Scene Before

WARNING: The following post is nearly 11,000 words long. But, if you make it to the end, you will get to see some fun details about Scene Before’s tenth anniversary. So, grab a popcorn and soda, and get ready for the next hour or two of your life. Or, if you really want to know more about Scene Before’s tenth anniversary, by all means skip everything and scroll all the way down. Until then, may the best movie win.

Hello and welcome to the 8^th Annual Jack Awards! I am your host Jack Drees! Fun fact, I just turned 26 last November. So, naturally, Leonardo DiCaprio ordered Warner Brothers to decline my press obligations for “One Battle After Another.” 

This is yet another exciting time where we get to celebrate the best movies of the year. Several movies are being represented during today’s show, as their filmmakers aspire to achieve the greatest movie-related trophy of all. 

…I’m sorry? 

Okay, I am being told that this isn’t the Oscars, but this is still a big deal! 

We are going to present each category of the show one by one, with five nominees for each. The winner will receive a Jack Award. The losers will receive my respect. The only category that will not have five nominees is the coveted Best Picture, which will have ten nominees. As a bonus, unlike the five nominee categories, which are decided by me, Best Picture will be decided by the general public. When the nominees were announced, I conducted a poll, and you voted! The tallies are in! The winner for Best Picture will be revealed at the end of the show. 

Now, it is time for a little monologue. It is time for “Jack Drees Tells Jokes to Nobody in Order to Please Himself!” 

Per usual, there is no audience for the Jack Awards. Therefore, there shall be no laughs. Just imagine yourself in an auditorium… Feel free to applaud, boo, chuckle, whatever you want. Just remember, I am NOT Steve. Please leave your live chickens outside! 

For those who do not understand what I am talking about, then chances are you missed out on one of the year’s biggest blockbusters, “A Minecraft Movie.” The film has brought in some of the most active moviegoing audiences of the year, as evidenced by this YouTube video explaining some of the chaos audiences got to witness during some of the film’s screenings… 

Yeeaah… And you wonder why some people are chickening out on movie theaters these days… 

People brought in live chickens to see “A Minecraft Movie,” which was one-upped when people went to the theater to watch “The Smashing Machine,” and brought themselves! 

For those who missed Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” in theaters this year, and chances are you did, congratulations! You are part of history. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, who is nominated for Best Actor. Despite his achievement, this is the lowest opening of the Rock’s career. The film opened to $6 million in North America. So, Dwayne Johnson ended up selling one of his fifty mansions to get by. 

That’s right, the Safdie Brothers, known for directing films like “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time,” split up this year to helm their own films. Great! Just what the audience asked for! More anxiety attacks! 

Benny Safdie directed “The Smashing Machine.” The film stars Dwayne Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Stay tuned in the coming months for the X-rated parody, “The Smashing Machine.” 

Josh Safdie directed “Marty Supreme.” The film is a two and a half hour episode of “Shark Tank” disguised as a story about ping pong. 

Businessman Kevin O’Leary has a role in “Marty Supreme.” Every time he finished a scene he looked at the camera, said “I’m out,” and walked away from the frame.

Come next month, Scene Before, AKA Flicknerd.com, will turn 10 years old! So, here is to another ten years of wasting everybody’s time!

This year’s Jack Awards is taking place the same day as the Super Bowl. So, you have the option of watching egotistical and overpaid tools duke it out for a big shiny object, or you can watch the Super Bowl.

Did anybody see “Shelby Oaks?” Yeah, it’s one of the several horror movies that came out over the fall. It is directed by Chris Stuckmann, who is one of the most popular film critics on YouTube. That’s why at the beginning; the film asks its audience to “like” and “subscribe.” 

Marvel’s had a big year. “Thunderbolts*” was a favorite this year amongst asterisk enthusiasts… “Captain America: Brave New World” was a favorite amongst people who like seeing Hulks turn into the correct color when they’re angry. And “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” was a favorite amongst people who gave up on doing homework… 

Yeah, one of our Best Picture nominees, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But instead of taking place in its traditional Earth 616 timeline, the film took place in the never-before-seen Earth 828. Producer Kevin Feige said he wanted to set the film on Earth 616, but the Thing kept smashing that universe, to the point where it had to be set in another…

DC had a big year too. “Superman,” directed by James Gunn, kicked off the brand-new DC Universe this summer. And to fully understand the movie, Gunn announced he’s working on two prequels called “Bird” and “Plane.” 

Spoiler alert, they’re both Superman… 

Conan O’Brien starred in a film this year. Did you know that? Conan O’Brien had a major role in “If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You,” which is nominated for a few awards including Best Picture! O’Brien himself has a Best Supporting Actor nomination! Seeing Conan O’Brien in this movie was a weird experience. As soon he showed up, the movie had a big caption that reminded everyone to burst into applause.

“Secret Mall Apartment,” a fabulous documentary, was nominated for Best Picture. The film follows a group of people who spent time living in Rhode Island’s largest mall. In spirit of the mall, the film premiered in the TV section of a RadioShack.

“Is This Thing On?” is Bradley Cooper’s third film as a director. It is also one of today’s Best Picture nominees. Stay tuned in the coming months for the X-rated parody, “Is This Thing On?”

Fun fact about this year at the box office. With the exception of “Ne Zha 2,” the only billion dollar films released in 2025 are Disney productions. Seating for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” was so competitive that theaters all over had to put in Lightning Lanes! …Bringing a little theme park fun to the cinema, aren’t we, Disney?

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” became James Cameron’s fourth film to make a billion dollars at the box office. The movie would probably be at $2 billion by now had they actually confirmed that Jake Sully will return in “Avengers: Doomsday.”

This was certainly a good year to be Warner Brothers, as they have become the first studio to have seven films in a row open to $40 million at the domestic box office. One of those seven films includes “F1: The Movie,” which if you have not seen it, is very much styled after “Top Gun,” but with cars. Although in this case, the writers decided the audience should know who the enemy is.

“F1: The Movie” is directed by Joseph Kosinski, who also directed “Top Gun: Maverick.” So, he’s done planes and automobiles… All that’s left is trains! So, get ready for Kosinski’s next blockbuster hit where a narcissistic, washed up railroader gets his groove back thanks to someone who is younger and faster. The film’s gonna be called “The Elder Express.”

“F1: The Movie” was also produced and distributed by Apple. So, by the time we lock in a sequel, all it is gonna take to release it is an unavoidable software update.

Amy Madigan is nominated for her performance in “Weapons!” Congrats to her, she has solidified her place amongst this year’s Best Supporting Actresses. When “Weapons” came out, many movie theaters held screenings at 2:17 p.m. the Thursday it opened, as a play on the plot of the film, which involves a bunch of children disappearing at 2:17 a.m.. For those screenings, the audience is required to arrive for the film at least several minutes before the start time, enter the auditorium, and once the clock hits 2:17, they all walk out and don’t get to watch the movie.

