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From Mountains to Coast: North Carolina’s Secret Role in Iconic Films
North Carolina has long been one of America’s most quietly cinematic states. With landscapes ranging from the fog-kissed peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal dunes of the Outer Banks, its diverse terrain has made it an ideal natural soundstage. Wilmington’s thriving production scene—often called “Hollywood East”—paired with generous state film incentives, gives […] More
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in Op-ed
The Rise of the Antihero: Why We Love Flawed Characters
Characters that are morally dubious, incredibly damaged, and frequently just plain unlikable abound in contemporary television and film, from Fleabag to BoJack Horseman, and from Tony Soprano to Walter White. Nevertheless, we find it impossible to turn away. People are now more interested in complex, troubled characters who blur right and wrong. It’s a phenomenon […] More
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Sunday Scaries: Which Horror Franchise (Like ‘Final Destination’) Should Be the Next to Return?
The Sunday Scaries are upon us once again! Yes, as the weekend concludes, most of us feel an oncoming sense of anticipatory dread about the week ahead. Anxiety about work manifests itself into a feeling that’s known as the Sunday Scaries. However, we at Awards Radar are here to combat that, by taking back the […] More
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‘The Life of Chuck’ is Coming and is a Special Sort of Movie Magic
This is not a review for The Life of Chuck. That’s coming next month. It’s going to be a rave, as you’ll more or less gather from this piece, but this is not a review of the film. No, this is more just a start of explaining why I think it’s such a profound and […] More
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An Updated Ranking of the Best Cate Blanchett Performances So Far
Much like I said last year, it’s impossible not to recognize greatness when you see Cate Blanchett on the silver screen. Two Academy Awards on her mantle speak to this, but it goes beyond the accolades. Sure, she’s considered one of the best of her era, but just watching her in literally anything gives you a sense […] More
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in Op-ed
The Most Iconic Casino Scenes in Film History
Casinos have long played a key role in films. These scenes often show more than cards and chips. They explore human behavior, tension, and risk. Filmmakers use casinos to show power, control, and luck. Some scenes focus on strategy. Others reveal personal flaws and pressure. Over time, these moments have shaped how people see casinos. […] More
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in Op-ed
Cannes Film Festival 2025: A Look at the Films Competing for the Palme d’Or
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is set to be a cinematic spectacle, with a diverse array of films vying for the prestigious Palme d’Or. From veteran auteurs to emerging voices, this year’s competition promises a rich tapestry of storytelling, innovation, and artistic expression. Here’s an overview of some of the standout contenders. 1. Eddington – […] More
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in Op-ed
Cinematic Spin-Offs: Films and TV Series That Influenced Online Casino Aesthetics
Online casino platforms today are more than digital gambling halls; they’re visual experiences shaped by film and television. From the moody hues of noir-inspired slot machines to poker tables dripping in Bond-esque elegance, cinema’s fingerprints are etched deeply into the aesthetics, themes, and storytelling techniques seen across these platforms. This article explores how film and […] More
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The Top 25 Best Sound Winners So Far (Updated for 2025)
Back at it a day after Mother’s Day! As you all know, I’m ranking the newest crop of Academy Award winners, with the column almost complete. For nearly all of the Oscar categories (including a new one today), you’ll see me list the top 25 recipients of that prize. Sometimes, our newest winner will appear. […] More
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Sunday Scaries: A Mother’s Day Without One is Not For the Faint of Heart (Revisited for 2025)
Once again, here is something a little different today for the Sunday Scaries, much like I’ve done for the past few years. Today is, of course, Mother’s Day, which used to be a happy occasion in my family. We’d almost always go to my grandmother’s apartment and jointly celebrate her, my mother, my aunt, all […] More
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Which Movies at the Cannes Film Festival This Year Could Mimic Last Year’s ‘Anora’ Success?
Last year, Sean Baker‘s Anora went from a debut at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the coveted Palme d’Or, all the way to dominating the Academy Awards. That sort of Oscar success after winning the top prize at Cannes is rare, but it still has created a situation where everyone is looking to […] More
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The Top 25 Best Documentary Feature Winners So Far (Updated for 2025)
Look out folks, here comes another one! Continuing a tradition I’ve been keen on for years, I’m ranking the new crop of Academy Award winners. For nearly all of the Oscar categories, you’ll see me list the top 25 recipients of that prize. Sometimes, our newest winner will appear. Other times, they’ll be relegated to […] More