Golden Lion for Best Film: “Happening,” Audrey Diwan Silver Lion (Grand Jury Prize): “The Hand of God,” Paolo Sorrentino Silver Lion for Best Director: Jane Campion, “The Power of the Dog” Coppa Volpi for Best Actor: John Arcilla, “On the Job: The Missing 8” Coppa Volpi for Best Actress: Penelopé Cruz, “Parallel Mothers” Award for Best Screenplay: “The Lost Daughter,” Maggie Gyllenhaal Special Jury Prize: “Il Buco,” Michelangelo Frammartino Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress: Filippo Scotti, “The Hand of God”
These are the main awards at the Venice Film Festival and as you can see the chances of films like ‘The Hand of God’, ‘The Power of the Dog’, ‘Parallel Mothers’, ‘The Lost Daughter’, and ‘Happening’ have increased as a result.
Though I don’t see this year’s Golden Lion winner happening (pun fully intended) in Picture, four of the last five Golden Lion winners were nominated for Best Picture and two of those were Best Picture winners (Nomadland, The Shape of Water). It’s peak seems to be an International Feature nod (that is if the French academy even picks it which it might not). ‘The Hand of God’ seems like it is more accessible of a film and while it only has a 71% Rotten Tomatoes score right now the fact that it won what is essentially the second-place award at Venice shows that there definitely is support for it.
Campion likely won the first award on her journey towards a Best Director win in March. The fact that ‘The Power of the Dog’ won a top-tier award at Venice continues to cement its place as the closest thing to a lock this race has.
I’m also happy to report that Penelope Cruz increased her chances of receiving a Best Actress nomination with her win here. She was already in the Best Actress predictions of many but now her chances seem a lot more concrete. Almodovar’s film will probably not get any other nominations outside of Cruz and International Feature (though Original Screenplay and Director are not crazy possibilities).
‘The Lost Daughter’ winning in Screenplay is probably the biggest surprise of the awards. With this award, the film has definitely cemented its place as one of Netflix’s top four priorities this season. Netflix is poised to have 2-4 Best Picture nominees this year with the expanded slate so The Lost Daughter could be seeing a significant push. I definitely have it in my Adapted Screenplay nominations (I added it to my predictions after its Telluride premiere). The reviews are there (it has an 89 Metascore right now) so it could maybe hit Picture, Actress (Olivia Colman), and/or Supporting Actress (Jessie Buckley or Dakota Johnson) in addition to Screenplay if Netflix puts some focus on it.
Here are the other awards from this year’s Venice Film Festival:
Orizzonti Award for Best Film: “Pilgrims,” Laurynas Bareisa Orizzonti Award for Best Director: Eric Gravel, “A plein temps” Special Orizzonti Jury Prize: “El Gran Movimento,” Kiro Russo Orizzonti Award for Best Actor: Piseth Chhun, “White Building” Orizzonti Award for Best Actress: Laure Calamy, “A plein temps” Orizzonti Award for Best Screenplay: “107 Mothers,” Peter Kerekes, Ivan Ostrochovsky Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film: “Los Huesos,” Cristobal Leon, Joaquin Cocina
Lion of the Future – “Luigi De Laurentiis” Award for a Debut Film: “Imaculat,” Monica Stan, George Chiper-Lillemark
Grand Jury Prize for Best VR Work: “Goliath: Playing With Reality,” Barry Gene Murphy, May Abdalla Best VR Experience for Interactive Content: “Le bal de Paris de Blanca Li,” Blanca Li Best VR Story: “End of Night,” David Adler
As Telluride wraps up, let’s review the Oscar chances of some of the films exiting the festival.
Belfast
After The Power of the Dog, Belfast is the Telluride film that I believe has the best chance of receiving a Best Picture nomination. Kenneth Branagh’s newest is a sentimental autobiographical portrait of the Troubles and the director’s burgeoning love of cinema. The central actor Jude Hill who plays the young Buddy has probably been the most acclaimed of the cast, yet his status as a child actor will probably keep him from being nominated. Caitrona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench, and Ciaran Hinds have all received positive notices but I think Balfe will be the one to rise above the pack and get a nomination. As it is a period film shot in mostly black and white so it’ll probably receive some tech nominations as well.
The film does seem a little maudlin and oversentimental but I see it having a good chance of getting into the 10 film lineup at this point.
Predicted nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress – Caitrona Balfe, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design
Maybes: Best Director, Best Supporting Actress – Judi Dench, Best Editing, Best Costume Design
C’mon C’mon
Mike Mills has also come out with a black and white film centering around a child, yet his film couldn’t be more different. According to reviews, Joaquin Phoenix gives a subtle and poignant performance as a radio journalist talking to his nephew about the future. The film will probably be too indie for a Best Picture nomination and while I don’t think either is going to happen, both Phoenix and Mills could possibly receive nominations for their work on the film.
Predicted Nominations: N/A
Maybes: Best Actor – Joaquin Phoenix, Best Original Screenplay
Cyrano
This film coming from the director of Darkest Hour and Atonement, both Best Picture nominees in their respective years. However, Cyrano will likely not be his next. While the film has received mostly positive reviews, there doesn’t seem to be much passion for it. Peter Dinklage seems to be the obvious standout from the cast and the costume and production design of this musical have also been acclaimed. However, I really don’t see this getting near the Oscars outside of the below-the-line categories.
Predicted Nominations: Best Production Design, Best Costume Design
Maybes: Best Actor – Peter Dinklage, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
Like Cyrano, this Benedict Cumberbatch-led film is also a period piece that I don’t think will get good enough reviews to get into Best Picture. However, I can see it possibly getting a runner-up spot at the TIFF People’s Choice Awards and if it does watch out as it may be a major crowdpleaser that get into the slate based on audience support. However, until Toronto happens, I think this is restricted to a Costume Design nod and maybe a Production Design nomination as well.
Predicted Nominations: Best Costume Design
Maybes: Best Production Design
The Hand of God
This is a film that I was predicting in Best Picture just a few days prior to its premiere and while I think that it’s still in the top 15 in that category, the film’s 77% Rotten Tomatoes and 76 Metascore are not as great as I was expecting them to be. Still, the film has some very passionate supporters and the criticisms of it seem like aspects that might actually make it more accessible to AMPAS. Anyway, I definitely do think its essentially locked for an International Feature nod.
Predicted Nominations: Best International Feature
Maybes: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography
A Hero
A Hero might be one of the biggest question marks for me. It still has a 100% Rotten Tomatoes meaning that everybody believes it to be a good film but it doesn’t seem to be eliciting the kind of passion from critics that I hoped it would. I definitely still think it will be nominated in International Feature but my hopes for it to be nominated in any above-the-line categories like Original Screenplay, Director, or even Picture have to be put on hold until we know how strong Amazon’s campaign for it will be.
Predicted Nominations: Best International Feature
Maybes: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay
King Richard
Until, this film premiered I was very worried about Will Smith’s chances in Best Actor. Films like Concussion and Collateral Beauty were visibly made with an Oscar nomination in mind yet both were not very well-received and ended up forgotten by nomination morning. I hoped that King Richard would not end up in the same boat and if early reactions are any indication the film has actually exceeded the expectations of many. According to reviews, Will Smith has delivered one of the best performances of his career (‘Moonlight’ director Barry Jenkins said Smith’s performance is up there with his work in ‘Ali’) in a feel-good crowdpleaser that celebrates Black excellence. Some even have it penciled in for a Best Picture nod.
Predicted Nominations: Best Actor – Will Smith
Maybes: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress – Aunjanue Ellis, Best Original Screenplay
The Lost Daughter
This Maggie Gylenhaal-directed feature has a fantastic cast (Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson, and Peter Sarsgaard) and has been received very positively so far so why hasn’t it garnered much buzz? Well, it is slightly edgier drama and one of the many films on Netflix’s slate this year. However, if the reviews for this film continue to be stellar then I do see Netflix making a push for the film for its actresses and for a screenplay nomination. Adapted Screenplay seems like the film’s best chance as the film might end up being too small in the actress categories if Netflix doesn’t promote it enough.
Predicted Nominations: Best Adapted Screenplay
Maybes: Best Actress – Olivia Colman, Best Supporting Actress – Jessie Buckley
The Power of the Dog
As I mentioned in my latest post, The Power of the Dog is easily this season’s closest thing to a surefire lock in the Best Picture nomination race. It’s received fantastic reviews and I would be surprised if it doesn’t rack up any Oscar wins in March. Unless something undeniable emerges later in the season, Jane Campion will likely become the third female Best Director winner. Maybe I’m getting really ahead of myself but I’m just happy that there is a film that I can have confidence in as there are a couple that I had a lot of expectations for and did not really meet those, admittedly high expectations review-wise (Dune, Last Night in Soho, and The Hand of God are some major examples).
