The Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations have already been announced, and now we await the announcement of the Academy Award nominations on January 22 of this year. There were some incredible movies that were released in 2018 (and some others that probably should have stayed in the can). While the winners of the Golden Globes are generally a good indicator of who might win some Oscars, we’re going to make some predictions as to who will come out on top this awards season. You can catch the Golden Globes ceremony this Sunday, January 6th on NBC.
6. Bohemian Rhapsody
Despite the fact that some critics have complained that the details in this film aren’t completely factual (but seriously, what biographic movie doesn’t embellish at least a little for entertainment purposes?), the movie as a whole is quite incredible. The performances of Queen’s band members, especially that of Rami Malek, are chilling. Malek himself is said to have embodied Freddie Mercury for his role. Beyond all of that, the film is a boatload of fun to watch. If the Academy likes anything, it’s a movie that everyone is excited to sing along with.
5. Can You Ever Forgive Me?
This isn’t necessarily a favorite to win, but it’s a stronger contender than most might think. Here we have comedic actress Melissa McCarthy taking on a serious role, and doing it really well. This is a feat that most people cannot pull off. McCarthy plays a washed up (yet talented) biographer who begins forging letters from dead writers. She is joined by heavy-hitter Richard Grant, and they’re simply a joy to watch.
4. Crazy Rich Asians
It’s not too often that a romantic comedy makes it to the list of best films of the year, but Crazy Rich Asians is absolutely an exception. The story is tons of fun and very sweet, but the movie itself is thrilling to watch because it’s just so beautiful. Furthermore, we have a cast that is made up almost exclusively of Asians and Asian-Americans. They don’t play stereotypical roles, like doctors, but regular people (who happen to be, you know, crazy rich) who deal with common, yet touching, themes like love, parenting, and loyalty.
3. Vice
It should come as no surprise that a Christian Bale film is considered one of the best of the year. We don’t have Bale in one of his typical roles where he gets to flaunt a perfect body. Instead, he has gained an impressive amount of weight and benefits from a talented hair and makeup team to portray former Vice President Dick Cheney. The performances of the entire cast (everyone from Sam Rockwell to Steve Carell to Amy Adams) are delightful, and the writing (by director Adam McKay) is on-point. If this doesn’t win Best Picture, it’s bound to get recognized in other ways for sure.
2. Black Panther
From the moment this movie begins to the moment it ends, it is chock-full of pure movie-making magic. Not all superhero movies can hang with the big boys during awards season, but this one is going all the way. Not only is the writing entertaining, but there aren’t any major loopholes that are common in movies of this kind. The performances of the entire cast are spot-on, and the costumes, makeup, and sound design are noticeably excellent. The amount of time it must have taken just to choreograph the exciting fight scenes, which were also beautifully shot, is mind-boggling. And above all else, the production design is simply gorgeous. There is very little wrong with this film, and so much is very, very right.
1. A Star Is Born
In Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, he managed to write a beautiful, heartbreaking screenplay, and also act his heart out. You instantly fall in love with his portrayal of superstar Jackson Maine. But the real star of the movie is, of course, Lady Gaga. She not only belts out song after song with her incredible pipes, but she proves that she has some serious acting chops as well. The entire film is rounded out by an impressive soundtrack that leaves you singing for days on end. It’s a gorgeous and sad movie that touches the audience at the core. Best Picture without a doubt.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member