The 96th Academy Awards: Best Picture Nominees

Directed and co-written by Bradley Cooper, Maestro is a biographical film about American composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felecia Montealegre. Cooper stars alongside Carey Mulligan, and the film chronicles moments of their lives from 1943 to 1987. 

Maestro is nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Actor—Bradley Cooper, Best Actress—Carey Mulligan, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.

Krissen’s Thoughts

It’s a beautifully made film, and Cooper is clearly gifted in directing and even acting, but the overall story lacks throughlines and introspection. Writing seems to be Cooper’s least honed craft.

Biopics are always difficult, especially when the film only manages to show the history without entering into a dialogue about it. It felt like watching disparate moments in time. 

The acting is good all around, but while Cooper feels a bit more put on and trying, Mulligan is effortless and melts into the role. 

I rate it 6/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

Bradley Cooper’s commitment to the directing and acting in this project is pretty impressive. You can definitely tell that he really tried to lose himself in the role.

I thought Carey Mulligan delivered the standout performance. Watching her struggle with Leonards fame and lifestyle and going through all of the hardships was the most interesting part of the film to me.

The cinematography did have some shining moments, but overall felt a little flat.

I wasn’t as engrossed in the film as much as I wanted to be. It scraped the surface of Bernstein’s life and served as a great reminder of one of the best composers and conductors of all time, but didn’t seem to have quite enough to say about him to keep me riveted.

I give it a 6/10.

Krissen’s Thoughts

Yes, Barbie is the most “popcorn cinema” of the bunch, but it’s also probably the most culturally relevant with big swings that hit it out of the park. I know most people don’t want to take this movie seriously since it’s pink and silly, but I think it’s possible to be entertained and educated at the same time. This film is so real and fun and insanely rewatchable. 

Gerwig and Bambach partner well on script and Gerwig expertly balances silliness and meaning throughout. I’m thrilled for America Ferrera’s recognition, and although I’m okay with Margot Robbie not getting a nomination (it’s a pretty stacked category), I am so upset that Greta was snubbed for direction!

I rate it 9/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

Making a movie about a popular toy that tackles toxic masculinity, sexism, relationship dynamics, alternate realities, and finding your place in the world that’s somehow hilarious, deeply emotional, empowering, and wildly entertaining is no easy feat. 

Greta Gerwig did an excellent job of using the appeal of Barbie to tell a story that is both over-the-top fun and yet very heartfelt and relatable. 

The production design is very unique and stylish. The fact that they caused a national shortage of pink paint for a time during production is pretty amazing.

Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling do a great job embracing the craziness of the world, and America Ferrera’s speech about women toward the end of the film is worth the watch alone. 

It’s certainly the most different of this year’s best picture nominees lineup, but I’m so glad this made the list.

I give it a 8/10.

Co-written, produced, and directed by Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon is based on the 2017 book of the same name by David Grann focused on real events in the Osage Nation in the 1920s after oil was discovered on their tribal land. Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone lead an ensemble cast. This is the sixth feature film collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio and the tenth between Scorsese and De Niro. 

Killers of the Flower Moon is nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Actress—Lily Gladstone, Best Supporting Actor—Robert De Niro, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score.

Krissen’s Thoughts

I have two main issues with this film: the editing and the story. 

I don’t mind slow pacing and long films, but there’s so much here that drags and detracts without any benefit. It seems so indulgent and could have been reframed and edited to present the story in a much more engaging way. 

The story itself is hard to justify from a white filmmaker, even if it was based off of a book (also written by a white man). The story is important, yes, and I am genuinely pleased to see so many Native folks on screen. Representation 100% matters, but I struggle with this particular example due to the nature of this history. So much time is spent reliving Native trauma, yet the film follows its white leads more. Why do we spend so much time watching DiCaprio’s and De Niro’s characters do horrible things while we give Lily Gladstone’s character such little agency? It’s difficult to say who should and shouldn’t be able to tell a story, but I feel like Scorsese and co-writer Eric Roth should have involved a Native perspective in the writing and retelling of this tragic moment in Osage history.

I rate this 5/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

Everything about this film is exceedingly long and slow. There’s so many overused lingering images and slow-moving, repetitive scenes that really dragged and made the film much longer than it needed to be. 

As a video editor, the presentation and editing of this film drove me crazy. Especially jumping from the emotional climax to that ending felt jarring and bizarre. 

lt seemed like the horrors the Native Americans went through was just exploited as a backdrop to tell a sinister and exceedingly long tale about the villainous Ernest and William. Because of this, Lily Gladstone wasn’t fully able to shine and she felt like a side character in her own story.

I give it an 3/10.

Krissen’s Thoughts

For the most part enjoyable, American Fiction unfortunately felt too disjointed and unsure of itself, especially at the end. But having not read the source material makes it difficult to blame this on the filmmakers or not. Either way, Jeffrey Wright is fantastic as well as the supporting cast. I was so upset it didn’t have more Tracee Ellis Ross! 

Overall, the central message of the movie is important and necessary (and if you’ve seen the movie, that should have made you laugh). It raises a lot of good questions around authorship and authenticity.