As I have said before, the reviews for this film are glowing. Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and Kodi Smit-McPhee seem to be the standouts and Plemons might get in as well.
Predicted Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor – Benedict Cumberbatch, Best Supporting Actress – Kirsten Dunst, Best Supporting Actor – Kodi Smit-McPhee, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Original Score
Maybes: Best Supporting Actor – Jesse Plemons, Best Editing, Best Costume Design
Spencer
Another film with a seemingly-locked nomination, Spencer’s central performance has been lauded as the best of Kristen Stewart’s career. This Pablo Larrain film, even though it is supposed to be more accessible than the director’s previously-nominated feature ‘Jackie’, doesn’t seem like it will be accessible enough for a Best Picture nomination. It seems to be particularly alienating some British critics who may not be reacting well to the film’s depiction of the royal family (if anything that makes me more intrigued to watch it).
Predicted Nominations: Best Actress – Kristen Stewart, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, Best Production Design
Maybes: Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Jane Campion’s newest feature premiered at the Venice Film Festival and has garnered fantastic reactions from critics. At the time of publication, it as at an 89 on Metacritic and at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Kevin Maher of The Times wrote that the film is “the movie to beat for the festival’s prestigious Golden Lion award, and indeed the frontrunner at next year’s Oscars.” While the film does seem accessible enough to be a top 3 contender, I don’t think it’s the kind of film that will have the widespread support needed for a win. Anyway, I am even more excited for this film to release to Netflix in mid-November.
The actors have been especially praised and the standouts seem to be Benedict Cumberbatch, the relative newcomer Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Kirsten Dunst. I am predicting nominations for all three and Cumberbatch may even be able to compete for a win. The ‘Doctor Strange’ actor’s performance has been called both “earth-shattering” and a “career-best”.
Right now, I can see it getting a Best Picture nomination, a Best Director nod for Campion, a Best Actor nomination for Cumberbatch, a Supporting Actress nod for Dunst, a Supporting Actor nod for Kodi Smit-McPhee (Jesse Plemons’ performance has also been well-received I just doubt both of them will get in), an Adapted Screenplay nod for Campion, a Cinematography nod for Ari Wagner, and a Original Score nod for Jonny Greenwood.
These reviews are the first real clue of what the Best Picture lineup will look like come next year and The Power of the Dog will likely be near the top of that pack.
The Telluride Film Festival starts tomorrow and per the usual, the festival’s lineup was released one day before the films started screening.
Telluride has a great track record and seven of the last ten Best Picture winners (the exceptions being 12 Years a Slave, Argo, and Green Book) screened at Telluride.
Jane Campion, Riz Ahmed, and Peter Dinklage are receiving Silver Medallions this year. In the last 5 years Casey Affleck, Alfonso Cuaron, Renee Zellweger, Chloe Zhao, and Anthony Hopkins all received Silver Medallions at Telluride and won Oscars a few months later so watch out for these three (especially Campion).
Here’s the Telluride 2021 lineup:
THE AUTOMAT (d. Lisa Hurwitz, U.S., 2021) In person: Lisa Hurwitz
BECOMING COUSTEAU (d. Liz Garbus, U.S., 2021) In person: Liz Garbus
BELFAST (d. Kenneth Branagh, U.K., 2021) In person: Kenneth Branagh, Jamie Dornan
BERGMAN ISLAND (d. Mia Hansen-Løve, France/Germany/Sweden, 2021) In person: Mia Hansen-Løve
BITTERBRUSH (d. Emelie Mahdavian, U.S., 2021) In person: Emelie Mahdavian, Colie Moline
C’MON C’MON (d. Mike Mills, U.S., 2021) In person: Mike Mills, Gaby Hoffman, Molly Webster
CITIZEN ASHE (d. Sam Pollard, Rex Miller, U.S./U.K., 2021) In person: Sam Pollard, Rex Miller
COW (d. Andrea Arnold, U.K., 2021) In person: Andrea Arnold
CYRANO (d. Joe Wright, U.K., 2021) In person: Joe Wright, Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Erica Schmidt, Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner
THE DUKE (d. Roger Michell, U.K., 2021) In person: Roger Michell, Helen Mirren
THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN (d. Will Sharpe, U.K., 2021) In person: Will Sharpe, Benedict Cumberbatch
ENCOUNTER (d. Michael Pearce, U.S., 2021) In person: Michael Pearce
FAUCI (d. John Hoffman, Janet Tobias, U.S., 2021) In person: John Hoffman, Janet Tobias, Steven Wakefield, Peter Staley
FLEE (d. Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Denmark, 2021) In person: Jonas Poher Rasmussen
HALLELUJAH: LEONARD COHEN, A JOURNEY, A SONG (d. Dayna Goldfine, Dan Geller, U.S., 2021) In person: Dan Geller, Dayna Goldfine, Sharon Robinson,
THE HAND OF GOD (d. Paolo Sorrentino, Italy, 2021) In person: Paolo Sorrentino, Teresa Saponangelo, Luisa Ranieri, Filippo Scotti
A HERO (d. Asghar Farhadi, Iran/France, 2021) In person: Asghar Farhadi
JULIA (d. Julie Cohen, Betsy West, U.S., 2021) In person: Julie Cohen, Betsy West
KING RICHARD (d. Reinaldo Marcus Green, U.S., 2021) In person: Reinaldo Marcus Green
THE LOST DAUGHTER (d. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Greece/U.S./U.K./Israel, 2021) In person: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard, Ed Harris
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON (d. Dean Fleischer-Camp, Jenny Slate, U.S, 2021) In person: Dean Fleischer-Camp, Jenny Slate
MUHAMMAD ALI (d. Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon, U.S., 2021) In person: Sarah Burns, David McMahon, Rasheda Ali, Michael Bentt
NUCLEAR FAMILY (d. Ry Russo-Young, U.S., 2021) In person: Ry Russo-Young, Sandra Russo, Robin Young
PETITE MAMAN (d. Céline Sciamma, France, 2021) In person: Céline Sciamma
THE POWER OF THE DOG (d. Jane Campion, Australia/New Zealand, 2021) In person: Jane Campion, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons
PROCESSION (d. Robert Greene, U.S., 2021) In person: Robert Greene, Dan Laurine, Ed Gavagan, Mike Foreman, Michael Sandridge, Joe Eldred, Tom Viviano, Terrick Trobough
THE REAL CHARLIE CHAPLIN (d. James Spinney, Peter Middleton, U.S., 2021) In person: James Spinney, Peter Middleton
RED ROCKET (d. Sean Baker, U.S., 2021) In person: Sean Baker, Simon Rex, Bree Elrod, Ethan Darbone, Brittney Rodriguez, Suzanna Son
THE RESCUE (d. Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, U.S./U.K., 2021) In person: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Mitch Torrel, Thanet Natisri
RIVER (d. Jennifer Peedom, Australia, 2021)
THE SAME STORM (d. Peter Hedges, U.S., 2021) In person: Peter Hedges, Noma Dumezweni, Mary-Louise Parker
SPEER GOES TO HOLLYWOOD (d. Vanessa Lapa, Israel/Austria/Germany, 2021) In person: Vanessa Lapa
SPENCER (d. Pablo Larraín, U.K./Germany/Chile, 2021) In person: Pablo Larraín, Kristen Stewart
TORN (d. Max Lowe, U.S., 2021) In person: Max Lowe, Conrad Anker, Jennifer Lowe-Anker, Isaac Lowe-Anker, Sam Lowe-Anker
UNCLENCHING THE FISTS (d. Kira Kovalenko, Russia, 2021) In person: Kira Kovalenko
THE VELVET UNDERGROUND (d. Todd Haynes, U.S., 2021) In person: Todd Haynes, Ed Lachman
Venice, after Toronto of course, is the most important festival when it comes to the Oscar race. The last four winners there (The Shape of Water, Roma, Joker, and Nomadland) have all been top 4 Best Picture contenders in their respective years and this seems to be a streak that shows no sign of stopping. As a result, the winner at Venice (unless it’s a very out-there pick) will likely become the first movie that can legitimately claim frontrunner status in the Oscar race.
At Venice, there are essentially two categories that can possibly hold a prospective Best Picture contender: In Competition and Out of Competition (Fiction).
