Oscars Finest Image Marathon: Surviving 24 Hours Inside Film Theater

Each movie buff has their very own Oscar custom. However maybe essentially the most hardcore is the AMC Theatres Finest Image Showcase, a 24-hour film marathon that includes the gamut of nominees. We’ve at all times questioned who of their proper thoughts would select to observe 9 films back-to-back (to-back-to-back-to-back). So, for the sake of journalism (and masochism), we determined to search out out. We checked ourselves into the insane asylum of AMC Empire 25 in Instances Sq. to spend our weekend in Auditorium 7 for the endurance check of a lifetime.

Right here’s the rundown:

We are going to stay inside Instances Sq.’s AMC Theatres for the whole thing of the Finest Image Marathon, which begins Saturday at 12 p.m. and ends Sunday round 1 p.m. 9 of the ten greatest image nominees will display screen consecutively (“Emilia Pérez,” excluded as a result of it streamed on Netflix, won’t be sorely missed), with 10-minute breaks scheduled between every movie (plus one 45-minute dinner interval). For these doing math, sure, this “24-Hour Marathon” is certainly 24 hours and 50 minutes. As an added problem, we’re going to attempt to restrict ourselves to solely what’s bought at AMC concessions.

Provides:

Ethan’s packing listing: Neck pillow, blanket, toothbrush, laptop computer, chargers, Altoids, Flonase, change of garments.
Rebecca’s packing listing: Disinfectant wipes, Advil (which I hope I don’t want), Xanax (which I actually hope I don’t want), ear plugs, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, laptop computer and chargers.

Attendance report:

Almost all the 103 seats have been taken at first of “The Brutalist,” however we’ll be preserving monitor of who stays all through the night time.

Arrival (11:45 a.m.)

Rebecca Rubin: Ethan, I at all times thought our most harrowing mutual expertise could be the time we have been flying again from the Toronto Movie Pageant and our airplane was nearly struck by lightning. Alas, journalism at all times finds a manner. I’m naturally anxious and perpetually drained, so I’m not optimistic about this. However you’re a glutton for punishing assignments. You famously went to a 3:15 a.m. Imax screening of “Dune: Half Two.” How are you feeling?

Ethan Shanfeld: I’m slightly drained, but it surely’s not like watching 24 hours of flicks takes a lot effort. We had an analogous preparation technique: Don’t take into consideration this prematurely in any respect. It’s instances like these I want I may take the Substance and ship a warmer, youthful me into the theater as an alternative.

Rubin: One last item earlier than we get began. I need to apologize prematurely for the individual I’m going to be on the finish of this.  

“The Brutalist” (12:00 pm)

Shanfeld: Let’s discuss concerning the reality that there have been trailers – including 20 unexpected minutes to this occasion. That, together with Nicole Kidman and that horrendous Coke advert, seems like merciless and weird punishment for many who have already inflicted it upon themselves. Plus, there was no formal acknowledgement of our forthcoming odyssey. I believed no less than AMC would ship an worker to want us properly on our journey.

Rubin: Agreed. It was unusually unceremonious. I imply, that is the (leisure) equal of free solo climbing El Capitan.

Shanfeld: We spent $75 (earlier than tax) on a film ticket! We had gold wristbands! We should always have been ushered to our seats and handed a welcome drink.

Rubin: There was a stunning lack of campiness to this complete factor. No person was appearing prefer it’s the slightest bit deranged we have been all spending 25 hours in a movie show.

Shanfeld: These are critical individuals. I bought the vibe that it was much less informal moviegoers catching up on Oscar nominees and extra hardcore awards freaks in it for the fun. Individuals have been already arguing concerning the acceptable quantity of display screen time to benefit a greatest supporting actor nomination — class fraud, it’s an epidemic.

Rubin: As for the film, we’ve each already seen “The Brutalist,” which I wasn’t mad about watching once more. It’s the longest of the day at three hours and 34 minutes (together with a 15-minute intermission), so it was sensible to schedule this primary and get it out of the best way. But when László Tóth’s niece says it’s concerning the vacation spot, not the journey… God, for the sake of this torture experiment, I hope she’s unsuitable.

Break #1 (3:55 p.m.) 

