Our track recorded predicting the sound mixing and sound editing winners prior to the categories merging was somewhat spotty, but we often did well by leaning in the direction of picking the film that’s nominated for best picture, or the most awards, to win both bids. And when a war epic and musical, or film where music-making is an integral component of its narrative, we did well by picking the former in sound editing and the latter in sound mixing. But what to do in the case where a “musical” is up against a war epic and one of the highest-grossing films in box office history that isn’t warmed-over Smurfahontas gruel?
We’re looking at West Side Story’s loss here last year and, sort of, Soul’s the year before as proof that we can start taking the musicals and music-themed films a little less seriously moving forward. So, with Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis out of the equation, it would only be too easy to call this for Edward Berger’s All Quiet on the Western Front. After all, we’re still feeling a little PTSD from watching the film, as its Inception-inspired score is still ringing in my head, and as Eric points out, the scenes involving Daniel Bruhl and the pig-headed handlebar moustache general eating in posh digs sound almost as loud as those that take place on the battlefield.
But, then, what about Joseph Kosinski’s Top Gun: Maverick? Because, if not here, where? Yes, Tony Scott’s original Top Gun didn’t win either sound category in 1986 (though it did win the original song Oscar for “Take My Breath Away”), but we’re also a long way from 1986 and everyone and their mother agrees, correctly, that Maverick is just like the first film, only good.
It doesn’t hurt that among those nominated for the film are Mark Weingarten and Mark Taylor, recent winners for Dunkirk and 1917, respectively. But the most telling sign that this is likely Maverick’s to lose is the narrative that the film “saved Hollywood.” It’s a narrative that at least one Oscar pundit refuses to stop shouting about from the rooftops, and if for no other reason, maybe it’s necessary to reward Maverick here so that we can finally enjoy the sound of silence.
Will Win: Top Gun: Maverick
Could Win: All Quiet on the Western Front
Should Win: Top Gun: Maverick
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