Top 10 Movies Youll See at the 2021 Oscars
#10: “Sound of Metal” (2019)
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Many outlets, including GoldDerby, have compared “Sound of Metal” to “Whiplash.” This isn’t merely because the two films have drummers in common. Both of these critical darlings started off fairly small, but they kept making more noise as awards season rolled along. At this point, Riz Ahmed seems all but guaranteed a Best Actor nomination for his committed performance, which he spent eight months preparing for. Paul Raci’s deeply emotional supporting work has also been a favorite among critics. Assuming the Academy loves the film as much as critics, it could score nominations in other key categories like Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. If there’s one Oscar the film absolutely deserves to win, though, it’s for its integral use of sound.
#9: “Da 5 Bloods” (2020)
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We honestly have no idea why Spike Lee’s latest masterpiece got zero Golden Globe nominations. Although this gave us some pause, our confidence was restored when the film received three nominations at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, including one for its ensemble. The war drama had an impressive showing at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards as well with six nominations. Most notably, “Da 5 Bloods” won the National Board of Review Award for Best Film. Throughout the 21st century, almost every recipient of this award has gone on to be nominated for Best Picture, the two exceptions being “Quills” and “A Most Violent Year.” While this bodes well for the film’s Oscar chances, we sincerely hope the Academy doesn’t overlook Delroy Lindo’s phenomenal lead performance.
#8: “The Father” (2020)
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Anthony Hopkins won Best Actor almost thirty years ago for his iconic performance in “The Silence of the Lambs.” In a significant departure from Hannibal Lecter, Hopkins plays one of his most sympathetic characters in “The Father.” Hopkins is nothing short of heartbreaking as an aging man suffering from dementia, making him a formidable contender for Best Actor. Likewise, fellow Oscar-winner Olivia Coleman seems like a safe bet for a Best Supporting Actress nomination. We might just see a rematch between Coleman and Glenn Close. “The Father” could also mark the first nomination for writer/director Florian Zeller, who adapted the film from his acclaimed stage play. With a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Oscar voters will surely remember this one.
#7: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020)
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Between his supporting performance in “Da 5 Bloods” and his leading work in “Ma Rainey,” Chadwick Boseman could become the first person to receive two posthumous Oscar nominations for acting in one year. We think the late actor has a strong chance at winning Best Actor for this film, which would put him in the same league as legends like Peter Finch and Heath Ledger. Viola Davis may also win Best Actress for her transformative performance as the titular singer. If this were to happen, it’d be the second year in history that the lead acting Oscars both went to African-American performers. In addition to tech categories like costumes and makeup, nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Picture are in the cards as well.
#6: “One Night in Miami” (2020)
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With two SAG nominations, three Golden Globe nominations, and five Critics’ Choice nominations, “One Night in Miami” should be up for several Oscars. Leslie Odom Jr. of “Hamilton” could even score two, one for his supporting performance as Sam Cooke and another for co-writing the original song “Speak Now.” If Odom wins either or both, he’ll just need an Emmy to achieve EGOT status. Regina King, who recently won Best Supporting Actress, may become the first woman of color to be nominated for Best Director. Being such a dialogue-driven film, we suspect Kemp Powers has Best Adapted Screenplay in the bag. The one question is if Kingsley Ben-Adir and Eli Goree will split votes in Best Actor. Hopefully at least one of them gets in.
#5: “Mank” (2020)
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At this year’s Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards, “Mank” garnered the most nominations with six and twelve, respectively. Don’t be surprised if it leads the pack when the Oscar nominations are announced. This isn’t to say the film will win Best Picture. After all, neither did “Citizen Kane.” Nevertheless, the Academy may decide it’s finally time to grant David Fincher an overdue Oscar for Best Director. Since the film is about a historic screenwriter, we could also see a posthumous Best Original Screenplay win for Jack Fincher, the director’s father. Gary Oldman is on the right track for a Best Actor nomination and, despite getting snubbed at SAG, Amanda Seyfried is still in the Best Supporting Actress conversation.
#4: “Promising Young Woman” (2020)
“Promising Young Woman” is another Oscar hopeful that keeps gaining momentum - and rightfully so. Of course, we always knew that Carey Mulligan would be in the mix for her captivating performance. This dark dramedy performed even better than some expected with the Golden Globes, however. Not only was Mulligan nominated for Best Actress, but the film got in for Best Director, Screenplay, and Motion Picture - Drama, as well. A few Oscarologists believe it could go further at the Academy Awards. Clayton Davis of Variety suspects that a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Bo Burnham might be one of the surprises we see. It would certainly make up for Burnham’s “Eighth Grade” omission. In any case, the film’s Oscar prospects are looking promising indeed.
#3: “Minari” (2020)
“Parasite” was a milestone for Asian representation at the Oscars, winning Best International Film, Original Screenplay, Director, and Picture. The one downside is that the film received no acting nominations, even though its ensemble won at SAG. “Minari” shouldn’t go overlooked by the Academy’s Actors Branch. Steven Yeun and Youn Yuh-jung seem to be in prime positions for nominations in Best Actor and Supporting Actress, respectively. A Best Actress bid for Han Ye-ri or a Best Supporting Actor nom for young Alan Kim doesn’t seem too far-fetched either. Lee Isaac Chung may be looking at multiple nominations for his screenplay and direction. We wouldn’t be surprised if “Minari” went all the way like “Parasite,” especially with ten nominations at Critics’ Choice and three at SAG.
#2: “Nomadland” (2020)
We’re going to hear Chloé Zhao’s name A LOT on Oscar nomination morning. In addition to directing “Nomadland,” she served as its screenwriter, editor, and co-producer. That’s four potential nominations for her alone! If the Golden Globes are any indication, Zhao could be nominated for Best Director alongside Regina King and Emerald Fennell. It’d be a landmark for female directors. Considering that Frances McDormand is a producer on “Nomadland,” she may also receive a pair of nominations in Actress and Picture. The one thing that might be standing in the way of a Best Picture victory is that the film wasn’t nominated for SAG’s Cast Award. Then again, “Braveheart”, “Shape of Water” and “Green Book” overcame that hurdle. Will “Nomadland” be the fourth film to do so? Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “News of the World” (2020) Will Helena Zengel Be Among This Year’s Youngest Nominees? “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021) Daniel Kaluuya Is Looking at His Second Oscar Nomination “Soul” (2020) A Lock for Best Animated Feature, But When Will Pixar Win Best Picture Already? “Emma.” (2020) Movies Like This Were Tailor-Made for Best Costume Design “Another Round” (2020) The Inevitable Frontrunner for Best International Feature Film
#1: “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (2020)
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Coming off a year as difficult as 2020, the Academy will likely crown a film that best-reflects the zeitgeist. Is “Nomadland” that film? Perhaps. Since the Actors Branch makes up the biggest portion of the Academy, though, voters may gravitate towards a timely ensemble piece instead. “The Trial of the Chicago 7” is another movie of the moment, touching upon protests, riots, police violence, and a flawed legal system. It also has an all-star cast on its side. Whether or not the Academy embraces “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” Sacha Baron Cohen’s spot-on portrayal of Abbie Hoffman could net him a Best Supporting Actor win. Having received all the key nominations at SAG, Critics’ Choice, and the Golden Globes, Aaron Sorkin’s film might be the Oscar frontrunner.