Rubin: I’m sorry, Ethan. I do know you needed us to remain on the AMC weight loss plan, however I knew that I’d want actual meals, so I smuggled in a turkey avocado wrap from the bodega close to my residence. I dug into it by the primary break, which, by the best way, is shorter than the intermission of “The Brutalist.” I hope I don’t sound ridiculous, however these breaks are too brief! Concessions have been down the escalator, so I barely had time to sneak downstairs and illegally fill my Stanley (with water!). I don’t know whether or not that’s allowed, however I don’t like getting in hassle, so I used to be attempting to be covert concerning the beverage ordeal.

Shanfeld: Please maintain a watch out for the water police. I, legally, bought a pepperoni pizza flatbread and Food regimen Coke and scarfed ’em down as individuals shuffled again into the theater. One member of our squadron walked by and muttered to no person specifically: “This film is simply manner too lengthy.” It felt like a foolish criticism for somebody who paid for a nonuple (sure, I regarded that phrase up) characteristic.

“Nickel Boys” (4:05 p.m.)

Rubin: “Nickel Boys” and “I’m Nonetheless Right here” are the one movies on the lineup I hadn’t seen, so I used to be joyful no less than one was programmed earlier within the festivities, earlier than I fully lose my sanity. About 45 minutes into the film, I seen that one individual within the row in entrance of us had already began to nod off. “Ha! Weak…” I believed smugly to myself, absolutely realizing that’ll be me in a brief few hours.

Shanfeld: Halfway by, I went to the toilet and noticed a dude herald his popcorn bucket and place it atop the urinal wherein he then peed. Disturbing stuff, and it’s nonetheless daylight…

Break #2 (6:25 p.m.)

Rubin: I used to be attempting to carry off on concession meals for so long as attainable to keep away from the inevitability of feeling horrible. I caved throughout our dinner break. We bought hen tenders, which rudely displayed the calorie depend (970 with out sauce…) on the menu. I purposely didn’t take a look at the energy within the Coke Icee as a result of, at that time, ignorance is bliss. I instantly felt sick after the tenders.

Shanfeld: I believed they have been stadium-level scrumptious, however that might be the delusion setting in.

“A Full Unknown” (7:10 p.m.)

Shanfeld: All like to “The Brutalist” and “Nickel Boys,” however after these two, “A Full Unknown” felt like a respite. Dare I say I’ve loved every movie extra on the second watch?

Rubin: Actually, I’m undecided how I felt as a result of I spent most of “A Full Unknown” on a slushy-induced sugar excessive. Possibly it was the joyous concord of “It Ain’t Me Babe,” however individuals round us appeared to be on the identical web page. Our seatmates returned half-hour into the film with Starbucks cups and a fats bag of sweet from “It’s Sugar.” All of us wanted a lift.

Shanfeld: I’ve misplaced monitor of my weight loss plan soda tally. I’m not wanting ahead to this impending stomachache.

Rubin: Stray thought however Timothée Chalamet has lengthy, elegant fingernails. I’m going to be aware of how they’re manicured in “Dune Half Two.”

Shanfeld: That’s simply the ’60s, man.

Break #3 (9:30 p.m.)

Shanfeld: Proper earlier than “A Full Unknown” ended, you nudged me to show round.

Rubin: Three AMC staff have been standing by the doorway. It was the primary time we have been acknowledged by anybody outdoors our auditorium.

Shanfeld: That they had trivia!

Rubin: Ethan, you bought one proper concerning the authentic title of the film, “Going Electrical.” I believed it was form of dishonest so that you can reply, because it’s our job to know these items. However then you definately kindly gave your prize — a Monica Barbaro character poster — to a girl behind us. She thanked you a number of instances. I believe she’s going to do not forget that gesture for the remainder of her life.

Shanfeld: I instructed her, “Don’t suppose twice, it’s all proper.”

“Anora” (9:40 p.m.)

Shanfeld: Ever since we purchased these tickets, we’ve been planning to get cocktails at MacGuffins, the cocktail bar that’s aggressively marketed on AMC’s web site. It’s all a lie! There’s no MacGuffins Bar — solely the lame, common menu with 4 white wines, two reds and a sampling of beers. We every bought a Pinot Grigio.

Rubin: Grigio ladies! “Anora” was film to nurse a glass of wine by. It calmed me throughout Ani’s wild goose chase round Brooklyn. The packaging on the canned wine described the drink as “mild and crisp, displaying juicy notes of citrus and lime.” It tasted like an instantaneous headache.

