Commentary: Making My Way Through Best Pictures

The Oscar nominations were announced last week as Hollywood recognized the best of the best when it comes to filmmaking. This year’s Best Picture nominees offer a wide variety of choices for your viewing pleasure. Ten films were nominated, and as much as some people complain that it’s too many, I actually love it as I feel that it keeps prognosticators guessing more than when only five films were nominated. 

Nominated for best picture are “Amelia Perez,” which drew 13 nominations. The film tells the story of a drug cartel leader who wants to become a woman and enlists the help of an attorney played by Zoe Saldana. When I first read this, I thought, “I have to see this movie!” Alas, I am halfway through and struggling with it due mostly to the look of it, as well as subtitles that are on the screen for about two seconds — with some of the words, being dialogue and some being song lyrics. Did I mention it’s a musical? There’s a lot going on in the film but critics love it. 

Close behind “Amelia Perez” were “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” with 10 nominations apiece. I have not seen the former yet because it’s so long, you pretty much have to plan your whole day around it. “Wicked” was a spectacle and surprised no one that it was nominated for Best Picture. Having never seen the stage play, I did really enjoy the movie and was thoroughly entertained. 

“Conclave” and “A Complete Unknown” also made an impressive showing with eight nominations each. “Conclave” is a mystery–suspense film set in the Vatican as cardinals from around the world arrive to pick the new pope. I enjoyed watching such a great cast that included Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini and Stanley Tucci. I would love to give away the ending because it what is a surprise, but don’t want to spoil it for anyone.

I saw “A Complete Unknown” last weekend with my 80-year-old parents and we all liked it a lot. That is a testament toward a solid film as they aren’t big Bob Dylan fans and I am a casual fan. The music and story are intriguing and the acting is great too as and three actors from the film drew Oscar noms, including Timothee Chalamet, Monica Barbaro and Edward Norton. 

Of the remaining five films, there are “Independents” and a big studio blockbuster. Another Chalamet vehicle, “Dune 2” was nominated. Just like in “A Complete Unknown,” he is surrounded by great actors. I enjoyed it but don’t see it winning Best Picture — just a hunch.

I have not seen “Nickel Boys,” “The Substance,” “I’m Still Here” or “Anora” yet, but I did see another indie, nominated film called “A Real Pain.” The film was written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who also stars opposite Kieran Culkin who was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar. The film is about two cousins who used to be close. They work on their relationship while on a tour in Poland of Jewish landmarks that culminates with the two of them arriving at the recently deceased grandma’s apartment. The film is really funny at times and really moving. A really good film that is probably an underdog, but definitely worth checking out.

So if you’re scoring at home, I’ve seen 5.5 of the nominated Best Picture films so far. Please check back for my thoughts as I knock these films off my list. Feel free to join me: We have until the winner is announced on March 2, so get viewing!

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6 p.m. to 8 p .m. for “Nite Lite” on the Civic Media radio network.