The 93rd Academy Awards: Best Picture Nominees

In Sound of Metal, directed and co-written by Darius Marder, Riz Ahmed stars as a metal drummer who loses his hearing and follows his journey as he learns to live with his new reality. The film is nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor – Paul Raci, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Sound.

Nolan’s Thoughts

Riz Ahmed could literally just stare into a camera for 90 straight minutes and I’d go see it in a theater. The man is multi-talented force of nature and in this film I really felt his struggle with losing his hearing because of his performance. If this doesn’t win best sound design/mixing I don’t know what will. The way they used audio effects and tones to show Ruben’s hearing loss was creative but also felt authentic. It is best showcased in the scene with Lou singing along to the piano while Ruben listens in the crowd. The sound blends from the beautiful full music to his metallic artificial implants in a truly heartbreaking way. Even the title is perfect referencing both the sound of the band’s music and the artificial way Riz hears the world by the end. This film was original, artistic, and heartbreaking all while honoring the deaf community in a very respectful way.

I’d give it an 8/10.

Krissen’s Thoughts

I must disclose that I am biased here, as Riz Ahmed is a favorite, and his raw emotions fit perfectly as Ruben. There’s not much I didn’t like about this movie, from its original story to the incredible, immersive sound design. It’s a beautiful and heartfelt film. And a great example of a heavy-hitting indie. I also love how inclusive and respectful the making of the film was with the deaf community. I absolutely adored Paul Raci and was blown away by his performance and was the most excited about his nomination. This should be a slam-dunk for sound design. 

I rate this 8/10.

This biographical drama follows Fred Hampton, late 1960s chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Blank Panther Party, and the FBI informant, William O’Neal, who infiltrated the group. Judas and the Black Messiah stars Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield and is nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Original song – “Fight for You”, and Best Supporting Actor – both Kaluuya and Stanfield.

Nolan’s Thoughts

This film along with The Trial of the Chicago 7 provided a very unique overlap in stories this year, just like Darkest Hour and Dunkirk a few years ago. Seeing how everything unfolded on the murder of Fred Hampton from two films was eye opening. Lakeith Stanfield really showed his acting talents living the double life throughout the film. Daniel Kaluuya was amazing as well. His natural charisma, along with some very powerful speeches really showed the passion and endless determination Fred Hampton had. The linear way it was told and the simple way it was created would be my only complaints, but the story is so important and was told so passionately with a great amount of tension along the way, that it made up for some of the missing cinematic elements to me.

I’d give it a 7/10.

Krissen’s Thoughts

Fitting well in history with fellow nominee The Trial of the Chicago 7, we get a better look at the people only briefly portrayed. Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield had such different performances but—one dynamic and one subtle—but both really held commanding presence on screen. Sadly the movie itself didn’t do much for me cinematically (I feel like a bit of non-linear editing would have gone a long way) but it was a well told and obviously important story to tell. 

I rate this 7/10.

Directed by David Fincher and based on the screenplay by his late father Jack Fincher, Mank showcases 1930’s Hollywood in a black-and-white biographical drama about Herman J. Mankiewicz and the development of the screenplay for 1941’s Citizen Kane. The film earned a leading 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor – Gary Oldman, Best Supporting Actress – Amanda Seyfried, and Best Director.

Nolan’s Thoughts

Gary Oldman was amazing as always and I do appreciate the amount of time that went into creating the atmosphere and look of this film, but I couldn’t help feeling unenthusiastic while watching it. The audio was meant to sound like it would in an old time theater, but I found it more distracting than endearing. The behind the scenes story of the writing of Citizen Kane was very interesting, but it felt mostly like it was yet another attempt to bait the Academy with “Old Hollywood”  nostalgia. It was definitely entertaining and worth watching, but I couldn’t help feeling throughout that if I want to be reminded of Citizen Kane…I’ll just watch Citizen Kane. I’d definitely agree with it winning costume design or cinematography, but not the best picture in my book.

I’d give it a 5/10.

Krissen’s Thoughts

I’ve always appreciated Citizen Kane in its place as a pivotal moment in film, but for its technical aspects, not the writing — frankly the story has never been the strong or memorable component. Gary Oldman as Mankiewicz is obviously great, but after such a winning performance as Winston Churchill, this seems trivial in comparison. Points I did like: cinematography, made to look like Citizen Kane, and production and costume design, which was put together with the black-and-white medium in mind. Largely a slow and uninteresting love-letter to Old Hollywood, with good acting to keep your attention.

I rate this 6/10.

With an ensemble cast, The Trial of the Chicago 7 retells and explores the real life trial of the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters, and riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago that brought them all together. Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the film is nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor – Sacha Baron Cohen, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Original Song – “Hear My Voice”.

Nolan’s Thoughts

This was a story I’d only heard mentioned before, but did not know much about. It was told very well front to back and gave some incredible insight into our horribly flawed judicial system. The pace of the editing along with the mixture of flashbacks and scenes of characters explaining their sides of the situation really helped the energy of the film. Aaron Sorkin did a great job showcasing the immense tensions and infuriating situations that went on during this trial. Great story, Great acting and well edited. Also Mark Rhylance is a gem…that is all.

I’d give it a 7/10

Krissen’s Thoughts

I was unfamiliar with this moment of history, but its story is as important now as ever. The cast is a huge draw: Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Rylance, to name a few. With every Aaron Sorkin film, you can expect fast-paced, exciting dialogue that propels the action. That fit well in what was mostly a courtroom drama and the editing helped to elevate it even further. There’s great energy and tension in each scene and I’m always one for a non-linear narrative. It was all around well-made, particularly in the technical senses, but perhaps lacking slightly in a clear viewpoint: it shows the horrors of the particular Judge Hoffman, but doesn’t delve completely into condemning the whole justice system. 