Shanfeld: We additionally bought a bathtub of popcorn to share. I supplied you a few of my Sweetarts Ropes, however you declined.

Rubin: I wanted to have some self-respect. For what felt like half the film, a man within the entrance row was scrolling by the meals and beverage choices on his AMC app. I needed to shout, “Don’t get your hopes up! MacGuffins doesn’t exist!!!”

Break #4 (12 a.m.)

Shanfeld: Shortly after midnight, an AMC employee got here again to inform us the concession stand was closing for one hour — and that the constructing could be locked by the night time. A guard was stationed outdoors the auditorium to unlock the balcony for anybody in want of a smoke break. I hope the man in entrance of me who was blowing vape clouds throughout Mikey Madison’s emotional breakdown in “Anora” took word.

Rubin: I felt good concerning the safety measures, however unhealthy that the guards have been working such a horrendous shift. Earlier than we went into lockdown mode, we tried to discover the six-story constructing. The structure is complicated as a result of the escalators don’t join each flooring, so we thought the elevator could be simpler. We have been unsuitable.

Shanfeld: The elevator attendant, who should have been sitting in there for hours, lashed out at you while you pressed a button with out her permission. That’s an enormous no-no within the elevator group.

Rubin: She acted like I launched a nuclear warhead: “Ughhhhh, nice.”

“The Substance” (12:10 a.m.)

Rubin: OK, we’ve buried the lede. The seats don’t recline, and it’s downright merciless. I’d have reconsidered this task had I identified we have been about to be confined to “plush rockers” for a full day of our lives.

Shanfeld: My butt began hurting earlier than the Statue of Liberty went the wrong way up in “The Brutalist.” I’m not loving these plush rockers, that are plush however don’t rock, actually or figuratively. I knew from the beginning I’d ultimately should be horizontal. This film is when the yawning began. I used to be #FeelingMyself after that miniature can of wine.

Rubin: I journeyed downstairs to refill my water bottle round 1:30 a.m. and noticed you mendacity down on the soiled carpet. No judgement, however you’re gross for that.

Break #5 (2:30 a.m.)

Rubin: Trivia returns! The questions appeared more durable, however they upped the prize ante — these posters have been for “The Brutalist.” We actually ought to have identified the reply to the size of the Cannes standing ovation for “The Substance.”

Shanfeld: When no person guessed that accurately, the hosts took an actual softball flip. “Which actor acquired each an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination for ‘The Substance’?” Somebody shouted out “Demi Moore” and the supervisor truly checked his notes earlier than confirming they have been proper.

Rubin: We additionally mustered the braveness to talk with the individuals round us — the theater was nonetheless principally full at this level – they usually gave us some good recommendation!

Shanfeld: A veteran of the Finest Image Showcase advised we steadiness our consumption of sugar and caffeine, and to not have an excessive amount of of both.

Rubin: He was captivated with protein. I wager he’d be so proud to know I snuck in that turkey wrap.

“Conclave” (2:40 a.m.)

Rubin: I nodded off twice once I watched “Conclave” at a wonderfully humane hour, which is to say I didn’t have excessive hopes for myself at 2:40 a.m. With the Coke Icee nonetheless coursing by my veins, although, I couldn’t go to sleep. Not a wink. Others have been luckier; it was exhausting to see within the darkened theater, however I counted a dozen with their eyes closed. Lots have been awake and audibly reacting to the papal shenanigans on display screen so I didn’t really feel alone.

Shanfeld: I took an influence nap throughout “Conclave” and — spoiler alert! — woke as much as the sound of a fucking bomb.

Break #6 (4:40 a.m.)

Shanfeld: Trivia is again, and I’m depressing.

Rubin: My favourite query was asking which novel “Nickel Boys” relies on. Reply? “The Nickel Boys.” I hope the winner was happy with their Glinda poster.

Shanfeld: There may be merely manner an excessive amount of vitality on this room. I believed individuals would faucet out by “The Substance,” but it surely looks like no person has left.

Rubin: I couldn’t assist however snort once I overheard the lady subsequent to me say, “I’m so excited; I haven’t watched ‘Dune 2’ in three months.”

“Dune: Half Two” (4:50 a.m.)

Shanfeld: I need to go residence.