These are the films in those two categories:
Opening Night
“Parallel Mothers,” Pedro Almodóvar (in competition)
Competition/Venezia 78
“Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon,” Ana Lily Amirpour
“Un Autre Monde,” Stephanie Brize
“The Power of the Dog,” Jane Campion
“America Latina,” Damiano D’Innocenzo and Fabio D’Innocenzo
“L’Evenement,” Audrey Diwan
“Official Competition,” Gaston Duprat and Mariana Cohn
“Il Buco,” Michelangelo Frammartino
“Sundown,” Michel Franco
“Illusions Perdues,” Xavier Giannoli
“The Lost Daughter,” Maggie Gyllenhaal
“Spencer,” Pablo Larrain
“Freaks Out,” Gabrielle Mainetti
“Qui Rido Io,” Mario Martone
“On the Job: The Missing 8,” Erik Matti
“Leave No Traces,” Jan P. Matuszynski
“Captain Volkonogov Escaped,” Natasha Merkulova and Aleksey Chupov
“The Card Counter,” Paul Schrader
“The Hand of God,” Paolo Sorrentino
“Reflection,” Valentyn Vasyanovych
“La Caja,” Lorenzo Vigas
Out of Competition (Fiction)
“Il Bambino Nascosto,” Roberto Ando (closing film of the festival)
“Les Choses Humaines,” Yvan Attal
“Ariaferma,” Leonardo di Costanzo
“Halloween Kills,” David Gordon Green
“La Scoula Cattolica,” Stefano Mordini
“Old Henry,” Potsy Ponciroli
“The Last Duel,” Ridley Scott
“Dune,” Denis Villeneuve
“Last Night in Soho,” Edgar Wright
“Scenes From a Marriage” (Episodes 1-5), Hagai Levi
Here are the Best Picture nominees that went to Venice from the past 5 years:
2020 – In Competition: Nomadland (Golden Lion winner)
2019 – In Competition: Joker (Golden Lion winner), Marriage Story
2018 – In Competition: The Favourite, Roma (Golden Lion winner); Out of Competition: A Star is Born
2017 – In Competition: The Shape of Water (Golden Lion winner), Three Billboard Outside Ebbing, Missouri
2016 – In Competition: Arrival, La La Land; Out of Competition: Hacksaw Ridge
So, according to this, I believe that there will probably be two films from Venice’s In Competition group and one from their Out of Competition group that will end up as Best Picture nominees.
From the films in competition, I think those with the best chances at the Oscar are (in order of probability): The Power of the Dog, Parallel Mothers, The Hand of God, The Card Counter, Spencer, and The Lost Daughter.
From the films out of competition, those with the best odds in my opinion for attaining a Best Picture nom are (in order of probability): Dune, The Last Duel, and Last Night in Soho.
Here is the rest of Venice’s slate:
Out of Competition (Non Fiction)
“Life of Crime 1984-2020,” Jon Alpert
“Tranchees,” Loup Bureau
“Viaggio Nel Crepuscolo,” Augusto Contento
“Republic of Silence,” Diana el Jeiroudi
“Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song,” Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine
“Deandre#Deandre Storia Di Un Impiegato,” Roberta Lena
“Django and Django,” Luca Rea
“Ezio Bosso. Le Cose Che Restano,” Giorgio Verdelli
Out of Competition (Special Screenings)
“Le 7 Giornate di Bergamo,” Simona Ventura
“Il Cinema Al Tempo del Covid,” Andrea Segre
Out of Competition (Short Films)
“Plastic Semiotic,” Radu Jude
“The Night,” Tsai Ming-Liang
“Sad Film,” Vasili (Pseudonym)
Horizons/Orizzonti
“Les Promesses,” Thomas Kruithof
“Atlantide,” Yuri Ancarani
“Miracle,” Bogdan George Apetri
“Pilgrims,” Laurynas Bareisa
“Il Paradiso Del Pavone,” Laura Bispuri
“The Falls,” Chung Mong-Hong
“El Hoyo en la Cerca,” Joaquin Del Paso
“Amira,” Mohamed Diab
“A Plein Temps,” Eric Gravel
“107 Mothers,” Peter Kerekes
“Vera Dreams of the Sea,” Kaltrina Krasniqi
“White Building,” Kavich Neang
“Anatomy of Time,” Jakrawal Nilthamrong
“El Otro Tom,” Rodrigo Pla and Laura Santullo
“El Gran Movimiento,” Kiro Russo
“Once Upon a Time in Calcutta,” Aditya Vikram Sengupta
“Rhino,” Oleg Sentsov
“True Things,” Harry Wootliff
“Inu-Oh,” Yuasa Masaaki
Horizons/Orizzonti Extra
“Land of Dreams,” Sherin Neshat and Shoja Azari
“Costa Brava,” Mounia Akl
“Mama, I’m Home,” Vladimir Bitokov
“Ma Nuit,” Antoinette Boulat
“La Ragazza Ha Volato,” Wilma Labate
“7 Prisoners,” Alexandre Moratto
“The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic,” Teemu Nikki
“La Macchina Delle Immagini di Alfredo C.,” Roland Sejko
[Update: 6/11/21 – Due to a comment, I have added Ex Machina to the list as I realized that it perfectly fits the criteria I have laid out and I can’t think of any reason it should not be included.]
What is a classic movie?
Classics aren’t always the greatest films and this is not a “greatest films of the 2010s list” (for that go here). My definition of a classic would be a film that has become a mainstay in popular culture either through widespread rewatches or through references in other forms of popular culture. They don’t necessarily have to be good films (even though for this list I’ll only focus on movies that are generally thought of to be good, sorry “Cats”), but usually the reason a film has staying power is because of it being either very entertaining, very successful, or very impactful (which is kind of vague, I know, but what I mean by this is that the film has a strong emotional impact).
I am only going to focus on films that are are “Hollywood” films made with Hollywood actors and/or at a Hollywood studio (so that excludes foreign-language films like ‘Parasite’, ‘A Separation’ or ‘The Hunt’ which all would have otherwise been on this list). Using all of the criteria that I have laid out so far some classics from the 90s would be: (in no specific order)
Goodfellas (1990)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Schindler’s List (1993)
Fargo (1996)
Unforgiven (1992)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Groundhog Day (1993)
The Matrix (1999)
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Fight Club (1999)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Toy Story (1995)
Se7en (1995)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
American Beauty (1999)
Forrest Gump (1994)
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Scream (1996)
Clueless (1995)
The Lion King (1994)
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Titanic (1997)
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
Trainspotting (1996)
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The Truman Show (1998)
Braveheart (1995)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Leon: The Professional (1994)
12 Monkeys (1995)
Heat (1995)
Home Alone (1990)
A Few Good Men (1992)
Jerry Maguire (1996)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
This, for example, would be my list if I was compiling the classics of the 90s as they are mix of blockbusters, dramas, and comedies that have persisted through time and remain a significant part of popular culture today as they are oft-referenced by the general movie-watching public.
With my list, I want to find movies from the 2010s that I believe are likely to have the same amount of popular culture significance that these films have had 20+ years after they were released.
So without further ado, here are my picks.
2010
Black Swan
‘Black Swan’ (Searchlight)
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Synopsis: “A committed dancer struggles to maintain her sanity after winning the lead role in a production of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake”.” (From IMDb)
Other than featuring an Oscar-winning turn from Natalie Portman, inspired direction from Darren Aronofsky, and themes of self-destructive obsession, “Black Sawn” is also, far and away, the most well-known film that centers around ballet (its closest competitor is probably “The Red Shoes”). With that distinction, when many people think of ballet, they will think of this movie (for better or worse) and that, in addition to the film’s own merit, will sustain its popularity for years to come.
Inception
‘Inception’ (Warner Bros.)
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Synopsis: “A thief (Leonardo DiCaprio) who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O (Cillian Murphy).” (From IMDb)
An amazing sci-fi thriller that stays in your mind long after the credits roll, “Inception” is a high-concept and ambitious film that achieves what it sets out to on multiple levels. The originality of the film’s conceit combined with its immense entertainment value will make sure that this film is well-remembered and still watched decades from now.
Shutter Island
‘Shutter Island’ (Paramount)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Synopsis: “In 1954, a U.S. Marshal (Leonardo DiCaprio) investigates the disappearance of a murderer who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane.” (From IMDb).
A very memorable experience filled with mystery, “Shutter Island” will probably be remembered as a great thriller by a master of suspense filled with shocking twists and turns.
The Social Network
‘The Social Network’ (Columbia)
Directed by: David Fincher
Synopsis: “As Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) creates the social networking site that would become known as Facebook, he is sued by the twins (Armie Hammer) who claimed he stole their idea, and by the co-founder (Andrew Garfield) who was later squeezed out of the business.” (From IMDb).
