It’s my favorite time of the year! The glitz . . . the glam . . . the glory! Through the Golden Globes to the Oscars, the best-of-the-best movies come together to celebrate a brilliant job well done. From a thrilling drama about race in America (Get Out) to a turbulent romance between a strong-willed woman and a dressmaker in the 1950s (Phantom Thread) the competition is very much alive and well this awards season. Although there are films such as The Post, with an Oscar-oozing ensemble of Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, as well as the war epic Dunkirk from Christopher Nolan, there are a few distinct movies that have been racking up all of the coveted statues. Thus, without further ado, here are the movies to watch before they win the “golden man” on March 4th.
***The trailer for each movie is linked in its title. You’re welcome.
The Shape Of Water
Coming out on top with 13 Oscar nominations, The Shape of Water is truly a cinematic masterpiece. Not only is it incredibly stunning visually, but it’s also a beautiful and touching love story. Sweeping us up into the time period, you truly begin to feel compassion and love for the unusual circumstances . . . and what’s a movie without a black-and-white dance scene?
Synopsis (IMDb): “At a top secret research facility in the 1950s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.”
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is my absolute favorite this season! Having racked up multiple honors from Best Picture to Best Supporting Actor (Sam Rockwell is winning the Oscar. Period.) this movie is a darkly comedic drama that will make you cry and burst out laughing. A phenomenal movie. And yes, I am slightly biased.
Synopsis (IMDb): “A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit.”
I, Tonya
If you aren’t familiar with Tonya Harding, well . . . get familiar. I, Tonya is a brilliant take on her infamous life and ice skating career, captured in a hilarious, documentary-like style. With stellar performances from Margot Robbie, Allison Janney and Sebastian Stan, this spectacular film will make you realize that there are always two sides to every story.
Synopsis (IMDb): “Competitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the activity is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes.”
Lady Bird
Having won the Golden Globes, and in the running everywhere else, Lady Bird is a coming-of-age film that’s, well, for the ages. With absolute raving reviews from the audiences, this movie was amazingly directed and acted by women. Go girl power!
Synopsis (IMDb): “In 2002, an artistically inclined seventeen-year-old girl comes of age in Sacramento, California.”
Darkest Hour
By stepping into the shoes of one of the biggest names in history, Gary Oldman gives a wickedly talented performance as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. Providing us a glimpse of the man with an iron will, this film paints a breathtaking story around the fact that “he wasn’t their first choice . . . but became their last hope.”
Synopsis (IMDb): “During the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds.”
Although these are the five films that have been truly shining compared to the others, all of the movies this awards season are historic in their content, quality and downright entertainment. So, the next time you settle in for a Netflix binge, remember that there are so many other worlds waiting for you at the nearest cinema. Happy watching! (Complete List: 2018 Oscar Nominees)