2024 could be seen as a year brimming with change and apprehension within Hollywood, but if we focus on the 50 movies up for an Academy Award this year – including features, shorts, documentaries, and international films – it’s evident that the film industry remains vibrant and teeming with talent. This year, in essence, has shown a remarkable display of cinematic prowess, making it a particularly impressive Oscar season. Although rankings might lead to praising the best and criticizing the worst, with rare exceptions, there’s something appealing about every single one of these films, and some even achieve greatness.
Year after year, I analyze and compare about 50 movies spanning a variety of themes, target audiences, and overall atmospheres. These are like apples, oranges, bananas, and pomegranates (with a single special fig), but despite their differences, I have determined their ranking in terms of quality. Now, let me shuffle the middle section of this list one more time before we delve into it.
50. The Six Triple Eight
In simpler terms, Tyler Perry’s first Oscar-nominated film, titled “The Six Triple Eight,” has been criticized for its simplistic dialogue, flat characterizations, and an unconvincing portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt by Susan Sarandon, who appears to be wearing cheap false teeth. The movie runs for 128 minutes. The song “The Journey” received a Best Original Song nomination but has been compared to another song, “The Climb,” in terms of its themes and ambition, although it is shorter. However, the real-life women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, who were the only all-Black women’s army battalion sent overseas during World War II, are said to have deserved a more complex, insightful portrayal in the movie, which they haven’t received yet.
49. Elton John: Never Too Late
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=fQGf_nJ1E9w
Directed by: R.J. Cutler, David Furnish
Nominations: (1) Best Original Song
The Oscars have generally moved away from awarding Best Documentary Feature to self-promoting celebrity autobiographies that are prevalent on streaming services, yet they couldn’t resist acknowledging Elton John and Bernie Taupin (and Brandi Carlisle and Andrew Watt) once more. While I tend to be less critical of these types of films, especially when they inadvertently reveal aspects about their subjects due to the way they craft their own public image, I found Never Too Late to lack a compelling justification as a standalone film. John has already explored his biography extensively, with the candid and revealing Tantrums and Tiaras from 1997 (directed by Furnish, John’s longtime partner). Never Too Late touches on John’s perspectives on aging and passing his legacy to future generations, but it fails to establish its own significance as a film.
48. Beautiful Men
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=BkYjLMZgUpk
Directed by: Nicolas Keppens
Nominations: (1) Best Animated Short
As a follower, I often express my preference for short-film nominees to steer clear of heavy themes, yet when a film like “Three Brothers’ Journey to Turkey for Hair Transplants” is presented, I find myself rating it lower. However, this movie just didn’t resonate with me as much as I hoped, feeling somewhat similar to “Force Majeure” with reduced tension and absence of female characters. There are comedic moments, but they seem overshadowed by a persistent melancholy that dampens the impact. The film does feature a fair share of male anatomy, though!
47. Alien: Romulus
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=x0XDEhP4MQs
Directed by: Fede Álvarez
Nominations: (1) Best Visual Effects
If you’ve ever felt that the Alien series hasn’t been explicit enough with its symbolic sexual imagery, then Romulus might be just the film for you. The director, Álvarez, appears to market this movie as the equivalent of Rogue One within the broader Alien universe. Although the gritty tone is appealing, the character development seems somewhat dull. And that’s not even touching upon the AI atrocity committed against the late Ian Holm’s character, both spiritually and physically.
46. Inside Out 2
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=LEjhY15eCx0
Directed by: Kelsey Mann
Nominations: (1) Best Animated Feature
The first “Inside Out” was exceptional, standing out as a shining gem amidst a somewhat inconsistent decade for Pixar. However, even the most ardent supporters of “Inside Out” would acknowledge that the movie barely held together its internal logic, with personality elements struggling to work harmoniously within a child’s mind. The sequel, aiming to elevate the storyline by dissecting the protagonist’s personality into increasingly specific components (such as Anxiety, Envy, and Ennui), is misguided. In fact, the more it strives to be coherent, the less time it spends on crafting a captivating narrative. It seems fitting (albeit unfortunate) that “Inside Out 2” struggles to move beyond its own thoughts.
45. I’m Not a Robot
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=uT0zlzjPVgg
Directed by: Victoria Warmerdam
Nominations: (1) Best Live Action Short
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that the Oscar-nominated shorts can sometimes be quite intense and heavy. It’s always refreshing when a lighter film comes along, offering a change of pace. That was supposed to be the case with “I’m Not a Robot”, a slightly comedic mini-series that could be seen as a lighter version of “Black Mirror”. In this story, an office worker finds herself in a peculiar predicament when she struggles with a CAPTCHA, leading her to ponder the absurd idea that she might actually be a robot. However, what unfolds is not uproariously funny or absurdly ludicrous, but rather just a touch of the bizarre. Ultimately, the ending leaves you with more of a shrug than a sense of satisfaction.