A modern classic in every sense, “The Social Network” will continue to be relevant even if Facebook ceases to become the behemoth it is today as the film really could be applied to any story about greed and power. However, as the Internet age shows no signs of ending any time soon, this film will continue to have especially immense relevance.
Toy Story 3
‘Toy Story 3’ (Disney/Pixar)
Directed by: Lee Unkrich
Synopsis: “The toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy (John Morris) leaves for college, and it’s up to Woody (Tom Hanks) to convince the other toys that they weren’t abandoned and to return home.” (From IMDb).
The best film from the greatest animated trilogy of all-time, “Toy Story 3” is a perfect coming-of-age movie that deals with growing up and letting go in a very intimate way. This is a movie that parents will be showing their kids for years and years so it is destined to become a classic (if it already isn’t one).
2011
Bridesmaids
‘Bridesmaids’ (Universal)
Directed by: Paul Feig
Synopsis: “Competition between the maid of honor (Kristen Wiig) and a bridesmaid (Rose Byrne), over who is the bride’s (Maya Rudolph) best friend, threatens to upend the life of an out-of-work pastry chef.” (From IMDb).
Of the pure comedies from this decade, “Bridesmaids” is probably the most fondly remembered. It is already an oft-referenced movie that launched the film careers of Melissa McCarthy and Paul Feig, two people who have cemented themselves as two of this decade’s biggest names in comedy.
Drive
‘Drive’ (FilmDistrict)
Directed by: Nicholas Winding Refn
Synopsis: “A mysterious Hollywood stuntman and mechanic (Ryan Gosling) moonlights as a getaway driver and finds himself in trouble when he helps out his neighbor (Carey Mulligan).” (From IMDb).
A film that is primed for strong cult classic status, “Drive” is a stylish film with a terrific synth-laden soundtrack that boasts a Ryan Gosling performance that catapulted him from indie darling to mainstream star. This adrenaline rush of a film will be a pop culture mainstay for all those reasons and more.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ (Warner Bros.)
Directed by: David Yates
Synopsis: “Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) search for Voldemort’s (Ralph Fiennes) remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts.” (From IMDb).
The satisfying final film of one of the most popular film franchises of all-time, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is generally considered to be the best film in the franchise (I think ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ is slightly better but…) and is a rare example of a franchise conclusion done in a way that appeases die-hard fans, casual moviegoers, and critics alike.
The Tree of Life
‘The Tree of Life’ (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Directed by: Terrence Malick
Synopsis: “The story of a family in Waco, Texas in 1956. The eldest son (Hunter McCracken) witnesses the loss of innocence and struggles with his parents’ (Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain) conflicting teachings.” (From IMDb)
While it is seen as a quintessential “critics’ film” by the general public, “The Tree of Life” the divisive film will be remembered by those who have been profoundly affected by its’ stunning ambition, philosophical themes, and beautiful imagery. It is a pure art-house film made with A-list actors like Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, and Sean Penn and, as a result, it made over $50 million dollars worldwide, which is outstanding for a film like this. Critics will definitely remember this film and general audience will as well as, due to the A-list talent, many of them experienced a kind of film that was vastly different than anything they had seen before.
2012
Django Unchained
‘Django Unchained’ (The Weinstein Company)
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Synopsis: “With the help of a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), a freed slave (Jamie Foxx) sets out to rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio).” (From IMDb).
Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist western, “Django Unchained” is the best western of the decade and continues the sacred Hollywood tradition of the western into the future. The great cast is also full of performers that had great success during this decade and that could propel this film into the pop culture canon as well.
The Master
‘The Master’ (The Weinstein Company)
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Synopsis: A Naval veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future – until he is tantalized by the Cause and its charismatic leader (Philip Seymour Hoffman).
Led by two astonishingly intense performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman, “The Master” is a deeply psychological exploration and character study that deals with cults (Hoffman’s character is based on Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard) and PTSD.
2013
12 Years a Slave
’12 Years A Slave’ (Fox Searchlight)
Directed by: Steve McQueen
Synopsis: “In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.” (From IMDb).
A movie that is starting to be shown in some high school history classes, “12 Years a Slave” is a brutally realistic and necessary film that will be looked at as the most important film about slavery.
Frozen
‘Frozen’ (Disney)
Directed by: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Synopsis: “When the newly crowned Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) accidentally uses her power to turn things into ice to curse her home in infinite winter, her sister Anna (Kristen Bell) teams up with a mountain man (Jonathan Groff), his playful reindeer, and a snowman (Josh Gad) to change the weather condition.” (From IMDb).
The highest grossing animated film that is not a sequel, spinoff, or remake, “Frozen” was by far the most popular movie among a generation of kids for a year. The film’s massive popularity and rabid fanbase is indicative of the fact that this film is a certified Gen Z classic.
Her
‘Her’ (Warner Bros.)
Directed by: Spike Jonze
Synopsis: In a near future, a lonely writer (Joaquin Phoenix) develops an unlikely relationship with an operating system (Scarlett Johansson) designed to meet his every need.
This decade’s “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, “Her” (like that fellow romantic drama with a sci-fi twist) is destined to be a classic. This film will likely become even more relevant as its depiction of a man’s relationship with an operating system may be prophetic as advances in artificial intelligence continue.
The Wolf of Wall Street
‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (Paramount)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Synopsis: “Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.” (From IMDb).
An exhilarating portrait of the greed and excess seen on Wall Street, “The Wolf of Wall Street” has one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s greatest performances and is an exciting cautionary tale that keeps the audience’s attention for all three hours of its runtime.
2014
Birdman
‘Birdman’ (Searchlight)
Directed by: Alejandro G. Inarittu
Synopsis: “A washed-up superhero actor (Michael Keaton) attempts to revive his fading career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production.” (From IMDb).
An artistic tour-de-force that is also a critique of the formulaicness of many modern Hollywood films, “Birdman” is a Best Picture winner that will age well due to its adventurous energy and creativity. This film is oftentimes very meta and features fantastic performances from Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, and Edward Norton.
Boyhood
‘Boyhood’ (IFC Films)
Directed by: Richard Linklater
Synopsis: “The life of Mason (Ellar Coltrane), from early childhood to his arrival at college.” (From IMDb).
This decade’s ultimate American coming-of-age film (with “Moonlight” being its closest contender), “Boyhood” is really a slice of life film that sheds a light on the maturation years of a generation. That factor ensures that the film will be a nostalgia trip for millions and what is a classic but a nostalgia trip?
Ex Machina
‘Ex Machina’ (A24)
Directed by: Alex Garland
Synopsis: “A young programmer (Domnhall Gleeson) is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a highly advanced humanoid A.I. (Alicia Vikander)” (From IMDb).
As AI continues to become more prevalent and relevant in our society, “Ex Machina” will likely be deemed prescient which is an adjective that cements a sci-fi film’s place in the genre’s canon. The brilliant and thrilling story from Alex Garland is brought to life by a trio of great performances from Domnhall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Alicia Vikander (in the performance that should of won her her Oscar instead of The Danish Girl).
Gone Girl
‘Gone Girl’ (20th Century Fox)
Directed by: David Fincher
Synopsis: “With his wife’s disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it’s suspected that he may not be innocent.” (From IMDb).
Mystery thrillers often become classics because they are exciting films and are serious enough for people to feel proud that they enjoyed them. That pride often leads to mystery thrillers becoming classics through positive word-of-mouth from adult film enthusiasts. “Gone Girl” will likely follow this trend and become a classic through this word-of mouth.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (Searchlight)
Directed by: Wes Anderson
Synopsis: “A writer encounters the owner of an aging high-class hotel, who tells him of his early years serving as a lobby boy (Tony Revolori) in the hotel’s glorious years under an exceptional concierge (Ralph Fiennes).” (From IMDb).
The most accessible film from one of the most well-known indie directors, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is (arguably) Wes Anderson’s masterpiece and boasts one of the most impressive casts ever put on screen.
Interstellar
‘Interstellar’ (Paramount)
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Synopsis: “A team of explorers (Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Wes Bentley, and David Gyasi) travel through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity’s survival.” (From IMDb).
An addition to the bounty of thought-provoking science-fiction films we saw this decade, “Interstellar” is an intelligent and emotional member of that canon. The novelty of some of the ideas in the film and their presentation in an accessible and entertaining way will make sure this film is remembered.
Nightcrawler
‘Nightcrawler’ (Open Road)
Directed by: Dan Gilroy
Synopsis: “When Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), a con man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story.” (From IMDb).