Leonardo DiCaprio received a Best Actor nomination for “One Battle After Another.” Very well deserved. Younger viewers especially commended DiCaprio’s efforts as he was able to do something they would never do… Use a payphone!

“One Battle After Another” is nominated for 7 Jack Awards, including Best Picture. The movie was shot on 35mm VistaVision, which allows for uniquely rich images. The movie looks so beautiful that in about 18 years, it will become Leonardo DiCaprio’s girlfriend.

Warner Brothers also released “Mickey 17” and today’s frontrunner, “Sinners.” Both films have something in common. They feature leads playing multiple main characters, particularly Robert Pattinson and Michael B. Jordan. Meanwhile, Tyler Perry is peering over to these guys and shouting, “You amateurs!”

“Sinners” has 14 nominations today, including Best Picture. One nomination is for Best Cinematography. The recipient of the nomination, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, is the first woman to shoot a Hollywood feature on IMAX film. And stay tuned in the coming months for the X-rated parody, “Sinners!”

Before we begin handing out the awards, I want to give a special thanks to our sponsor. Take a look.

With all of this out of the way, let’s begin the handing out of the awards! Starting with Best Animated Feature!

Every storyteller has a tale to tell. And sometimes their best stories are those that allow us to leave our environment, and enter someone else’s. Whether that environment is in another world, another galaxy, or heck, even the afterlife. These five films have all sparked imaginations across the land, and allowed for escapes like few others. Here are the nominees for Best Animated Feature.

Best Animated Feature 

• The Bad Guys 2 (Pierre Perifel, JP Sans, Damon Ross)
• The Colors Within (Naoko Yamada, Euyoung Choi, Yoshihiro Furusawa, Genki Kawamura, Wakana Okamura, Kōhei Sakita)
• Elio (Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Mary Alice Drumm)
• Scarlet (Mamoru Hosoda, Nozomu Takahashi, Yuichiro Saito, Toshimi Tanio)
• Zootopia 2 (Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Yvett Merino)

And the award goes to…

Mamoru Hosoda, Nozoumu Takahashi, Yuichiro Saito, and Toshimi Tanio for “Scarlet!”

“Scarlet” is the second film primarily made outside the United States to receive the Best Animated Feature award! Fun fact, the first to do so was nominated last year, which was “Look Back.” Like “Scarlet,” that movie was produced in Japan. This is not Mamoru Hosoda’s first rodeo with the Jack Awards, as his film “Belle,” which was nominated in the 4th edition of the show, won the Best Original Song category. “Scarlet” is one of 2025’s most riveting animated films that takes elements from William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” while also presenting a tale that blends medieval times, modern times, and a unique interpretation of the afterlife. It is a film that teaches us how important it is to work together despite people’s differences, while also serving as a plea for world peace. You may leave “Scarlet” marveled by its animation, voice acting, and action sequences, which I most certainly did. But if you are also like me, you may leave the film hoping to make the world a better place. Congratulations to “Scarlet!”

Some of the greatest films of all time have a tremendous effect on people. A handful of these greats have not only told fascinating stories, but have been able to do so while delivering the most stunning experience possible. Whether it is through the fantastical glory of Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings,” or the galactic wonder of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” visual effects have delivered concepts that one can only see to believe. Much like these films, this year’s nominees have taken us to a universe of blue people, a retrofuturistic wonderland, a stunning vision of a classic tale, a timeline where the real and virtual worlds collide, and 1932 Mississippi. Here are the nominees for Best Visual Effects.

Best Visual Effects 

• Avatar: Fire and Ash 
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps 
• Frankenstein
• Tron: Ares
• Sinners

And the award goes to…

“Avatar: Fire and Ash!”

This is the second “Avatar” movie to be nominated for Best Visual Effects, and it is also the second movie to win the category. There is a reason why “Avatar” movies make so much money, and have won over so many people around the world. When it comes to delivering cinematic experiences, there are few directors who can deliver them as effectively as James Cameron. Part of that is linked to “Avatar’s” massively computerized, yet stunningly lifelike world. Every time one of these movies begin, it is almost like going on vacation. It takes you to great heights, deep waters, picturesque forests, and introduces new characters that evoke curiosity with each go. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” proves the third time is the charm. Congratulations!

Throughout this show, we are going to introduce each Best Picture one by one, giving each their spotlight. These nominees are mostly based on my top 10 BEST movies of 2025. That list has changed since, hence the use of the word “mostly.” Regardless, all of these films are master works deserving of their flowers. The winner, which was decided by you, the public, will be revealed at the end of the show. Until then, we will introduce each nominee, ending each introduction with their trailer. With that said, let’s get into the first nominee.

Our first Best Picture, like many stories, comes in a three act structure, but unlike most stories, those acts are presented in reverse. The film shows that you have to look backwards to truly understand someone. Adapted from Stephen King’s work of the same name, this film follows its titular character played by two different actors, all while focusing on three major portions of his time on earth. This unusually structured, but nonetheless compelling tale includes an all-star cast. Some actors include Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Tremblay, Mark Hamill, and Karen Gillan. They are all accompanied by the soothing voice of Nick Offerman as the film’s narrator. It is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even leave you a little frightened. Nominated for 2 Jack awards, this is “The Life of Chuck.”

It is time to move onto the first acting categories of the show. Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Supporting castmates are more than cinematic sidekicks. They are talented individuals who play as heavy a role in the film’s quality control in front of the camera as the lead. Whether they’ve played creatures, therapists, colonels, fathers, or musicians, each actor plays their part with excellence. Here are the nominees for Best Supporting Actor.

Best Supporting Actor 

• Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein)
• Conan O’Brien (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You) 
• Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)
• Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value)
• Miles Caton (Sinners)

And the Jack goes to…

Stellan Skarsgård for “Sentimental Value!”

Honestly, all five of these candidates are deserving of the win, but only one can take the crown. And Stellan Skarsgård has earned it for his incredible portrayal of a filmmaker who simply wants to see his vision come to life. We see him trying his best to get along with his family, try to get funding for his project, cast the perfect people, and keep himself stable with every little obstacle that comes in his path. “Sentimental Value” is a film that most definitely lives up to its name, and a large part of that is due to Stellan Skarsgård’s excellent outing as someone who appears to make the most of every little moment, even if his career and relationships are on a downward trend. Here is a clip of Stellan Skarsgård’s performance.

