Oscars 2019: Best Picture Race
The 91st annual Academy Awards are coming up on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 8:00 pm. On Jan. 22, the 2019 Oscar nominations were released without a particular front runner in the category of Best Picture. The winners for this year’s Academy Awards will be pretty unpredictable.
Let’s break down the nominations for Best Picture.
Black Panther
Black Panther is a Marvel superhero movie with six Oscar nominations this year, including Best Picture. The movie centers on a fictional African nation, Wakanda, that is intentionally isolated from the rest of the world and has developed advanced military and research technology. The nation has always been protected by a warrior called the Black Panther. The current Black Panther, T’Challa, becomes the king of Wakanda following the death of his father. Erik Killmonger, an outsider, enters Wakanda and threatens T’Challa, who must fight to keep his throne. Black Panther is the ninth highest-grossing movie of all time. This movie has great representation of diversity and African actors in the movie industry.
BlacKkKlansman
This film tells the incredible true story of Ron Stallworth, played by John David Washington. Stallworth is the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department, and he is determined to take down the Ku Klux Klan. He works with a partner, Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), to go undercover in order to bring down the KKK. The Spike Lee-directed film has been nominated for six Academy Awards.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Another film based upon true events, Bohemian Rhapsody celebrates the band Queen. It tells the story of the band’s journey, especially the journey of Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury. He led the band and defied all stereotypes for musicians at the time. It also shows the struggles with Mercury’s attempted solo career and the reunion of the band. Even after Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS, Queen continued its impact in the music industry and inspired many fans. The film stars Rami Malek as Mercury, who was also nominated for his performance in this film. Bohemian Rhapsody is captivating and features everyone’s favorite Queen songs.
The Favourite
The Favourite takes place during the period when England and France were at war in the 18th century. Queen Anne sits on the British throne, but is too frail and weak to rule the country. In her place, the queen’s trusted friend Lady Sarah runs England and cares for Anne when she is sick. A new young servant girl named Abigail arrives and grows close with Sarah. The movie stars Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz.
Green Book
Inspired by a true friendship, Green Book follows the tour of a renowned African-American pianist, Dr. Don Shirley, through the Deep South in 1962. He decides to hire Italian-American Tony Lip as a bodyguard for his tour. They both understand the dangers of racism in the South, but still decide to go on tour together. Each learns to look past their differences and they form a heart-warming friendship while enduring racism in the United States in the 1960s. The movie stars Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali as Shirley. This must-watch movie is touching and inspiring.
Roma
Roma tells a story that is loosely based on the life of director Alfonso Cuarón in Mexico City. Cleo is a household maid in Colonia Roma, a neighborhood in Mexico City. She works for Sophia, her husband Antonio, and their four kids. She works with another maid named Adela. Cleo and Adela go out with their boyfriends, and a couple weeks later Cleo suspects she might be pregnant. After she tells her boyfriend, he runs away. Antonio and Sophia’s marriage is not going very well either. This Spanish-language film shows the family and Cleo growing closer through their tough times. It is nominated for 10 Oscars.
A Star is Born
A Star is Born is the fourth remake of the original 1937 film. It tells the story of a musician named Jackson Maine, who falls in love with a struggling musician named Ally. Jackson helps Ally’s career grow, but there are struggles in their personal relationship. His own career begins to fall apart because of alcoholism and jealousy of Ally’s success. The memorable film is touching and romantic while also featuring good music. A Star is Born is a favorite for the Best Picture category this year.
Vice
In 2000, George W. Bush, the governor of Texas, has decided to run for president. As his vice president, he chooses Dick Cheney, who is currently CEO of Halliburton Co. Previously, Cheney had been White House chief of staff and defense secretary. He goes on to use his political power to make an impact and change the world. This funny and intelligent film is a must-watch starring Christian Bale as Cheney and Sam Rockwell as Bush.
