The Oscars are the “magnum opus” of the awards season, and watching every nominated movie can be difficult, especially with midterms just around the corner. Below are five films worth the trek to the movie theater (or a quick rental online — whichever you prefer).
Get Out
As a horror film, “Get Out” wouldn’t usually be considered an Oscar film. But the Academy recognized its merit, resulting in three nominations. Jordan Peele is the first black artist to ever receive three Oscar nominations. He took to Twitter to share his reaction:
What’s the opposite of the Sunken Place?
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) January 23, 2018
I just spoke to Daniel. You know when you’re on the phone trying to disguise the sound of an ugly cry? I failed at that.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) January 23, 2018
Lady Bird
“Lady Bird” is the movie that broke Rotten Tomatoes. It scored 100 percent with over 140 reviews — a record previously unheard of. Entertainment Weekly said “Gerwig doesn’t trap her protagonist in the oblivious underage bubble that most coming-of-age dramedies inhabit; Lady Bird’s parents, played by Tracy Letts and Laurie Metcalf, are fully formed humans with their own deep flaws and vulnerabilities.”
Speaking of ground-breaking nominations, writer and director Greta Gerwig is the fifth woman to ever be nominated for Best Director.
The Shape of Water
With a whopping 13 nominations, “The Shape of Water” is the movie to beat this year. The Atlantic called the mystical film “a hybrid it is difficult to imagine any other director pulling off successfully. It is at once a monster picture, a romantic fable, an ode to classic cinema, a parable of tolerance, and an espionage thriller.”
Blade Runner 2049
An extension of the original 1982 film, “Blade Runner 2049” has been lauded for its vivid cinematography. Variety even said it “ranks as great science-fiction films of all time.” The film stars Ryan Gosling and original cast member Harrison Ford, so it’s a win-win for everyone.
The Florida Project
With a 96 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many say “The Florida Project” was snubbed for a Best Picture nomination. Willem Dafoe, however, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Regarding the film’s cast, The Seattle Times said “Baker [director] uses a cast of mostly inexperienced actors to tell a story that feels completely, utterly real: You feel as if you’ve slipped inside of Moonee’s enchanted world, while at the same time seeing the harsh reality of Halley’s.”