44. Gladiator II
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=4rgYUipGJNo
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Nominations: (1) Best Costume Design
Although the first Gladiator won the Best Picture award at the Oscars two decades ago, it was a grandiose, overly serious spectacle, complete with fields of wheat and Russell Crowe’s intense growls about avenging his family. The sequel, Gladiator II, is even more absurd and self-deprecating, which could be seen as an upgrade from the original. Unfortunately, it falls short in almost every aspect compared to its predecessor. Poor Paul Mescal is saddled with the challenging task of emulating Crowe’s iconic Maximus, while Pedro Pascal seems somewhat out of place on the fringes. The film offers some amusement with Denzel Washington’s flamboyant antagonist Macrinus (or perhaps he isn’t?), as well as Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger’s duo of regal emperors, but the novelty of a pet monkey only goes so far in carrying a movie.
43. Maria
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=_7_ze9palm0
Directed by: Pablo Larraín
Nominations: (1) Best Cinematography
Acknowledging just Ed Lachman’s stunning cinematography for the movie “Maria” is like saying “what a fantastic collection of dresses” in praise, but it’s Lachman who truly steals the show as the film’s Most Valuable Player. Unfortunately, Pablo Larraín failed to secure a third Best Actress nomination for his trilogy of biopics about secluded 20th-century women, following Natalie Portman’s nomination for “Jackie” and Kristen Stewart’s for “Spencer“. The issue isn’t Angelina Jolie herself, but rather the lack of a unique perspective Larraín brings to Maria Callas.
42. Emilia Pérez
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=4h7j_EcZ5fU
Director: Jacques Audiard
Nominations: (13) Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Original Score, Best Original Song (2 times), Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Film Editing.
This film, you see, carries a distinctly French flavor… It’s not just the story of a transgender crime boss trying to wash away her past of violence and chaos, complicated by growing emotional entanglements with her ex-wife and children. No, it’s more than that – it’s a French film. If you look beyond its questionable music, it remains a French production.
While criticisms about the film’s portrayal of trans people and Mexicans are valid, it’s essential to understand the film’s roots. This is a daring French movie that prioritizes audacity over all else, exploring themes and genres that may not be its forte, resulting in an audaciousness that sometimes lacks substance.
41. The Last Ranger
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ruLdx8ep_lQ
Directed by: Cindy Lee
Nominations: (1) Best Live Action Short
In simpler terms, many nominated live-action short films (particularly those) seem to encapsulate the pivotal turning point of a full-length story. Due to time limitations, you can predict the climax from afar and the narrative tends to feel somewhat devoid of tension. This description applies to “The Last Ranger“, a tale about a ranger and her apprentice on a South African wildlife preserve who are ambushed by rhino poachers. Avumile Qongqo delivers a captivating performance as the ranger, yet despite this, the film’s predictable, grim ending leaves an unsatisfying impact.
40. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=XtFI7SNtVpY
Directed by: Wes Ball
Nominations: (1) Best Visual Effects
The voters for the Oscars seem to be captivated by this film series, having put forth nominations for VFX awards for films like Rise, Dawn, War, and now Kingdom. To be sure, the motion-capture technology used in these productions is truly remarkable. However, as each new film delves deeper into world-building beyond Caesar’s teachings about ape unity – with heavy allegories throughout – they begin to feel quite similar. Despite the strong production values, the narrative influence of these films seems to be diminishing.
39. Anuja
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=4scA464q8Sw
Directed by: Adam J. Graves
Nominations: (1) Best Live Action Short
Mindy Kaling’s producer credit drew significant focus when it was revealed as a nominee, and its distribution on Netflix probably boosted its awards push. The movie itself, focusing on a 9-year-old girl from New Delhi who works in a factory and is offered the chance to attend school instead, alternates between a gripping portrayal of two sisters grappling with life-altering choices too soon and a lighter, almost fairy tale-like directorial approach. This technique sometimes succeeds but not consistently, maintaining some distance from the story rather than drawing viewers in as it should.
38. In the Shadow of the Cypress
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=LVzZ3CVanPk
Directed by: Hossein Molayemi, Shirin Sohani
Nominations: (1) Best Animated Short
In a poignant Iranian short film, I find myself living alongside an elderly man and his daughter by the vast expanse of the sea. One fateful day, a whale strands itself close to us. As the daughter valiantly attempts to rescue it, the father grapples with haunting memories from his past as a seafaring captain, battles that linger within him due to PTSD. Directors Molayemi and Sohani have shared that this short film is a heartfelt homage to veterans of the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. Although it employs some familiar motifs seen in annual animated shorts — no dialogue, profound themes that seem out of place — it concludes with a powerful and ethereal poignancy.
37. Better Man
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=KVeH5T4wxkE
Directed by: Michael Gracey
Nominations: (1) Best Visual Effects
The genre of music biopics, often criticized for its predictability, is under scrutiny in this case, as the film “Better Man,” about Britpop sensation Robbie Williams, attempts to shake things up by having him voice the lead role and portray a CGI monkey. However, despite the creative twist, the movie unfortunately continues trodding the familiar biopic path, relying heavily on the star’s personal struggle (his self-loathing) as he spirals through fame and fortune towards redemption. The director injects some enthusiasm into the musical scenes, especially in the lively “Rock DJ” number filled with dance, but ultimately can’t breathe fresh life into a story that has become overly clichéd.