And now onto the five women who also killed it this year in supporting roles. Whether they played an actress, the daughter of a filmmaker, the love interest of an MMA fighter, a mysterious elderly woman, or a popular girl, these five nominees put their best foot forward, broke their legs, and dropped our jaws. Here are the nominees for Best Supporting Actress.

Best Supporting Actress 

• Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value)
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value)
• Emily Blunt (The Smashing Machine)
• Amy Madigan (Weapons)
• Ariana Grande (Wicked: For Good)

And the award goes to…

Amy Madigan for “Weapons!”

This is the only nomination “Weapons” had today, and it is followed by the film’s much deserved win! One compliment I often like to give regarding great performances is that a certain actor did a good enough job to make me believe no one else could play the character but them. While I did not talk about her much in my review of “Weapons,” Madigan’s portrayal of Gladys is a perfect example of this. “Weapons” works as a horror film not so much because it makes your skin crawl, but rather because it continuously builds curiosity. Part of that curiousness is in effect whenever Madigan enters a scene. While the film is full of big stars like Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong, and Justin Long, it is Madigan who ends up stealing just about every scene she is in. She has a presence that easily sends chills down the spine. Here is a look at Madigan’s performance. Just a warning, some viewers may find this clip disturbing.

Our second Best Picture, like the first one, is also based on a Stephen King work. This adaptation follows a group of young men who must follow a seemingly simple task. Just keep walking at the exact same pace. But there is more to this daunting mission, as each young man faces certain death should they fail. This event is not all doom and gloom, as the last man standing receives a prize beyond their wildest dreams. Leading the men on their journey to the coveted award is Mark Hamill as the Major, whose arrogance knows no bounds. This is a film that does not hold back on blood and gore, and constantly delivers on the chills. Nominated for 2 Jack awards, this is “The Long Walk.”

If this is not your first Jack Awards, you probably know the drill. E comes before M. If you are familiar with this phrase, you would know that it is time for the sound categories. E comes before M, therefore editing comes before mixing. I think that sounds perfect, and I hope you do too. Here are the nominees for Best Sound Editing.

Best Sound Editing 

• Avatar: Fire and Ash 
• F1: The Movie 
• Marty Supreme 
• No Other Choice 
• Sinners

And the Jack goes to…

“F1: The Movie!”

Few movies have been as immersive as “F1” this year. This film is helmed by “Top Gun: Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski, who does as excellent of a job putting you on the racetrack as he did putting you in the air a few years back. Part of that is because of the constantly thundering engines, the atmosphere at each race, and the commitment to making this film feel larger than life. Each sound is not only booming and raw, but each one almost feels like its own character, whether it is an engine or even a firework in the background. “F1” literally puts its viewer in the driver’s seat, and for the entire movie, I felt like I was in the race. And boy did it sound gargantuan.

Of course, after sound editing, comes the mix. This is the whole package, and that package is getting one whole shiny award. Here are the nominees for Best Sound Mixing.

Best Sound Mixing 

• Avatar: Fire and Ash 
• F1: The Movie 
• Marty Supreme 
• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 
• Sinners

And the Jack goes to…

“Marty Supreme!”

Whether or not you think the movie lives up to its catchphrase, “Dream big,” the movie certainly lives loud. Who knew Josh Safdie and crew had the combined talents to make table tennis so cinematic? Every ping pong match in this movie is as exciting as the last, regardless of what the stakes were. The reason why they worked so well is because each one felt like the whole world was watching. The crowds in this film felt like they belonged at a rock concert. Combine that with some gritty paddle on paddle action, you have one of the most riveting and chilling sound mixes of 2025. “Marty Supreme” is pure chaos, and every drop of the ball plays just a small part in making it all come to life. Congratulations!

Our third Best Picture is a comedy whose poster may have the year’s greatest movie tagline… Specifically, “Men shouldn’t have friends.” At first, the film may seem like an innocent comedy starring actors like Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd. Turns out it is an extended encapsulation on what it is like for some men to get older and maintain the friendships they have. The film is one of the funniest of 2025, delivering a plethora of gutbusting lines and some laugh out loud physical gags. It also features a chilling theme that gets stuck in your head. It is a film that makes you laugh and think. Nominated for 3 Jack awards, this is “Friendship.”

They say no movie is perfect. I believe whoever says this has a point. For example, “The Wolf of Wall Street” features no wolves. “Whiplash” features no whips. And “Naked Gun” features no weapons showcasing their private parts. Why make a good film when you can make a cinematic masterpiece? Yours truly looked at several films released in the past year and tried to determine ways to make them better. Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the annual Jack Awards segment, Film Improvements.

It is time to honor this year’s best in makeup and hairstyling. Every artist has their vision. For this group of people, their visions have been executed while their subjects sat down in a chair, or stood on the ground. Regardless of their subject’s position, each artist has the same end goal of making everyone they work with look as detailed, believable, and as eye-popping as possible. Here are the nominees for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

• Bugonia (Albert Elizondo, Liz Phillips, Torsten Witte)
• Frankenstein (Cilona Furey, Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel)
• Sinners (Ken Diaz, Michael Fontaine, Sian Richards, Shunika Terry)
• The Smashing Machine (Felix Fox, Kazu Hiro, Mia Neal)
• Wicked: For Good (Frances Hannon, Laura Blount, Mark Coulier)

And the Jack goes to…

Cilona Furey, Mike Hill, and Jordan Samuel for “Frankenstein!”

The tale of “Frankenstein” feels as old as time. Yet Guillermo del Toro manages to bring a fresh energy to a story that feels like it is done so frequently on the big screen. Part of that is due to the on-screen presentation. The filmmaker is no stranger to poppy aesthetics, and “Frankenstein” lives up to that standard. It is one thing to see Oscar Isaac with a huge hat of hair. But the real star of the show is the Creature, whose face is ingrained in my memory. Once your eyes stare at Jacob Elordi’s imperfect melon, it makes for one of the most hauntingly beautiful sights in 2025 cinema. The makeup crew took arguably one of the most good looking men working in Hollywood and turned him into someone you could both be a little intimidated by, but yet at the same time, admire, and sympathize with. A hearty congrats to the makeup team for “Frankenstein!”

Without a great musical score, a fight scene is just a couple people throwing punches. Without incredible music, a chase scene is just folks running around. Without an iconic theme, some movies may lose arguably their finest supporting characters. These five movies have scores that are instrumental to each project’s success. Here are the nominees for Best Original Score.

Best Original Score 

• F1: The Movie (Hans Zimmer)
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Michael Giacchino) 
• Friendship (Keegan DeWitt)
• The Luckiest Man in America (John Carroll Kirby)
• Sinners (Ludwig Göransson)

And the Jack goes to…

Michael Giacchino for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps!”

