After finally making it to the end of Maestro (after 3 failed attempts) I can now say I’ve seen each of the Best Picture nominee’s for the 2024 Oscars. With that, I present to you my somewhat controversial Oscar rankings – and, if you haven’t yet seen them, whether or not they’re worth your time.
Honorable Mentions
All-in-all, I think the Best Picture format needs to be reverted to the old 5-film group. 10 just seems like too many – especially when you’ve got something like Anatomy of A Fall going up against a Scorsese and Nolan. Regardless, there’s plenty of films that deserve to have gotten a nomination over ‘Maestro’.
Personally, I would’ve loved to see May December or Society of the Snow in it’s place. Even something like All of Us Strangers (which I didn’t love) has more of a case than Maestro. Regardless I think I’m just relieved Napoleon didn’t get a nomination.
10. Maestro
After the opening sentence, who didn’t see this coming? The bottom of everyones list, and also the bottom of mine. How this got a spot over the films I just listed (or Asteroid City, Iron Claw, The Killer, Monster, Fallen Leaves, Henry Sugar…) is a shame – but predictable. Typical oscar-bait with an uninspired plot. Bradley Cooper is great, the cinematography is okay, but the film just doesn’t pack a punch – especially in comparison to everything on this list.
Should you watch?
Give this a look if you’re into music and are in the mood for a generic Netflix-style biopic. That being said, I’d recommend watching everything else on this list first.
9. Poor Things
Yeah… I know. I plan on a full review soon, but I still need some time to collect my thoughts. I just don’t think I got it. The acting is incredible (Ruffallo, Stone and DaFoe are just fantastic), the score is great and the cinematography is astonishing. But the plot just didn’t click. Its uncomfortable to watch – and not in an avant-garde artsy way, but in a weird, uninspired and congested mess. Again – maybe I just didn’t get it. I keep reading praises online about how its a piece of modern feminist literature but it truly seems the opposite, especially considering it was written by a 50 year old white dude.
I’ll reflect on it further after another watch and as I let it simmer… but until then, to 9th it goes.
Should you watch?
Watch this if you’re looking for something a bit fantastical and outlandish. Alternatively, if you’ve watched ‘The Lobster’ and thought, this isn’t fucked enough for me, this ones probably for you too.
8. Anatomy of a Fall
Now we get into the next tier. This is another one that could have been a bit higher, but personally it just didnt seem to have the same kick. It’s a great film – the acting is fantastic, the plot is compelling and the edit is one of the best in this list. It’s very clear that Triet has paid close attention to detail to the pacing of the film, and it’s not gone unnoticed. Without it, this could’ve very much been another generic Netflix whodunnit… and I’m very glad it wasn’t.
Should you watch?
Give this a sus if you’re in the mood for a good drama / whodunnit / legal film. Think Suits, How To Get Away With Murder, NCIS – this is very much for you.
7. American Fiction
American Fiction was about on-par with Anatomy of A Fall, although my soft spot for Jeffery Wright places it just above. Its a great peice of satire, that’s only further emphasized by it’s clever writing and a fantastic lead. The way Wright articulates himself just adds so much to the film. It’s a great piece of social commentary that has as much fun as it is serious. In my opinion, this is what Sorry, to Bother You should’ve been.
Should you watch?
Definitely worth your time – especially if you’re looking for a super witty comedy. If you’re a fan of Sorry to Bother You, BlackKklansman or even something like JoJo Rabbit, this is probably in your boat.
6. Barbie
Barbie is probably the most talked about film on this list. So much so, that I don’t really have much to say about the film itself. Though it’s prone to it’s controversies, I absolutely loved it. It was super fun, with some of the best production design of these 10 films. Not to mention the marketing campaign was a feat of its own (and Barbenhiemer!). The acting is fantastic, it doesn’t take itself too seriously but it still has a backbone to stand on.
Though, the film isn’t without it’s flaws. Truly, I didn’t know who this film was for. There’s a concept in marketing that says you can’t target everyone – and I think Barbie exemplifies it. Some of the themes and social commentary would seemingly fly over the heads of the the 7 year old girl watching it. Similarly, would the 40 year old Dad watching enjoy the endless dance scenes? I’m not sure. All I know is that I enjoyed it, and that the 1.6 billion USD it made at the box office discredits anything I have to say here.
Hot Take : There’s alot of controversy regarding Robbie’s snub for Best Actress, but can we talk about how America Ferrara was nominated for Best Supporting Actress? She was by far the most underwhelming performance in the film and it’s not even clos.
Should you watch?
I assume you’ve already seen this but if you haven’t, you should watch this if you like Gerwig’s other works, or if you’re just looking for something fun. This is also the most ‘family friendly’ of the bunch, if that helps sway you.