Anchored by a manic performance from Jake Gyllenhaal and an intelligent screenplay from Dan Gilroy, “Nightcrawler” is a dark satire about the state of journalism today that cements itself as part of the LA-noir canon that includes such classics as Chinatown, Heat, and LA Confidential.
Whiplash
‘Whiplash’ (Sony Pictures Classics)
Directed by: Damien Chazelle
Synopsis: “A promising young drummer (Miles Teller) enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor (J.K. Simmons) who will stop at nothing to realize a student’s potential.” (From IMDb).
An intense and unforgettable experience to behold, “Whiplash” is about a drummer’s quest to be the greatest but the themes can be applied to any person with a drive to be the best in their field.
2015
Inside Out
‘Inside Out’ (Disney/Pixar)
Directed by: Pete Docter
Synopsis: “After young Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) – conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.” (From IMDb).
With a coming-of-age story that will resonate forever, “Inside Out” teaches kids that it’s OK to be sad and the emotion that the film provides while delivering that message will ensure that parents that needed this film when they were preteens will share it with their kids when they need it as well.
Mad Max: Fury Road
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (Warner Bros.)
Directed by: George Miller
Synopsis: “In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman (Charlize Theron) rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper, and a drifter named Max (Tom Hardy).” (From IMDb).
An action film that never stops and throws its audience through 120 minutes of top-notch action without taking a breath, “Mad Max: Fury Road” is one-of-a-kind experience that feels like a film that people will revisit over an over again in order to get that unique adrenaline rush you only can get from watching a great action film.
The Martian
‘The Martian’ (20th Century Fox)
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Synopsis: “An astronaut (Matt Damon) becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.” (From IMDb).
A movie that was applauded for its realism, “The Martian” will be remembered for that and more as it is a well-told story with a great central performance from Matt Damon. As space exploration becomes more advanced this film may become prophetic.
Spotlight
‘Spotlight’ (Open Road)
Directed by: Tom McCarthy
Synopsis: “When the Boston Globe’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delves into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world.” (From IMDb).
A film that demonstrates the utmost importance of the free press, Best Picture winner “Spotlight” is a celebration of investigative journalism, and therefore truth.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (Disney)
Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Synopsis: “As a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey (Daisy Ridley), a desert scavenger, and Finn (John Boyega), an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) to search for the one hope of restoring peace.” (From IMDb).
The least controversial chapter (and it definitely is controversial) of the sequel trilogy for Star Wars fans, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” remains the highest-grossing film in the United States which is a testament to the monumental impact it made back in 2015. It, more than any of the other films in the sequel trilogy, feels like a classic Star Wars film and that combination of nostalgia and new, dynamic characters will make this film persist for years to come.
2016
Arrival
‘Arrival’ (Paramount)
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Synopsis: “A linguist (Amy Adams) works with the military to communicate with alien lifeforms after twelve mysterious spacecrafts appear around the world.” (From IMDb).
A thoughtful scifi-drama with an emotional gut-punch of an ending, “Arrival” is quiet but engaging and contemplative but suspenseful. The attention to detail that went into the film (the filmmakers made a fully functioning alien language) is astounding and will likely be talked about as part of the film trivia canon for decades. Also, Amy Adams was massively snubbed by the Oscars that year.
Deadpool
‘Deadpool’ (20th Century Fox)
Directed by: Tim Miller
Synopsis: “A wisecracking mercenary gets experimented on and becomes immortal but ugly, and sets out to track down the man who ruined his looks.” (From IMDb).
The movie that catapulted Ryan Reynolds into the realm of near-universal likability, “Deadpool” is a hilariously vulgar take down of the superhero genre and features a hilarious turn from Reynolds and a smart screenplay from Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. As this decade will likely be known as the decade where the superhero genre completely took over the mainstream, movies like “Deadpool” that subverted the genre while staying firmly inside of it will be remembered for being distinctive and successful.
La La Land
‘La La Land’ (Lionsgate)
Directed by: Damien Chazelle
Synopsis: “While navigating their careers in Los Angeles, a pianist (Ryan Gosling) and an actress (Emma Stone) fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future.” (From IMDb).
The greatest Hollywood film musical of the decade, “La La Land” is an emotional rollercoaster with stunning (and now iconic) imagery from Linus Sandgren and a fantastic musical score from Justin Hurwitz. The film harkens back to the classic Hollywood tradition of film musicals while adding satisfying contemporary touches: a combination that will make the film timeless.
Moonlight
‘Moonlight’ (A24)
Directed by: Barry Jenkins
Synopsis: “A young African-American man (Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes) grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.” (From IMDb).
Evocative and lyrical, “Moonlight” is an astonishing film with incredible cinematography from James Laxton, an amazing score from “Succession” composer Nicholas Britell, and a bevy of marvelous performances from the whole cast (especially Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, and Trevante Rhodes). This film is a necessary addition to the coming-of-age canon and will persist for decades.
2017
Blade Runner 2049
‘Blade Runner 2049’ (Warner Bros.)
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Synopsis: “Young Blade Runner K’s (Ryan Gosling) discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former Blade Runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who’s been missing for thirty years.” (From IMDb).
The years-in-the-making sequel to what is arguably the most acclaimed sci-fi film of all time, “Blade Runner 2049” had impossible expectations to meet yet somehow managed to end up satisfying the majority of fans. That is a major feat that will help Villenueve’s film endure as an achievement on its own.
Call Me By Your Name
‘Call Me By Your Name’ (Sony Pictures Classics)
Directed by: Luca Guadagnino
Synopsis: “In 1980s Italy, romance blossoms between a seventeen-year-old student (Timothee Chalamet) and the older man (Armie Hammer) hired as his father’s research assistant.” (From IMDb).
A beautifully-shot (courtesy of Sayombhu Mukdeeprom) tale of young love, “Call Me By Your Name” is Luca Guadagnino’s masterpiece and features magnificent performances from Timothee Chalamet, Armie Hammer, and Michael Stuhlbarg. It also contains a few Sufjan Stevens songs, “Mystery of Love” being one of my all-time favorites.
Coco
‘Coco’ (Disney/Pixar)
Directed by: Lee Unkrich
Synopsis: “Aspiring musician Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.” (From IMDb).
Probably one of the legendary animation studio’s more underrated films, “Coco” continues Pixar’s streak of effortlessly entertaining yet thoughtful original films. Films like “Inside Out”, “Coco”, and “Soul” bring that classic Pixar magic to a new generation of kids who will grow up and share those experiences with their kids.
Get Out
‘Get Out’ (Universal)
Directed by: Jordan Peele
Synopsis: “A young African-American (Daniel Kaluuya) visits his white girlfriend’s (Alison Williams) parents (Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener) for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point.” (From IMDb).
Biting in its satire and shocking in its horror, “Get Out” has hilarious moments and just as often has moments of pure terror. This film from sketch-comedy master Jordan Peele is an accessible but intelligent examination of modern-day racism and fake “wokeness”.
It
‘It’ (New Line Cinema)
Directed by: Andy Muschietti
Synopsis: “In the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry, their small Maine town.” (From IMDb).
The highest-grossing horror film ever, “It” made a surprise splash when it was released in 2017 and became the kind of pervasive cultural object that the annual Marvel film often is. Accessible but scary, was one of the most-talked about films of 2017 (“Get Out” would also fit this description, probably to a greater extent), something a horror film hadn’t been since “The Ring” in 2002.
Lady Bird
‘Lady Bird’ (A24)
Directed by: Greta Gerwig
Synopsis: “In 2002, an artistically inclined seventeen-year-old girl (Saoirse Ronan) comes of age in Sacramento, California.” (From IMDb).
Featuring spectacular and Oscar-worthy performances from Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird” is a poignant, hilarious, and beautiful portrait of a young woman’s coming of age. The ensemble is full of remarkable young actors (Timothee Chalamet, Lucas Hedges, and Beanie Feldstein) who are destined to become bigger stars in Hollywood.
Logan
‘Logan’ (20th Century Fox)
Directed by: James Mangold
Synopsis: “In a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) leads a quiet life. But when Laura (Dafne Keen), a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety.” (From IMDb).
A “comic-book movie” that feels more like a Western, “Logan” is one of the most poignant superhero films of this century and features great performances from Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and the newcomer Dafne Keen. Patrick Stewart was actually nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Critics Choice Awards, something that is extremely rare for a superhero film performance to do (its only happened thrice, in 2017 for Stewart, in 2008 for Heath Ledger who won as well, and in 2018 for Michael B. Jordan’s performance in Black Panther, which happens to also be on this list).