This is Michael Giacchino’s latest attempt at scoring a superhero film, after bringing his visions to “The Incredibles,” “Spider-Man,” “Batman,” “Thor,” and “Doctor Strange!” Giacchino delivers arguably his most transportive score ever. In regards to its place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a movie that takes its viewers outside of the traditional Marvel timeline and puts them in a whole new, unseen segment of the multiverse. When that first note drops on the customized Marvel Studios title, it is the just the beginning of a fresh, exciting story. The titular quartet’s theme is one of the best ever created for superheroes, evoking a feeling of optimism for the future, while also having an old school, timeless feel. It is a score that never loses its edge, even as the movie leaves earth and heads to space. Imagine if this has ever happened to you. You come face to face with a giant who wants to consume worlds, as well as a chrome surfer lady somewhere in the process. You and your team are given a daunting choice. You made your decision, begin your escape, and one of your teammates is on the verge of giving birth. Certainly we are going to need a track to encapsulate all the chaos that is happening in one moment. This is where Michael Giacchino comes in. Here is a glimpse at the score for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”

Our fourth Best Picture is the latest attempt to bring an iconic group from the comic books to the big screen. This time, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as Marvel’s first family. Together, they must travel into space to take on the starving Galactus, all the while fending off the mysterious Silver Surfer. The group also faces a compelling dilemma that could mean the loss of an unborn child or the loss of civilization. Set on earth-828, rather than Marvel’s traditional earth-616 timeline, the film serves as a new beginning. Not only for phase 6 of the MCU, but for a fresh set of faces, as well as a new branch of the multiverse. The story is a retrofuturistic trip that is wildly entertaining to no end. Nominated for 3 Jack awards, this is “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”

For most people, clothes are everyday concepts. What am I going to wear today? Do I need a jacket? Should I wear pants on this Zoom call? But for the upcoming nominees, clothes a core part of their lives, as well as the lives of the talent that wear their outfits. Whether they are suits that will have you stunned or dresses that will leave you thrillified, these five costume designers brought their A-game. Here are the nominees for Best Costume Design.

Best Costume Design 

• Fackham Hall (Rosalind Ebbutt)
• Frankenstein (Kate Hawley)
• Hamnet (Malgosia Turzanska)
• Sinners (Ruth E. Carter)
• Wicked: For Good (Paul Tazewell)

And the Jack goes to…

Ruth E. Carter for “Sinners!”

This is Ruth E. Carter’s second Jack nomination and first win. Her first nomination was during the 5th Jack Awards for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” When it comes to Ryan Coogler, it is not surprising to see that he continues to work with Michael B. Jordan from one project to the next. But Jordan is not the only regular on Coogler’s sets that has come back for “Sinners,” the film also sees Ruth E. Carter continue her partnership with the acclaimed filmmaker. One reason why Ruth E. Carter has the win is not just because she makes everyone on set look the part, but because of her execution of both of Michael B. Jordan’s characters, Smoke and Stack. Both characters are very similarly dressed, and look fantastic in their respective outfits. Yet if you look close enough, you can make out the little details that individualize the two. Their hats. Their colors. Their choice of vest or tie… It’s the little things that make the difference. While many of the costumes of the film may look simple or everyday, they all do a great job at bringing viewers to a distinctive time and place. Congratulations to Ruth E. Carter!

Our next group of nominees put the “pro” in production design. Whether they call themselves production designers or art directors, each one of these nominees do a marvelous at job transporting viewers from their seats to another world, another time, another dimension… Based on this year’s group, you might as well say that this show’s winners will achieve a musically monstrous, supremely wicked victory that reaches Shakespearean levels. Here are the nominees for Best Production Design.

Best Production Design

• Frankenstein (Tamara Deverell, Shane Vieau)
• Hamnet (Fiona Crombie, Alice Felton)
• Marty Supreme (Jack Fisk, Adam Willis)
• Sinners (Hannah Beachler, Monique Champagne)
• Wicked: For Good (Nathan Crowley, Lee Sandales)

And the Jack goes to…

Hannah Beachler and Monique Champagne for “Sinners!”

This is the second win for “Sinners!” As mentioned in the costume design category, “Sinners” does an excellent job at bringing viewers to a distinctive time and place. The film is set in 1932 Mississippi, and boy does it feel like it takes place nearly a hundred years ago. Between the old fashioned train stations, rugged townscapes, and charming woodwork, this movie proves that you do not need a time machine to feel like you are in the 20th century. Just about every frame of “Sinners” feels like it belongs in an art museum. Whether it is as something as simple as nearly smelling the steam of a locomotive or as complicated as feeling the vibrations throughout the juke joint, “Sinners” sucks you in from scene one. It is a film that feels real all the way through and its sets play a large part in its overall immersion. Congratulations to Hannah Beachler and Monique Champagne!

For those keeping track, with the remaining categories in consideration, “Sinners” is capable of finishing the ceremony with seven awards. I will also note, it has a 40% chance of winning the Best Original Song category, as it has two dedicated nominees. It has a long way to go, as it has to win every other category for which it is nominated, but never say never.

Our fifth Best Picture is a documentary that encapsulates why truth is stranger than fiction. It follows eight people who lived in Rhode Island’s largest shopping mall, Providence Place, between 2003 and 2007. The unbelievably true story showcases the group’s adventures in and around the mall as they try to make up for losing their homes. Featuring a mix of archival footage and set recreations, this is a story that proves that home is what you make it. The documentary also dives into the group’s relationship with the city of Providence, their connection to art, as well as some of their projects outside the mall, one of which includes an extensive, heartfelt tribute to first responders who died on 9-11. The film may be set in the smallest state, but it is a big deal. Nominated for Best Picture, this is “Secret Mall Apartment.”

Each and every year, the Jack Awards acknowledges two people connected to the film industry, deeming them worthy of Lifetime Achievement awards. One of these is the Roger Deakins Award, which honors someone who has left a cinematic legacy. The other is the Stan Lee Award, which serves the same purpose, but instead honors an individual who is no longer with us.

