Barry Keoghan’s Naked Dancing and Bathtub Slurping in ‘Saltburn’ Will Push Oscar Voters’ Limits
01.09.2023 - 18:55
/ variety.com
Clayton Davis Senior Awards Editor Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn” brings style, swag and a whole lot of Barry Keoghan’s manhood to the award race. After having its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on Thursday night, festivalgoers were in for a wild bonanza of colors, lights and one of the sexiest films to grace the big screen so far this year. Fennell’s previous film as a director, 2020’s “Promising Young Woman,” was a hit with Oscar voters, scoring five nominations, including one for best picture.
But “Saltburn” looks to be much more divisive with critics and audiences. “Saltburn” follows a college student named Oliver (Keoghan), as he finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate (Jacob Elordi) after he is invited to his eccentric family’s sprawling estate for a summer. “Saltburn” feels like Fennell’s version of “The Talented Mr.
Ripley.” Early reviews include some passionate admirers (I’m in that boat), and some vociferous naysayers. To be clear, being polarizing didn’t stop films like “Vice” or “Joker” from picking up a substantial number of noms and wins. However, gonzo films like last year’s Hollywood-mania movie “Babylon” can sometimes be too much for voters to embrace.
When Fennell was nominated in 2020 alongside eventual winner Chloé Zhao for “Nomadland,” it marked the first time multiple women were nominated for directing. Another prominent female director in the race, “Barbie” helmer Greta Gerwig, is also a former nominee for “Lady Bird.” Both women could score their second directing nominations. Jane Campion, a nominee for “The Piano” and a winner for “The Power of the Dog,” is the only female filmmaker to be nominated twice for directing.
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