15 films nominated for "Oscar-2019"

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Lifehacker talks about the paintings that have received several nominations in the main categories, and their main advantages.

1. Roma

• Original title: Roma.
• Mexico, USA, 2018.
• Drama.
• Duration: 135 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

The film is set in the mid-seventies of the XX century. Cleo Gutierrez works as a servant in a large family with four children. She soon learns that she is pregnant from her boyfriend. And at the same time, her father leaves the family of her employers.

Alfonso Cuarón's painting is called one of the main nominees for the upcoming award. It is presented in all main categories and at the same time claims to be the best film in a foreign language.

"Roma" tells a touching story of a girl who considers herself lonely, and at the same time allows a glimpse into the past through the eyes of a person who grew up in the same area of Mexico City, which was called "Roma".

It is not for nothing that Cuaron is considered an amazing visionary: he conveys all the experiences of the heroine through allegories. Fire, war, flying planes - all this is happening in parallel with the fate of Cleo.

Alfonso Cuarón's new film "Roma" gives you so much in every story, in every single scene, that a second viewing becomes a pleasant necessity, not a luxury.

Michael Phillips Chicago Tribune

2. Favorite

• Original title: The Favorite.
• Ireland, UK, USA, 2018.
• Historical, drama, comedy.
• Duration: 120 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 9.

The beginning of the 18th century. On the English throne is Queen Anne, who has practically retired due to illness. Everything is run by her friend and mistress Lady Sarah.

But a new maid, Abigail, appears at the court. She charms first Sarah, and then the queen herself. And soon a serious struggle unfolds between Anna's two favorites.

Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos started out with low-budget independent films and now works with the world's best stars.

All three actresses who played in the film received Oscar nominations (the division into roles of the first and second plan is very conditional here). Academics also did not forget to note the unique director's style and elaboration of costumes.

Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone are brilliant, witty and lively, but Olivia Colman's acting is something sublime.

A. O. Scott The New York Times

3. A star is born

• Original title: A Star Is Born.
• USA, 2018.
• Drama, melodrama, musical.
• Duration: 135 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 9.

The aging musician Jackson Maine is rapidly losing popularity. And then he finds an unknown talented singer Ellie. The heroes fall in love with each other, and Jackson helps his protégé succeed.

However, the more popular Ellie becomes, the more difficult it is for the hero to come to terms with the decline of his career.

For Bradley Cooper, this film was his directorial debut. And immediately the picture got into the main nomination of the future award (however, Cooper's directorial work was not separately noted). It is all the more surprising that A Star is Born is the third remake of the classic 1937 film.

There is a sense of chemistry between the characters, which is especially impressive given Lady Gaga's first major acting experience. You constantly forget about it, then you remember it and again you are surprised.

Kara Weisenstein VICE

4. Power

• Original title: Vice.
• USA, 2018.
• Drama, comedy.
• Duration: 132 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 1.

The film tells the story of Dick Cheney, US Vice President during the reign of George W. Bush. He possessed a unique gift of persuasion and a sharp mind. This allowed Cheney to break through to the highest levels of government and rule the country, while remaining in the shadows.

First of all, the film was attracted by the next transformation of Christian Bale - he gained about 20 kg for the role. However, the rest of the cast also got used to the characters perfectly: Sam Rockwell and Amy Adams were nominated for supporting roles.

According to critics, the picture came out tough, witty and uncompromising.

It's been a long time since I enjoyed a film as much as when I watched Adam McKay's Power. And at the same time, I perfectly understood why many people do not like him. This is a stylized, darkly funny biopic about Dick Cheney.

Zach Badrick The Mary Sue

5. Black Panther

• Original title: Black Panther.
• USA, 2018.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 134 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 4.

Hidden deep in Africa is the high-tech country of Wakanda. Its ruler receives the powers of the Black Panther - a legendary warrior who always stands for justice. The young prince T'Challa has to defend his country from the attacks of outsiders, but one day an enemy comes, which even he cannot cope with.

Superhero comic films have never been nominated for an Oscar in the main categories, only receiving technical nominations for visual effects and costumes.

But academics considered "Black Panther" not just another entertaining story, but an important statement on the topic of racial diversity and the closed politics of developed countries. As a result, the comic strip for the first time claims to be the best film of the year.

Black Panther might just be another Marvel amusement - fun, but one-off. However, Ryan Coogler and company found the strength and perhaps the responsibility to do much more. And they did.

Jamel Bui Slate

6. Black clanman

• Original title: BlacKkKlansman.
• USA, 2018.
• Comedy, drama.
• Duration: 135 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 5.

In the mid-seventies, Ron Stallworth, a black police archivist, decides to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan. He calls one of the leaders of the group and convinces him of his devotion to the white race.

And since he himself cannot go to the meeting, Ron's partner, detective Flip Zimmerman, a Jew by birth, is sent there. Ron himself at this time meets with a dark-skinned activist Patrice, who is being prepared for an assassination attempt.

Spike Lee, as always, even in a comedy film touches on the history of racism and extremism. And he does it ambiguously, showing the antics of the radicals on both sides. Given the relevance of the topic, Oscar nominations are quite expected. The only surprising thing is that this implausible story is based on real events.

For all the racist rot at the heart of American society, Lee offers a clear, concrete, and surprising, albeit cautious, vision of change. If only because once they really happened.

Richard Brodie The New Yorker

7. Green Book

• Original title: Green Book.
• USA, 2018.
• Drama, biography, comedy.
• Duration: 130 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 3.

In the early sixties, virtuoso pianist Don Shirley decided to go on a tour of the southern states of America, where racial segregation was still strong. To ensure safety, he hired an Italian-American Tony Vallelonga as a driver, and at the same time a bodyguard. At first, the heroes could not find a common language, but then their communication grew into a real friendship.

Another film about racism and segregation, which presents the story more easily and positively. In the film, the main and secondary male roles were conditionally divided, and both actors received Oscar nominations.

Excellent filming and a historical theme based on real events allow the Green Book to compete for the prize in the main category. Although the result can be strongly influenced by the relatives of the real Don Shirley, who accused the authors of distorting reality and called for a boycott of the picture.

You can call this acting duo sentimental or simplistic at your own risk. The Green Book may well move you to tears at the thought of real social change and kindness (at a time when we need it so badly).

Joshua Rothkopf Time Out

8. Bohemian Rhapsody

• Original title: Bohemian Rhapsody.
• USA, UK, 2018.
• Drama, biography, musical.
• Duration: 134 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 2.

The history of the formation of the legendary group Queen. The film captures the period from Freddie Mercury's acquaintance with the musicians to his famous performance at the Live Aid festival. Particular attention is paid to the lifestyle of the protagonist, who almost caused the collapse of the team.

During the production phase, the film caused a lot of controversy. Fans discussed the candidacy of Rami Malek, who does not look very much like a real prototype. And already towards the end of filming, the director changed: Brian Singer was fired for his regular absence on the set and conflicts with the actors, and Dexter Fletcher was finishing the work.

Therefore, Bohemian Rhapsody was not nominated for directing. But Malek claims to be "Best Actor", and the picture itself has thundered around the world so much that it can become the best film of the year.

Malek has done an impressive job recreating Mercury's movements on stage. But the essence of the performance is the actor's thoughtful and insightful story about Mercury's trauma, his alienation and isolation, even at the height of his fame.

Richard Brodie The New Yorker

9. Mary Poppins returns

• Original title: Mary Poppins Returns.
• USA, 2018.
• Family musical.
• Duration: 130 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 2.

25 years have passed since the first film. Adult Jane Banks became a union activist, and her brother Michael became a bank teller. He also lives with three children at 17 Vishneviy Lane.

And a year after the death of Michael's wife, the ageless nanny Mary Poppins reappears in their family, bringing joy and happiness to those around them.

Russian viewers are not so familiar with the original film: the USSR had its own film adaptation. But in the United States, the continuation of the classic fairy tale has been waiting for a very long time. Many people point out that the film does not have its own story and atmosphere. But the authors retained the surroundings of the original, which, of course, made the audience feel nostalgic.

Mary Poppins Returns is a 50% sequel, 50% reboot and 100% charm.

Jeff Strickler Minneapolis Star Tribune

10. Man on the Moon

• Original title: First Man.
• USA, 2018.
• Drama, biography.
• Duration: 141 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 4.

After his daughter's death from cancer, test pilot Neil Armstrong enters the Gemini astronaut training program. He is accepted, he undergoes training and goes into space.

And despite all the difficulties and failures, it is Armstrong who will become the first person to set foot on the lunar surface.

Sadly, Damien Chazelle's excellent historical drama has only received nominations in the technical categories. But they are more than deserved. The shooting and special effects in this picture are primarily aimed at making the viewer feel the very atmosphere and the state of flight into the unknown.

As long as "Man in the Moon" is in the air, he is simply gorgeous. I can't think of another film that captures the danger and excitement of space flight so strongly. When the film is tied to the ground, it seems to fall.

Peter Rayner Christian Science Monitor

11. Can you forgive me?

• Original title: Can You Ever Forgive Me?
• USA, 2018.
• Drama, biography, comedy.
• Duration: 107 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 4.

Li Israel has been writing biographies of famous people. But her books were in very weak demand, and the writer had to look for a new source of income. Then she decided to forge letters from celebrities. This brought her a good income and unexpected consequences.

Everyone is used to seeing Melissa McCarthy in ridiculous comedic roles. However, she is well deservedly nominated for an Oscar for a new dramatic image: she is not recognized as the heroine of the recent "Ghostbusters" or "Toys for Adults".

McCarthy makes clear that Lee's bad temper and rudeness were not just part of her character, but symptoms of existential panic.

Peter Bradshaw The Guardian

12. If Beale Street could speak

• Original title: If Beale Street Could Talk.
• USA, 2018.
• Drama.
• Duration: 117 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 7.

The sculptor Fonni is engaged to his 19-year-old sweetheart, Tisch. The girl is pregnant and the lovers are getting ready for the wedding. But suddenly Fonni is accused of rape, which he did not commit. The groom goes to jail, and the bride's mother tries to find a victim to prove the truth.

The film could not break into the main nominations: the story was too simple. The authors were even accused of "excessive love" for their heroes - the world here is too clearly divided into good and evil.

However, a touching script based on the book of the famous James Baldwin gave the film the opportunity to compete in three nominations, albeit not the most prestigious ones.

This film works as a timeless melodrama, family drama, legal thriller and poignant social statement. A great American novel turned into a great American film.

Richard Roper Chicago Sun-Times

13. Ballad of Buster Scruggs

• Original title: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
• USA, 2018.
• Western film.
• Duration: 132 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 3.

In the small towns of the Wild West, everyone survives as best they can. A singing cowboy easily goes out to a duel with the first person he meets, a loser robber gets into a noose, a disabled artist gives performances, and an elderly prospector is looking for gold. This is a dangerous place where you can die or get rich at any moment.

The Coen brothers have already received two Oscar nominations for Best Screenplay (No Country for Old Men and Fargo). The academics also did not pass "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs".

Here the authors have skillfully mixed the classic western with comedy, drama and even mysticism, and it is simply impossible to predict the course of events.

All in all, this is a smart and energetic directorial work from a duo that, more than 30 years later, are still revealing new tricks hidden in their sleeves.

Adam Graham The Detroit News

14. Cold War

• Original title: Zimna wojna.
• Poland, France, UK, 2018.
• Drama, melodrama.
• Duration: 85 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 7.

Two lovers met on the streets of post-war Poland. They have different origins and opposite temperaments. Over the years, they will meet and part in different cities and countries. But nothing can break their bond.

The film by Polish director Pavel Pavlikovsky is presented in only three nominations, but all of them are very important. The cinematography in "Cold War" is at its best, the whole film was shot in the spirit of classic cinema: in black and white and with an aspect ratio of 3: 4.

True, in directing he will have to compete with louder films, but Zimna wojna has all the chances for the title of the best film in a foreign language.

The Cold War is engulfing and destroying language and cultural barriers. It is a magnificent tale, as harsh as romantic.

Adam Graham The Detroit News

15. Island of dogs

• Original title: Isle of Dogs.
• USA, 2018.
• Drama, adventure.
• Duration: 101 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 9.

Young Atari grows up under the tutelage of Mayor Kobayashi. Soon he issues a decree, according to which all the dogs are sent to the island, occupied by a huge dump. Then Atari single-handedly embarks on a search for his faithful dog, nicknamed Spots.

Until recently, the Oscar for Best Animated Feature was predetermined - Disney always won. But this year she has serious competition in the face of the cutting-edge cartoon "Spider-Man: Through the Universes" and the author's project of Wes Anderson "Isle of Dogs" with stunning puppet animation.

Another totally incomparable, brilliant exercise in skillful innocence from Anderson, somewhere between archaic naivety and inspired sophistication.

Peter Bradshaw The Guardian