We will start with this year’s Roger Deakins Award recipient, who also happens to be the first woman to win the award. Born in Berkeley, California, this year’s recipient has spent decades behind the scenes, bringing many classic films to life. She started out her film career as the secretary of another Roger Deakins Award recipient, Steven Spielberg. As she climbed up the ladder, she earned producing credits on many of his films, starting with 1982’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” She also served as an associate producer of another 1982 classic, “Poltergeist,” and in between, the original “Indiana Jones” trilogy. She would go on to produce or executive produce the works of some of the most-well known filmmakers to make their mark on the industry including Robert Zemeckis, Rian Johnson, J.J. Abrams, M. Night Shyamalan, David Fincher, and Chris Columbus. She has received 8 Oscar nominations for films she produced between 1982 and 2012, all of which were for Best Picture. She has also spent the past decade as a studio head for one of the most iconic production companies in Hollywood. During her time as the President of Lucasfilm from 2012 to earlier this year, she has had a heavy hand in bringing one “Star Wars” project to life after another including “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which to this day is the highest-grossing film at the domestic box office, ultimately climbing to a global total of more than $2 billion. She also produced several “Star Wars” films after that grand success, three of which joined the billion dollar club, including “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” She also helped in expanding “Star Wars’” prominence in live-action television with successful programs like the Emmy-nominated “Andor” and the fan-favorite “Mandalorian,” which inspired an upcoming film hitting theaters later this year. “The Mandalorian” also served as a core title during the 2019 launch of Disney+, which now has hundreds of millions of subscribers. Ladies and gentlemen, the Roger Deakins Award recipient of 2025 is Kathleen Kennedy.

From her humble beginnings as a secretary to taking on one of the most well known film companies in the galaxy, Kathleen Kennedy has solidified her place in Hollywood as one of the most iconic producers of all time. Over the years she has garnered more than a hundred credits between film and television. But quantity is not Kennedy’s biggest boast, as her accolades and resume prove her commitment to quality. A very hearty congratulations to the incredible Kathleen Kennedy.

While it is a commitment at Scene Before to watch the most talked about, or artistically appreciated films of the year, it also must be stated that it is difficult to watch everything. As stated at the beginning of the show, a film can only be recognized as a nominee if I saw it. One of the films I did not see in time for the making of this show was “Train Dreams.” However, a little more than a week ago, I was visiting New York, and they just so happened be playing the movie at the Nitehawk Cinema Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Having done research on the place, I have come to realize that it is a fairly unique spot to watch a movie. So, I thought with that in mind, it would be fun to check it out and get the experience on video. Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to go to the movies, with yours truly.

Our sixth Best Picture is the latest film from Paul Thomas Anderson. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as an ex-revolutionary who must do what he can to save his daughter, portrayed with excellence by Chase Infiniti. In addition to delivering an excellent ride, the film is one of 2025’s most impressive technical marvels. Shot on 35mm VistaVision, the film is as clear as crystal, especially when viewed in its proper format or on a true IMAX screen. Jonny Greenwood delivers a sometimes booming score that almost becomes a character of its own. It is an action thriller that earns just about every increment of its 2 hour and 42 minute runtime. Nominated for 7 Jack awards, this is “One Battle After Another.”

There is a rule in screenwriting that every full page represents a minute of a project’s runtime. With that said, some would say that the Jack Awards could make for one of the most overly long screenplays ever written. These next two categories, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Screenplay, are dedicated to some scripts that are perhaps ten times more engaging. These are the screenplays whose lines are exquisitely crafted, and whose descriptions are tremendously detailed. Here are the nominees for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Best Adapted Screenplay 

• The Life of Chuck (Mike Flanagan)
• The Long Walk (JT Mollner)
• No Other Choice (Park Chan-wook, Lee Kyoung-mi, Don McKellar, Jahye Lee)
• One Battle After Another (Paul Thomas Anderson)
• Song Sung Blue (Craig Brewer)

And the Jack goes to…

Mike Flanagan for “The Life of Chuck!”

“The Life of Chuck” is based on a story by Stephen King, and beautifully adapted by Mike Flanagan. Unlike its four competitors, this movie tells its story backwards. It starts with act three, then moves to act two, and concludes with act one. This movie goes beyond the surface, where it dives into the life of its titular character. If anything, it is truly about the lives of just about anyone. It is a movie that proves in order to understand someone’s life, you have to go back to the beginning. It is a movie that presents the future, and slowly peels back the layers of one’s time on earth, with each layer telling its own story. “The Life of Chuck” is one of the most inspiring films of the year that also has the potential to make you shed a tear or two. Congratulations to “The Life of Chuck!”

And now, here are the nominees for Best Original Screenplay!

Best Original Screenplay 

• A House of Dynamite (Noah Oppenheim)
• Friendship (Andrew DeYoung)
• If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (Mary Bronstein)
• Is This Thing On? (Will Arnett, Bradley Cooper, Mark Chappell)
• Jay Kelly (Noah Baumbach, Emily Mortimer)

And the Jack goes to…

Mary Bronstein for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You!”

2025 has seen its fair share of chaotic titles, with “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” perhaps being one of the more relatable options to check out. At its core, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” is about the struggles of being a parent. If “The Wild Robot,” which won the Adapted Screenplay award last year, showcases how rewarding parenting can be despite the struggles, then “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” is a film that is specifically dedicated to the struggles by themselves, fleshing out each and every one at a time. Parents, especially moms, have a lot to deal with on top of taking care of their children between their jobs, their relationship with their spouse, and as this movie shows, simply trying to keep a roof over everyone’s head. There is a saying in screenwriting to write what you know. Mary Bronstein’s thrilling flick is based on her own journey as a parent, and it makes for some truly riveting material. Congratulations to Mary Bronstein!

Our seventh Best Picture is the latest film directed by Bradley Cooper, following his previous efforts on the smash hit “A Star is Born” and the ambitious “Maestro.” His third film may be his smallest in terms of scale, but it also comes with big names like Will Arnett and Laura Dern in the starring roles. Together, they play a couple going through a separation. The film sees Arnett’s character diving into the New York standup scene and Laura Dern’s character getting back into athletics. At the same time, the two learn more about each other, and come to certain conclusions as to why their love was not as strong as it once was. Nominated for 3 Jack awards, try saying this phrase three times fast… This is “Is This Thing On?”

The premiere of this next category is going to have its nominees quite avid. I do not have the ability to highlight this award, hit control C, control V, and put four more next to it. So, unfortunately, this category, like the others, can only have one victor. That said, these five nominees are worth keeping in your save files. Here are the nominees for Best Film Editing.

Best Film Editing 

• Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert (Simon Bryant, Jack Chute, Ron Maine, Tim Woolcott, Reg Wrench)
• Marty Supreme (Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie)
• One Battle After Another (Andy Jurgensen)
• Thunderbolts* (Angela M. Catanzaro, Harry Yoon)
• Sinners (Michael P. Shawver)

And the Jack goes to…

Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie for “Marty Supreme!”

With more chaos than a “Mario Kart” tourney and more grit than a Boston alleyway after 3am, “Marty Supreme” is one of the biggest adrenaline rushes one can experience at the movies in 2025. This is a film that is so ferociously breakneck in its style and equally as lean and mean in its substance. From scene one, this movie enters beast mode and only gets quicker in its pace from there. It is a film that makes even the simplest action seem like the most kinetic thing ever conceived. Top it off with some ridiculously brisk ping pong matches, you have a recipe for a nonstop thrill ride that truly feels like pure Safdie mayhem. Congratulations to Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie for their work on “Marty Supreme!”