36. Memoir of a Snail
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Ehc8cc7g31I
Directed by: Adam Elliot
Nominations: (1) Best Animated Feature
When I refer to this movie as being similar to “A Little Life” in stop-motion animation, it’s more accurate than I’d prefer. The film, by Adam Elliot, is indeed well-crafted with expressive animations and strong vocal performances from Sarah Snook and Jacki Weaver. However, it’s also remarkably dark, as it relentlessly takes its protagonist through one unfortunate, heart-wrenching situation after another. At some point, the constant hardship starts to feel more cruel than impactful.
35. Death by Numbers
Directed by: Kim A. Snyder
Nominations: (1) Best Documentary Short
The frequent occurrence of school shootings in contemporary American culture is often explored in Oscar-nominated short films, such as the 2021 Animated Short winner “If Anything Happens I Love You” and the 2017 Live Action nominee “DeKalb Elementary”. This film tackles the somber verdict of the Parkland school shooter’s trial while highlighting the poetic resilience of one of his victims, Sam Fuentes. The film allows Fuentes to express her sorrow, anger, and search for understanding, but delving into broader topics like the legal process for a case such as this presents a more challenging task.
34. Magic Candies
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=xzofxljh-rw
Directed by: Daisuke Nishio
Nominations: (1) Best Animated Short
In essence, movies featuring lonely children with vivid imaginations are often the highlight of Oscar-winning animated shorts. While Magic Candies doesn’t exactly blaze new trails in its narrative about a Japanese boy fond of marbles, it certainly offers a unique twist: When the boy mistakenly purchases candy shaped like marbles and consumes them, everyday objects like sofas and family pets begin conversing with him. Although it might seem like a film centered around a child experiencing hallucinations, it is also filled with vibrant colors, and encourages viewers to perceive the world in an unusual way.
33. A Lien
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=jw1_AmHf0i4
Directed by: David Cutler-Kreutz, Sam Cutler-Kreutz
Nominations: (1) Best Live Action Short
A U.S. family, comprising a couple and their child, race against time to reach an immigration office, where the husband, born in El Salvador but raised in the U.S., is due for his green card interview. Unfortunately, the office gets raided by ICE, leaving the anxious pair fighting desperately to prevent their family from being torn apart. While the relevance of this narrative to contemporary issues is undeniably striking and worthy of attention, it’s also essential to acknowledge the skillful portrayal of fear, panic, and betrayal in the movie that adds depth to the storytelling.
32. The Apprentice
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=0tXEN0WNJUg
Directed by: Ali Abbasi
Nominations: (2) Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor
Since it seems inevitable that this man will serve as president for an extended period, perhaps there should be a movie that skips the elaborate, “Citizen Kane”-like backstory and instead presents Donald Trump as the product of manipulative narcissist Roy Cohn. Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong deliver raw performances as two characters who thrived on dominating their environment, depicted in the gritty, pixelated atmosphere of 1980s America.
31. Wicked
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=6COmYeLsz4c
Under the direction of: Jon M. Chu
Nominated in the following categories: (10) Best Movie, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Set Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects
In the upcoming 2025 Oscars, it’s fitting that the movie adaptation of “Wicked” with the most audience excitement, particularly featuring a powerfully bubbly portrayal of Galinda (Ariana Grande), stands out for its self-assuredness. The film also touches on a contemporary issue of toxic positivity, although this aspect might be less prominent until we reach the Emerald City and the introduction of eugenics.
Critiquing “Wicked” as a screen musical was bound to revolve around how it compared to the stage production, and whether or not that comparison is valid. In this regard, Cynthia Erivo excels in her key performances, the overall energy is vibrant, the humor is playful, Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero is charming, and the messages are clear. Grande exceeds expectations in her role, while the direction can be perplexing at times (to avoid sounding repetitive, but the backlighting in “Dancing Through Life” is quite impactful) and frustrating at others.
Adapting a two-and-a-half-hour musical into two lengthy films raises questions about whether every scene, song, and note must be drawn out to such an extent.
30. I Am Ready, Warden
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=yDk9Vxe2d6Y
Directed by: Smriti Mundhra
Nominations: (1) Best Documentary Short
As a devoted admirer, I’d like to rephrase my previous statement: In 2019, Mundhra was recognized in the same category for “St. Louis Superman.” Now, he diligently weaves together various viewpoints on the impending execution of John Henry Ramirez, a convicted murderer. We gain insights from Ramirez himself, who articulately discusses his crime and his transformation during imprisonment. The Texas DA is also featured, grappling with whether to incorporate his personal anti-death penalty beliefs into a case where the verdict has already been handed down. However, what truly resonates is the film’s emphasis on the adult son of Ramirez’s victim, whose fury appears unrelenting. The profound intimacy Mundhra captures in the film’s closing moments feels like a testament to a project undertaken with unwavering moral conviction.
