Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/26/2025
Why was Civil War 2024 snubbed by the Oscars? It’s a good question, and a year later, I’m rewatching the film and asking myself this again. Civil War, written and directed by Alex Garland, is a standout piece. Garland’s previous credits include directing Ex Machina, Annihilation, Men, and this year’s Warfare. He has also written some of my favorite films, including The Beach, 28 Days Later, and Never Let Me Go. His style and subject matter are well-known, and Civil War showcases his strengths in writing and direction.
The film is set in a dystopian future that closely resembles our own, which adds a layer of fear and curiosity for the audience. It follows four journalists traveling across the United States during a nationwide conflict, documenting their findings and trying to survive in a war-torn America. To be honest, the only way I can imagine the United States becoming war-torn is through a conflict like this, an outright civil war. Although the specific reasons for the conflict are unclear, we do know that California and Texas are enemies, and the tyrant president, played by Nick Offerman, is on his chaotic third term. This scenario resonates with our current political landscape, as our president seems to be aiming for a third term as well.
The film stars Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, and Cailee Spaeny. It tells the story of journalists documenting the horrors of war from the front lines. Kirsten Dunst plays Lee, a seasoned war photographer, who, along with her writer friends from New York, encounters Jessie, played by Cailee Spaeny, an aspiring journalist and war photographer. The dynamic is reminiscent of All About Eve, where a thirsty understudy lands the role of a lifetime working alongside her biggest inspiration, Lee. The film illustrates their travels as Cailee’s star rises while Lee experiences fear and retreats behind the lines after the loss of her writer friend. Cailee, eager and fearless, captures the pivotal moments, ultimately photographing Lees death and the president’s assassination.
The film is raw and gritty, portraying a divided country. It inspires me to want to be on the front lines myself. Like all of Alex Garland’s other films, we are thrust into the eye of hardship and chaos, witnessing famine, destruction, and those who dare to step into this turmoil. We see journalists actively pursuing stories, contrasting with those who hide from bombs and chaos.
Kirsten Dunst delivers an outstanding performance; she truly is one of the greatest actors of our time. Yet, it raises the question of why her talent often goes unnoticed. With such an impressive body of work, why did the Academy ignore this film? As we approach Oscar season, I feel compelled to explore why the Academy continues to overlook remarkable works of art, especially since they represent motion pictures, arts, and sciences.
Civil War was considered for the 97th Oscars 2025 ceremony, making it to the visual effects shortlist and gaining buzz for its sound design. However, it was snubbed in all major categories. Despite many believing that Kirsten Dunst deserved a nomination for best actress, the film missed the final nominations. It did land on the shortlist for best visual effects but did not make the final five. Many also predicted at least a nomination for best sound, thanks to its immersive audio, but it was surprisingly left off the shortlist. A24, reduced its campaigning for Civil War, diverting resources to other films, which diminished Kirsten Dunst’s chances for a Best Actress nod.
I feel like I need to have a chat with Megan Ellison. Civil War is an outstanding film currently streaming on HBO Max, and I urge everyone to watch it. As nominations are set to be released soon, remember that the Academy has not been highlighting craft as effectively as it once did. Instead, in recent years, it has awarded films that drew in audiences or had corporate affiliations, such as Hot Cheetos and KFC.