Wayne Gretzky once said “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” While Gretzky’s quote was most likely associated with hockey, the sport he played for several years, it could arguably also apply to cinematography, as without any of these nominees taking their shots, their films would likely not have been possible. Whether they were shot on digital or film, these five nominees not only made their films possible, but also memorable. Here are the nominees for Best Cinematography.

Best Cinematography

• F1: The Movie (Claudio Miranda)
• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (Fraser Taggart)
• No Other Choice (Cho Young-wuk)
• One Battle After Another (Michael Bauman)
• Sinners (Autumn Durald Arkapaw)

And the Jack goes to…

Claudio Miranda for “F1: The Movie!”

This was a tough category, no doubt! So many excellent contenders! But it looks like “F1” is the movie that wins this race! In my review for “F1,” one of my immediate compliments towards the movie is in regard to Miranda’s efforts. This is a movie that puts its viewers on the racetrack, inside its vehicles. Despite being called “F1: The Movie,” it feels more like an F1 experience, and it makes for one of the best rides of 2025. If you ever want to go for a drive, “F1” is probably the closest you can get without actually setting foot inside of a car with the many creative camera positions and angles that allow for complete and total immersion. Every frame of this movie feels big, and some of the shots we see throughout are only brilliantly accompanied by its rowdy sound edits and over the top music selection. If Claudio Miranda took us to the skies in “Top Gun: Maverick,” then he most certainly took us to the roads in “F1.” Congratulations!

Our eighth Best Picture is the latest film from filmmaker Ryan Coogler, the beloved director behind films like “Fruitvale Station,” “Creed,” and “Black Panther.” Now, he is back behind the camera taking on one of his most ambitious films yet, an original idea that features two cousins, both of whom are played by Michael B. Jordan, trying to open their own juke joint, only for their first night of operation to go haywire when vampires come into play. The film is stacked with killer songs on its soundtrack, while delivering one smokin’ score from composer Ludwig Göransson. Shot using IMAX and Ultra Panavision 70 cameras, the film not only looks and feels big, but also packs quite the punch in its occasional action sequences. Nominated for 14 Jack awards, this is “Sinners.”

When I watch a movie outside the cinema, my preferred method of watching them is through physical media. But every once in a while, I will have the TV on, and happen to be flipping through channels to find something to watch. Sometimes, I will find something interesting, but I might want to refresh myself on what it is about. That is where this segment comes in. You may remember this sequence from the 3rd Jack Awards, and now it is making a mighty comeback half a decade later. It is time for another edition of Infomovies.

This category honors five original songs from four different movies, each one serving their purpose. Whether that purpose is to act as a puzzle piece that defines the film’s spirit or theme, further the journey of certain characters, or perhaps both at the same time, these songs are not just mighty fine tunes, but they go so far as to add extra substance to their respective projects. Here are the nominees for Best Original Song.

Best Original Song 

• Dream As One – Miley Cyrus, Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, Simon Franglen (Avatar: Fire and Ash) 
• Amen, I’m Going Somewhere – Kensuke Ushio, Naoki Yamada (The Colors Within)
• A Celebration Song – Maya and Ayumu Matsuda (Scarlet) 
• I Lied to You – Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson (Sinners)
• Last Time (I Seen the Sun) – Alice Smith, Miles Caton, Ludwig Göransson (Sinners)

And the Jack goes to…

Alice Smith, Miles Caton, and Ludwig Göransson for “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)” from “Sinners!”

Of all the films nominated today, “Sinners” is perhaps the one that is more connected to music than any other between its plot that heavily features its characters making and playing music, sometimes against the wishes of other people. Not to mention, the film has a soundtrack that comes loaded with bangers like “I Lied to You,” which was also nominated for this category. While the song did not win, it should get its flowers for furthering Sammie Moore’s character. As for the song that did win, “Last Time (I Seen the Sun),” this one plays during the credits. It specifically starts in a mid-credits scene and continues as the credits keep rolling. The song ties a perfect, precise bow on the film, while also matching its focus on the pleasures and joys that make life worth living. Vampire mayhem aside, this is a movie where its group of characters appear to be having the best day of their lives. Not only does this song tap into that idea, but it is a song that on its own could make you think about the special, extraordinary days of your life. To listen to “Last Time (I Seen the Sun),” click below!

What is a movie without a director? A movie cannot direct itself. A movie cannot say action or cut. A movie cannot ask an intern to go get it some coffee. Directors are the backbone of each and every production. From calling the shots to aligning the lights to sharing their vision to the talent and crew, directors are an essential force to allow the team to work, so the dream can work. These three men and two women made some of the most legendary pieces of cinema in 2025. Here are the nominees for Best Director.

Best Director

• Mary Bronstein (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You)
• Chloe Zhao (Hamnet)
• Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme)
• Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another) 
• Ryan Coogler (Sinners)

And the Jack goes to…

Josh Safdie for “Marty Supreme!”

The biggest question I asked myself when it came to choosing the winner of this category was if one of these movies could have been as well directed by somebody other than person who ended up in the chair? Knowing Safdie’s fast-paced directing style, there are few people who could frankly do what he did here as well as him. “Marty Supreme” goes as quick as bullet and will not stop at any point to give its viewers a breather. “Marty Supreme” is a unique showcase of one’s hopes and dreams. The idea of a film focusing on a protagonist’s hopes and dreams is by no means breaking new ground, but this film manages to flip this entire cliche on its head to the point where it centers on a protagonist so ruthless and moronic to the point where it almost would seem impossible on paper to make such a character likable. Yet somehow, the movie finds a way to deliver a compelling story about someone whose dreams are getting in the way of those he knows and admires. Complete with some of the grittiest production design and most compelling ensembles of 2025 cinema, Josh Safdie proves that the ball is in his court with “Marty Supreme.”

Before we get into the ninth trailer, it is time for the second Lifetime Achievement Award of the ceremony, the Stan Lee Award.

