The Oscars got it seriously wrong by snubbing All of Us Strangers. This is why
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As film fans around the world express their outrage over the 2024 Oscars nominations, one glaring omission has left me particularly disappointed. Andrew Haigh’s gay ghost story, All of Us Strangers, failed to receive any recognition from the Academy.
Watching All of Us Strangers was a deeply emotional experience for me. It felt like picking at a scab, reopening old wounds that had never fully healed. The first time I saw the film, it left me with a profound sense of loss and sadness. But despite the pain it caused, I couldn’t resist watching it again. There was something addictive about the catharsis it provided, a masochistic desire to relive the raw emotions it evoked. And so, I wept once more.
Based loosely on Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel Strangers, the film follows Adam, a depressed queer writer in his mid-40s played by the talented Andrew Scott. Adam returns to his childhood home, only to be greeted by his long-deceased parents, portrayed by Claire Foy and Jamie Bell. This premise opens up a world of possibilities, inviting us to consider the things we wish we could say to our loved ones who are no longer with us.
The snubbing of All of Us Strangers is particularly perplexing given the critical acclaim it has received. With a 96 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and six potential awards at the BAFTAs, including Best British Film, it is clear that both critics and audiences appreciate the film’s beauty and emotional depth.
Andrew Scott’s portrayal of Adam is undoubtedly the film’s highlight. His performance is hauntingly vulnerable, carrying three decades of muted grief in every line he delivers. It is a shame that he did not receive a Best Actor nomination, despite his deserving performance. Similarly, Claire Foy’s portrayal of Adam’s mother should have earned her a nod for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of a flawed mother struggling to understand her son’s sexuality is both heartwarming and devastating.
The Academy’s oversight of All of Us Strangers feels like a missed opportunity to address Hollywood’s lack of LGBTQ+ representation. While the 2024 Oscars have made history with nominations for queer actors like Colman Domingo and Jodie Foster, the exclusion of an impeccable LGBTQ+ story like All of Us Strangers is disappointing. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the pain of not being able to be our authentic selves with loved ones before it’s too late. These are experiences that resonate deeply within the LGBTQ+ community.
There are several theories as to why All of Us Strangers may have been overlooked. Its limited release at the end of the year and in a limited number of cinemas may have caused it to fly under the radar for many viewers. Additionally, the film’s exploration of coming out and the struggles faced by queer individuals might make it difficult for some audiences to relate to.
Some critics have suggested that the Academy simply did not bother to watch the film. A satirical film site jokingly quoted an Academy official saying, “We got the DVD and everything, but, you know, it looked all a bit British and depressing, so we didn’t get round to watching it.” While this may be a humorous take on the situation, it highlights the potential biases that exist within the industry.
Despite its lack of recognition from the Oscars, All of Us Strangers will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who connect with its powerful story. Director Andrew Haigh acknowledges that the film may never achieve mainstream success but appreciates the support it has received from audiences who have embraced its universal themes.
It is unfortunate that All of Us Strangers did not receive the recognition it deserved at the Oscars. However, its impact on those who watch it goes far beyond any accolades or awards. For the queer community, this film is a testament to our experiences and a reminder of the importance of telling our stories. All of Us Strangers will be released in UK cinemas on January 26th, and I encourage everyone to see it and experience its profound beauty for themselves.
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“Oscars snub All of Us Strangers”
