Envy Awards for Unusual and Disturbing Scenes
The 96th Academy Awards, which will take place on March 10 at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, promises prizes for deserving recipients in nearly two dozen categories. But as we’ve noticed here at The Envelope over the years, not every award-worthy performance, noteworthy trend or jaw-dropping episode gets the credit it deserves. That’s why we’re celebrating some of the greatest, rawest, and most jaw-droppingly amazing films, scenes, and performers that absolutely deserve their own special statuette (even if it’s only a virtual one). Here we present the 2024 Envy Awards!
We have no words for the reward
Kaitlyn Dever, “No One Can Save You”
In two excellent films last year, the critical, if not the main, characters were given virtually no lines. And no one can even show their face! In Air, Damian Delano Young portrays Michael Jordan, a promising basketball prodigy, but it is his parents who speak for him. He is never seen in full force and only has a few words to say. But that’s nothing compared to the isolated protagonist of No One Can Save You, played by Kaitlyn Dever. Shunned by her city and living alone, she is the only one who can resist the onslaught of the aliens and their sentient probes. Another nearly wordless performance, Dever carries us through terrifying nights and days with just his body language.
The funniest use of a historical figure
“Napoleon”
As a commenter on Reddit noted, Ridley Scott’s historical epic Napoleon is actually a “romantic comedy constantly interrupted by the rise of empire.” Keep in mind that his marketing did No I guess that’s the case generally – but it’s hard to imagine that it wasn’t intentionally intended as periodic fun. In the end, we get some truly classic lines from the future emperor. big because you have boats!” Later, at dinner with guests and his wife Josephine, he declares: “Fate gave me this lamb chop!” Indeed, it is so.
You think I’m funny, special prize
“Murderer”
In general, the word “comedy” doesn’t come to mind when David Fincher makes a film. But in The Killer, he pays homage to a whole host of classic sitcom characters. Michael Fassbender’s hitman needs a lot of aliases as he roams the world, and apparently a lot of support staff who don’t even blink when he shows IDs with names from past TV shows – Felix Unger, Oscar Madison, Archibald Bunker, Howard Cunningham, Reuben Kincaid, Lou Grant, Sam Malone, George Jefferson and Robert Hartley. In the latter case, someone should have at least said, “Hi, Bob!”
Best ambulance chase ever
“Cocaine Bear”
Has there ever been a bigger chase in a 2023 movie than a bear racing after and overtaking an ambulance? Apparently, scared paramedics putting the pedal to the metal are no match for an angry, high-flying bear with blood on its mind. Add a Depeche Mode tune to the soundtrack and it truly was one of the most amazing moments of the year.
Most memorable cleaning scene
“Saltburn”
Now, there are plenty of scenes in Saltburn that will give you goosebumps, but it’s hard to top the moment when houseguest Oliver takes it upon himself to clean the bathtub that his possessed Felix has just used. You see, Felix had a… very good time in his bathtub, being secretly watched by Oliver, and after Felix leaves the room, Oliver sneaks in to clean the tub. With your tongue.
Outstanding Use of Nudity
Jennifer Lawrence, “No Offense”
Nudity and sex scenes have also returned to film, and much has been made of Christopher Nolan’s use of both in Oppenheimer. Of course, there was the traditional love scene in bed with Communist Party member Jin. But who can forget the moment when a distinguished scientist is questioned by the US Atomic Energy Commission about his affair – and suddenly finds himself naked and having sex on a chair in that very room? Fantasy? Metaphor? Of course, both. But definitely…unexpected. Still, it’s hard to top the moment in No Offense when Jennifer Lawrence’s character emerges from a bathhouse naked to retrieve stolen clothes and kicks the butts of young thieves. still naked. J Law, you are missed.