Malibu Seen: Local Nominees Are Wishing on a Star

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Longtime local Sam Elliott, Malibu’s Lady Gaga and the cast and crew of “A Star is Born” are nominated for Hollywood’s highest honors.

This could be one of the most interesting Academy nights in a long, long time. Seen says this not only because she’s viewed (almost) all of the movies, but because each one brings a special and unique story to the screen—from the enlightening and delightfully feel-good flick “Green Book” to Spike Lee’s dramatic “BlacKkKlansman” to Adam McKay’s quirky “Vice.” 

“Roma” was a leading vote getter with 10 nominations, including best picture—and another 10 went to “The Favourite.”

But locals already know who they are rooting for and, hands down, it’s “A Star is Born.” Malibu’s Lady Gaga already picked up a Golden Globe for best song, as well as accolades from SAG and BAFTA. (The most recent incarnation was played by Malibu diva Barbra Streisand.)

Co-star Bradley Cooper is up for best actor in a leading role and longtime resident Sam Elliott gets a supporting actor nod, playing Cooper’s brother.

But the competition is tough. Cooper faces off against Globe favorite Rami Malek for his spot-on portrayal of Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” as well as Christian Bale, who spent half a day in the makeup chair with pounds of body putty transforming himself into former Vice President Dick Cheney in “Vice.”

This year’s collection of best picture nods includes films as diverse as the action-oriented “Black Panther,” Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” the riveting queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “A Star is Born,” “The Favourite,” “Green Book,” “Roma” and “Vice.” It’s the most varied group of films in years. As for “The Favourite,” all Seen can say is the story of a dying queen and her lesbian trysts is the one of the weirdest films I’ve ever seen, so bizarre with its unlikeable cast of characters I walked out on it once and returned to see what I was missing (nothing). Seen says save your money and watch any episode of “The Crown” or Masterpiece Theater from the comfort of your own home. 

As a reaction to his nomination, Elliott joked, saying after a 50-year career, “It’s about (beeping) time.” The Lady seems like a sure bet for best song. “Shallow” is delivered in true Gaga style. The music and lyrics were composed by Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt. The Malibu songbird already picked a Golden Globe in that category. Magical Mary Poppins delighted kids of all ages and brought us the return of legendary local Dick Van Dyke. It was given high marks for production but didn’t make it into the major nods. Either way, it should have plenty of family friendly fans. So tune in for what could be a real wild ride. 

The 91st annual Academy Awards takes place Sunday, Feb. 24. Don’t miss it!