2018
Black Panther
‘Black Panther’ (Marvel)
Directed by: Ryan Coogler
Synopsis: “T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country’s past.” (From IMDb).
A film that rises above its superhero movie trappings, “Black Panther” is a visionary Afrofuturist marvel that touched on socioeconomic issues while providing exhilarating action sequences. R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman.
Hereditary
‘Hereditary’ (A24)
Directed by: Ari Aster
Synopsis: “A grieving family (Toni Colette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro) is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.” (From IMDb).
A future cult classic, “Hereditary” will join the best of its genre with its top-notch supernatural horror empowered by Aster’s mastery of atmosphere. Toni Colette’s performance will also be remembered as a symbol of the Academy’s long-standing bias against horror film performances as she was not nominated even with dozens of awards accrued throughout the season.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (Sony/Marvel)
Directed by: Bob Persichietti, Pete Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman
Synopsis:
Probably my personal favorite superhero film of the decade, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is a stunningly animated and emotionally impactful film that somehow finds a fresh way to tell the classic superhero origin story. Hilarious and heartwarming, this one of the best films of the decade, animated or not.
2019
1917
‘1917’ (Universal)
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Synopsis: “April 6th, 1917. As a regiment assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers (Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay) are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap.” (From IMDb).
With stunning cinematography from the incomparable Roger Deakins, “1917” is an immersive and extraordinary war film that puts the audience in the shows of two World War I soldiers with the aid of long takes (the majority of the film is made to look like one unbroken shot), fantastic camerawork from Deakins, and solid performances from the cast.
Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
‘Avengers: Endgame’ (Marvel)
Directed by: Anthony and Joe Russo
Synopsis: “The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos (Josh Brolin) before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. After the devastating events of ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos’ actions and restore balance to the universe.” (From IMDb).
Both in the top 5 all-time when it comes to worldwide box office gross, “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” were the biggest movies of the 2010s and that fact alone certifies their place as classics that will be oft-referenced and oft-discussed especially since the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows no signs of stopping.
Joker
‘Joker’ (Warner Bros.)
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Synopsis: “In Gotham City, mentally troubled comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is disregarded and mistreated by society. He then embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and bloody crime. This path brings him face-to-face with his alter-ego: the Joker.” (From IMDb).
A dark and gritty comic book film that draws more inspiration from Scorsese and Lumet than from Burton and Snyder, “Joker” was the origin story that the iconic villain deserved with an Oscar-winning performance from the chameleonic Joaquin Phoenix at its core.
Knives Out
‘Knives Out’ (Lionsgate)
Directed by: Rian Johnson
Synopsis: “A detective (Daniel Craig) investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.” (From IMDb).
A throwback whodunit that touches on very current themes, “Knives Out” is a delightfully fun murder mystery that you’ll want to watch and watch again. The stacked ensemble cast are all in strong form crafting distinct and quirky characters that are a joy to experience.
Uncut Gems
‘Uncut Gems’ (A24)
Directed by: Josh and Benny Safdie
Synopsis: “With his debts mounting and angry collectors closing in, a fast-talking New York City jeweler (Adam Sandler) risks everything in hope of staying afloat and alive.”
As one of the stated requirements of this list is that a chosen film has to be “generally thought of to be good”, it maybe a surprise to some that an Adam Sandler film has been included. However, “Uncut Gems” is not a normal Sandler project and will be recognized as a fantastic departure from the norm for one of the most famous comedians working today.
Chloe Zhao became the second woman ever, and first woman of color to win Best Director.
Anthony Hopkins had an upset win over Chadwick Boseman and now two Oscar wins on six nominations
Frances McDormand also added to her total with her third acting Oscar win (she also won her fourth overall Oscar today for producing Nomadland) and she joins Meryl Streep and Ingrid Bergman as the actresses with the second-most acting wins after Katharine Hepburn.
Anyway here are the winners:
BEST PICTURE
The Father – David Parfitt, Jean-Louis Livi and Philippe Carcassonne, Producers
Judas and the Black Messiah – Shaka King, Charles D. King and Ryan Coogler, Producers
Mank – Ceán Chaffin, Eric Roth and Douglas Urbanski, Producers
Minari – Christina Oh, Producer
Nomadland – Frances McDormand, Peter Spears, Mollye Asher, Dan Janvey and Chloé Zhao, Producers [WINNER]
Promising Young Woman – Ben Browning, Ashley Fox, Emerald Fennell and Josey McNamara, Producers
Sound of Metal – Bert Hamelinck and Sacha Ben Harroche, Producers
The Trial of the Chicago 7 – Marc Platt and Stuart Besser, Producers
BEST DIRECTOR
Another Round – Thomas Vinterberg
Mank – David Fincher
Minari – Lee Isaac Chung
Nomadland – Chloé Zhao [WINNER]
Promising Young Woman – Emerald Fennell
BEST ACTOR
Riz Ahmed in Sound of Metal
Chadwick Boseman in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Anthony Hopkins in The Father [WINNER]
Gary Oldman in Mank
Steven Yeun in Minari
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Sacha Baron Cohen in The Trial of the Chicago 7
Daniel Kaluuya in Judas and the Black Messiah [WINNER]
Leslie Odom, Jr. in One Night in Miami…
Paul Raci in Sound of Metal
LaKeith Stanfield in Judas and the Black Messiah
BEST ACTRESS
Viola Davis in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Andra Day in The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Vanessa Kirby in Pieces of a Woman
Frances McDormand in Nomadland [WINNER]
Carey Mulligan in Promising Young Woman
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Maria Bakalova in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Glenn Close in Hillbilly Elegy
Olivia Colman in The Father
Amanda Seyfried in Mank
Yuh-Jung Youn in Minari [WINNER]
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan – Screenplay by Sacha Baron Cohen & Anthony Hines & Dan Swimer & Peter Baynham & Erica Rivinoja & Dan Mazer & Jena Friedman & Lee Kern; Story by Sacha Baron Cohen & Anthony Hines & Dan Swimer & Nina Pedrad
The Father – Screenplay by Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller [WINNER]
Nomadland – Written for the screen by Chloé Zhao
One Night in Miami… – Screenplay by Kemp Powers
The White Tiger – Written for the screen by Ramin Bahrani
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Judas and the Black Messiah – Screenplay by Will Berson & Shaka King; Story by Will Berson & Shaka King and Kenny Lucas & Keith Lucas
Minari – Written by Lee Isaac Chung
Promising Young Woman – Written by Emerald Fennell [WINNER]
Sound of Metal – Screenplay by Darius Marder & Abraham Marder; Story by Darius Marder & Derek Cianfrance
The Trial of the Chicago 7 – Written by Aaron Sorkin
FILM EDITING
The Father – Yorgos Lamprinos
Nomadland – Chloé Zhao
Promising Young Woman – Frédéric Thoraval
Sound of Metal – Mikkel E. G. Nielsen [WINNER]
The Trial of the Chicago 7 – Alan Baumgarten
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Judas and the Black Messiah – Sean Bobbitt
Mank – Erik Messerschmidt [WINNER]
News of the World – Dariusz Wolski
Nomadland – Joshua James Richards
The Trial of the Chicago 7 – Phedon Papamichael
PRODUCTION DESIGN
The Father – Production Design: Peter Francis; Set Decoration: Cathy Featherstone
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom – Production Design: Mark Ricker; Set Decoration: Karen O’Hara and Diana Stoughton
Mank – Production Design: Donald Graham Burt; Set Decoration: Jan Pascale [WINNER]
News of the World – Production Design: David Crank; Set Decoration: Elizabeth Keenan
Tenet – Production Design: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Kathy Lucas
COSTUME DESIGN
Emma – Alexandra Byrne
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom – Ann Roth [WINNER]
Mank – Trish Summerville
Mulan – Bina Daigeler
Pinocchio – Massimo Cantini Parrini
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Emma – Marese Langan, Laura Allen and Claudia Stolze
Hillbilly Elegy – Eryn Krueger Mekash, Matthew Mungle and Patricia Dehaney
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom – Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson [WINNER]
Mank – Gigi Williams, Kimberley Spiteri and Colleen LaBaff
Pinocchio – Mark Coulier, Dalia Colli and Francesco Pegoretti
ORIGINAL SCORE
Da 5 Bloods – Terence Blanchard
