OUTSTANDING PICTURE

Anatomy of a Fall (Produced by Marie-Ange Luciani & David Thion)

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (Produced by James L. Brooks, Julie Ansell, Richard Sakai, Kelly Fremon Craig, Judy Blume, Amy Lorraiine Brooks & Aldric La'auli Porter)

May December (Produced by Natalie Portman, Sophie Mas, Christine Vachon, Pamela Koffler, Grant S. Johnson, Tyler W. Konney, Jessica Elbaum & Will Ferrell)

Past Lives (Produced by David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon & Pamela Koffler)

Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé (Produced by Beyoncé, Melina Matsoukas, Justina Omokhua, Mark Ritchie, Erinn Williams & John Winter)

AND THE WINNER:

MAY DECEMBER (PRODUCED BY NATALIE PORTMAN, SOPHIE MAS, CHRISTINE VACHON, PAMELA KOFFLER, GRANT S. JOHNSON, TYLER W. KONNEY, JESSICA ELBAUM & WILL FERRELL)

These are the first wins and nominations for Sophie Mas, Pamela Koffler, Grant S. Johnson & Tyler W. Konney. This is the second win and fifth nomination for Natalie Portman. Portman previously won for Black Swan (2010) and was nominated for and with the ensemble of Closer (2004), she also was nominated for her performance in May December (2023). This is the third win and eight nomination for Christine Vachon. She previously won for producing Far from Heaven (2002) & Carol (2015). She was also nominated for producing Velvet Goldmine (1998), Boys Don't Cry (1999), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001), I'm Not There (2007) & Past Lives (2023). This is the first win and second nomination for Jessica Elbaum. She was previously nominated for producing Booksmart (2019). This is the second win and fourth nomination for Will Ferrell. He won this year as part of the ensemble of Barbie (2023). He was previously nominated for acting in Elf (2003) & producing Hustlers (2019).

With this prize May December wins three awards from its six nominations. The film won for picture, supporting actor (Melton) & original screenplay. It was also nominated for director, leading actress (Portman) & film editing.

Like I've discussed before I was lucky enough to see May December last May at the 2023 Cannes film festival. Since that first viewing I was unable to get the film out of my mind and with multiple other viewings later in 2023 I comfortably can call May December my favourite film of 2023. With such a witty screenplay, assured direction by Todd Haynes and an ensemble delivering the way they do it is just that brilliant a film. I cannot wait for future years to pass and I get the opportunity to watch the film over and over again. I also hope for future generations to love the film as outrightly as I do and think it not receiving major awards success during the year is a crime and major snubary.