In a year with many good films, absences in the nominations are bound to cause a greater sting. Even worse is when a widely beloved filmmaker gets overlooked.

A Saturn Return can be considered one of the most challenging seasons of one’s life, with hard questions and harsh revelations; however, the true gift of a Saturn Return lies within one of its core lessons: (re)learning to trust and return to yourself.

Honoring aspects of our ethnic identity is vital for reclaiming stories muddled by colonial erasure. Mes CHamoru, a cultural testament to Pacific Islander indigenity, serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty of celebrating what makes us, us.