29. The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=gvm0L_H-8Vk
Directed by: Nebojša Slijepčević
Nominations: (1) Best Live Action Short
This brief movie set in Croatia portrays the tragic events of the 1993 Štrpci train massacre, where a Serbian paramilitary unit forced their way onto a train, singled out 18 Bosnian Muslims, and brutally murdered them. Among the victims was a retired Croatian military officer who had spoken out against the illegal police action. Slijepčević’s direction is minimalistic yet impactful as he zeroes in on a single train car, where a small group of terrified individuals huddle together, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the authorities to check their documents. The film’s most striking moment comes when the courageous protagonist makes his entrance, serving both as a powerful testament to the dangers of defiance and the horrors of submission.
28. Porcelain War
Over the past few years, the conflict in Ukraine has been a significant topic for numerous Oscar nominees, including the Documentary Feature winner of last year, “20 Days in Mariupol”. Similarly, both this film and “Porcelain War” offer close-up views of the struggle between Russian invaders and Ukrainian civilians defending their land. However, while the former mainly focuses on the battle itself, “Porcelain War” delves deeper to show not just who is fighting, but what they’re fighting for. These aren’t professional soldiers, but ordinary citizens, unwillingly turned into combatants due to the war, now skilled in weapons and tactics, showing remarkable calmness amidst the dangers of landmines and injuries on the battlefield. Meanwhile, we also witness Slava Leontyev’s family attempting to preserve some semblance of normality, with his wife’s hand-painted porcelain snails symbolizing life and creativity persisting through the turmoil of war. The film occasionally struggles to harmonize these two perspectives of Ukrainian life, but it excels — particularly when it follows the makeshift fighting forces that Slava has trained in weaponry — in delivering a powerful impact.
27. The Only Girl in the Orchestra
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=dNojvRebRV4
Directed by: Molly O’Brien
Nominations: (1) Best Documentary Short
1966 marked the historic moment when Orin O’Brien became the New York Philharmonic orchestra’s first female member. Upon her retirement at 85 years old, her niece created a film about her life. This film isn’t heavy with the drama found in some documentaries, but its strength lies in the charismatic personality of Orin herself – a truly remarkable woman whose love for her chosen instrument, the double bass, is second only to her mixed feelings about being a trailblazer. The admiration for Orin expressed by her niece is shared by everyone from Orin’s students to the words of the late Leonard Bernstein. Orin’s description of the double bass as the solid foundation of the orchestra, essential yet unobtrusive, is inspiring – without it, the entire performance could collapse, but it’s not meant to be noticed.
26. Nosferatu
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=nulvWqYUM8k
Directed by: Robert Eggers
Nominated in the following categories:
1. Best Cinematography
2. Best Production Design
3. Best Makeup and Hairstyling
4. Best Costume Design
Eggers, as a director, clearly derives immense joy from constructing the settings for his films, making it somewhat immaterial if the stories themselves don’t fully resonate with me. Orlok’s castle exudes a chilling atmosphere, his presence looms large, and he genuinely gives off a creepy vibe. Does it matter that I struggle to decipher my feelings towards Lily-Rose Depp’s character or that the resolution of what to do about Orlok is not clearly articulated until the end? Apparently not! However, after watching Coppola’s Dracula, this was all I desired.
25. September 5
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Azud40CQ3IE
Directed by: Tim Fehlbaum
Nominations: (1) Best Original Screenplay
Is it possible to take a historical event as oft-depicted and thorny with contrasting interpretations as the terrorist abductions at the 1972 Munich Olympics and make a movie that is “just” a control-room drama about reporting it live on national television? If it is, September 5 does it as well you could hope for. The tension is thick, the instruments are unreliable, the workarounds are inventive and ballsy, and the acting by the likes of John Magaro, Peter Sarsgaard, Ben Chaplin, and Leonie Benesch is unimpeachable. As solid as the screenplay by Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, and Alex David is, I’d have preferred a nomination for editing or Magaro’s performance instead. But ultimately, this is a movie whose primary sociopolitical lens is post-WWII Germany’s bid for redemption, a lens that could not have felt more superfluous in 2024.
24. Instruments of a Beating Heart
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ZRuHEcPSaPM
Directed by: Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Nominations: (1) Best Documentary Short
In this year’s Oscar race, a compelling character stands out among the talented László Tóths, Anoras, and Bob Dylans – Ayame, a Japanese second-grader who embarks on a journey of determination in mastering cymbal crashes for her class performance of “Ode to Joy.” Director Ema Ryan Yamazaki skillfully blends into the classroom environment, capturing genuine, unguarded moments. The film focuses heavily on discipline, demonstrating how each student’s individual actions – a drum beat or triangle clang – can combine to create something larger than themselves when they work together and support one another.