Rubin: I’ve given up attempting to relaxation and as an alternative resorted to being attentive to the film. I often pleasure myself on having the ability to go to sleep wherever, each time, however the sound is painfully loud. I put in earplugs, not as a result of I believed they’d drown something out, however as a result of I used to be genuinely involved about rupturing my eardrums.

Shanfeld: We’re absolutely in a “Noticed” lure. The sound from the theater is BOOMING down the corridor, making it not possible for even the dirty-carpet dwellers to get some slumber.

Rubin: When the film was over, I seen you had each footwear off…

Shanfeld: No remark.

Rubin: In case you have been questioning, Timmy principally wears gloves in “Dune: Half Two,” however I seen his fingernails have been a lot shorter on Arrakis than they have been in Greenwich Village.

Break #7 (7:35 a.m.)

Shanfeld: I’ve decided that this complete expertise is sort of a very lengthy flight however with out the free pretzels or Ginger Ale.

Rubin: I seen the safety guard outdoors our auditorium was conked out on her chair. To be clear, I don’t blame her in any respect.

“I’m Nonetheless Right here” (7:45 a.m.)

Rubin: I’ll level out the apparent: The movie’s title seems like a merciless taunt at this hour.

Shanfeld: Completely.

Rubin: I bought slightly too assured and assumed, at this price, I’d stay awake throughout the entirety of this hell-fest. On cue, I lastly fell asleep! After all, it was throughout the one film I nonetheless must see. I’m so sorry, Fernanda Torres. I’ll ultimately proper this unsuitable, however not immediately.

Shanfeld: You’ve gotten bestowed disgrace upon Brazil. It won’t neglect.

Rubin: Earlier than I handed out, I pressured you to affix me in ordering bagels and low on DoorDash. I couldn’t abdomen one other meal from the concession stand, and I knew I’d must eat earlier than we depart the premises at 1 p.m. I felt unhealthy as a result of I used to be crinkling the shit out of that bagel wrapper throughout a really critical film.

Shanfeld: Don’t fear. Theater etiquette went out the window no less than three films in the past.

Break #8 (10 a.m.)

Shanfeld: We’re nearly on the final circle of hell, and tensions are effervescent up. Apparently, somebody within the entrance row relocated to an empty seat subsequent to one of many marathon vets towards the again and promptly took a nap. I overheard the gossip circulating outdoors the restrooms: “For those who’re going to nap the entire time, return to the entrance.”

Rubin: Again within the auditorium, I requested the individuals in entrance of us what possessed them to enlist within the struggle in opposition to sleep. They summed it up in Gen Z phrases: “For the plot.”

“Depraved” (10:10 a.m.)

Rubin: I at all times knew that ending this ordeal with “Depraved” would really feel like a heat hug from Dulcibear. That is my third time seeing it in theaters and actually, if I weren’t right here, I’d most likely be listening to the soundtrack alone time.

Shanfeld: “However of couuurse I’ll look after Nessa” will probably be caught in my head for days now. By now, the room had thinned out a bit. We have been among the many Shiz Academy holdouts. I do know the musical is 2 hours and 40 minutes, however why not stick it out?

Rubin: I’ve solely slept an hour in whole, and “Widespread” and “Defying Gravity” hit completely different at peak delirium.

Shanfeld: A pal texted me asking about “final night time,” and the query really perplexed me. There is no such thing as a “final night time.” I’m on a special planet right here.

Ultimate Takeaways (12:50 p.m.)

Shanfeld: After Elphaba hit that top word and bought the fuck out of Emerald Metropolis, the viewers clapped for the primary time, which felt extra like a celebration of ourselves than “Depraved.” Rebecca, how are you feeling?

Rubin: I hit a low level throughout “Dune: Half Two,” however I held up rather a lot higher than I anticipated… No Xanax wanted. I really feel like I’m on a runner’s excessive. None of those randoms within the foyer are conscious of the feat we completed. However you mentioned one thing really insane once we left our seats for the ultimate time.

Shanfeld: I mentioned I may watch three extra movies. May, like if we had to. Weirdly, I really feel OK now. However I felt fairly near dying someplace between the Vatican and Arrakis.

Rubin: I truly like all of those films, however on this format, I hated each single one. Would I ever do that once more? No. Would I like to recommend it to a pal? Additionally no. Would I like to recommend it to an enemy? Sure!

Shanfeld: I can’t wait to go residence, snuggle up on the sofa and watch “Emilia Pérez.”