Oscar Nominees 2019 Opinion Article

Best Picture Nominees: A Definitive Ranking

Written by Jocelyn Illing

​For the first time in my twenty years on this earth, I have succeeded in viewing every single film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards (I’ll wait until the applause die down). For me, being a major movie buff and, hopefully, a future film critic, this is a big deal. I can say that, for the most part, I enjoyed all of this year’s nominees. While saying this, it doesn’t mean that some films aren’t more deserving than others. The list below is my definitive ranking of this year’s Oscar nominees for Best Picture; from the okay to the sublime. 

8

Bohemian Rhapsody (Bryan Singer)

I actually didn’t really mind this film. While some of my peers have trashed it to no end, I found Bohemian Rhapsody to be quite enjoyable. The story was easy to follow, the songs were great (which is expected from a film about Queen), and Rami Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury was pretty damn good. So why is this film on the bottom of my list? Simply put, it is just your average, run-of-the-mill musical biopic. Save for Malek’s performance, I do not really understand why it is nominated at all.

Rami Malek in "Bohemian Rhapsody" | 20th Century Fox

Florence Kasumba, Danai Gurira, and Lupita Nyong'o in "Black Panther" | Marvel Studios

7

Black Panther (Ryan Coogler)

While I would put Black Panther on the top of my list of superhero films, I do not think it holds a candle to some of the other films in this category. The film, apart from its inclusion of elements from African culture, didn’t really bring anything new to the superhero genre, and I felt that most of its components were standard, such as the special effects, acting, and script. Black Panther was certainly entertaining, and a film that I will definitely watch more than once, but it isn’t Oscar-worthy.

6

Greenbook (Peter Farrelly)

​Like Bohemian Rhapsody, Greenbook is a cookie-cutter, Oscar-bait biographical film. What differentiates the two films are their character dynamics. I got more pleasure listening to Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen’s characters arguing as they drove across the country then from the deteriorating relationship between Mercury and his bandmates. The chemistry between Ali and Mortensen was undeniable and watching how their characters grew throughout the film was a joy. 

Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali in "Green Book" | Participant Media

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in "A Star is Born" | Warner Bros.

5

A Star is Born (Bradley Cooper)

Okay I know that people have mixed thoughts on this film, but I loved it. The story is classical Hollywood at it's best, the acting was excellent and Lady Gaga’s voice is a true force to be reckoned with. Like Ali and Mortensen, the chemistry between Gaga and Bradley Cooper was powerful, and is undeniably the reason why the ending so heartbreaking. While I dislike some of the artistic choices Cooper made, such as Gaga’s final performance, this is a solid directorial debut. 

4

Vice (Adam McKay)

Christian Bale in a fat suit, America’s treasure Amy Adams, and Adam McKay’s direction; I mean, what more could you want from a film. Through dynamic, fast-paced editing, sharp script, and aided by Bale’s uncanny performance, McKay was somehow able to make a film about early 2000's American politics one of the most fun cinematic experiences of the year; you’ve got to give the man some love. To top it all off we were blessed with Sam Rockwell as George W. Bush. Hot damn indeed. 

Steve Carell and Christian Bale in "Vice" | Annapurna Pictures

Emma Stone in "The Favourite" | Element Pictures

3

The Favourite (Yorgos Lanthimos)

Now we’re getting into the real contenders. Yorgos Lanthimos, of The Lobster fame, is back with yet another devilishly fun film. Like McKay, Lanthimos was able to breathe life into the saturated genre which is the Victorian period film. When I walked into the theatre, I was expecting a boring, slow, retelling of British history and when I walked out of the film I was baffled (in a good way). One of the funniest films of the year, The Favourite is a must see, if not for its witty script, for the delicious tour de force that is Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz.

2

​​Blackkklansman (Spike Lee)

Blackklansman was a poignant and true cinematic delight. There is little I can say about this film that isn’t praise. Spike Lee is one of my all-time favourite directors and when watching his films it's obvious that Lee wants you to have fun. With Blackkklansman, Lee tackles the subject of racism with popping visuals and editing, boogie-down music and knock-out performances from John David Washington and Adam Driver. If this film doesn’t receive any wins this year, I am going to be one very mad film critic. 

John David Washington and Adam Driver in "Blackkklansman" | Focus Features

Roma | Netflix

1

Roma (Alfonso Cuarón)

Roma. Roma, Roma, what a film to behold! Cuarón’s eye for visual storytelling is one that should be cherished and celebrated by all. Not only was this film a strong piece of narrative, but also a true work of art. The images in this film are some of the most impactful and beautiful I've seen all year. For example, Cuarón made a tile floor soaked with soapy water mixed with feces seem to be the most beautiful and symbolic image I have ever seen in my life. His ability to take mundane pictures such as these, and find their beauty is extraordinary. A truly Excepcional film! Make sure you watch Roma regardless if it wins or loses this years Best Picture award.

​To all the Oscar nominees this year I wish you good luck and may the odds be ever in your favour.