23. Black Box Diaries
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ZQ2RLpHPF78
Directed by: Shiori Itō
Nominations: (1) Best Documentary Feature
Documentaries that focus on individual stories of fighting institutional injustice are a common theme among Oscar-nominated films. What sets Black Box Diaries apart is its portrayal of Shiori Ito’s pursuit of justice following her own rape, which is presented as a tenacious act of journalism. Unlike many who might sensationalize such experiences, Ito subtly illustrates that merely coming forward, admitting to being raped, and naming the perpetrator, while brave, is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in conducting your own investigation to even have a chance at achieving justice. This journey is challenging and unjust, and the most impactful moments of Black Box Diaries come when Ito faces numerous instances where male dominance works against her. Remarkably, however, Ito refuses to let her film succumb to despair. Instead, it reflects a resilience driven by determination, a spirit that Black Box Diaries captures exceptionally well.
22. A Complete Unknown
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=FdV-Cs5o8mc
The director is James Mangold.
The movie has been nominated in 8 categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Performance by an Actor, Best Performance by a Supporting Actor, Best Performance by a Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound, and Best Costume Design.
Beyond providing every red-carpet awards reporter an excellent conversation starter to engage nominated actors and crew (“How do you feel?”), A Complete Unknown managed to impress many by avoiding being a disappointment. Initially, there was much skepticism when first photos and trailers were released, with young Timothée Chalamet appearing overpowered in his Bob Dylan costume. However, Mangold’s film successfully captures the enigmatic essence of Dylan, allowing it to avoid typical biopic stereotypes and patterns. Chalamet’s convincing portrayal (he sings a lot!) was far from the exaggerated depiction some had anticipated. The film does have its flaws, particularly in the underdeveloped romantic subplots involving Elle Fanning’s character and Monica Barbaro’s Joan Baez. However, it makes up for this with the intricate relationships Dylan shares with Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), and Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook), which don’t aim to solve the mystery of Bob Dylan but rather portray the world in which his music was created.
21. Conclave
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=JX9jasdi3ic
Directed by: Edward Berger
Nominated in the following categories:
1. Best Picture
2. Best Performance by an Actor
3. Best Performance by a Supporting Actress
4. Best Adapted Screenplay
5. Best Original Score
6. Best Production Design
7. Best Costume Design
8. Best Film Editing
Despite the release of Pedro Almodóvar’s film featuring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, and Nicole Kidman’s unusual milk drinking scene, it’s surprising that Conclave, a movie about gossip, power struggles, vibrant colors, and shocking revelations, garnered the most excitement from queer social media influencers and comedy trendsetters. However, this doesn’t mean Conclave doesn’t deserve its status as a covert queer cinema icon. On the surface, it appears to be a film about procedures, but beneath that, it delves into tense group dynamics and the use of secrets as leverage. Essentially, it’s like a reality TV reunion, except instead of Meredith Marks, we have top-tier actors such as Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini. (It also subtly explores the internal power struggles within the Catholic Church regarding adapting to the modern world or embracing conservative ideologies, but these themes are less suited for viral memes.)
20. Wander to Wonder
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=lv4wugFeKSc
Directed by: Nina Gantz
Nominations: (1) Best Animated Short
This film delves deep into your emotions, making you feel like director Ari Aster experimented with stop-motion and pondered the fate of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” if its creator passed away, leaving his characters stranded, starving, and abandoned. The blend of humor and horror keeps you intrigued as it unfolds to its catastrophic conclusion. The filmmaking style leaves me eagerly anticipating what she could achieve with a full-length feature.
19. Yuck!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=P662Q7aIbr8
Directed by: Loïc Espuche
Nominations: (1) Best Animated Short
Following the omission of nominations for films like “Babygirl” and “Challengers”, the Oscar ballot was lacking a touch of romance. This is where the French short film “Yuck!” stepped in, focusing on a group of children at summer camp who find kissing utterly disgusting, yet their lips mysteriously glow a distinct pink whenever they’re thinking about it. The film subtly explores themes of societal repression and shame, but Espuche skillfully avoids heavy-handedness, instead using the glowing-lip concept to infuse the film with lighthearted wit.
18. The Wild Robot
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=67vbA5ZJdKQ
Directed by: Chris Sanders
Nominations: (3) Best Animated Feature, Best Original Song, Best Sound
In my opinion, I’m going to reclaim “manipulative” as a positive term when discussing films, because The Wild Robot is incredibly manipulative, yet I adored every moment of it. This film tells the tale of a robot who finds itself on an island populated by strange creatures. Over time, not only does it learn to coexist with them but also understands values such as love, camaraderie, and self-sacrifice, while caring for a lost duckling that we all know will eventually fly away. From Lupita Nyong’o’s expressive voice acting, Chris Sanders’ vivid direction, to Kris Bowers’ skillful music, every element works together to guide the audience through an emotional rollercoaster. We laugh, applaud, cheer, “aw,” and cry at precisely the right moments. The Wild Robot is a closed system in terms of technology, but it’s also a deeply moving piece of storytelling that keeps its promise by the end.
17. Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=_RwLdIiZk_8
Directed by: Johan Grimonprez
Nominations: (1) Best Documentary Feature
The way we recall historical events often occurs independently due to the isolating nature of our movies and TV shows about them. The comprehensive, interconnected image of global and local history within a brief timeframe is simply too vast, making films like Johan Grimonprez’s particularly striking and intimidating. For instance, the assassination of Congolese president Patrice Lumumba in 1960 connects to the attempts by the United States (through the CIA), Belgium, and interests within the U.N. to control post-colonial Africa, which further ties to Africa serving as an extension of the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, which links to the civil rights movement in the United States, which connects to black artists such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Nina Simone functioning as conflicted representatives for Africa, which connects to movements like pan-Africanism. It’s uncommon for me to express a desire for a movie to be a TV series, but part of me yearned for extended episodes to explore anecdotes in greater detail, such as Malcolm X hosting Nikita Khrushchev and Fidel Castro in Harlem. However, the influence of Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat lies in its overwhelming portrayal of colonialism’s attempts to assimilate everything it encounters, including music and culture that aim to defy it.
16. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=X0ZGf2B01uU
Directed by: Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham
Nominations: (1) Best Animated Feature
In this sixth installment of the series, Wallace, a friendly inventor with a fondness for cheese, and his intelligent beagle companion Gromit – both characters created by director Nick Park through claymation – take center stage once more in a full-length feature film. The antagonist, Feathers McGraw, a cunning and devious bird known for delivering exceptional performances, resurfaces with the intention of enacting intricate revenge on Wallace and Gromit, who were instrumental in his capture. As is customary with this franchise, the movie combines wit, silliness, and swift pacing, making it an ideal watch as awards season draws to a close.
15. The Girl With the Needle
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=NdjhUNH5v3Q
Directed by: Magnus von Horn
Nominations: (1) Best International Feature
Drawing inspiration from the real-life tale of early 20th-century Danish murderer Dagmar Overbye, it’s not surprising that this movie carries a somber tone. However, Von Horn imbues his film with an unsettling and ominous atmosphere that surpasses the bleak disclosures presented within the movie itself. The monochrome photography lends a haunting, foggy quality to scenes ranging from carnival sideshows to public baths, making them seem shrouded in impenetrable, ink-black shadows. Among the filmmakers of the 2024 Academy Award class, Von Horn is one I’m particularly eager to see more work from.
14. Flow
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ZgZccxuj2RY
Directed by: Gints Zilbalodis
Nominations: (2) Best Animated Feature, Best International Feature
An unexpected group of characters outshone every superhero collective the previous year: a sleek black cat, a practical capybara, an injured secretarybird, a curious lemur, and a spirited yellow Labrador. Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis employed 3-D animation to create characters and settings that appear painstakingly detailed and lovingly crafted. The depiction of water in the animation is incredibly captivating. With no dialogue, Zilbalodis weaves an uncomplicated yet emotionally layered narrative (why are these canines so obstinate?). Amid floods, storms, and stampedes, this film serves as a testament to logistical prowess and a delightful animal-themed movie!
13. Sugarcane
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=CisI_WFPDOk
Directed by: Julian Brave NoiseKat, Emily Kassie
Nominations: (1) Best Documentary Feature
Filmmakers NoiseKat and Kassie expose the long-standing struggle for justice concerning the tragic impact of the Canadian Indian residential school system, utilizing meticulous journalism and poignant testimonies from victims. For over a hundred years, Indigenous children were forced to reside in schools managed by the Catholic Church, where they faced abuse, and even worse, many children – including infants – lost their lives, their bodies being buried anonymously in unmarked graves. The sheer scale of this horror is overwhelming, made all the more harrowing due to NoiseKat’s personal association with the schools through his father. The resilience of the survivors in sharing their pain and suffering makes this film a challenging but essential watch.
12. The Seed of the Sacred Fig
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=nbKLGsf1Syg
Directed by: Mohammad Rasoulof
Nominations: (1) Best International Feature
The majority of discussions about this film, notably upon its debut at Cannes in May, revolved around Rasoulof having to surreptitiously shoot the movie in Iran, complete it in Germany (the nation that submitted the film for Oscar consideration), and eventually flee his native country, where he has been imprisoned on several occasions for challenging the government. This defiant spirit permeates The Seed of the Sacred Fig, a film which initially scrutinizes the 2022 student protests in Tehran before incorporating that conflict into the household and family life of an Iranian judge who has been issuing death sentences for the protesters by the hundreds. Unbeknownst to him, his daughters are more deeply involved in the protests than he realizes. By merging the political with the deeply personal, Rasoulof demonstrates the remarkable courage and resolve it takes for Iranian women, in particular, to take to the streets. This is a form of political filmmaking that refuses to maintain any distance from the politics involved. (Coincidentally, this would make an exceptional double feature with I’m Still Here).
11. Sing Sing
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=j3dXc6P3zH8
Directed by: Greg Kwedar
Nominations: (3) Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song
The movie, “Sing Sing,” has a unique appeal that could have veered into excessive showiness with less skilled hands. Notably, it was co-written by inmates from Sing Sing prison who were part of a Rehabilitation Through Arts program and features a predominantly male cast made up of former prisoners alongside actors like Colman Domingo and Paul Raci. Instead of pitting Domingo against his co-stars for raw emotional intensity, as might be expected, the film gives his character a tender quality that sets him apart. Scenes depicting parole boards are less potent compared to those where the inmates gather in a circle to critique their own creations. If you enjoyed the intricate power dynamics and subtle politics portrayed in “Conclave,” I strongly urge you not to miss out on “Sing Sing.