Mank – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Minari – Emile Mosseri
News of the World – James Newton Howard
Soul – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste [WINNER]
ORIGINAL SONG
“Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah[WINNER] Music by H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II; Lyric by H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas
“Hear My Voice” from The Trial of the Chicago 7
Music by Daniel Pemberton; Lyric by Daniel Pemberton and Celeste Waite
“Husavik” from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Music and Lyric by Savan Kotecha, Fat Max Gsus and Rickard Göransson
“Io Sì (Seen)” from The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se)
Music by Diane Warren; Lyric by Diane Warren and Laura Pausini
“Speak Now” from One Night in Miami…
Music and Lyric by Leslie Odom, Jr. and Sam Ashworth
SOUND
Greyhound – Warren Shaw, Michael Minkler, Beau Borders and David Wyman
Mank – Ren Klyce, Jeremy Molod, David Parker, Nathan Nance and Drew Kunin
News of the World – Oliver Tarney, Mike Prestwood Smith, William Miller and John Pritchett
Soul – Ren Klyce, Coya Elliott and David Parker
Sound of Metal – Nicolas Becker, Jaime Baksht, Michelle Couttolenc, Carlos Cortés and Phillip Bladh [WINNER]
VISUAL EFFECTS
Love and Monsters – Matt Sloan, Genevieve Camilleri, Matt Everitt and Brian Cox
The Midnight Sky – Matthew Kasmir, Christopher Lawrence, Max Solomon and David Watkins
Mulan – Sean Faden, Anders Langlands, Seth Maury and Steve Ingram
The One and Only Ivan – Nick Davis, Greg Fisher, Ben Jones and Santiago Colomo Martinez
Tenet – Andrew Jackson, David Lee, Andrew Lockley and Scott Fisher [WINNER]
ANIMATED FEATURE
Onward – Dan Scanlon and Kori Rae
Over the Moon – Glen Keane, Gennie Rim and Peilin Chou
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon – Richard Phelan, Will Becher and Paul Kewley
Soul – Pete Docter and Dana Murray [WINNER]
Wolfwalkers – Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart, Paul Young and Stéphan Roelants
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Collective – Alexander Nanau and Bianca Oana
Crip Camp – Nicole Newnham, Jim LeBrecht and Sara Bolder
The Mole Agent – Maite Alberdi and Marcela Santibáñez
My Octopus Teacher – Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed and Craig Foster [WINNER]
Time – Garrett Bradley, Lauren Domino and Kellen Quinn
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
Another Round (Denmark) [WINNER]
Better Days (Hong Kong)
Collective (Romania)
The Man Who Sold His Skin (Tunisia)
Quo Vadis, Aida? (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
ANIMATED SHORT
Burrow – Madeline Sharafian and Michael Capbarat
Genius Loci – Adrien Mérigeau and Amaury Ovise
If Anything Happens I Love You – Will McCormack and Michael Govier [WINNER]
Opera – Erick Oh
Yes-People – Gísli Darri Halldórsson and Arnar Gunnarsson
DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
Colette – Anthony Giacchino and Alice Doyard [WINNER]
A Concerto Is a Conversation – Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers
Do Not Split – Anders Hammer and Charlotte Cook
Hunger Ward – Skye Fitzgerald and Michael Scheuerman
A Love Song for Latasha – Sophia Nahli Allison and Janice Duncan
LIVE ACTION SHORT
Feeling Through – Doug Roland and Susan Ruzenski
The Letter Room – Elvira Lind and Sofia Sondervan
The Present – Farah Nabulsi
Two Distant Strangers – Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe [WINNER]
The Film Independent Spirit Awards were announced last night and while there were not many surprises (“Nomadland” won for example), Chadwick Boseman lost to Riz Ahmed in Best Male Lead while Carey Mulligan prevailed in Best Female Lead. The stats surrounding Best Actress and the Spirit awards tell me that only Mulligan and Andra Day now have a chance to win Best Actress since the rule is that if a Best Actress winner is nominated at the Spirits she will win there. Therefore, the race is between Mulligan (the Spirit winner) and Day (who was not nominated at the Spirits). The same rule does not hold as powerfully in Best Actor so don’t count out Boseman yet but I do see a greater opportunity for some one like Hopkins to upset.
BEST FEATURE
(Award given to the producer)
NOMADLAND (WINNER) Producers: Mollye Asher, Dan Janvey, Frances McDormand, Peter Spears, Chloé Zhao
FIRST COW
Producers: Neil Kopp, Vincent Savino, Anish Savjani
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM
Producers: Todd Black, Denzel Washington, Dany Wolf
MINARI
Producers: Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Christina Oh
NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS
Producers: Sara Murphy, Adele Romanski
BEST FIRST FEATURE
(Award given to director and producer)
SOUND OF METAL (WINNER) Director: Darius Marder Producers: Bill Benz, Kathy Benz, Bert Hamelinck, Sacha Ben Harroche
I CARRY YOU WITH ME
Director/Producer: Heidi Ewing
Producers: Edher Campos, Mynette Louie, Gabriela Maire
THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION
Director/Producer: Radha Blank
Producers: Inuka Bacote-Capiga, Jordan Fudge, Rishi Rajani, Jennifer Semler, Lena Waithe
MISS JUNETEENTH
Director: Channing Godfrey Peoples
Producers: Toby Halbrooks, Tim Headington, Jeanie Igoe, James M. Johnston, Theresa Steele Page, Neil Creque Williams
NINE DAYS
Director: Edson Oda
Producers: Jason Michael Berman, Mette-Marie Kongsved, Matthew Linder, Laura Tunstall, Datari Turner
BEST DIRECTOR
Chloé Zhao, Nomadland (WINNER)
Lee Isaac Chung, Minari
Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman
Eliza Hittman, Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Kelly Reichardt, First Cow
BEST SCREENPLAY
Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman (WINNER)
Lee Isaac Chung, Minari
Eliza Hittman, Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Mike Makowsky, Bad Education
Alice Wu, The Half of It
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Andy Siara, Palm Springs (WINNER)
Kitty Green, The Assistant
Noah Hutton, Lapsis
Channing Godfrey Peoples, Juneteenth
James Sweeney, Straight Up
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD
(Given to the best feature made for under $500,000; Award given to the writer, director and producer)
RESIDUE (WINNER) Writer/Director: Merawi Gerima
THE KILLING OF TWO LOVERS
Writer/Director/Producer: Robert Machoian
Producers: Scott Christopherson, Clayne Crawford
LINGUA FRANCA
Writer/Director/Producer: Isabel Sandoval
Producers: Darlene Catly Malimas, Jhett Tolentino, Carlo Velayo
SAINT FRANCES
Director/Producer: Alex Thompson
Writer: Kelly O’Sullivan
Producers: James Choi, Pierce Cravens, Ian Keiser, Eddie Linker, Raphael Nash, Roger Welp
BEST MALE LEAD
Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal (WINNER)
Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Adarsh Gourav, The White Tiger
Rob Morgan, Bull
Steven Yeun, Minari
BEST FEMALE LEAD
Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman (WINNER)
Nicole Beharie, Miss Juneteenth
Viola Davis, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Sidney Flanigan, Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Julia Garner, The Assistant
Frances McDormand, Nomadland
BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Paul Raci, Sound of Metal (WINNER)
Colman Domingo, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Orion Lee, First Cow
Glynn Turman, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Benedict Wong, Nine Days
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari (WINNER)
Alexis Chikaeze, Miss Juneteenth
Yeri Han, Minari
Valerie Mahaffey, French Exit
Talia Ryder, Never Rarely Sometimes Always
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Joshua James Richards, Nomadland (WINNER)
Jay Keitel, She Dies Tomorrow
Shabier Kirchner, Bull
Michael Latham, The Assistant
Hélène Louvart, Never Rarely Sometimes Always
BEST EDITING
Chloé Zhao, Nomadland (WINNER)
Andy Canny, The Invisible Man
Scott Cummings, Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Merawi Gerima, Residue
Enat Sidi, I Carry You With Me
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
(Award given to the director)
QUO VADIS, AIDA? (Bosnia and Herzegovina) (WINNER) Director: Jasmila Zbanic
BACURAU (Brazil)
Director: Juliano Dornelles, Kleber Mendonça Filho
THE DISCIPLE (India)
Director: Chaitanya Tamahane
NIGHT OF THE KINGS (Ivory Coast)
Director: Philippe Lacôte
PREPARATIONS TO BE TOGETHER FOR AN UNKNOWN PERIOD OF TIME (Hungary)
Director: Lili Horvát
BEST DOCUMENTARY
(Award given to the director and producer)
CRIP CAMP (WINNER) Directors/Producers: Jim LeBrecht, Nicole Newnham Producer: Sara Bolder
COLLECTIVE
Director/Producer: Alexander Nanau
Producers: Hanka Kastelicová, Bernard Michaux, Bianca Oana
DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD
Director/Producer: Kirsten Johnson
Producers: Katy Chevigny, Marilyn Ness
THE MOLE AGENT
Director: Maite Alberdi
Producer: Marcela Santibáñez
TIME
Director/Producer: Garrett Bradley
Producers: Lauren Domino, Kellen Quinn
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD (Given to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast)
ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI
Director: Regina King
Casting Directors: Kimberly R. Hardin
Ensemble Cast: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr.
