Oscar Palooza 2016
The Oscars are on Sunday and I can’t wait to lounge in my pajamas, eat delicious snacks (homemade pizzas are on the menu this year), critique the glamorous Red Carpet fashion, and see what hilarious shenanigans Chris Rock gets up to as the host.
And, for the second year in a row, I’m proud to report I’ve seen all of the Best Picture Nominees! There were some amazing films this year with phenomenal acting–from incredible true stories to interplanetary science fiction.
Here’s a snippet about each of the films, and my picks for which ones should win that prized golden statue:
1. The Big Short — This movie managed to hit that strange combination of being super entertaining, hilarious, and incredibly frustrating. It does a fantastic job of breaking down the financial crisis of 2008, aka the Great Recession, and follows a ragtag group of investors who somehow see what’s coming and bet against the US housing market. What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Supporting Actor for Christian Bale (seriously, the guy crushed it).
2. Bridge of Spies — I enjoyed this movie so much! How could I not with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks at the helm? Taking place during the height of the Cold War, the story follows lawyer James Donovan as he struggles to negotiate a prisoner exchange with the Soviet Union. I’m not sure what impressed me most, the subtle storytelling, Tom Hanks’ brilliant acting, or learning more about that time period. What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Production Design
3. Brooklyn — Honestly, this movie wasn’t my favorite, which is a bummer because I so wanted to love it! The story follows a girl who immigrates from her small hometown in Ireland to Brooklyn, New York in the 1950s, where she falls madly in love and must decide between her life in Brooklyn and her life back home. What I’m rooting for it to win: nada, although I really hope to see Saoirse Ronan in something else…she just dazzles!
4. Mad Max: Fury Road — Okay, I just didn’t get this movie. I’d heard amazing things about it and was so excited to watch this supposed Holy Grail of action films, but it left me really confused. The story follows Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron is a complete badass) who helps the wives of dictator Joe escape the citadel in what’s basically one really long chase scene. What I’m rooting for it to win: nada.
5. The Martian — I absolutely loved this book, and the film adaptation was just as good! The story follows astronaut Mark Watney and his fight to stay alive after he’s stranded alone on Mars. Matt Damon played an excellent Mark Watney, capturing his strong voice and sense of humor, and it was so fun seeing the science come to life on the big screen. What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Adapted Screenplay.
6. The Revenant — If you don’t watch this movie for Leo’s awesome acting, watch it for the scenery which is breathtaking! The movie is based on the true story of frontiersman Hugh Glass who, after being mauled by a grizzly bear and then buried alive, traverses treacherous wilderness to seek his revenge on the man who betrayed him. What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Picture, Best Director for Alejandro González Iñárritu, Best Actor for Leonardo Dicaprio, and Cinematography (seriously, this film is beautiful).
7. Room — This movie was by far the hardest to watch on an emotional level, but was really good. It’s about a mom and her son who manage to escape the one-room shed where they’ve been held captive for the last seven years. The story is really told through the son’s perspective as he begins to learn that there is an entire world outside of Room that he wants to experience . What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Actress for Brie Larson (she did an amazing job!).
8. Spotlight — This was like a modern day All The President’s Men (which is fantastic). With phenomenal acting all-around, the movie follows the investigative reporters at the Boston Globe who uncovered the truth about sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. It was eye-opening, moving, and just plain entertaining! What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Original Screenplay.
Honorable Mentions — If I could pick 2 more movies to be honored with a Best Picture Nomination, seeing as there are 2 slots available, they would be Star Wars: The Force Awakens (seriously, so good!) and Straight Outta Compton (not sure how this didn’t get a nod).
Do you enjoy watching the Oscars? What movie(s) are you rooting for to win big this year? Is there a movie you wish had been nominated?
What I’m reading: A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
What I’m listening to: Halsey — BADLANDS
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