10. A Real Pain
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=b2et8Vpu7Ls
Directed by: Jesse Eisenberg
Nominations: (2) Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay
Two cousins, portrayed by writer-director Jesse Eisenberg and Academy Award nominee Kieran Culkin, embark on a journey to Poland to pay their respects at Holocaust sites, honoring their late grandmother. The complex bond between the cousins, once close but now somewhat distant, is delicately depicted through Eisenberg’s script and the actors’ performances, leading to a heartfelt exploration of grief that unfolds in multiple dimensions. Additionally, there’s an amusing subplot featuring a tour group, adding a nostalgic charm to the film. Despite its heavy subject matter, Eisenberg skillfully maintains a balanced tone in his second directorial effort, avoiding a descent into excessive darkness.
9. Incident
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=LruJev6IyZQ
Directed by: Bill Morrison
Nominations: (1) Best Documentary Short
This film, titled “Incident“, is one that elicits terms like “impactful” and “significant,” yet fails to fully capture the depth of Morrison’s work. Compiled from public surveillance and police body-cam footage, it portrays the 2018 Chicago police killing of Harith “Snoop” Augustus. Although the shooting itself is clearly depicted, Morrison delves beyond that instant: We witness the officer who committed the act, struggling with his guilt but prevented from acknowledging responsibility by the swift actions of the police force to defend and protect him. The community rushes to the all-too-familiar scene, while law enforcement work together to align their narratives. Morrison masterfully constructs a collage that is intentionally overwhelming yet expertly guides the audience’s focus, revealing a more profound, systemic narrative. This film is impactful, significant, and serves as a testament to the power of cinematic art in unearthing larger truths.
8. Anora
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=p1HxTmV5i7c&t=1s
Directed by: Sean Baker
Nominated in the following categories:
1. Best Picture
2. Best Director (Sean Baker)
3. Best Actress
4. Best Supporting Actor
5. Best Original Screenplay
6. Best Film Editing
Winning an Oscar can symbolize the culmination of many years of dedicated career-building for an actor or filmmaker. While there’s debate about whether “Anora” is Sean Baker’s finest work, it undeniably encapsulates numerous themes he has explored throughout his career. The independent spirit and resilience portrayed by Ani, a sex worker, mirrors the character from “Tangerine,” while its depiction of working-class struggles amid extravagant commerce and wealth echoes the marginalized community surrounding “The Florida Project.” The self-deception that permeates the film’s midsection offers a more compassionate take on Simon Rex’s aspirations in “Red Rocket.” If Baker and his team are recognized for skillfully weaving these themes into an explosive mix of glitter, vulgarity, and chaotic adventure through various Brighton Beach venues, their victory would truly be well-earned.
7. The Substance
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=LNlrGhBpYjc
In the directorial role: Coralie Fargeat
Nominated in five categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Makeup and Hair Styling.
The grisly Grand Guignol genre will finally shine at the Oscars, as director Coralie Fargeat boldly discards subtlety with a film exploring the brutal reality of the battle against aging for women – a conflict not only waged by society but also internally within these women and their bodies. Demi Moore delivers an exceptional performance in a role tailored to her unique insights, pouring out years of personal experience like bitter bile. Throughout, Fargeat, Moore, Qualley, and the technical teams share a vision for the film’s surreal, chilling, and uproariously funny aspects. The climactic 20 minutes are a gory spectacle that stands as the most memorable in-theater experience of the year.
6. I’m Still Here
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=gDunV808Yf4
Directed by: Walter Salles
Nominations: (3) Best Picture, Best Actress, Best International Feature
I watched this movie just a few days following the election, which could have been dismal timing. However, the story about a Brazilian family challenging a growing fascist regime in the 1970s had an eerie relevance. Instead of succumbing to despair, I’m Still Here is a powerful portrayal of resistance and standing firm against oppression, with Fernanda Torres delivering a resolute performance at its core. The movie doesn’t aim to offer a solution for such situations; instead, it serves as an energizing boost of personal courage.
5. Dune: Part Two
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Way9Dexny3w
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Nominated in the following categories:
1. Best Picture
2. Best Sound
3. Best Art Direction (Production Design)
4. Best Cinematography
5. Best Visual Effects
As a passionate film enthusiast, I must express that with his first “Dune” film, Villeneuve left an indelible mark on Frank Herbert’s world – the barren landscapes of Arrakis and lush Caladan, the imposing Geidi Prime fortress of the Harkonnens, the brooding elegance of the Bene Gesserit, and the intense gaze of the Fremen. While awards bodies may not have been as captivated by this second installment, I believe that genuine intellect and courage were poured into Villeneuve’s modifications for “Part Two.”
