‎Kenny and Mike discuss the best acting nominees for the 2021 Academy Awards. The discussion includes their favorites, predictions, and swaps to the list they would have made.  The episode also includes  with a discussion of faith elements spotted in the films represented. More detailed notes on the films Faithspotting has covered are available for films discussed in previous Faithspotting episodes.

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Best Actress Nominations:

Viola Davis     Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom   

Faith elements: Exploitation of others, either by race or gender or other reasons.  This is addressed by the call and teaching to love others as self (Matthew 22:34-40) and do unto others as one would have one do (Luke 6:31.) Also the dangers of pride and arrogance. Note: One element that is in the film that we did not mention in the episode is holding or expressing anger at God. (Psalm 22) Where God is in the midst of our suffering, and why is there evil and suffering if God is loving and almighty? (Theodicy) 

Andra Day      The U. S, vs. Billie Holiday

Faith Elements: The responsibility of leaders and government to serve as shepherds to members of the community:  Group, City, State, Nation. Also teaching regarding non-exploitation.   The need to fill voids,The loss, wounds, pain with things that lead to healing not just masking pain. 

Vanessa Kirby        Pieces of a Woman

Faith Elements: *  The place others offer in healing and regaining wholeness. Not transfering anger and pain from losses onto others. 

Frances McDormand      Nomadland

Faith Elements:  *  Healing Power of Community and sharing. (See the Promising Young Woman/Nomad episode notes for more details)

Carey Mulligan *     Promising Young Woman

Faith Elements:  The cost of revenge- returning hate rather than love and accountability. (See episode notes for more details. )

* All three of these films address bereavement (loss), and working through loss, grief, and pain, rather than getting stuck in the grief and mourning process.  All demonstrate the need for community and rituals to assist in that journey, but the individual must travel through the valley of pain, saddness and loss yet as Psalm 23 and others teach, s/he does not walk through the valley alone. Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) journey through his passion and suffering and death and be raised by God to eternal life with God the Father.

Best Actor Nominations:

Riz Ahmed     Sound of Metal

Faith Elements:  Faith amidst loss- Overcoming brokeness and dissapointment even if it requires change to ones life and direction. The transformative power of community. 

Chadwick Boseman   Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Faith Elements  (See Above)

Anthony Hopkins     The Father

Faith Elements: Finding strength and patience  to stay in relationships, serve, and love, especially when trials come- Particularly when the loved one’s personality changes.

Gary Oldham      Mank

Faith Elements: The Purpose and need of humility as taught throughout the Old and New Testaments. The Dangers of pride and arrogance.  Using talents for good rather than selfish desire. (For more details see the faith notes for the Mank episode)

Steven Yeun    Minari

Faith Elements: Obligation to serve community and put welfareof others above one’s own desires.  Shepherding means knowing the needs and capacity of others.