I rate this 7/10.

Directed and written by Lee Isaac Chung, this delicate drama follows a South Korean immigrant family in pursuit of their American dream, based on Chung’s own memories of his 1980’s Arkansas childhood. Minari is nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Actor – Steven Yeun, Best Supporting Actress – Youn Yuh-jung, and Best Original Screenplay.

Nolan’s Thoughts

What beautiful story of perseverance and starting over in a new place. Steven Yeun really put his whole heart and soul into the role of the father. Each character has such a unique view of their lives in the new environment and the film shows each one of their struggles to do what they believe is best for the family very well. It was simple and relatable, yet raw and emotional. I loved the beautiful landscape shots, especially watching them start growing the vegetables or gathering the minari by the creek. It’s amazing how such small scenes can convey such deep emotions and bring the characters closer together. It’s a heart tugging film that shows us no matter what happens you can always keep moving forward.

I’d give it a 8/10.

Krissen’s Thoughts

Seeing this kind of cultural representation in film is obviously a big deal for me, and the way in which Minari tells its story is with such tenderness. Steven Yeun and the entire cast does such a fantastic job of bringing these relatable, emotional characters to life. What struck me most was how little racism played as a factor in the narrative. I was fully expecting to have to endure those moments as a critical point of the plot, but was happily surprised that we could follow this family’s intimate story of acclimating to a new home and a new way of life with only the natural, familial, intrapersonal conflicts. It is a universal story. 

I rate this 8.5/10.

Emerald Fennell’s feature directorial debut, Promising Young Woman stars Carey Mulligan as a woman seeking to avenge the death of her best friend, who was a victim of rape. The film is nominated for 5 Academy Awards, including Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay – Emerald Fennell, and Best Director. 

Nolan’s Thoughts

I LOVE a good revenge story and this was quite a powerful one. Carey Mulligan was excellent. It was a devastating end for her character, but I absolutely loved watching her planning come back to haunt the awful men from beyond the grave. The subject matter is heavy and dark, but extremely important. It’s infuriating what can be forgotten, or brushed aside by people while they casually go on with their lives. There wasn’t much in the way of cinematography or editing style, but the weight of the story, the pacing, and some terrific acting really did build a tension filled film until the absolute end. I really want to try and be a better man after watching this film. 

I’d give it a 7/10.

Krissen’s Thoughts

Another original story, I thought the script was bold and extremely relevant. I’ve never seen Carey Mulligan like this and thought her performance was great. There isn’t anything particularly cinematic about the film – it’s all in the story and characters. A bit slow at times but builds well and to surprising moments. I’m absolutely intrigued with all of Emerald Fennell now too! 

I rate this 7/10.

Starring Frances McDormand as a widow who tackles a new “houseless” lifestyle, Nomadland was written, edited, produced, and directed by Chloe Zhao, and features real-life nomads as fictionalized versions of themselves. The film is based on the 2017 non-fiction book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder and is nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actress. 

Nolan’s Thoughts

This year felt like the first time in a very long while, where original, or untold stories took over movie making and Nomadland is a perfect example. This film was beautifully done, from the way it was shot in the vast deserts and rocky locations, to the intimate moments inside the small van. It was straight forward, but that helped the story give a very humbling glimpse into the lives of people who live by their own means outside of conventional society. I also have tremendous respect for Chloe Zhao’s commitment to using real people while they travelled across the country as well as her editing the film by herself. That really speaks to her vision and dedication to telling this story.

I’d give it an 8/10.

Krissen’s Thoughts

I went into this film with zero expectation—and actually, I’m not really a fan of Frances McDormand, so I was dreading it a bit. Wow was I surprised by the tenderness of it all. It’s a straightforward but original, honest story. I found myself enjoying McDormand and I was really charmed by David Strathairn as well. The cinematography was beautiful as we followed McDormand and her journey and I really appreciate and applaud Chloe Zhao for being the sole editor as a director. I can’t wait to see more of her films. 

I rate this 9/10.

Written and directed by Florian Zeller in his directorial debut, The Father is based on his 2012 play Le Pere, and stars Anthony Hopkins as an aging man dealing with his progressing memory loss. The film is nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress – Olivia Colman, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.

Nolan’s Thoughts

Stage plays usually don’t translate well to the screen for me, but this one lent itself greatly to the format through the cinematography and editing. They played with the conditions of dementia through circular dialogue, revisiting prior scenes, and uncomfortable moments of not knowing what is real and what is not. I loved the order in which certain scenes were shown to us and the subtle hints that scenes may not be what they seem. This really drove home the heartbreak of having the father’s illness as well. Anthony Hopkins gave a raw and open performance that had me in tears throughout the entire film.  Suffering from dementia, and forgetting or confusing some of the best memories in my life with loved ones is my greatest fear, so I was extremely affected by this story.

I’d give it a 9/10.

Krissen’s Thoughts

This film isn’t just here to tell you a story. It’s here to make you feel it. It’s an immersive, uncomfortable, disarming experience that gets to the core of you. Memory loss is terrifying and this film does an incredible job of not just telling you what happens, but showing you in brutal realism what the disease can be like, from both the victim and their loved ones. Anthony Hopkins, already an acting legend, gives a career highlight performance. Olivia Colman is fantastic; and the writing and editing makes the whole thing work. 

I rate this 8.5/10.