I rate this 7/10. 

Nolan’s Thoughts

It’s always refreshing to shed light on an issue I may not have given enough thought about before.The story raised some very interesting topics and pointed out some strong issues for sure, but it didn’t really dive too far into them enough for me. It really only scratched the surface of the main issues of the film and then just kind of moved on.

The acting is by far the strongest part of this film. Jefferey Wright adds another terrific performance to his stellar career. I really enjoyed watching the two stories of Monk’s family drama and struggles to write the book, but I felt it didn’t fully commit enough to either one.

I’m still not entirely sure if the film sort of failed and became the exact type of story it kept saying it didn’t like or if that was the point and it ultimately succeeded as sort of a comically genius way of proving the same point.

I give it a 7/10.

Past Lives is written and directed by Celine Song in her feature directorial debut. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, the film follows two childhood friends over the course of 24 years and is inspired by real events from Song’s life. 

The film is nominated for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

Krissen’s Thoughts

Simple, moving, quiet, and thoughtful. It’s hard to discuss something that’s clearly so personal, but also something that requires the work of a viewer to really appreciate. You can’t be cynical to enjoy this film, and I think you have to have a healthy view or understanding of the complexities of love and identity to really relate. 

The love triangle is so unique in that there really isn’t conflict or melodrama or an antagonist. It’s beautifully messy and real. Lee and Yoo have great chemistry, and Magaro gives such a tender performance.

I rate this 9/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

Such a simple and yet beautiful film. Celine Song created a terrific story that’s deeply emotional even in its quietest moments. I absolutely love the long take shots with lingering moments between the characters. It really makes you study each scene and contemplate the power of silence and things left unsaid.

I adored that none of the characters are unlikable or have evil intent. Everyone is very sincere and sweet in their own way. It makes for a wonderful and yet heartbreaking story.

Although it’s not necessarily striking visually, I did love the subtleness and calmness of the way it’s presented. It really allowed me to sit and contemplate what I would say or do in these situations, which I think is a stronger way to tell this story.

I give it a 9/10.

The Zone of Interest is a historical drama written and directed by Jonathan Glazer that follows the German Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss and his family as they live next to the Auschwitz concentration camp, loosely based on the 2014 novel by Martin Amis. The film stars Christian Friedel and Sandra Hüller. 

This film is nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.

Krissen’s Thoughts

It’s a haunting and interesting perspective of the Holocaust that has never been seen before. The first half of the movie is so eerie, uncomfortable, and effective, but there are odd filmmaking choices that didn’t quite work for me in some scene transitions. Felt too on the nose while the rest is so nuanced. 

It lost me a bit in the second half and I found the storytelling a bit perplexing there, but the ending scene is so harrowing, it’s impossible to forget. 

This is a classic example of film as art and a medium for message, but not necessarily something I’ll want to revisit.

I rate this 7/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

In a film like this, separating what’s being told from how it’s being told can be a difficult task. Watching the peaceful, almost mundane family life happening directly next to the torturous screams and unthinkable horrors of Auschwitz creates a sinister feeling that doesn’t go away. It’s definitely a strong emotional film and shows the horrors of the Holocaust in a unique way, but I couldn’t help feeling a little thrown off by some of the presentation. 

Some of the editing felt a bit heavy handed and over done to me as well. The emotional impact of the calm scenes taking place directly next to the internment camp were obviously uncomfortable and eerie, but after a while it started to feel a little repetitive and slow. And the overuse of the evil sound effect started to get a little tired by the end.

The ending with the shots of the people cleaning the gas chambers which are now a tourist attraction is definitely one of the most haunting and uncomfortable scenes in recent memory.

I give it a 6/10.

A French legal drama film, Anatomy of a Fall stars Sandra Hüller as a writer trying to prove her innocence in her husband’s death. Directed and co-written by Justine Triet, it won the Palme d’Or at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. 

The film is nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.

Krissen’s Thoughts

Another year, another compelling international movie that proves film is thriving beyond Hollywood. This movie had me on the edge of my seat throughout without any action, melodrama, or visual effects. It’s well acted, wonderfully edited, and expertly written. Who knew a legal drama could be so engaging and emotional?

Quite literally: No notes.

Also if you’re not in love with Swann Arlaud by the end of it, don’t talk to me.

I rate this 9/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

I’ll admit I went into this film with kind of a lukewarm interest, but by the end I was blown away. The story is both fascinating and expertly told. I absolutely love when the editing and presentation of a film, whether it’s the style or even order of events, has a huge emotional impact on the story.

I loved watching the intricacies of the relationship and puzzling legal proceedings unfold layer by layer in a fast paced and exciting way.
Compelling subject matter, terrific acting, especially Sandra Hüller who gives a raw and passionate performance, well-paced and intricate editing made Anatomy of a Fall a near perfect film.

I give it a 9/10.

Starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Willem Dafoe, Poor Things is based on the 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the plot follows a young woman in Victorian London who comes to life through a brain transplant and embarks on an odyssey of self-discovery.