The Stan Lee Award is dedicated to an icon of cinema who is no longer with us, but nevertheless left a monumental impact on the industry. Born in 1947 in the Bronx, New York City, the winner of this year’s award is an individual born to two actors. Later in life, he would continue his family’s legacy. His earliest acting credit was at just 14 years old on the crime drama series “Manhunt.” This appearance happened shortly after his move to LA, where he would later attend UCLA Film School. However, he did not earn a degree. While much of his early work involves acting, this individual has also been credited as a director, screenwriter, and producer. His works include one of the most iconic TV sitcoms of all time, one of the most inconceivable adventure stories known to man, and one of the most gripping court dramas ever conceived. His directorial efforts landed some of his actors high honors from the Academy of Motion Pictures, with Kathy Bates winning a Best Actress Oscar for “Misery.” In the years that followed Jack Nicholson and James Woods would receive Best Supporting Actor nominations for “A Few Good Men” and “Ghosts of Mississippi” respectively. This year’s winner is a two time Primetime Emmy recipient. He has also been nominated for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and nine Golden Globes. He served as one of the founders of Castle Rock Entertainment, which in addition to producing his movies, also brought other works to life like “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile,” both of which were directed by Frank Darabont. Of course, with great success, sometimes comes equally as great failure. The winner of this year’s award was also nominated for two Golden Raspberry Awards for his work on “North,” which brought forth one of the most heated reviews ever given by former Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert, where he delivered the iconic words, “I hated this movie. Hated hated hated hated hated this movie.” One could look at such a scathing opinion and cry about it, or have fun with it. This individual did the latter, as he ended up reading the review out loud at his own roast. As a director, his feature length debut was the 1984 film “This Is Spinal Tap.” He followed it up with a 2025 sequel, which would be the last directorial effort he’d put out before his death last December. Plans are now on hold for the release of the upcoming “Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale,” shot concurrently with “Spinal Tap II.” From an acting career that spans film and television and a directing career that includes films like “Stand by Me” and “When Harry Met Sally,” it is a life that makes others wish they could have what he’s having. Ladies and gentlemen, this year’s Stan Lee Award winner is none other than Rob Reiner!

Rob Reiner’s legacy shall live on for years to come. Whether it is through “All in the Family” reruns, the occasional rewatch of “The Princess Bride,” or the neverending reminder of how someone cannot handle the truth. The truth, in this case, however, is that Reiner has become a giant of entertainment, much like his father Carl. Once again, I will remind everyone that like many greats in the industry, Reiner was nominated for an Oscar. While he never ended up winning an Oscar, he still won the game of life.

Our ninth Best Picture is a tale that perfectly encapsulates the chaos of motherhood. Writer-director Mary Bronstein tells a story that derives from her own life as a parent. Capturing those experiences on camera is Rose Byrne, who has to deal with everything from her job, her sick child, and the fact that her spouse is not in the picture when he needs to be. The roof above her head is falling apart. Both in a mental sense and quite literally in her home. This film may not be every parent’s personal experience, but it is a story that perfectly captures a nightmare scenario for anyone who has ever had children. Nominated for 5 Jack awards, this is “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”

I have spent 26 years on this planet, which has given me a little bit of time to think about who I would want to see play me in a movie one day. While I do not have a definitive answer, these five talented nominees would be viable contenders for their charisma, their commitment to their craft, and ability to convince you of their transformation. That said, I might need to hit the gym some more if I want Dwayne Johnson to take on that role. Here are the nominees for Best Actor.

Best Actor

• Paul Mescal (Hamnet)
• Will Arnett (Is This Thing On?)
• Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme)
• Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another)
• Dwayne Johnson (The Smashing Machine)

And the Jack goes to…

Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme!”

This is Timothée Chalamet’s third acting nomination, going all the way back to the 1st Jack Awards, when he was in the supporting category for his work on “Beautiful Boy.” Perhaps even more exciting, this is the second year in a row that he won Best Actor, following his remarkable performance in “A Complete Unknown.” Timothée Chalamet may play a whiff whaff pro in “Marty Supreme,” but by no means does he whiff his portrayal of the film’s main character. Going back to the film’s tagline, “Dream big,” Chalamet keeps the dream alive and cooks with fire in each and every scene of the film. It shows not just in the actor’s ability to master the fast-paced dialogue and mannerisms that make the movie a unique experience, but also in his ability to make every ping pong match exciting and fun. Chalamet is an actor with undeniable range with credits including “Wonka,” “Dune,” and “Little Women” just to name a few. “Marty Supreme” is arguably the most committed Chalamet has been to a role yet, not just through his work on camera, but also behind the scenes through taking lessons, as well as buying table tennis equipment and replacing his living room furniture inside his home. Marty Mauser is so obsessed with the thought of table tennis glory to the point where Chalamet channeled the character’s debatably unhealthy ambitions off-screen. Here is a look at Timothée Chalamet’s bonkers performance.

These next five nominees are some of the most talented women you will see on camera this year. As of this publication, these actors range from ages 36 to 96. But talent knows no age. If anything, these five women gave performances that will be remembered for the ages. Whether they displayed their commitment by shaving their head or even singing songs that may get stuck inside your head, each one of these performances deserve a round of applause. Here are the nominees for Best Actress.

Best Actress

• Emma Stone (Bugonia) 
• June Squibb (Eleanor the Great) 
• Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
• Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You)
• Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue)

And the Jack goes to…

Jessie Buckley for “Hamnet!”

As a story, “Hamnet” maintains a successful balance between reality and fantasy. It features real people like William and Agnes Shakespeare, and features the former, also known as Anne in real life, crafting one of his more well known plays. But it also showcases the latter sometimes as a sorcerous witch, other times as a passionate lover, and other times as a caring mother. Jessie Buckley’s character, Agnes, goes through a rollercoaster of a journey from first meeting William, growing their relationship, having kids, and seeing the unpredictable path of life that follows. When it comes to pure expression and emotion, it is harder to find a movie that solidifies that concept this year than “Hamnet,” and this is a movie that goes balls to the wall with that. Agnes in particular serves as a chunk of the film’s heart and soul. From the film’s engaging first moments to a final shot that could shake you to your core, Buckley carries “Hamnet” and dominates every scene. She plays a character whose joy rubs off on the audience as much as her sadness. Truly a tour de force. Here is a clip of Jessie Buckley from “Hamnet.”

Our tenth and final Best Picture is the first ever concert film nominated for such a coveted honor. It is a two and a half hour extravaganza diving into the works of one of cinema’s greatest composers, Hans Zimmer. The film is part concert, part documentary, and part music video. All three of these elements combine to make one neat package. Throughout the movie, we see Zimmer and his band perform for an audience in Dubai, all while showcasing the splendor of the U.A.E. through his music during occasional cutaways. The film features many of Zimmer’s works including “Dune,” “Inception,” “Gladiator,” “The Lion King,” and more. The film also cuts to interviews featuring friends with whom he’s worked through the years including director Christopher Nolan, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, actress Zendaya, and musician Pharrell Williams just to name a few. If you love movies, and the music from certain movies you may have watched, this film is most definitely for you. Nominated for 2 Jack awards, this is “Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert.”

