The Oscars season is upon us, and it’s time to reflect on some categories while also noting the notable changes in the nominations compared to the past. If you’ve managed to watch a significant number of the 2025 Best Picture nominees, a treat of choc-tops and popcorn is certainly in order.
As we segue to the realm of rugby, the past weekend’s events were filled with excitement, including some standout moments and surprising outcomes. One notable match featured the Fijian Drua, who made a strong impression in their opening Super Rugby Women’s game against the Waratahs, highlighted by a significant tackle from Alowesi Nakoci.
The ‘Best Sound’ award fittingly goes to the commentary team of Andrew Swain and colleagues, who amplified the thrilling moments of the game. In other categories, the ‘Best Documentary’ nod goes to Western Force’s Carlo Tizzano for his heartwarming feature on caring for a local boy with Down syndrome, while the ‘Best Film Editing’ goes to the Diversity Round event that beautifully showcased the heritage of players.
For ‘Best Hair and Makeup’, Reesjan Pasitoa of the Force, who made a comeback after a long injury layoff, earned the title for his distinctive haircut. In terms of cultural representation, Stan’s Hamish France excelled, capturing the spirit of the Fijian Drua’s performance in a dramatic display at Allianz Stadium, thus earning the ‘Best Director’ accolade.
On the pitch, Super Rugby Women’s showcased incredible talent, with standout performances from players like Vitalina Naikore and Merania Paraone, the latter earning ‘Best Actress’ for her significant contribution to the Brumbies’ play. Meanwhile, Tate McDermott of the Reds was named ‘Best Actor’ for his exceptional performance in a closely contested match against the Force, ultimately showcasing his skill and leadership under pressure.
Lastly, the coveted ‘Best Picture’ title goes to the gripping match between the Reds and Force that exemplified the fiercely competitive nature of this season. With several games coming down to the wire, including a nail-biter decided after the full-time whistle, it’s been a thrilling rugby season thus far.
Tune in for the upcoming discussions on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts, featuring insights from ex-Wallabies captain James Horwill and rugby analyst Morgan Turinui.