Press Play

"The best video essay source on the web." (Roger Ebert) This web site is built on a mix of original video essays and critical, personal writing about film, TV, and their connection to broader cultural concerns. Co-founded by Matt Zoller Seitz, TV critic for New York Magazine, and Ken Cancelosi, it is overseen by Editor-in-Chief Max Winter.

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VIDEO: What Does Oscar-Winning Cinematography Look Like?

Awards

Which movie should win the Academy Award for its outstanding images and camerawork? Watch the footage and judge for yourself.

By Kevin B. Lee
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February 20, 2013 12:52 PM
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9 Comments

Awards

Why is a modern-day screwball comedy the best of the Oscar nominees? Because it’s a revealing reflection of the world we live in.

By Kevin B. Lee
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February 7, 2013 4:00 AM
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2 Comments

Awards

Some Best Actress contenders seem to be nominated for their roles more than for their performances, but the most deserving actress is a smart exception.

By Kevin B. Lee
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January 31, 2013 7:13 PM
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3 Comments

Awards

It’s Daniel Day Lewis’s contest to lose. His performance is pitch-perfect, but does that make it the best?

By Kevin B. Lee
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January 29, 2013 7:43 AM
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2 Comments

Awards

Press Play presents "Who Should Win," a series of videos that evaluates the nominees of each major Oscar category to decide who really deserves to win the Academy Awards.

By Kevin B. Lee
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January 24, 2013 9:56 PM
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1 Comment

Awards

They’ve all won Oscars already. Who deserves to win another? Let the footage tell the tale.

By Kevin B. Lee
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January 24, 2013 9:43 PM
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0 Comments

Awards

This year’s Supporting Actress field features talented young sensations and accomplished veterans. Who deserves to come out on top?

By Kevin B. Lee
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January 24, 2013 9:32 PM
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1 Comment

Awards

At first I couldn't understand how "A Cat In Paris" had nabbed an Animated Feature nomination with animation this crude. In fact, at first I couldn't understand "A Cat In Paris" period. For reasons that don't bear explaining, I watched it without subtitles, and my French doesn't go much farther than cheeses, swears, and synonyms for "hurry up."

By Sarah D. Bunting
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January 29, 2012 4:04 AM
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1 Comment

Awards

The 2012 Oscar nominations were announced this morning. Albert Brooks, Steven Spielberg and a lot of other expected nominees were snubbed. There were surprises in other categories, though: Demián Bichir as Best Actor for A Better Life, Rooney Mara as Best Actress for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Melissa McCarthy as Best Supporting Actress for Bridesmaids and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close as Best Picture. The thread is open; dive in, folks.