by Brody McKinnon, Media Communication Major w/ Film Emphasis, Contributing Opinion
The 91st Academy Awards (also known as the Oscars) are designed to honor the best movies of 2018. This year’s ceremony is Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. In order to be prepared for the awards, here’s a list of some of the potential winners to consider watching beforehand:
A Star Is Born
This film takes an in-depth, heartfelt look at the hardships of fame. Despite being a story that’s been told and re-told several times over the last century, it is one of the most moving films of last year. “A Star Is Born” is a likely a contender for Best Song (“Shallows”) as well as Best Actress (Lady Gaga).
BlacKkKlansman
My personal favorite film of 2018, this film tells the astonishing true story of a black detective infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan. The perfect mix of comedy and drama, this film holds a message specifically tailored to our world today. “BlacKkKlansman” is a contender for Best Picture as well as Best Adapted Screenplay.
Roma
This beautiful film from Mexico is a masterpiece. It’s the first foreign language film to be nominated for a Best Picture award since 2012 and one of only three in the history of the Academy Awards to be nominated for ten categories. “Roma” is the most likely contender for Best Director and Best Cinematography (Alfonso Cuarón) and Best Foreign Language Film.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Watch a comic book literally come to life in this movie, the most ingenious and innovative animated film of the last decade. This film, quite frankly, is the only nomination for Animated Feature worth your time.
RBG
This documentary will blow you away. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a real-life version of Wonder Woman. While “RBG” certainly has a political leaning, it’s a worthwhile film for anyone looking for a good documentary.
Other nominated films that may not win, but you should still see
These are films that are definitely worth your time, but are unlikely in the awards race. Either they don’t have enough money behind them to win, or they are nominated in crowded categories
“Black Panther,” “Christopher Robin,” “Green Book,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Isle of Dogs,” “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” and “The Favourite”
Nominated films to skip altogether
These films are generally not well-made and are not worth your time. Their overall quality is subpar. They have empty or shallow stories. Some may win an award, but that’s more based on award politics instead of actual content.
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Can You Ever Forgive Me?,” “First Man,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” “Ready Player One” and “Vice”
