American filmmaker and screenwriter Kelly Reichardt has been critical of the Academy Awards in the past. In a recent interview with The Daily Beast, she was very clear about her feelings. “I just don’t give a shit about the Oscars,” she said, “I just can’t bring myself to watch. I find them a little embarrassing — the strutting of money and everything.” However, despite her critical view of the Oscars, there is no denying that her most recent film “First Cow” has been getting some much-deserved awards attention.
Set in Oregon in the 1820s, “First Cow” is a moving exploration of friendship between strangers… or, as Reichardt described it in a recent GQ interview, it is “a film about someone who steals a glass of milk.” Based on that description, it does not seem like this movie would make waves in a world where “Sonic the Hedgehog” can be the third highest-grossing movie of 2020.
Yet, “First Cow” has been well received by critics and may even gain Oscar attention. Reichardt’s harsh view of the Academy Awards did not stop distributor A24 from sending physical DVD screeners of “First Cow” to all members of the Academy, according to Deadline. This makes it the first film of the year to be sent to the entire Academy.
This bid for attention may be necessary in a year where many cinemas are shut down due to COVID-19, which Reichardt unsurprisingly described as “disappointing.” Given that the COVID-19 situation in the USA does not seem to be improving, Reichardt also explained how frustrated she feels. “I am starting to feel really resentful,” she said, “I’m talking to people in other countries who have their lives back and I’m resentful of the time we’re going to lose going forward just based on stupidity.” This frustration is all too relatable.
Even amidst the frustrations of the pandemic, Reichardt still manages to make jokes. “Listen, if you were ever going to win an Oscar, wouldn’t this be the great year? Just Zoom in, no outfit. Sure.” At least a Zoom-based awards ceremony would reduce the “strutting of money” that Reichardt despises.
You can watch “First Cow” now on VOD.