PRODUCERS AWARD (The Producers Award honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality independent films)
Gerry Kim (WINNER)
Lucas Joaquin
Kara Durrett
SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD (The Someone to Watch Award recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition)
EKWA MSANGI (WINNER) Director of Farewell Amor
DAVID MIDELL
Director of The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain
ANNIE SILVERSTEIN
Director of Bull
TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD (The 26th Truer Than Fiction Award is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition)
ELEGANCE BRATTON (WINNER) Director of Pier Kids
CECILIA ALDARONDO
Director of Landfall
ELIZABETH LO
Director of Stray
BEST NEW NON-SCRIPTED OR DOCUMENTARY SERIES
(Award given to the Creator, Executive Producer, Co-Executive Producer)
IMMIGRATION NATION (WINNER)
Executive Producers: Christina Clusiau, Shaul Schwarz, Dan Cogan, Jenny Raskin, Brandon Hill, Christian Thompson
Co-Executive Producers: Andrey Alistratov, Jay Arthur Sterrenberg, Lauren Haber
ATLANTA’S MISSING AND MURDERED: THE LOST CHILDREN
Executive Producers: Jeff Dupre, Joshua Bennett, Sam Pollard, Maro Chermayeff, John Legend, Mike Jackson, Ty Stiklorius
CITY SO REAL
Produced by: Zak Piper, Steve James
Executive Producers: Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann, Alex Kotlowitz, Gordon Quinn, Betsy Steinberg, Jolene Pinder
LOVE FRAUD
Executive Producers: Rachel Grady, Heidi Ewing, Amy Goodman Kass, Vinnie Malhotra, Jihan Robinson, Michael Bloom, Maria Zuckerman
WE’RE HERE
Creators/Executive Producers: Stephen Warren, Johnnie Ingram
Executive Producers: Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, Peter LoGreco
Co-Executive Producers: Erin Haglund, Sabrina Mar
BEST NEW SCRIPTED SERIES
(Award given to the Creator, Executive Producer, Co-Executive Producer)
I MAY DESTROY YOU (WINNER)
Creator/Executive Producer: Michaela Coel Executive Producers: Phil Clarke, Roberto Troni
A TEACHER
Creator/Executive Producer: Hanna Fidell
Executive Producers: Michael Costigan, Kate Mara, Louise Shore, Jason Bateman, Danny Brocklehurst
Co-Executive Producer: Daniel Pipski
LITTLE AMERICA
Executive Producers: Lee Eisenberg, Joshuah Bearman, Joshua Davis, Arthur Spector, Alan Yang, Siân Heder, Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon
SMALL AXE
Executive Producers: Tracey Scoffield, David Tanner, Steve McQueen
Nomadland and Chloe Zhao continued their onslaught of the major precursors with BAFTA wins and this time they brought Frances McDormand along with them. The Best Actress winners have been split, with four different women taking the four major acting award precursors (Andra Day – Golden Globe, Carey Mulligan – Critics Choice, Viola Davis – SAG, Frances McDormand – BAFTA). This will undoubtedly be seen as one of the most unpredictable Best Actress races in a very long time. However, I still don’t see McDormand winning the Oscar and, to me, it’s between Day, Mulligan, and Davis, with the lattermost actress being my pick to win it as of right now.
Anthony Hopkins also surprised with a win over Chadwick Boseman. While this win was a surprise, I don’t think it really hurts Boseman’s chances of winning the Oscar as Hopkins’ win was likely the result of it being at the British BAFTAs.
Due to that win, Daniel Kaluuya is the only actor left this season that has swept all the major precursors and he is essentially guaranteed (and entirely deserves) a win for Best Supporting Actor.
The juries obviously changed things up this year in the directing and acting categories but I believe that all of the same winners would have prevailed in all of the categories even without the juries, except for Best Actress, which I think would have gone to Carey Mulligan as her performance in the Best British Film winner Promising Young Woman (it also won Best Original Screenplay) would have had a lot of support. Speaking of that screenplay win, with its win here, Promising Young Woman is far and away the favorite to win Best Original Screenplay unless The Trial of the Chicago 7 somehow finds itself winning Best Picture, in which case it will win Original Screenplay as well.
Anyway, here are today’s winners:
Best Film The Father
The Mauritanian Nomadland – [WINNER]
Promising Young Woman
The Trial Of The Chicago 7
Director
Another Round – Thomas Vinterberg
Babyteeth – Shannon Murphy
Minari – Lee Isaac Chung Nomadland – Chloé Zhao [WINNER] Quo Vadis, Aida? – Jasmila Žbanić
Rocks – Sarah Gavron
Leading Actress Bukky Bakray – Rocks
Radha Blank – The Forty-Year-Old Version
Vanessa Kirby – Pieces Of A Woman Frances McDormand – Nomadland [WINNER] Wunmi Mosaku – His House
Alfre Woodard – Clemency
Leading Actor Riz Ahmed – Sound Of Metal
Chadwick Boseman – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Adarsh Gourav – The White Tiger Anthony Hopkins – The Father [WINNER] Mads Mikkelsen – Another Round
Tahar Rahim – The Mauritanian
Supporting Actress Niamh Algar – Calm With Horses
Kosar Ali – Rocks
Maria Bakalova – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Dominique Fishback – Judas And The Black Messiah
Ashley Madekwe – County Lines Yuh-Jung Youn – Minari [WINNER]
Supporting Actor
Daniel Kaluuya – Judas And The Black Messiah [WINNER] Barry Keoghan – Calm With Horses
Alan Kim – Minari
Leslie Odom Jr. – One Night In Miami…
Clarke Peters – Da 5 Bloods
Paul Raci – Sound Of Metal
Original Screenplay Another Round – Tobias Lindholm, Thomas Vinterberg
Mank – Jack Fincher Promising Young Woman – Emerald Fennell [WINNER] Rocks – Theresa Ikoko, Claire Wilson
The Trial Of The Chicago 7 – Aaron Sorkin
Adapted Screenplay The Dig – Moira Buffini The Father – Christopher Hampton, Florian Zeller [WINNER] The Mauritanian – Rory Haines, Sohrab Noshirvani, M.B. Traven
Nomadland – Chloé Zhao
The White Tiger – Ramin Bahrani
Outstanding British Film Calm With Horses
The Dig
The Father
His House
Limbo
The Mauritanian
Mogul Mowgli Promising Young Woman [WINNER] Rocks
Saint Maud
Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer
His House – Remi Weekes (Writer/Director) [WINNER] Limbo – Ben Sharrock (Writer/Director), Irune Gurtubai (Producer) [Also Produced By Angus Lamont]
Moffie – Jack Sidey (Writer/Producer) [Also Written By Oliver Hermanus And Produced By Eric Abraham]
Rocks – Theresa Ikoko, Claire Wilson (Writers)
Saint Maud – Rose Glass (Writer/Director), Oliver Kassman (Producer) [Also Produced By Andrea Cornwell]
Film Not In The English Language
Another Round [WINNER] Dear Comrades!
Les Misérables
Minari
Quo Vadis, Aida?
Documentary
Collective
David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet
The Dissident My Octopus Teacher [WINNER] The Social Dilemma
Animated Film Onward Soul [WINNER] Wolfwalkers
OriginalScore
Mank – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
Minari – Emile Mosseri
News Of The World – James Newton Howard
Promising Young Woman – Anthony Willis Soul – Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross [WINNER]
Cinematography
Judas And The Black Messiah – Sean Bobbitt
Mank – Erik Messerschmidt
The Mauritanian – Alwin H. Küchler
News Of The World – Dariusz Wolski Nomadland – Joshua James Richards [WINNER]
Editing
The Father – Yorgos Lamprinos
Nomadland – Chloé Zhao
Promising Young Woman – Frédéric Thoraval Sound Of Metal – Mikkel E.G. Nielsen [WINNER] The Trial Of The Chicago 7 – Alan Baumgarten
EE Rising Star Award
Bukky Bakray [WINNER] Conrad Khan
Kingsley Ben-Adir
Morfydd Clark
Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù
