Characters from different movies are featured in front of brightly colored triangles. “Marriage Story,” “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” and “1917” all have a strong chance of winning a nomination for best picture at the 92nd Academy Awards because of their strong themes and captivating acting. Illustrations by Lillian Sams and collage by Ireland McCage
At the start of the 2020 Oscar awards season, three movies in particular are the frontrunner films most likely to receive the best picture nomination at the 92nd Academy Awards on Feb. 9.
“Marriage Story”
Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole Barber (Scarlett Johansson) look in opposite directions from each other. The Barbers are featured in Noah Maunbach’s “Marriage Story,” which grossed an estimated $2.3 million worldwide. Illustration by Lilli Sams
Directed by Noah Baumbach, “Marriage Story” is a dramatic film that was released in theaters on Nov. 6, 2019 and is currently available on Netflix. Throughout the two-hour runtime, the film tells the story of a couple’s struggles as they go through a divorce.
As soon as the movie begins, viewers are made aware of the tensions between couple Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole Barber (Scarlett Johansson). After traveling across the country to Los Angeles for a job opportunity, Nicole prompts the divorce process. Over the course of the film, their emotional strengths are pushed to the limit as they fight for the custody of their son.
Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson are the acting powerhouses of this film. Every scene involving them reflects real-life human behavior and emotion. One or two scenes in particular could induce tears from even the toughest of moviegoers.
Working in tandem with the actors, Baumbach utilizes camera techniques to reflect emotion in certain scenes. Where calm scenes maintain a smooth camera movement, stressful and angry scenes incorporate sharp takes.
Overall, “Marriage Story” is a realistic portrayal of two people finalizing their separation, which will connect to older audiences on a deeper level. Strong emotional performances, relatable themes and a strong plot combine to create a movie worthy of the best picture nomination.
“Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood”
Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) stands behind Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) as he props his arm up. Though “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” which these characters are featured in, is fictional, some of the characters in the movie are based on real Hollywood celebrities from the 1960s. Illustration by Lilli Sams
From director Quentin Tarantino, the comedic drama “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” was released in theaters on July 26, 2019. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a 1960s actor looking to make a comeback and Brad Pitt as his best friend, this movie’s performances and comedic scenes make it a worthwhile watch.
During the Hollywood golden age, veteran actor Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) struggles to find any long-term or meaningful job. Throughout the course of the movie, viewers follow his misadventures with his stunt double and best friend Cliff Booth (Pitt) as the two strive to leave a lasting impression in a Hollywood they barely recognize anymore.
Working with excellent performances, director Tarantino implements his unique brand of comedy that helps the movie stray away from the traditional drama and enhances the narrative.
Ultimately, standout performances and the comedic narrative create an entertaining movie that still manages to be much more laid-back compared to previous Tarantino films. Its elegant performances and compelling plot, along with the classic Tarantino twist, build a best picture nomination-worthy film.
“1917”
A soldier wearing a light green military uniform looks off into the distance. “1917,” which was first released on Dec. 4, 2019, originally opened with a limited release and was only shown in 11 theaters. Illustration by Lilli Sams
Directed by Sam Mendes, “1917” was released in theaters on Jan. 10. The film follows two soldiers as they venture through the battlefields of World War I to deliver a message. With exciting action sequences and extraordinary camera work that places viewers right on the frontlines, this unique war film makes for quite the viewing experience.
Immediately placing viewers in the trenches of the first world war, the movie opens to British soldiers Will Schofield (George MacKay) and Tom Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) on the mission of their lives. The two men hurry to deliver a message in a race against time with the lives of 1,600 men at stake. With tension-building action scenes, viewers are kept on edge for the whole movie. Some scenes with thunderous noise and striking visuals have the potential to genuinely shock audiences.
Mendes implements a unique one-shot technique where each scene blends into the next. This creative camera work places viewers right next to the two heroes.
With cinematography that places viewers front and center in the movie and shocking scenes that establish tension in the plot, “1917” is a war movie to remember. Its visual and technical achievements make it worthy of the best picture nomination.
Story by Isaac Ramirez
Package by Ireland McCage
