With so many movies and so little time – only 3 weeks away – which Academy Award nominees are must-sees before the big night? Here are my top picks:
1. “AMERICAN HUSTLE” – Tied with “Gravity” with the most nominations (10), including the major six categories (Picture, Director, all 4 acting), David O. Russell’s fun crime dramedy could walk away with the top prize and honors for both ladies (Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence).
2. “12 YEARS A SLAVE” – The frontrunner for Best Picture after wins at the Globes and Critics Choice Awards, the emotional historical drama is also a contender for Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o) and could score Lead Actor too (Chiwetel Ejiofor) if it has a hot night. Can’t count out Adapted Screenplay, either.
3. “DALLAS BUYERS CLUB” – While the HIV-AIDS drama doesn’t have a shot at Best Picture, star Matthew McConaughey has been cruising through Awards Season so far with Best Actor victories, and Supporting Actor nominee Jared Leto is the closest thing to the lock of the evening.
4. “GRAVITY” – Pretty much everyone has seen the 90-minute space adventure by now, but if you’re one of the few who hasn’t, it’s a must. Alfonso Cuaron is the likely Best Director recipient, while Best Actress nominee Sandra Bullock is still very much alive in that race.
5. “BLUE JASMINE” – Woody Allen’s romantic dramedy stars Cate Blanchett, who’s been sweeping the Lead Actress circuit. Woody could also score Original Screenplay honors, but this recent re-opening of scandal talk isn’t helping.
6. “CAPTAIN PHILLIPS” – While Tom Hanks shockingly failed to receive a Best Actor nomination, the high-seas action/suspense/thriller from Paul Greengrass could take the Adapted Screenplay and Editing awards.
7. “FROZEN” – If all this time you’ve been thinking the Disney animated musical is simply a kids movie, you are sorely mistaken. The Animated Feature frontrunner is smart, funny, sophisticated, and features show-stopping original songs, including nominee and potential winner, “Let It Go”.
8. “NEBRASKA” – Alexander Payne’s follow-up to “The Descendants” is a raw and moving small-town portrayl with excellent work from nominees Bruce Dern and June Squibb. It’s my favorite film out of these Best Picture nominees.
9. “20 FEET FROM STARDOM” – The strong contender in the Documentary Feature race tells the story of professional back-up singers, and the struggles they’ve faced throughout the history of music. Currently available on DVD.
10. “THE GREAT GATSBY” – Originally supposed to be an Oscar contender last year, but pushed to a summer 2013 release (a move that paid off), Baz Luhrman’s adaptation of the classic novel could score two wins for its gorgeous costume and production designs.