And now… To a video series that some of you may have been wondering about…

For those who have been tuning since the original Jack Awards in 2019, back when it was called the Jackoff Awards, you’d know that I often joke, only it’s more of a truth rather than a joke, that there are no celebrity guests in attendance. This has been a tale as old as time. This show, like the last number of others, is laid out in the same fashion where you have a monologue, followed by videos and written award handouts. Some things never change. Some things… 

Because I am proud to reveal some much-esteemed guests to help me introduce an upcoming series. Take a look at this video.

Ladies and gentlemen, coming soon to Scene Before and the Jack Drees YouTube channel… As part of the blog’s 10^th anniversary celebration, I will be reviewing 10 movies this year in my upcoming series, “Movie Requests!” This series was once known as Celebrity Movie Requests, but as last week, the name has been changed to Movie Requests. Nothing about the series itself has changed other than the title. The series will feature a special guest in each review suggesting a film on the spot for me to discuss. Each guest has chosen their own film, and I watched it accordingly. Keep in mind, these are my reviews. The guests in no way have any effect on my final verdict, other than suggesting the film at the start. This will finally give me a chance to talk about some films that I never could have imagined reviewing on my blog.

I want to thank every guest who has agreed to participate in this series… These include Rosario Dawson, Sandi Harding, Chris Hardwick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jason Mewes, Joel David Moore, Brian O’Halloran, Michael Rooker, Katee Sackhoff, and Amy Sedaris!

I am proud to announce that the first guest whose request I will be taking is going to be Bryce Dallas Howard (Spider-Man 3, Jurassic World), and you can catch my review of the movie she asked me to talk about on Saturday, February 28th. That’s less than a few weeks away.

Did my special guests pick the best flicks? You will have find out later this year in “Movie Requests,” coming soon!

And now, the moment you’ve all either been waiting for, or the moment that you immediately scrolled down to if you are the most impatient person on earth. It is time to announce this year’s winner for Best Picture. Per usual, the winner is not decided by yours truly. The winner is decided by you. I already announced my favorite movies of the year, and in the spirit of celebrating those films, I decided to list them once more as Best Picture nominees. I did change the list a tad since posting my original countdown, but nevertheless. I opened the vote to you, the list included ten films, and the tallies are in. This year’s set of nominees includes eight feature narratives and two documentaries. I always say “may the best movie win,” but it is possible for this category to end up in a tie. It has not happened yet. That said, congratulations to everyone who crafted these ten movies, and may the best movie win. Here are the nominees for Best Picture!

Best Picture

• The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Kevin Feige)
• Friendship (Raphael Margules, J.D. Lifshitz, Johnny Holland, Nick Weidenfeld)
• Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert (Jerry Bruckheimer, Paul Dugdale, John Featherstone, Simon Fisher, Steven Kofsky, Michael Marto, Omar Saab)
• If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (Sara Murphy, Ryan Zacarias, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Eli Bush, Conor Hannon, Richie Doyle)
• Is This Thing On? (Bradley Cooper, Weston Middleton, Will Arnett, Kris Thykier)
• The Life of Chuck (Trevor Macy, Mike Flanagan)
• The Long Walk (Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Francis Lawrence, Cameron MacConomy)
• One Battle After Another (Adam Somner, Sara Murphy, Paul Thomas Anderson)
• Secret Mall Apartment (Jeremy Workman, Jesse Eisenberg)
• Sinners (Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Ryan Coogler)

And the Jack goes to…

“One Battle After Another!”

This is the sole win for “One Battle After Another.” The film was nominated for 7 Jack Awards. Its other nominations include Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Director, and Best Actor. This is the first Best Picture recipient of the Jack Awards to win this category and no others since “Avengers: Infinity War,” which won the 1st Jack Awards. This is the third Best Picture win for a Warner Brothers film.

What time is it? It is time to recognize the film of the hour! Despite not winning a single other award, “One Battle After Another” ended up claiming victory in this battle! And what a fight it has been! This is not to say “One Battle After Another” had zero chance of winning any other awards today. In fact, while drafting this show, the film had serious potential to rack up more nominations. I would like to shout out Jonny Greenwood, who created an amazing score that acts like a character of its own. It just missed the mark. Benicio del Toro did not quite make the cut for Best Supporting Actor, but he was an admirable part of the film. And I would hate myself if I failed to acknowledge the prominent efforts brought to the table by Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor. Both actresses killed it in this movie, but they too did not quite make the cut in the acting categories. While “One Battle After Another” did not win anything else tonight, I will recognize the film as one of the most well-rounded projects put out into cinemas this year.

Technically speaking, this is one of the most unique and impressive films of 2025. For starters, it is shot in the rarely used VistaVision, which allows for more of the 35mm negative to be utilized, therefore providing more detail to the final product. Regardless of whether you end up watching this movie in DCP, on film, or even on your living room television, every action scene is fluidly shot to the point where every move is simple to comprehend. Not one scene looks haphazardly edited or put together, including an incredibly memorable car chase towards the film’s end.

The film may have a long runtime, but much like the “Blade Runner” movies, “One Battle After Another” proves that you can draw out a story and still make it as riveting as humanly possible. Despite being long, the story itself is as simple as can be when it comes to its concept. It follows an ex-revolutionary who is trying to rescue his daughter. Throughout the movie we get to watch a fascinating, complicated protagonist played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who gives one of 2025’s best performances as Bob Ferguson. While the film was not nominated for Best Costume Design, “One Battle After Another” may end up having the most memorable outfit worn by a character in a film this year. Bob Ferguson’s bathrobe is practically a superhero costume. Under the keen eyes of Paul Thomas Anderson, who not only directed the film, but wrote its brilliant screenplay, DiCaprio and his terrific castmates are given plenty of meaty and sensational material to work with.

“One Battle After Another” may not be everyone’s idea of an action-packed blockbuster. But do not let its long runtime and occasionally slower pace fool you. This film is packed with style, substance, drama, and even comedy. It has a little bit of everything in one big package. “One Battle After Another” is one of the best films, not to mention overall cinematic experiences of 2025. Paul Thomas Anderson delivered a masterpiece with one achievement after another. Congratulations!

And that will do it for this year’s edition of the Jack Awards! Congratulations to all of today’s nominees and winners! Thank you to everyone who voted for this year’s Best Picture! I want to give a special shoutout to all the filmmakers and crews who played a part in all of the movies audiences got to see last year. 2025 was a fun year for film and I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of 2026 brings!

I want to thank all of my followers for sticking with Scene Before for the past decade, and if you are new around here, please follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, like the official Facebook page! Do yourself another solid, subscribe to my YouTube channel that way you can stay tuned for my latest videos, including the all new series Movie Requests, which begins February 28th. That is all for this time. Thank you for indulging and scrolling to the end. Scene Before is your click to the flicks!