The way he reworked the Paul-and-Chani relationship was nothing short of masterful; both Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya delivered performances that were far more impactful than they were given credit for. The bizarre, artistic vibe of Geidi Prime, under the control of the bloodthirsty Feyd-Rautha (portrayed brilliantly by Austin Butler), was a sight to behold. Lastly, Rebecca Ferguson’s portrayal of Lady Jessica as a desert Stevie Nicks was mesmerizing and unforgettable.
I eagerly await Villeneuve’s continued exploration of this universe – may the series never end until he has charted every corner of the known cosmos.
4. Nickel Boys
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=8HZKgYknVN0
Directed by: RaMell Ross
Nominations: (2) Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay
In numerous ways, RaMell Ross’s work on Nickel Boys leaves a profound impact. His approach to the novel by Colson Whitehead is daring and filled with anticipation. The decision to narrate the story through alternating point-of-view shots was quite risky, possibly leaving some viewers feeling excluded. However, true art often challenges universal comprehension, and I believe it’s not too difficult to adapt to Ross’s visual style and access the narrative. He benefits greatly from Jomo Fray’s intuitive camera work, outstanding performances, particularly the Academy Award-overlooked Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and the central duo, Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse, whose expressive faces convey a wealth of hope and fear when they are shown.
3. A Different Man
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=_9CmC5Rmsdw
Directed by: Aaron Schimberg
Nominations: (1) Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Experiencing a movie early on where you’re unsure of the direction can bring immense delight. Sebastian Stan, who was Oscar-nominated this year for another film (an oddity indeed), portrays Edward, a man with neurofibromatosis, leading a solitary existence due to his condition. However, he learns about an experimental treatment that swiftly eliminates the tumors on his face. The movie, written and directed by Schimberg, maintains the emotional authenticity of Edward’s life, yet presents it as a bitingly humorous exploration of how Edward finds his newfound health less fulfilling than anticipated.
Edward is no longer burdened by facial tumors, but instead grapples with the self-centered playwright neighbor (Renate Reinsve) exploiting his life story for artistic acclaim, or the infuriatingly captivating Oswald (Adam Pearson), a charming stranger who once shared Edward’s affliction. Every positive encounter Oswald has is a painful reminder for Edward, and his growing frustration evolves into an obsession that echoes the intensity of if Charlie Kaufman ever let out a primal scream for five minutes.
2. No Other Land
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=7AS6v3hC86Q
Under the Direction of: Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor
Nominated in the Category: Best Documentary Feature
The discourse about the film “No Other Land” during this year’s Oscars has primarily focused on its distribution issues, the perceived cowardice of American film studios, and audience accessibility. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the exceptional storytelling by directors Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor. The intricate portrayal of the relationship between Adra, a Palestinian resident of the West Bank, and Abraham, an Israeli activist opposing occupation, is a testament to their skill in conveying complex narratives often missing from scripted dramas.
The filmmakers courageously put themselves in harm’s way to document the destruction of Palestinian homes and schools, as well as the displacement of people under military force. “No Other Land” serves as a poignant record of a community being systematically wiped out, while also serving as a call for action that becomes increasingly desperate and disheartening as the film progresses.
1. The Brutalist
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=6d7yU379Ur0
Under the direction of: Brady Corbet
Nominated in: (10 categories) – Best Motion Picture, Best Director, Best Lead Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Set Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.
For quite some time, the concept of grandeur in cinema has predominantly been dominated by CGI-driven action films, superhero franchises, and productions based on established intellectual properties. It’s almost a struggle to recall when “big” movies were not just about explosions and superheroes, but also architects. Interestingly enough, this year we were graced with two such films! (No need to bring up Ayn Rand here.) Although Megalopolis would not make my list even if it weren’t snubbed by the Academy, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist has left a lasting impression on me since I saw it in September. Hungarian refugee László Tóth, portrayed brilliantly by Adrien Brody, uses his vision and talent (that library scene is unforgettable!), only to experience the alienation of American society and its ruthless exploitation. Brody’s performance could earn him an Oscar, and it’s exceptional, but the film’s most indelible portrayal is Guy Pearce as a symbol of America’s complex relationship with talent at various levels. You can sense the danger he poses from afar, yet his wealth and conditional approval make him hard to resist. The film does stumble in its second half, but these flaws are what make The Brutalist a truly human creation – an original screenplay, told with novelistic depth, striking visuals, a captivating score, and the ambition to create an American movie that has been missing for decades. No other film this year has made me more excited about what cinema can still achieve in 2025 and beyond as much as this one.
Read More
- Unleash Your Heroes’ True Potential: Best Stadium Builds for Every Overwatch 2 Hero
- 50 Goal Sound ID Codes for Blue Lock Rivals
- Lucky Offense Tier List & Reroll Guide
- Elder Scrolls Oblivion: Best Spellsword Build
- Elder Scrolls Oblivion: Best Mage Build
- Unlock All Avinoleum Treasure Spots in Wuthering Waves!
- Best Crosshair Codes for Fragpunk
- SWORN Tier List – Best Weapons & Spells
- 50 Ankle Break & Score Sound ID Codes for Basketball Zero
- WARNING: Thunderbolts Spoilers Are Loose – Proceed with Caution!
2025-03-01 00:01