`May December`: Critics are puzzled - why did Portman and Moore not receive Oscar nominations?

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Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore are stars whose roles rarely go unnoticed. The film featuring them, "May December" (2023), received rave reviews, but the actresses were not nominated for an Oscar. What went wrong?

Drama in a Small Town

"May December" tells the story of actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman), who arrives in a small town to prepare for a role in a biographical film.

She is set to play Gracie ( )—a woman who was once at the center of a high-profile scandal. Two decades ago, Gracie had an affair with a 13-year-old boy (Charles Melton), married him, had three children, and now leads a quiet life.
Natalie Portman behind Julianne Moore on the poster for the film "May December"
Poster for the film "May December"
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But how real is this life? As she delves into the role, Elizabeth observes, analyzes, imitates... and gradually blurs the line between study and substitution. Who is the predator in this story and who is the victim?

Uncomfortable Cinema, and That's Its Strength

Todd Haynes' film is not a drama with a clear moral compass. It's a movie that pulls the rug out from under you. Some critics have called it "disturbing and hypnotic," while others describe it as a "trap." "You feel one way, and then it makes you wonder if you should feel something entirely different," writes Bilge Ebiri for Vulture.

This discomfort is intentional. The film contains moments of dark humor, but they don't lighten the mood; instead, they heighten the sense of unease. It's art that doesn't seek to please—and perhaps that's what played a cruel joke on it.
Julianne Moore and Charles Melton listen to the directions of director Todd Haynes
Filming of 'May December'
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Portman and Moore at Their Best — But It Wasn't Enough

The film received a 91% "freshness" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and one of the main reasons is the performances. Their duet is an intense, psychologically complex duel.

plays with cold precision, conveying her character's predatory curiosity. She infiltrates Gracie's life not just for art's sake — her interest is almost parasitic. Meanwhile, Julianne Moore balances between outward calm and underlying anxiety. We are not entirely sure: does she really live without guilt, or has she just learned to mask the past?

"I was lucky to work with actresses of incredible intelligence and depth, who are interested in breaking viewer expectations or challenging them," Haynes shared with Interview Magazine.
Natalie Portman with a notebook and Julianne Moore with blush in the film "May December"
Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore
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The film was shot in just 23 days, with minimal rehearsals, so the actresses had to immediately engage in the subtle power struggle their characters lead. It turned out brilliantly. So why were they overlooked at the world's top film award?

Why Did Portman and Moore Lose the Nomination Battle?

One possible reason is the fierce competition. Had the film been released in another year, Natalie and Julianne would likely have received nominations. However, in 2024, they had to compete with possibly the most powerful female roles of the decade.

Lily Gladstone in "Killers of the Flower Moon," Emma Stone in "Poor Things," Sandra Hüller in "Anatomy of a Fall"—roles that were discussed for months. The votes of the Academy members might have simply been split, and Portman and Moore didn't get enough points to pass.
May December - Trailer
Moreover, Haynes' provocative works rarely resonate with the conservative jury members. For example, "I'm Not There" (2007), his unconventional biopic about Bob Dylan, received rave reviews but didn't make it to the Oscars.

"May December" is also not a typical Oscar drama. It's an intellectual game without emotional climaxes and straightforward answers. It seems the Academy prefers more traditional stories.

Finally, the streaming format complicated things. The film was released on Netflix, meaning its fate depended not only on the box office but also on the platform's algorithms. Some jury members are still skeptical about streaming releases.
Charles Melton, Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman in evening outfits against the backdrop of the movie poster for "May December"
The Main Actors of "May December" at the Premiere
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Even Hollywood legends like Steven Spielberg have openly spoken out against Netflix at the Oscars—and perhaps this factor played a role. While the famous director's opinion has softened, other academicians' attitudes towards streaming projects remain mixed.

What About the Audience?

The film did not win an Oscar in its sole nomination (for Best Original Screenplay), but that doesn't mean it went unnoticed. On IMDb, "May December" holds a solid rating, and viewers continue to discuss its moral ambiguity.

The style, bold themes, and outstanding acting made Haynes' film a subject of heated discussions. One could say that "May December" has already become cult for its audience—even without the top cinematic award.
What do you think? Did Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore deserve a nomination? Or was the Academy's decision fair? Share your thoughts in the comments!