After last week’s release of the nominations for the 2016 Academy Awards, I was somewhat disappointed in the 6,000 voting members of the Academy’s selections. Leaving out the lack of diversity, I believe that many films were wrongfully snubbed in more ways than one. Now, I understand that selecting nominations is a long and complicated process and individuals much more intelligent and creative than I are tasked with its undertaking. However, I believe that the films on this list deserve some recognition. A Best Film for me is a film that gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling in my stomach and left me with a tear in my eye at least once. It was film that was worth the money I paid to see it. To me, that’s how a film should be judged, and that’s how I ranked my films. Can I get a drum roll please . . .
Honorable Mentions: Kingsman: The Secret Service, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Straight Outta Compton, Brooklyn, Spotlight
7. The Martian
Ridley Scott’s adaptation of The Martian was a cinematic beauty and deserves every nomination it received. The cinematography and screenplay were delightful and only enhanced Matt Damon’s fourth-wall-breaking-esque performance. The most magical thing about this film was the way that it made the film seem larger than the screen, which contributed to the galvanization of American interest in the space program. NASA owes this film a fist-bump at the least.
6. Trumbo
This was a story that needed to be told, especially in today’s political atmosphere of polarization. Not only was Bryan Cranston wonderfully witty in his portrayal of Dalton Trumbo, but I think this was the best performance I’ve ever seen John Goodman accomplish. In his one monologue about being in the film industry, the inner Kevin Smith in me stood up and applauded. I think he was snubbed for Best Actor in a Supporting role, and I hope Cranston can beat out the ambidextrous Eddy Redmayne for Best Actor.
5. Jurassic World
The film was the true definition of a summer movie. It had nostalgia, it had action, and I’m a firm believer that the Jurassic Park score is the best in cinematic history. Every time I hear it, I can’t help but smile. Plus, it had dinosaurs? What guy doesn’t love dinosaurs? Chris Pratt was wonderful and just proves that he can play any action-hero role. My only complaint was that the dinosaurs lacked anuses, but I digress.
4. Tomorrowland
This is a dreamer’s movie. It wasn’t very well received in the box office or by critics, but to me, it spoke to me on a spiritual level. It’s a beautifully shot film made for creators, and as an aspiring writer, it was a film that made me smile and only want to follow my dreams even further. If you haven’t seen it, give it a watch, it’ll be worth it.
3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Do I even need to say anything? I saw the film three times and each time I felt like I was nine years old. It had nostalgia, it had awesome Jedi scenes, and it had a great cast, including an amazing female lead. I’m a little peeved that Daisy Ridley didn’t receive a nomination for Best Actress, but I’ll just cross my fingers that it cleans up the technical awards for which it received nods for.
2. Southpaw
Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance was outstanding and he deserved a shot at Best Actor. I’m devastated that this film received zero Oscar nominations and am certain that it suffered from its Summer release date. The soundtrack alone was Phenomenal (See what I did there?). Eminem deserves a nomination for best original song. Plus, the way the narrative is advanced through the focus of tattoos is a cinematic achievement in itself. I cried twice and it brought back feelings that I haven’t felt since I watched Rocky for the first time, which, speaking of Rocky. . .
1. Creed
Ryan Coogler deserves a nomination for Best Directing and Sylvester Stallone’s reprisal of Rocky Balboa should win Best Supporting Actor by a landslide. His simple idioms and classic character brought just enough nostalgia to enhance a new narrative and hopefully launch a new trilogy that we can only hope is as wonderful as this first installment. I can’t wait to see what Coogler does on Black Panther. Oh, and if you didn’t cry when Rocky made it up the Art Institute steps at the end of the flick, then shame on you, just shame on you.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to tune into the 2016 Academy Awards on Sunday, February 28, at 8pm ET/5pm PT on ABC.