5. The Holdovers
This was another one that could be really anywhere between 7 and 5, but overall I decided on 5. The Holdovers is an emotionally compelling not-so-christmasy, christmas film which was absolutely incredible. Stylistically, Payne does an incredible job at nailing the begone 70’s aesthetic, and it’s only furthered by the incredible acting talents and writing. I’m so glad this film got a spot in the best picture, it’s well deserved – and I think I’ll be watching it every Christmas here on out.
Should you watch?
Definitely one to watch with your Mum. Its a heartfelt 70’s style gem that will resonate long after the credits roll – I’d recommend to anyone.
4. Killers of the Flower Moon
Killers of the Flower Moon is a masterclass in cinema. It’s one of Scorsese’s most mature films to date, and features some of the best writing, cinematography and acting of his career. That’s a compliment to any director, but when you’ve got a resume like Scorsese’s, it’s truly next level. Both DiCaprio and Gladstone are incredible leads, and backed up with a fantastic supporting cast. The sound is great, the shots are fantastic and the plot rivals that of his other titles.
The only reason this doesn’t crack the top 3 is the edit. It’s a fantastic movie, and good enough to make up for the 3.5hr runtime, but I found it difficult to digest – especially after the first watch. The pacing doesn’t hinder the plot, but compared to something like Oppenheimer, it does tend to lul at times. Despite this, it’s still a fantastic watch, and something that will only strengthen Scorsese’s reputation as one of the best.
Should you watch?
This is a must-watch for fans of Scorsese’s films or just generally gangster/crime films.
One thing to note – that while Killers is, in some regards, a Western (or perhaps a deconstruction of one) – it doesnt necessarily follow the format of the genre. It retains it’s general vibe and setting, but feels much more like a The Departed compared to The Good, Bad & The Ugly.
3. The Zone of Interest
Now comes the big three. Between these, they’re all pretty unfaultable.
In third place, I’ve got The Zone of Interest. This was an incredible film, and perhaps the most thought provoking on the list. Above everything else though, was the sound design. As some of you may know, I’ve got a soft spot for good sound design, and this was nothing short of breathtaking. Truly, you could watch this with a black screen for the entire film, and it would pack the same punch.
The whole film is set in this unnerving, razor sharp knife and it never fails to disappoint. The plot is incredible too and features some extremely interesting social commentary, both from a historical and modern point of view. If you don’t walk away from this film questioning your position in the cultural zietgiest, I think you downloaded the wrong thing. An incredible film through and through.
Should you watch?
I think everyone could get something out of this, although its a bit of a mental game assumes a fair bit of media literacy. It sits on a knife edge the whole filmbut If you want a gorey, war movie – it’s not this.
2. Past Lives
When I originally saw Past Lives’ nomination, I thought for sure it would be a favourite among critics. Surprisingly enough, however, this has become a bit of a dark horse in the race.
I believe Past Lives is the most emotionally mature and compelling love story of the year. The acting was incredible, the shots were beautiful and the writing was magnificent. While perhaps this one wasn’t as intense as something like The Zone of Interest of Killers of the Flower Moon, I refuse to believe anyone watched this without crying.
Not to mention this was Celine Song’s DIRECTORIAL DEBUT?? Like where do you even go from there. It’s truly a fantastic film, and I’m extremely excited to see what she does next.
Should you watch?
I think everyone should watch this, but be warned. It’ll hurt. Bonus points if you’re a La La Land ‘fan’, you’ll love this one.
1. Oppenheimer
What can I say? I’m a basic bitch. When I saw so many people putting Poor Things above Oppenheimer, I thought I’d have to reserve judgement – however I can very confidently say this is the best film of 2023.
Truly, what’s not to love. I’ve seen it a disgusting amount of times since it’s released, and it’s left me dumbfounded every time. The leads, the supporting cast, the plot, the edit (how is this three hours?!), the effects, the cinematography, the writing, the SCORE? This is perhaps Christopher Nolan’s best – the same guy that made Interstellar, Inception and The Dark Knight.
There’s a reason it’s the only thing you’ve heard about for the last year. I’m so glad this succeeded, and I’m so excited for another film like it. There’s really nothing more for me to say – other than if you haven’t seen it, to watch it. Tonight.
So yeah, that’s my Oscars ranking! Will Oppenheimer take it? (It’s paying 1.04 on Sportsbet, so I assume so…) Only time will tell!
Overall, I think its (mostly) a fantastic group of nominees – and definitely an improvement from ’23 and ’24. Following March 11, I might write another article about the winners, if they’re controversial enough. Regardless, bring on another year of great movies! (We’re off to a flying start with Dune 2).