Poor Things is nominated for eleven Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Actress—Emma Stone, Best Supporting Actor—Mark Ruffalo, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.

Krissen’s Thoughts

I wanted to like this so much more, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t hit the mark for me. Overall, it feels more like a man’s understanding of feminism than anything else. Some of the writing feels disjointed and scenes out of place or unresolved in the grander story. 

While the visuals may not be to my personal style, I can’t help but commend Lanthimos and crew on their creativity and execution. Sets and costumes are detailed and distinct and conveys a unique sense of filmmaking. 

Shout out to Mark Ruffalo’s ridiculous accent, it was weirdly my favorite part of the movie.

I rate this 5/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

The trademark Lanthimos cinematography and production design is always interesting. In Poor Things however, it felt overused and a bit exhausting. I had trouble finding my footing in the strange world in which this film takes place.

I did not connect with this story or the presentation very much at all. I guess this was supposed to be some sort of female awakening/empowering through sexuality story, but seeing a woman with a child’s brain, barely learn to walk and talk, and then immediately fumble through endless bizarre sexual experiences never sat right with me. I felt uncomfortable throughout the entire experience.

It felt like a mess of jarring visuals and editing, mixed with strange views of female sexuality, told in an uneven and odd way. Maybe I just really wasn’t the right audience for this one.

I give it an 4/10.

Starring Cillian Murphy as the titular character, Oppenheimer is a biographical thriller about the American theoretical physicist known as the “father of the atomic bomb” for his role in the Manhattan Project. Written, directed and co-produced by Christopher Nolan, the film is based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. It also stars Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh, as well as an ensemble supporting cast.

Oppenheimer is nominated for thirteen Academy Awards, making it one of the most nominated films in history. The nominations include Best Director, Best Actor—Cillian Murphy, Best Support Actor—Robert Downey Jr., Best Supporting Actress—Emily Blunt, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound.

Krissen’s Thoughts

Biopics are really hit or miss for me, but I found Oppenheimer so engaging and expertly paced. Nolan’s films never feel as long as they really are through his keen sense of writing and editing. I am admittedly biased here in that I appreciate Nolan’s passion for filmmaking and the incredible lengths he goes to in order to achieve his vision. He’s thoughtful and meticulous and thorough. 

There’s nothing negative for me to say, but the standouts to me are the acting and music. Göransson is most assuredly a winner for his incredible score, and I’m so pleased for the incredible recognition that Murphy is getting.

I rate this 9/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

Yet another masterpiece from one of the greatest directors of our time. 

The film is full of unease and tension of all sorts that is handled perfectly by expertly paced writing, the editing of all the different time periods and points of view, the amazing score and fantastic acting performances. 

The music and sound design captures every emotion and tone perfectly. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it win best sound this year.

Cillian Murphy is terrific. He has so many great roles in Nolan’s other films and now that he gets to be center stage he knocks it out of the park. 

This film handles the story of Oppenheimer very well. It exposes, honors, hates and sympathizes with him all at the same time. That is a very hard balance to achieve and not a lot of biopics can pull that off.

I give it 9/10.

The Holdovers is written by David Hemingson and directed by Alexander Payne. Set in the the 1970s, the film stars Paul Giamatti as a curmudgeon classics teacher at a New England boarding school who is forced to chaperone students that have nowhere to go on Christmas break. Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa star in supporting roles as a cafeteria manager and one of the students. 

The film is nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actor—Paul Giamatti, Best Supporting Actress—Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.

Krissen’s Thoughts

Oof, do I love the sad-sack Giamatti/Payne combo. It’s always real, entertaining, and effortlessly funny. Its retro style is so nostalgic and reminiscent of films like Harold and Maude and The Graduate and excellently executed to make it feel out of time.

Giamatti delivers, as always, and is supported by incredible performances by breakout Randolph and newcomer Sessa. It’s beautifully simple and poignant and perfectly character driven

I rate this 9/10.

Nolan’s Thoughts

Alexander Payne is so good at doing this and telling sad, yet fulfilling stories.

The writing is very strong and well paced. We get to know each character through small interactions and excellent dialogue that drives the story forward. The film really does a great job of balancing raw emotional moments and sensitive character studies with humor.

It doesn’t sound like a compliment, but Paul Giamatti is so good at playing a miserable sort of antihero character that you somehow still love and root for.

This film also has a nice style to it. I love that it’s in a very cold and lonely setting, but the 70s vibes and film grain and humor give it a sort of warmth that helps the charm of the story as well. Even all the way through to the bittersweet ending, which has Paul Giamatti delivering one of the best lines of the year.

I give it an 9/10.

Krissen’s Ranking

1. Oppenheimer
2. Past Lives
3. Anatomy of a Fall
4. The Holdovers
5. Barbie
6. American Fiction
7. The Zone of Interest
8. Maestro
9. Poor Things
10. Killers of the Flower Moon

Nolan’s Ranking

1. Oppenheimer
2. Anatomy of a Fall
3. Past Lives
4. Barbie
5. The Holdovers
6. American Fiction
7. The Zone of Interest
8. Maestro
9. Poor Things
10. Killers of the Flower Moon