'The Room Next Door': Pedro Almodovar's First Best Picture Oscar Nom?

The Room Next Door
Pedro Almodóvar

The Academy Awards will undoubtedly be considering Pedro Almodóvar for accolades this awards season.

Pedro Almodóvar’s extensive filmography has profoundly impacted international cinema for over four decades. With his English-language directorial debut, “ The Room Next Door ,” fresh off winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival , the Spanish filmmaker and distributor Sony Pictures Classics are aiming to secure Almodóvar’s first Best Picture nomination.

Adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s novel “What Are You Going Through,” the film follows two women — war correspondent Martha ( Tilda Swinton ) and author Ingrid (Julianne Moore) — who reunite after years apart under challenging circumstances.

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Almodóvar's filmography has been widely recognized by the Academy. “All About My Mother” (1999) won the Oscar for best international feature, while “Talk to Her” (2002) earned him nominations for directing and original screenplay, the latter of which he won. Furthermore, his 1988 black comedy “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” received a nomination in the international feature category.

Any Oscar predictions would be incomplete without considering the international legend as a serious contender for best director and adapted screenplay. Produced by Esther García and Agustín Almodóvar, the film also has a good chance of securing a best picture nomination. While longtime Almodóvar fans might connect deeply with the film's melodramatic elements and signature style, new viewers may find it unfamiliar. Regardless, there's something for everyone to appreciate.

A hallmark of Almodóvar's films is the strength of his actors. Tilda Swinton, an Oscar winner for “Michael Clayton” (2007), delivers what could be her most compelling performance since “Orlando” (1992) and “We Need to Talk About Kevin” (2011). Likely to campaign for best supporting actress, it's difficult to imagine a shortlist that doesn't include her with a strong chance of winning a second Oscar, particularly with a surprising plot element that truly showcases her skills.

Julianne Moore, who won the Best Actress Oscar for “Still Alice” (2015), distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, could be vying for another win after being overlooked last year for “May December.” With Swinton's strong performance, the film might benefit from the Actors Branch placing both stars on their ballots. However, Moore faces stiff competition in the best actress race, with contenders such as Angelina Jolie (“Maria”) considered a strong contender and several other likely nominees.

Veteran actor John Turturro, who has been overlooked for an Oscar nomination despite remarkable performances in films like "Quiz Show" (1994), could finally receive recognition for best supporting actor. Turturro portrays Damian, a fervent climate change advocate and former lover of both women, delivering a powerful scene towards the end that could secure his place among the nominees.

Almodóvar remains a cherished figure in the cinematic world, with the potential to gain support from various Academy branches. His signature bold colors are fully displayed in "The Room Next Door," putting cinematographer Eduard Grau in line for long-deserved recognition after being snubbed for nominations for "A Single Man" (2009) and "Passing" (2022). It's almost unbelievable that no Almodóvar film has ever been nominated for cinematography. That changes this year.

Longtime Almodóvar collaborator and composer Alberto Iglesias, a four-time Oscar nominee ("The Constant Gardener," "The Kite Runner," "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and "Parallel Mothers"), has crafted one of his most exceptional soundtracks yet. This could be the year Iglesias finally earns the coveted award.

SPC has a strong lineup this season, including "The Outrun" starring Saoirse Ronan and Walter Salles' exquisite and masterful "I'm Still Here," which will likely represent Brazil for the international feature prize.

With "The Room Next Door," Almodóvar breaks the language barrier but could also surpass his own Oscar achievements. Expect this film to be a major contender during the awards season.

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