional. Yet this maneuver is strategic by design. Actors like Sandler are a proven box-office success with young audiences, thus allowing A24 to market a film around the oddity of seeing a beloved star in an unfamiliar role. A24’s casting philosophy broadens the actor’s appeal, allowing for increased marketability.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/7a24.jpg" style="height:502px; width:600px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">With the invention of social media, films became far more readily accessible to the public. <a href="https://www.vulture.com/article/a24-films-branding-into-it-podcast.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">This allowed A24 to focus its attention away from traditional marketing and concentrate on digital efforts.</a> Its advertisements focused on social media campaigns to gain awareness with younger audiences. I<a href="https://www.indiewire.com/2015/03/dont-get-your-heart-tinder-ized-at-sxsw-64069/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">n promoting <em>Ex Machina, </em>A24 set up a Tinder profile for Ava, the robot protagonist.</a> For <em>Hereditary</em><a href="https://twitter.com/BarryJenkins/status/973359763697389568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1005133768233893888%7Ctwgr%5Efe031b46243338acc09ca8ad3a7b76a5bac3fdd3%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiewire.com%2F2018%2F06%2Fhereditary-reactions-barry-jenkins-edgar-wright-1201972692%2F" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">, the studio sent creepy dolls to famous directors and social media influencers.</a> For <em>Eighth Grade, </em>A24 ran a well-publicized campaign where <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/10/movies/eighth-grade-free-screening-bo-burnham.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">eighth-graders could go and see Burnham’s film, despite its R rating.</a> These marketing stunts were relatively inexpensive, yet garnered social media engagement and made young audiences aware of their releases, better than any Superbowl ad possibly could.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">A study conducted by Adobe concluded that 34% of respondents boycotted brands they deemed <a href="https://business.adobe.com/blog/the-latest/despite-25-years-of-advertising-growth-diversity-remains-a-challenge" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“did not represent their identity in its advertising… Over half of LGBTQ+, African American, and Gen Z have done so.”</a> To increase their brand awareness and loyalty amongst Gen-Z, A24 continues to lift up POC filmmakers. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">For Barry Jenkins, director of <em>Moonlight,</em> the film’s accolades represented a community voice being uplifted. <a href="https://time.com/4656493/moonlight-barry-jenkins-interview/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">According to <em>Time</em>, Jenkins said that the movie is about human beings, not stereotypes, and giving voices to people who otherwise feel alone due to a lack of representation within media.</a> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/6a24.jpg" style="height:335px; width:652px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Released in 2016, <em>Moonlight</em> was at the time the lowest-grossing film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Its eight nominations and eventual three wins for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor<a href="https://deadline.com/2017/03/logan-box-office-opening-get-out-the-shack-1202035207/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline"> elevated the film’s box office, grossing 260% from its previous week following its win, as <em>Deadline</em> reports.</a> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><em>Moonligh</em>t’s message of inclusivity spoke to the power of filmmaking. In its continued efforts to uplift POC-centered stories, A24 has produced films that resonate with its audience. Since winning the Best Picture Oscar, A24 continues to release films centered around POC. Films such as <em>The Farewell and</em> <em>Minari </em>center around Asian communities featuring largely Asian cast members. <em>The Last Black Man in San Francisco </em>tells a story of a black man trying to reclaim his childhood home in a gentrified neighborhood. 2019’s <em>Waves </em>follows Sterling K. Brown as a father coping with violence and death. These diverse stories in turn allow A24 to reach diverse audiences and widen its universal appeal.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1a24.jpg" style="height:309px; width:550px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">No film exemplifies these values better than this year’s <em>Everything Everywhere All At Once. </em>Starring Michelle Yeoh, the film follows a middle-aged woman running a laundromat who discovers the existence of a multiverse filled with thousands of versions of herself. It explores Asian-American identity and serves as a parable of the immigrant experience. Critically and commercially acclaimed, the film has proven an enormous success for A24 -- becoming the studio’s first film to gross over 100 million at the box office – and landing Golden Globe Awards for Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">A24 excels in storytelling about, made by, and made for Gen-Z. In doing so, it empowers a generation of moviegoers to take ownership in the studio. <em>Bodies Bodies Bodies </em>continues building upon that foundation, featuring a cast of young, recognizable, diverse actors. The film features the harms of social media, queer representation, and offers a scathing critique of affluent culture. Given A24’s track record, these are the recipes of another bona fide hit. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Author Bio:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><em><strong>Ben Friedman is a freelance film journalist and a contributing writer at </strong></em><strong>Highbrow Magazine</strong><em><strong>. For more of his reviews, visit bentothemovies.com, his podcast Ben and Bran See a Movie, or follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube: The Beniverse</strong></em></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/ke-huy-quan" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ke Huy Quan</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/michelle-yeoh" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">michelle yeoh</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/everything-everywhere-all-once" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Everything Everywhere ALL at Once</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/golden-globe-winners" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">golden globe winners</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/a24" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">a24</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/film-studio-a24" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">film studio a24</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/moonlight" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">moonlight</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bodies-bodies-bodies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bodies bodies bodies</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hollywood" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Hollywood</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hollywood-studios" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hollywood studios</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/indie-films" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">indie films</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/marcel-shell-shoes" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">marcel the shell with shoes on</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Ben Friedman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">In Slider</div></div></div> Fri, 13 Jan 2023 16:16:11 +0000 tara 11594 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/23237-when-it-comes-gen-z-appeal-film-studio-a24-understands-assignment#comments